We made the trip this week. After discovering that both railroads had a Military discount, we were able to pull off the double trip. We arrived for the #2 train on the C&TS after the 4 hour drive from Denver about an hour early. My son started showing some enthusiasm for the trip last weekend, and a promise to have breakfast at McDonald's got him out of bed at 4 AM on Monday. The ride was spectacular, we arrived to find 315 in steam, and watched her move over to pick up her freight cars. The buffet at Osier was good, and my son particularly enjoyed riding the platform on the coach, although we were almost to Chama before he would venture outside on the open gon.
Tuesday, we drove back to Chama, walked through the yard, and then drove on to Durango, staying overnight in a motel and took the 9:30 round trip.
My son did well on the ride to Silverton, although he was disappointed that he couldn't ride the platforms, or the open gons, and really couldn't move around the train much. I now understand why most folks don't like the ride back to Durango... My son didn't do well on the return ride. Too long sitting in his seat on the train. It rained most of the time we were in Silverton...
Overall, a good time for both of us, and my son indicated he would like to return and ride the C&TS again, but wasn't too interested in doing the D&S again. I tend to agree with him.
Thanks to everyone for their advice and encouragement, and we plan on some more "railroad trips" this summer. The next one we're planning is Pikes Peak cog railway, Victor and Cripple Creek, and the Royal Gorge train, probably on a long weekend.
Robert
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2017 10:36PM by rdamurphy.
