Re: 1971 C&TS Trains

Olaf and all, we had similar experiences. 484 was the only engine operating in June and July, and there were some "Different" trips during that time. On our first trip(June/July) my brother and I were on a family vacation with our parents. I believe we were based in Antonito. One day we were scouting the line on the road between Sublette and Big Horn. We took a right on a road that crossed the tracks and headed down into the valley. Dad decided to try it, and on the way back the exhaust header got hung-up on the rail as it was steep upgrade and a tight fit for a 1969 Dodge Monaco. We were stuck in Antonito in a little motel(I remember it was $12.00 a night, but no AC and it was hot)
because we were waiting for the part that was coming from Denver to Alamosa where the Dodge dealer was. I know we rode one trip, I believe to Sublette and back.
We also saw 483 with no lettering and fresh paint on the fall trip. On that trip four of us 16-20 year olds drove straight through from Ohio in 22-24 hours. We had my dads second car, a 1966 Ford Galaxy, pulling a U-haul open trailer with two motorcycles and camping gear. I have not scanned any slides, but did a few B&W shots, including one of 483 on a train with no lettering on the tender. I posted it once before I think. See below 483 at Cumbers 1971.
My dad road the "Riley" several times between Cincinnati and Chicago, and has movies behind a 4-6-4 Hudson, including departing Lafayette. This would have been between 1955 and 1956.
Greg