Page 28 - NMRA Roundhouse March-April 2018

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Jason Stamper Part 2
In part 1 Jason introduced us to the C&TS RR narrow gauge heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colora-
do. We continue the story in an area known as Lava, we pulled into the old siding called Sublette. Here, there are a few old frame buildings that once housed section gangs that main- tained the track and their equipment. The Friends of the C&T have done a nice job restoring these old buildings. Here also, our mighty K-36 locomo- tive stopped for a drink of water. At this point, the train had climbed to an elevation of 9,276 feet.
This is one of the section gang hous- es at Sublette. Note the “curtains” in the windows, they are actually just painted onto boards!
Not long after Sublette, the train came to the first of two tunnels. We were riding in the open-air gondola, with no roof, and my wife asked if we should go back to the enclosed car. The boys and I looked at her in disbe- lief, we were not about to miss going through a tunnel on a steam train
in an open car! She just shook her head, and kindly stayed with us. This first tunnel was called “Mud Tunnel.”
28 ROUNDHOUSE - April 2018
It was indeed a bit smoky inside, but worth the experience!
As we continued along our journey, we came to a spot known as “Phan- tom Curve.” It seems that in the early days, the D&RG trainmen often made the trip at night. The headlight would create strange shadows and shapes in the rock formations, as the train wound through them. This was also the site of a wreck in 1948, due to an avalanche.
Also in this area, the train is high along the side of the mountains. The scenery has changed from
the arid desert to a high mountain vista. There are aspens, ponderosa pine, pinon pines, and various other trees. Here it becomes a much more rugged land, with boulders along the track, and steep drop offs.
At an elevation of 9,631 feet, we came to the second tunnel known as “Rock Tunnel.” As before, we stayed in the open air gondola, and
this time, I got a spooky picture from inside the tunnel.
As the train cleared the tunnel, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the Toltec Gorge. About 600 feet below was the Rio de Los Pinos, and a curious monument.
A few miles later the train stopped
at Osier, where there is a restored section house, water tower, and new dining hall. Here, our westbound train met the eastbound train, where we were allowed to get off to enjoy an incredible lunch and stretch our legs.
After leaving Osier, the train contin- ued to wind along the mountainside following the Rio de Los Pinos. We crossed the Cascade trestle and then continued along the edge of a high mountain valley.
As the train continued on its way, we came to an interesting part of the track called “Tanglefoot Curve.” This 20-degree switchback curve is
This is one of the unique rock formations in Phantom Curve.
On the C&TS the approach to the Los Pinos water tank, which is still operable all photos by Jason Stamper