Mikados

Facing west towards the direction of Chama, NM from the north shoulder of NM-17, the distinct sound of chuffing echos through the valley surrounding Wolf Creek. Not long after setting up, at 10:48, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Train #216 comes into view, approaching the highway grade crossing, slowly but surely climbing the grueling grade up to Cumbres Pass. It’s a slow ride to the summit, the eastbound excursion having only covered six miles since departing Chama at 10:02, yet still allowing the packed passengers to enjoy the beautiful passing landscape from the comfort of their seats and the open air gondola. Seven miles still remained before reaching the depot at Cumbres Pass, the highest point on this active stretch of the San Juan Extension between MP 331 and 330.

 

The pair of former Denver, Rio Grande & Western narrow gauge 2-8-2 “Mikados”, K-27 #463 and K-36 #484, may still be running on home rails, but the battle to the summit of the Pass has been one they were meant to conquer since being built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1903 and 1925 respectively. Said battle between man and nature continues to this day on the C&TSRR, all in an effort to provide some of the most scenic views by rail in the western United States. In the case of this doubleheader, the two 20th century steamers set a spotlight on that battle through the sights and sounds of them challenging the grade laid out ahead, a sight I had never thought I’d experience in my life, yet here we are.

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Rio Arriba County, NM

C&TSRR Mainline

 

Date: 07/24/2021 | 10:48

 

ID: C&TSRR Train #216

Type: Passenger [Excursion]

Direction: Eastbound

Car Count: 10

 

1. DRGW K-27 #463

2. DRGW K-36 #484

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© Vicente Alonso 2021

Done