| Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad K36 2-8-2's number 489 and 484 leave the Narrows, and are hard working on the 4% grade just west of Lobato. Larger trains require two engines on the steep climb from Chama, New Mexico which was always a helper station during the Denver & Rio Grande Western days. This line had the distinction of being the last steam freight hauler by a class 1 railroad, as it ran steam until 1968, before being abandoned. The states of New Mexico and Colorado purchased the line in 1970, and it is operated today by the "Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad's" subisidiary corporation. The helper locomotive will work the 14 miles to Cumbres(the Summit) at 10,0015 and will return light to Chama. Date: Oct 1, 1985. |