CUMBRES & TOLTEC TRAIN (Day 2 - part 3)

At one point, we past a large burned area. Apparently this was a fire caused by the train just the other day. To be safe, we stopped so our brakeman could inspect the area. Upon finding some embers still smoldering, the train backed up and used its powerful water jets to douse the area... just to be extra sure. We then continued on.

Everyone gets to enjoy the view.

We pulled into the station of Sublette to take on more water. The station, located at an elevation of 9,276 feet, was originally called Boydsville (although it's not known why the name was changed). It opened for business in early June 1880.

The buildings were renovated in 1990-91.

A permanent resident

Originally there was a wooden water tank but a metal pipe serves the same function today. It gets its water from a small cistern nearby, which is filled from a stream.

Once the train was full, we headed off again.

The Toltec culture dominated western and central Mexico from 900 to 1200, their power eventually passing on to the Aztecs, who revered them as the epitome of civilization. They told amazing stories of them... so amazing, however, that these stories are now being questioned as to how much is truth and how much is myth.

Volcanic rock spires

Thick, dark clouds had moved in and slight sprinkles quickly turned into heavy rain, leaving only the hardy (or foolish) in the open air car. Just before entering Mud Tunnel, however, it turned to fierce bouts of hail... covering the ground white! Fortunately it didn't last too long, and while it threatened again many times, it stayed dry for the rest of the trip.

Rain turns to hail.

Starting to cover things white

Mud Tunnel was dug through soft, volcanic ash... which tends to become mud slides when wet. The tunnel had to be lined with timber... never a great idea for a spark-spewing train. It was rebuilt using concrete supports in 1982.

Low clouds hover in the valley.

It was appropriately misty as we approached this next section of track known as Phantom Curve. It was named by the early-day crews who had to make this long, tiring trip at night. They reported seeing dim shadows and strange shapes darting back and forth in front of the engine headlight and the squealing noises of the wheels on the rails as the train rounded the track added to the eerie effect.

This multi-colored swatch through the Conejos Formation is known as the Calico Cut. Avalanches and mudslides cause many problems in winter and spring when the rocks are wet.

A view back to get a better idea how big this patch is

Back among the aspens

A 'telltale' is a tall piece of metal with hanging wires. It was meant to warn any brakemen who might be working on top of the train that a tunnel was coming.

The 366-foot long Rock (or Toltec) Tunnel was built using black powder to blast through the hard rock.

We emerged from the tunnel on a narrow ledge above a deep gorge.

Amazing views...

...of the Toltec Gorge.

A monument to President James Garfield, 20th president of the US, who was assassinated in 1881. A passing train stopped here for an impromptu memorial service.

IN MEMORANDUM
JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
DIED SEPTEMBER 19,1881.
MOURNED BY ALL THE PEOPLE

ERECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF GENERAL PASSENGER AND
TICKET AGENTS, WHO HELD MEMORIAL
BURIAL SERVICE ON TIS SPOT
SEPTEMBER 26,1881.

James A. Garfield (1831 - 1881)

Distinctive volcanic formations

Making our way down the valley with the Rio de los Pinos far below

Approaching Osier

Just outside of town, we had to switch engines. Apparently No. 463 is a smaller engine and we were going to need something bigger for the rest of the trip, so engine No. 487 took its place.

Engine No. 487 sits waiting as we pull up.

The swap out

Our new engine backs into place.

A herd of cows look on in amazement... or just confusion.

Goodbye No. 463!

Pulling into Osier

Getting some good footage

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