Good Times in Chama

Chama New Mexico is the home of the Cumbres and Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad. This a National Historical District and one of just a handful of operating narrow gauge railroads.

On Saturday morning I was checking the blog that covers discussions about all things narrow gauge
(Narrow gauge discussion group) and saw pictures of not one, but two Rio Grande Southern Geese as well as engine 315. A little checking showed this was part of a promotion named "Narrow Gauge Rendezvous" and was a multi-day event being held in Chama, NM. With Chama not being all that far away from us we decided to drive down and check things out.

It was dark by the time we arrived, but we were able to get a good nights sleep and chase trains in the morning.

Our drive to Chama took us over a number of beautiful  mountain passes

We stopped for snacks along the way

At twilight we found Engine 315 on Cumbres Pass venting steam, staying warm for the next days activities

It was dark by the time we made it to the rail yard, but I did get a few night time pictures

A check of the rail yard found two sleeping Geese

Morning found all the equipment being serviced for the trip up to Cumbres Pass

This creation is known as a "Galloping Goose". This and six others were created in the Rio Grande Southern Railroad shops to carry mail, passengers and cargo. They were created from old touring automobiles with cargo boxes affixed to the rear. They were much cheaper to operate than a steam engine and train and helped keep the Rio Grande Southern in business years beyond it's eventual financial collapse. All seven 'Geese' still exist. Numbers 5 and 7 were running on this trip.

 

 We enjoy watching a weekly show on YouTube called "Toyman Television". The creator of the series travels about the country finding examples of people having fun by 'just screwing around'. To our surprise (not really if you think about it) we found him and his wife riding Goose #5. We later introduced ourselves. He is always riding in a Ford Mustang in the show so we decided to see where it was parked - it was easy to find.

  Check out his show at ToyMan Television.

Julie enjoying the day

Everything ready to go.

Number 7 departing Chama

Number 5 departing Chama

All of this historic railroad equipment made it to the top of Cumbres Pass and gathered on the turnaround wye. 315 was set up with the restored pile driver providing steam for operation.

The geese were turned and poised for the return trip downhill

The passenger train arrived and prepared to back into the wye

Julie is in front of a line of restored equipment. These cars are used to create period correct train consists which are the highlight of folks wanting to photograph trains as they used to be.

Much of this equipment is restored by volunteers who are members of "The Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec". The Friends organize work sessions throughout the summer season and keep the equipment and buildings in repair and operating. More info  can be found at Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec