Things went well, the views under a moonlit night with the simulated oil lamps was surreal. Something truly out of another era that I would love to do again. I never attempted to sleep until we arrived at Ferguson trestle and held for sunrise although others did attempt sleeping. Water stops at Cresco, Cumbres, Osier, & Sublette, Dropped the helper at Cumbres with photos session, Then a bathroom / Warming break at Osier, followed by a long hold till sunrise at Ferguson Trestle for some runbys followed by a very late return bus to Chama; We didn't make in back to Chama until 10:30 am. These trips in my opinion need to be scheduled for a full moon / close too; we had a waning moon, and while it provided some good light a full Moon would have been spectacular.
Notes on 470. Bring lots of padding whether you plan on sleeping or not, 470 is truly what one would call Steerage accommodation while re-branded as a tourist sleeper comfort clearly wasn't the goal, the larger windows and no lights in the sleeping car provided a better night view than the coaches. Only a few births were unfolded due to support cross bars that held up the center of the bed being too tight to fit. not a major fix just need a little sanding for more clearance; Things shifted and changed after a few trips on the road so not very many people got a true "bed" myself included.
My thoughts after 3 trips on the historic passenger consist, two being at night. The cars provide a unique and incredible feel to the trip, something not felt since the 1910's and am eager to ride in the moon lit night over Cumbres again, BUT my .10 cents - while very realistic the consist could use a bit more elbow room; no platform riding makes getting fresh air & a stretch quite difficult and with the temperatures being just above freezing the cars were cold & stuffy with windows closed to keep in the waning body heat. Setting up the RPO or future baggage car with railings to ride open door similar to the freight rider boxcars would be quite welcome on a ten hour trip to get a little personal space and a better view outside, One doesn't realize the value of a parlor car amenities until a trip such as this. I will say the over night trips shouldn't be taken by the casual or faint of heart.
Edited 7 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2021 07:36PM by Stephen G.
