As a result of the recent $500M funding provided by the State of Colorado, the Cumbres and Toltec has a acquired two new trains which will allow the retirement of those dirty and noisy steam engines. The first set arrived in Antonito this past Thursday, and once tests are completed, the second will arrive shortly after.
The new trains are a big improvement over the previous ones, as each train can carry 500 passengers in the double deck cars. To accommodate the existing right of way, these trains will include Tilt technology. They will also be painted silver/blue since everybody else has red, green, and yellow cars.
In addition, all cars will be air conditioned, eliminating the need for the open car. The top speed will be a conservative 180MPH, but until track upgrades are completed, there will only be a few places this can be achieved. Once the line is upgraded, the expected travel time between Antonito and Chama is 26 minutes.
During the track upgrades, the line will be converted to standard gauge. Initially it was desired to adapt the tilt technology to narrow gauge, but with the sharp curves and steep grades 90 degrees of tilt would regularly be achieved, and it was feared that on a 3 foot gauge, a train could tilt itself right off the track.
Colorado was actually willing to contribute enough money for 4 trains, but the railroad realized that even initially if the round trip (128 miles) could be made in less than two hours, each train could make 5 round trips a day, potentially carrying 5000 passengers a day, which is slightly more than is available now. The extra money will be given back to the state.
Since the old Chama locomotive facility is no longer needed, it will be demolished and a new 3 level parking garage will be built.
Reportedly, the GeorgeTown Loop is also considering this technology for introduction in 2009.
Below is C&TS #1, named "The Spirit of Antonito", shown at the expanded Antonito maintenance facility
