56 Minutes
The
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates 64 miles of 3-Foot narrow
gauge trackage from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado in some of
the best scenery that the American West has to offer. This was once one
of the 5 videos in our Steam Around The World Series, and it was the
American entry into the set. So this is the first time it is released on
DVD, after being dormant for 10-15 years. The focus is on a 4 day
charter by a group from the UK, and several photo freights were operated
in October 1995. We enjoy seeing class K-27 2-8-2 number 463 running
solo on a short tank car train, and a replica of the old San Juan
Passenger train, and working in a doubleheaded freight train. Besides
463, we also enjoy K-37 number 497 on some of the specials as well as in
regular passenger train service. This engine (497) has not operated for
over 15 years. Most of the focus is on the Chama to Cumbres section and
into the Los Pinos Valley. We see classic shots at Tanglefoot curve,
Los Pinos, Cumbres, and the entire Chama Valley between Cumbres and
Chama. We also witness a freight train up the hill with a mid-train
helper, and regular passenger trains that are doubleheaded. Also shown
are the K-36 class 2-8-2's which are the dominant class of engines on
this former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Speaking of that, the
engines for the charter trains are all lettered Rio Grande just like the
D&RGW days. So if you are not a fan of foreign steam, then enjoy
this slice of American Steam In The Rockies.
