Re: C&TSRR = Locomotive 487 At Sublette.

..almost missed it too! Eastbound at Sublette was always the toughest water spot to hit. The grade stair-steps down into Sublette. You come round the curve with a bit of air set. Judging your speed you think you've got it right, we're going to stop right on the money. Then things flatten out at the crossing and the train falls flat and you stop short. If you expect it to stop short, you can grab some throttle before you get too slow and power it in. Wait too long, and it falls on it's nose - just like this student found out.

The you have to release the brakes, let them pump off then ease ahead. Easy! Then grab the automatic air in time to bring it to a stop without overshooting the mark. Don't use the engine brake!!! the train will kick you hard in the rear, and everyone will end up on the floor.

WYI - you have about 1-1/2 feet on each side of the mark to shoot at. 3' total.