Cumbres & Toltec: A Century of K-36 Power скачать в хорошем качестве

Cumbres & Toltec: A Century of K-36 Power

In late August 1925, the Denver & Rio Grande Western took delivery of 10 of the largest and most powerful locomotives ever built for the narrow gauge. Designated K-36 and numbered 480-489, these heavy 2-8-2s would more then prove their worth hauling heavy freight trains up and over the Rocky Mountains. Remarkably, out of the 10 built, 9 survive today, 8 of which are in operation on their home rails with the Cumbres & Toltec and Durango & Silverton Railroads. To celebrate the 100th Birthdays of these legendary engines, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad hosted a five-day party based at their Chama, New Mexico yard. In addition to the daily passenger train, each of their three currently operating K-36s would take turns leading freight trains up and over the 10,015ft Cumbres Pass, just as they have for a century now. The event also featured night photo sessions, whistle blows, and birthday cakes. The centerpiece was a wonderful three-day photo charter organized by Dak Dillon Photography, featuring historically accurate helper operations over the entire 64-mile railroad from Chama to Antonito, Colorado. This was my first visit to the C&TS and I must say that America's longest and highest heritage railway certainly lives up the hype and I can't wait for my next visit. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 0:00 Sunset with 483. 483 led the last freight train over the Rio Grande narrow gauge and was the first loco in-service when the Cumbres & Toltec opened. It was retired in 1977. 1:40 Riding aboard a freight train behind 487 from Chama to Cumbres Pass. 13:13 488 arrives with the passenger train and leads the Parade of Steam with 487 and 484. 15:21 484, 487, and 488 gathered together for a nighttime photo shoot in Chama yard. 17:43 488 leads two 'Cumbres Turns' with 484 as rear helper. Due to the steep 4% grade to Cumbres, Eastbound trains would be cut apart at Chama and taken up the hill in chunks, then reassembled at the pass. 43:12 488's cab is opened to let visitors take turns blowing the whistle, followed by a birthday cake for the locomotive. 44:03 488 poses by the depot for a second night photo shoot and then heads to the ashpit. 45:52 484 leads the completed freight train from Cumbres to Antonito. 1:04:54 Departing Antonito before sunrise, 488 leads the freight train back to Cumbres with 484 cut in as a mid-train helper. 1:31:02 While the freight train returns to Chama in two sections, 487 brings the passenger train into Antonito, bring to an end an incredible few days of Rocky Mountain railroading.