Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

There have been several posts of this railroad.
They have yard cameras on the Chama end.
They will start the season this coming Saturday.
I just checked the cameras and there was one locomotive moving around the yard.
Over at the depot, looked like they were getting the passenger cars ready.
http://www.coloradonewmexicosteamtrain.org/camera-portal-horizontal.htm

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

The first train of the season will most likely be a double header!!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yes, they are busy when they're getting ready and when they return. I watch them every so often. You can even see them loading coal into the tender in the morning.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I have noticed in the past that activity can start around 8:30am Mountain time.
Pat

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Check their online schedule. I start watching about ten to fifteen minutes before they leave and watch the train go from one camera view to the other. Guessing when they get back is a bit more difficult, but they do have the return time. It is Mountain Time, so you need to do an offset for your time zone as to when to watch. You can also catch them emptying the ash pan.
I'd really like to visit it one day!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

For anyone thinking about visiting, the railroad is owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
There are two railroad yards. One in Chama, New Mexico and one in Antonito, Colorado.
There is about 60 miles of track between the two yards. Which makes this operation the longest tourist railroad operation in the US (I think/hope I got that correct).
There are no fences around the propertys.

You can pickup a self guided brochure at the depot and simply wonder around. Just don't climb on anything or walk into the shop.
Or as I like to say, keep your feet on the ground and stay out of the shop.
If one of the mechanics invite you in, well that's ok.

On the Chama end, a favorite activity is to chase the train after it leaves the yard. Hwy 17 runs close to the tracks. Just look for gravel pullouts (there are a lots and lots of them).
With the open country, you can get shots of the whole train, shots looking up towards the train and looking down. Very dramatic smoke/steam blowing out of the smokestack. The sound of the chugging is very intense....

Loaded down, the locomotive is working hard with a load of passengers against a 4% grade. Doesn't sound like much of a grade, but it is.
The mountain pass is called Cumbres Pass at an elevation of 10,025 feet (supposed to be the highest tracks in the US). you can chase the train farther down the highway for a few miles, then the track pulls away from the road.

Of course you can ride the train! Either end you choose to ride, there are plenty photo ops (from the totally, open car) to photograph the locomotive going around turns with plenty of smoke/steam.
Dang, I smell the burning coal already!!!

If this isn't enough steam for you, I think the Durango and Silverton RR is about 130 miles from Chama.
Pat

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

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Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Well, nuts.
I was trying to practice using the tools available to me for managing this forum.
I was attempting to delete my above post with the period in the message area.
I was on the wrong line and accidentally deleted the post above mine.
I don't remember who it was.
Hopefully, the poster will pm me so I can get this straight.
Thank you.

Edit: I have reached out to Admin for help.
Pat

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

(Re-post)
Jay, If I may;
If you do ride, at the half way point there is a hot meal stop at Osier that is included in the ticket price. Roast turkey platter or a meatloaf platter or the salad bar. Which ever way you go be sure to end up at the desert table. (The triple chocolate cake is fantastic!)
For those who elect to walk the yards. I know there is a temptation to walk on the rail. Pleas don't. They have a curved and slippery surface.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thank you for reposting your post!
I'm learning!!.......
Pat

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

This morning 5/25 there are at least 2 hot engines and as I type this, one (463?) is at the ash pit with a weird sounding air pump. Turn on your sound.

Update; make that 4 hot engines.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

It's the visiting locomotive and when I looked at it there are a lot of blue hardhats around it.
I can't remember the number.
Also, the silver smoke box.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I'm pretty sure it's 463. For those who are new to the C&TS it is a more than 100 year old engine(1902 +/-).