Vintage
Doubleheaders is a rare treat with some of the oldest engines in
America, all operating on 3 foot rails of the host railroad, the 64-mile
Cumbres & Toltec scenic railroad. Two of these were woodburners, in
the form of 2-6-0 Glenbrook, and 4-4-0 Eureka & Palisade #4. Both
of these engines live in Nevada and rarely operate except at the museum
in Carson City. They were both trucked to Antonito for this event, and
were paired for each of the runs during this multi-day event. Wood was
staged along the way, and extra water supply between regular tanks on
the line.
The other two
engines that star in this show are Denver & Rio Grande 4-6-0 #168,
and 2-8-0 number 315, which was backdated and renumber 425. These two
were made to appear in the early 1900's during the D&RG days. These
two are operating on their former Rio Grande tracks.
Here is a rundown of the trips that were covered.
August 20, 2021 was
the day before the event kicked-off but we see the 4 engines and a few
more in Antonito before the big event started. This includes some
close-ups.
August 21, 2021 The
168 and 425 operated the first train from Antonito to Big Horn and back.
Only one scene was made of this train at Ferguson's Trestle. However
later in the day we see Glenbrook and Eureka on some break-in runs near
Antonito in gorgeous afternoon lighting. During these runs we learn the
history of both engines.
August 22, 2021 The 2
Woodburners, Glenbrook and Eureka make their first trip from Antonito
to Big Horn and back. This is a trip that was chased, and we see 489
first on the regular passenger train, followed by the special excursion.
One of the best locations was watching it at Whiplash curve on 3 levels
of track. We end this day with the Doubleheader departing Big Horn for
Antonito. There were no trips on August 23, 2021
August 24, 2021 we
enjoy some riding footage onboard the train led by 168 and 425 that went
from Antonito to Osier and back. After a runby at Big Horn, we see the
regular train pass with K-36 number 489 once again. At Osier we see both
engines before and after turning on the loop. Then 168 does a runby at
the Water Tank before returning to Osier. We get a look inside the
Tourist Sleeper number 470, which was part of the historic period
passenger coaches on this trip.
August 25, 2021 was
another run to Big Horn with the 2 Woodburners. This time we are aboard
the train and see runbys at Ferguson's trestle and see loading wood at
Lava, where wood and water cars were positioned. Then we see several
runbys around Big Horn and eastward back toward Antonito. Runbys were
held at Whiplash curve on the lower section, and another one at low
light.
August 26, 2021
Eureka and Glenbrook made a roundtrip from Antonito to Osier, and we
chase this one. The runby's are at Fergusons Trestle and again around
milepost 305 east of Sublette. Later there is a shot of 489 on the
regular train.
August 27 was a big
day as both doubleheaders ran across the entire 64 mile railroad from
Antonito to Chama. We ride the passenger train with 168 and 425, and
photograph it at runby locations, as well as the two woodburners on a
short period freight train. We see each train multiple times, and even
see 489 on the regular passenger train at one point. Scenes around Los
Pinos valley, and water tank end this day.
August 28, 2021 was a
doubleheader of the 2 woodburners from Chama to Cumbres. However there
was a mechanical issue and the trip terminated at Cresco. We have only a
couple scenes at Cresco on this day.
August 29, 2021 was
the final day, which was a doubleheader at night across the railroad
from Chama to Antonito. We show some night scenes riding the train on
the 4% segment from Chama to Cumbres and you see the smoke illuminated
at times from the opening of the firebox of 168 and 425. Plus you see
the headlight shining ahead in places. The sound is strong here as well.
August 30, 2021. In
the sunrise of August 30th there are final runby scenes with 168 on the
overnight train (425 was the helper and taken off at Cumbres the night
before) at Ferguson's Trestle with lovely backlit and sunnyside scenes
here bringing the event to a close.
As you can see from
the in depth description above there was a lot going on, and a variety
of locomotive and trips for the enthusiasts to enjoy. There is also a
cameo appearance of Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 number 20 at the end as it
was not part of this event, but would run later. This event will likely
never be run again and it was a mammoth task to pull this all together.
There is a lot going on in this rare video. Get you copy today.
