Re: 493 in a different Universe

I think the following from D&RGW documentation might explain the 493 photo. I think a lot of folks think the perlite mining operation south of Antonito is a new operation. The D&RGW AFEs show that the D&RGW was doing a lot of switching on the track next to and south of the Antonito depot. The box car behind 493 could be carrying ash or lumber. The bridge referred to is still there, it is one of the few remaining elements of the Chili Line. Most people do not have time to explore the area south of the depot while riding and visiting the C&TS. The trackage and wye are the same rail as when the narrow gauge was running, some ties have been replaced but some still have spike holes and tie plate marks from the 3-rail.

My take on Rich's photo is that the 493 was on a train from Chama to Alamosa and had coupled to a dual gauge idler car (several were usually left at Antonito) and backed down to the pickup standard gauge cars at the perlite or timber loading spots.

D&RGW AFE 2331 Antonito, Colorado Date approved: 5/16/1950
Extend third rail 4102 feet on track #12 (former Santa Fe branch) and strengthen Bridge 280.93. Bridge work to be paid for my Folsom Lumber Company on a refund basis.

D&RGW AFE Approved 3/9/1954
Construct 720 foot 3-rail track and make 100 foot incidental rail change in track #12 (former Santa Fe branch).
Schundler & Company and Folsom Company, now load perlite and ash on former Santa Fe branch, approximately one mile south of Antonito station building. It is now necessary to pull all cars into Antonito to switch out loads and line up empties and then shove back a mile to spot. Proposed arrangement will permit doing switching at Folsom Company eliminating one trip into Antonito and back each time. Estimate annual savings of $1,100 in road overtime, based on 150 switch moves per year.









Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2020 04:12PM by Jerry474.