And just for completeness happier days for 1744. I'm glad I had the opportunity to ride behind and chase both while they were in service. All of these from film scans.
1744 arrives in Alamosa just before sunset
1744 starts the long climb out of La Veta
Early morning pre-departure, Alamosa
And finally 18.
The beautiful Cuchara Valley east of the town of La Veta, on a charter where steam had not been seen for decades
Edit: I'm sure Earl will correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall this was 18's first trip out and it was a down to a major last minute effort getting this charter out the door.
Scott
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/27/2017 03:45PM by Scott Turner.