Re: 55 years ago, December 20 - 21 1965, 487 & 493 on flanger spreader run

Olaf Rasmussen Wrote:
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> . . .  As for the 487-493 flanger-spreader out-
> fit, it made a successful run over Cumbres to
> Chama, and returned to Alamosa the next day,
> December 21 (55 years ago today).  But the
> Rio Grande did not follow up with a revenue
> freight . . .


Maybe just a lot of (coal) smoke and mirrors, Olaf -

It's pretty clear from other reports that have appeared here from time to time that after 1964 the D&RGW was just padding their expenses in order to strengthen the case for abandonment of the railroad from Alamosa to Farmington, and running a lot of flanger trains in December & January – "Spending a big pile of cash just to keep the line open." – would be a great way to add a lot more to the red ink than just a car of ties or ballast spotted here or there along the line.

Interesting set of photos, BTW.  I especially like the last ones on both the second and third posts — lots of "Where the hell are we headed to now?" atmosphere in those shots!  Only thing missing is a few near-frozen cows!

- El Abuelo Histœrico, Greengo y Curmudgeoño de los Locomoturas Viejos y Verdes,
aka Der Grossväterlich DünkelOlivGrünDampfKesselMantelLiebHabender



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2020 07:48PM by Russo Loco.