Train #4
We are having visitors in Chama. G and I are pleased that we will be joined by
our son and daughter for a day in August.
We will also be joined for a day in September by long-time friends from
Denver. I am providing a bit of information
about our rail journey for them and perhaps others will find it of interest.
Consist:
The train will be pulled by a either K27 463 built in 1903
or one of four K36 locomotives built in 1924.
Four to ten cars will be in the consist consisting of 4 coaches, a
handicap/snack car, open observation car, one Excursion class car and a parlor
car at the end. Pictures of these
various pieces of equipment, or their interiors are above.
In both the coach and the observation car you will see a
docent at work.
Both the Excursion an
Parlor cars have an attendant to help the passengers and provide a brief trip
narrative. The observation car is open
to all passengers and the one shown is particularly crowded because of the Autumn
turning of the leaves. The docent, in a
black jacket, is in the middle of the car facing the camera. In the Coach the docent is standing in the
rear left corner of the car.
The Journey:
8:15 a.m. MP 344
Chama, NM – 7,886 Ft.: Passengers gather
at the depot for the 8:30 a.m. trip to Antonio by Motor Coach
9:45 a.m. MP 280
Antonito, CO – 7,888 Ft.: Passengers
arrive in Antonito to board the westbound train to Chama
12:45 p.m. MP 318.40
Osier, CO – 9,637 Ft.: Train arrives at
Osier for lunch stop lasting about 90 minutes.
This stop in a high meadow has many historic structures and a wonderful
vista. Lunch is included in the ticket
price and a home prepared lunch is ready for everyone. Eastbound train #3 arrives within a few
minutes of the arrival of westbound train #4.
2:00 p.m. +/- Board the train and depart for Chama.
3:00 p.m. MP 331 Cumbres, CO – 10,015 ft.: We have now travelled 51 miles from Antonito
and gained 2,200 feet in elevation to the 10,015 foot pass through the Tusas
Range. A brief stop for water and a
safety check prior to the 13 mile descent to Chama some 2,200 feet below.
4:00 p.m. MP 344 Chama,
NM: Arrival at Depot
5:30 p.m. MP 346 Chama, NM:
Mexican Food at the High Country.
A few notes:
Younger families generally ride Excursion class especially
if they have children; this is the way we will travel with our son and
daughter. The Excursion car is directly
behind the Observation car. The Parlor
car is populated by an older crowd and passengers under 21 years of age are not
allowed in the car; that is the way we will travel with our friends from
Denver. A morning brunch is served to
the passengers in this car. The parlor
car is the last on the train.
