Motorcar excursion on the C&TS

Congratulations and thank you Ed McLaughlin from
MOW, Motorcar Operators West, for allowing The Narrow Gauge Gang to have an excursion on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, on Aug. 28 & 29, 2000.
Your staff was very accommodating and friendly and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
We arrived at Chama on Sunday afternoon and unloaded our 17 motorcars, 3 original narrow gauge and the rest modified standard gauge motorcars on to the rails. After all were inspected and lined up for viewing on the track, all participants scattered for shopping and rested up for the
early morning departure.
The next morning we headed east up the 4 percent grade to Cumbres Summit. One and a half hours later all were accounted for at the Summit for pictures and excited talk of the adventure
up the grade. More picture stops were taken on our way to Osier for the lunch break.
After the east and west bound trains arrived we departed for the Big Horn Y allowing the east bound train to pass us on it's way to Antonito. Then we proceeded on to Antonito with more picture stops and run-byes, arriving about 5:15 PM to line up for the next morning departure.
The next morning found us leaving Antonito ahead of the west bound train at a leisurely pace. Picture stops were accomplished again at various spots, again arriving at Osier in time for lunch,
meeting both C&TS trains and the photo extra there. This time we followed the west bound train out of Osier back towards Chama.
Following the smoke of the steam engine through the mountains is a great experience with picture opportunities along the way, again arriving back in Chama to load all motorcars.
A great time was had by all. Only a few showers spoiled the fun, but not for long as the sun kept shining through.
Recreational motorcaring is a great hobby, especially when you have this great railroad to work with.
Thanks again and happy motorcaring from The Narrow Gauge Gang.