While the Rio Grande narrow gauge was slumbering in January 1968, Ernie was not idle, and headed down to the 3 foot gauge Chihuahua Mineral RR (FCM) that ran 15 miles from Avalos to Aguiles Serdan. The line was steeply graded and still used link and pin couplers. Here are a few of Ernie's dramatic photos.
Here is Ernie's sketch map for the location of the previous photo
The engines were turned on the Armstrong turnable at Aguiles Serdan for the return trip with loaded hoppers. 2-8-0 #7 0n January 30, 1968