Re: C&TS - D&S = Finally!

Glad you got a chance to ride both railroads. Each is different yet they were one time the same railroad. We rode in 2014, and paid extra for the Knight Sky. It has a glass roof, and windows, but has a nice big platform on each end which is where I spent most of my time shooting video. We would not have done well in the coaches. The premium car we were in also had good leg room which I need, and free beverages and goodie bag. But the C&TS is a very friendly atmosphere and some faces I have seen working on the railroad for 25-30 years. They always give a friendly wave when they see me or others for that matter. When I shot video of the C&TS trip I mostly shot in the 3rd coach platform which allowed a good distance from the engine. The open car was nice, but after 10 minutes or so I felt I needed to get more natural train audio instead of the docent info. On the other hand my wife spent most of her time in the open car and really enjoyed all the info about the railroad and the scenery. Concession gal was really nice too, and offered me some free popcorn, but this was after the big lunch at Osier, so I declined but appreciated her offer.
I think if I were you I would go back to the C&TS and ride the opposite way the next time. Start in Chama, ride to Antonito, and take the bus back. Then if you ever go a third time, do the Chama-Osier-Chama trip. This will give you different perspectives and allow you to enjoy the sight and sound experience climbing the grade from Chama-Cumbres. As your son gets older he may enjoy it more and learn more about it as well.
Greg Scholl
[www.gregschollvideo.com]