Re: Night Train to Cumbres

IanLK Wrote:
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...
> The cinders really help you appreciate how hard
> the engines are working. If it weren't for the
> spark arrestors they'd probably fly a good bit
> further; it's good to see that most land on or
> near the ballast, although those big white ones
> from 425 at Lobato seem pretty mean. ...

I was the Friends Volunteer riding in the back end of car 256 (on the side away from route 17) which was the second car in the consist - behind the Concession Car/RPO 65. Passing by Lake Lobato we saw that one of the cinders spewed from the locomotives had started a fire. It had already burned an area about a foot in diameter by the time we passed by and many others saw it. Moments later I heard it reported on the radio - the speeder took are of it.
Truly an unforgettable trip. Bill's video really captured the feel of night railroading behind steam - a rare treat. Thanks Bill!
Rob483