I went on a photo special 4-5 years ago on the C&TS, and my main gripe was the people organizing it didn't know beans about good photography. They had everyone a quarter mile away from any meaningful photos, and if you tried to get closer (but out of everyone else's frame) you were yelled at to get back in the herd. Never again, unless I know the people running it have a clue on what you need for a good photo, and I don't mean an 800mm lens.
That said, I like all of your suggestions. Once the C&TS gets a bit more stable, with locos and track happy and revenue stabilized (hopefully a possibility), the use of the railroad for more special events can add depth to the experience one finds only at Chama-Antonito.
I'm still with Greg - letter the locos (and water tank, etc.) for the D&RGW, per prototype. I've stopped taking photos of the trains because of the chrome lettering and red cars. I figured out that I really wanted to be there back in the 60's when you were, and if this is as close as I can now get, it is a shame to have it spoiled by a few cosmetic items. Thanks for sharing all fo your photos with us.