Steam & Excursion > Mudhen and the Geology Train (Cumbres and Toltec)

I rode Cumbres & Toltec's Geology Train this weekend, and had a great time.

I'll avoid my usual wordy narrative, not because I want to, but because I'm not a geologist and can't accurately describe the interesting formations I saw. For foamers, the big deal was that the DRG&W K-27 #463 "Mudhen" was assigned to the train.

Unlike the regular rides, the Geology Train makes stops at interesting geological formations along the line. It also stops before the Rock Tunnel, lets the passengers walk through it, then it does a slow runby on the other side, so the passengers can take photos or video of their own train exiting the tunnel.

- Morning at Antonito.
- Geologists didn't care for the lead locomotive, but I did (so I got a clean shot, Antonito).
- Video of the ride.

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- Example of "deposition by stream" at this stop.
- Locomotive angle, same spot.
- "Chiquito Peak Tuff" at another stop.

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- Conejos spires? (There's a smaller one near the tracks)
- Made a stop just past the previous shot. Stack talk clip in the video here.
- More Conejos spires? along the tracks. No stop here.

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- Telltale before the Rock Tunnel.
- Rock Tunnel, east portal.
- Trespassing allowed (temporarily).

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- West portal, Rock Tunnel.
- Garfield Monument and (mostly) geologists.
- Inscription.

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- Caption this.
- #463 crew heading for lunch (Osier).
- Some of you might know the man in the middle, standing (C&TSRR docent on the left, conductor on the right).

There were 4 geologist docents on the train (not pictured) who took turns sharing their knowledge during the ride. I sat next to the brother-in-law of the man in the middle, and he said he has visited California to ride the Roaring Camp (hint to who he is).

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- Lobato Trestle.
- At Chama.
- Video of the train (and #463) being wyed south of Chama Depot.

Some of the people on the Geology Train were repeat riders, because of the unique stops, the education about geology, and the fun ride.

That's all folks.

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last shot, clear to the right, is the famous Deputy Sheriff from Wichita, Kansas (now retired). wag216

Thanks for the wonderful photos and write up. What a great trip .... the Geology Train.

".... Geologists didn't care for the lead locomotive, but I did ... " that went right over my head. lol. What do you mean? Thanks

Mike Soriano
Denville, NJ

YardGoat Wrote:
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> ".... Geologists didn't care for the lead
> locomotive, but I did ... " that went right over
> my head. lol. What do you mean? Thanks

You're welcome. On trips with railfans (especially photo charters), it's tough to get a clean shot of the locomotive, because people crowd around it - I prefer to stand a little farther way to get wider angle shots, so I often get blocked by people wanting close ups and classic wedges.

How often do they run the geology train? We might enjoy that one someday.

I've ridden the Geology run, and highly recommend it for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject.  (All the more so if you're a professional). It's a fantastic trip.

WrongWayMurphy Wrote:
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> How often do they run the geology train? We might
> enjoy that one someday.

I believe the train runs once a year, and always in middle of June if I remember correctly. I found out about it about 3-4 years ago while surfing the Cumbres & Toltec web site. I believe the first one ran in 2014?

The lunch at Osier is included, like the regular trips. The Geology Train gets there first, followed by the Chama train, then the Antonito train... so first dibs on the Turkey or the Meatloaf.

That President Garfield marker is very interesting.  President Garfield lays in his own masoleum elsewhere, but was he actually buried here first, before moving to his constructed masoleum?  And why way out here in the Colorado mountains??

coach Wrote:
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> That President Garfield marker is very
> interesting.  President Garfield lays in his own
> masoleum elsewhere, but was he actually buried
> here first, before moving to his constructed
> masoleum?  And why way out here in the Colorado
> mountains??

His mausoleum is in Cleveland, Ohio, and according to my quick research, he was never buried in Colorado.

Garfield was assassinated while the railroad was still under construction. One historical speculation is that railroad construction workers erected the monument in his honor, but I couldn't find anything more specific on why it's there, or if Garfield ever visited the location.

I was on that train and had a great time - and a good first introduction to the C&TS, for sure! I will certainly be back (but knew that would be the case before showing up... ;) )

I believe Mr. Bush said it was the 7th Annual Geology Train.

As for the Garfield Monument, note the wording on it, in part:

"Erected By Members of the National Association of General Passenger and Ticket Agents, Who Held Memorial Burial Services On This Spot September 26, 1881."