Re: C&TS - 42 Years Ago. July, 1976

At Cumbres, 483 cut off from the train and ran ahead down the north siding to pick up the open gondola and the gift shop car to be added to the rear of the train. Back then Scenic Rys reduced the tonnage ratings of the engines from 232 tons to 210 tons. This was a wise move when considering the lack of shop ability to perform major running gear overhauls. All the engines were essentially running on the last overhaul the D&RGW had performed on them. 487 had new flues installed in 1974. Other than that, they were nursing Alamosa's handiwork as far as it would go.
So, the trains up the hill were limited to 19 cars, others were added at Cumbres.


With Bob Keller and Gary Getman riding the tender steps, 483 heads down to pick up the extra cars. The passengers were allowed off the train to stretch their legs and watch the proceedings.




483 drags the cars back into the leg of the wye to clear.


Rich checks around 484 before pulling the train ahead. This was during the "not so famous" red shirt era. Scenic Rys thought it was a good idea to put all the employees in red shirts. Not a bad idea really, at least you could find the crew members in a crowd. I do wonder why Rich has a short sleeve shirt while brakeman Getman had a long sleeved one...

With everyone back on board, 484 pulled forward do clear the wye switch. 483 rolled ahead to tag the cars on the rear.