Re: Unique Chama

My second trip to Chama will always be a dear memory to me. The first was in 1989, and I only knew about steam trains from my dad's Sn3 layout. I was 7, and had the time of my life, but was too young to really appreciate it.

Our second trip was in the late summer of 1992. By this time I had learned about the D&RGW and RGS, and all most of the equipment. The biggest thing for me was the arrival of K-27 463 back to service. We pulled into town somewhere around 5 or 6 o'clock, and the sun was setting. As we passed the depot, there was an orange glow about everything, and I will never forget seeing 463 backing from the ash pit to the engine house. We headed straight to the Rio Chama camp grounds to check in, so we missed the last movement of equipment for the night. My brother and I got to the yards as quickly as we could but were just too late. I remember staring at the little engine for probably half an hour studying its every detail. Eventually a night crewman came out to check on the little girl, and invited us up. She was parked on the engine house curve, and i still remember squeezing in the tight clearance between the engine cab and the tender. What a place!!! It wasn't until the next day or two that we actually got to see her run!!! Somewhere I have some video from this trip on a VHS. Maybe one day I can convert it to digital and post some online...

I don't think I have ever met a mean employee of the C&TS, and I hope I never do. It is a combination of the unique town and railroad, coupled with the politeness of the crews is what makes this little town a truly magnificent place!!!

Casey