I know there's been a bunch of investigation of putting some covered storage next to the CRF in Antonito. While it is likely the proposal will be to locate some of that in the east side, it is not a good location for the majority of the collection. Why ? 1st off, as somebody mentioned, part of the ambiance of the Chama yard is being able to walk through the rows of cars and imagine it was some time many years past. I just wish what is there now was in better shape. I feel that even though there's been 20+ years of aggressive restoration efforts, we are losing ground to the elements.
And many of the cars in Chama, while they might have recent cosmetic work, are probably not suitable to be hauled across the line. I don't know the current count, but it is likely only the cars you see on the mega railfan trips are good enough mechanically to leave the yard.
I would love to see cars located in realistic settings. Ever since the tank cars came back, we've encouraged the operator to park them at the oil dock. Sometimes they end up close, but due to logistics it isn't feasible to always put stuff in idea locations. And don't complain to the Friends about that, they have absolutely no say on where stuff is stored (except if undergoing active restoration). I would hope as part of the proposal, that there would be an understanding that the majority of the cars stored under cover in the Winter would be moved back to the yard during the operating season.
Let's hear what the proposal really is before we start ragging on it. I seriously doubt any covered storage would be located where there are tracks currently. Definitely not in the main part of the yard.
And btw, when the new engine house was built in Chama in the 1970's were there complaints about it ruining the views ? Of course not, it was definitely required to save the railroad. I just happen to think these proposed projects are just as important.
Bill Kepner
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/15/2007 06:10PM by drgw0579.