Re: Narrow Gauge Neophyte

John - Welcome! It's nice to have a new narrow gauge fan.
During you visit to Colorado this summer, I would encourage you to spend more than one day at the Cumbres and Toltec. The ride is breathtakingly spectacular, but what sets the C&TS RR apart are the diligent and dedicated historical preservation efforts; it truly is a living museum. Be sure to visit the Chama yards where you can see restored structures such as the wooden coal tipple which is functional for occasional demonstration purposes, the resored and in the process of restoration rolling stock, and the various pieces of typically "eccentric" narrow gauge MOW equipment including the two rotary snow plows, the flangers, and the Jordan spreader. There is a walking tour brochure for the yards in Chama and Antonito available at both depots.
I also recommend chasing the train. The line east of Los Pinos valley is not readily accessible by car; it's in remote and spectacular country that, in many ways, looks and feels the same way it must have in 1880 when the line was built. West of Los Pinos you can follow the line with Highway 17. Be sure to schedule your visit so that you can chase an Eastbound up the 4% grade to Cumbres Pass. It is often doubleheaded and quite a sight to see struggling up the hill. In the afternoon, you can catch some uphill action with the Westbound between Los Pinos valley and Cumbres Pass. From there, while the train is stopped for a brake check at the Pass, head down to the first highway crossing beyond Cumbres where you can look up about 300 feet vertically to see the train round Windy Point. After 1.5 miles of downhill grade, the train will be at your crossing and you can follow it back into Chama.
While you are on the train, be sure to pester the docent with questions (we love showing off the Cumbres and Toltec) and spend plenty of time in the open gondola because most of the scenery is above and below you.
Some links to help you out:
The Official Cumbres and Toltec Web Site for schedules and reservations:
[www.cumbrestoltec.com]
The Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec - responsible for the historic preservation efforts and interpreting the railroad. Visiting during one of the work session weeks would allow you to see the preservation in progress and provide plenty of friendly folks to answer questions:
[www.cumbrestoltec.org]
Joining the Friends will get you the quarterly newsletter to keep you up to date on their work.
The Cumbres and Toltec Shop Site - great documentation of the locomotive restoration efforts, updated weekly by Carlos Llamas:
[www.cumbrestoltecshops.com]
Enjoy your visit. Glad to have you aboard!
Tom Farmer