Re: C&TS 1977

The Worthington Duplex pumps were set up for fire fighting, steam being provided by the plumbing that fed the doghouse heaters. Both 484 and 487 had pumps. Don't remember whether 483 had one. The Chama water tank was out of service. There had been a steel tank installed sometime in the 1970's but it was never made functional. It wasn't until 1982 or so the tank was returned to service. Until that time the tenders were filled overnight with garden hoses. Knowing the frailties of the Chama Municipal Water System, rigging up the tank car for water might have been a solution.

I don't know where the funding came from for all the improvements. There was a lot of Economic Development Act grants rolling around then, might have been one of those.

Scenic Rys had developed a long term master plan for the C&TS which included a new facility in Antonito and a major backshop constructed in Chama, down beyond the wye. There were major projects for Chama, Osier, & Cumbres. Only problem was - who was going to foot the bill? Once it came apparent that the revenues of running trains were not going to pay for any capital improvements, the RR Authority (as it was known then) started going for Government funding. Of all the grand projects proposed for the C&TS, only the Antonito Yard ever came to fruition. When money came available for a small 2 track shop, it was decided to built it up the yard, not down where the hoped-for backshop was to be constructed. This was probably done because to the need to utilize the current engine house for its machine shop and other facilities. With the construction of new engine shop, the dream for a recreation of the Alamosa backshop faded away.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/31/2018 03:38PM by Earl.