Steam & Excursion > Friends of C&TS Snow Clearing Special March 12-13

Flanger Charter on Cumbres & Toltec
March 12 & 13, 2016
 
Join the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. for a special two-day flanger and snow removal charter train over the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad! 
 
After two successful flanger charters operated by  Steam Specials in 2014 and 2015, the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec, are planning a 2016 trip to take advantage of newly restored cook car 053, a former RPO.  Our consist will be based on the Robert Richardson photo from 1950 shown below. The charter is being planned with the involvement of Steam Specials charter leaders John West and Michael Allen, who along with Mike Shade will select the photo runby locations.

We hope to take advantage of an expected heavy winter snowfall due to a strong El Niño system.  Our plow equipped K36 locomotive #487 will be lettered in the Flying Rio Grande herald.

These trains are a fund raising event for the Friends with proceeds going toward ongoing restoration projects on the C&TS.
 
Dates:   Saturday March 12 & Sunday March 13, 2016
 
The charter trains will depart from Antonito, Colorado and work west as far as snow and ice conditions will permit.
 
Saturday March 12.  Our train will consist of plow-equipped K36 #487 on the head end, flanger OJ, water car 0471, gondola 6205, boxcar 3244, cook car 053, bunk car 04407 & cabooses 05635 & 503.  We will depart the C&TS Depot in Antonito at approximately 5:30am for sunrise photos at Hangman’s Trestle.  Our train will operate from Antonito to Big Horn, or beyond, if possible.  A night photo session will be held out on the line at a suitable location.
 
Sunday March 13. Our train will depart from Antonito at approximately 9:00am.  Our train will run to Big Horn and commence plowing, with the goal of reaching Sublette if winter weather conditions allow it.  This will also allow us dusk photo opportunities at Lava Tank.
 
We are working with Michael Allen, John West and Mike Shade to ensure the best possible photo runby locations in optimum light.  We appreciate their willingness to assist with these logistics.  Please note that the above mentioned consist is what we anticipate but could change slightly.
 
Price:  $795/person.  This includes water, soft drinks, coffee, doughnuts & snacks being provided on the train. 
 
Deadline:  The Friends will require 27 paid passengers by Monday January 18, 2016 to make the operation of the charter viable.  The maximum number of passengers will be held at 40 to ensure the best possible experience for everyone onboard.  You are considered a “confirmed” and ticketed passenger when your payment has been processed by our office.  This is a “first come, first served” charter. If we cannot attract enough passengers, the charter will be cancelled and all monies will be refunded.
 
You may pay online:
http://www.cumbrestoltec.org/online-store/charters/2016-flanger-charter-detail.html
 
Payments can also be made via personal check, money order, MasterCard, VISA or Discover credit cards.  The Friends are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a portion of your fare considered to be tax-deductible.  Checks can be payable and sent to:
 
Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc.
4421 McLeod Road NE, Suite F
Albuquerque, NM  87109
Telephone:  505-880-1311 (Office hours are 8am-5pm MST Monday-Friday)
 
If you are mailing your payment, please call the office and let them know when you will be doing so.  This will avoid the risk of your check arriving after the trip has already sold out.

The the second and third images below is from the March 2014 charter.
 



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 11/22/15 22:30 by jbwest.

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I understand from the Friends office that there are 19 tickets left.  Which if my calculation is correct means six more and the trip will be a sure-go.

JBWX

Thanks for your post John.

Roger Hogan
Chama, NM
Train Stuff

I believe only seven spaces remain so it is most definitely green for go!