Passenger Trains > Chiefs 3 and 4 at Glorieta, NM depot

The old Santa Fe 1927-built wood-frame-and-stucco depot at Glorieta, NM (now used as the post office) is positioned inside a tight curve, and the time of day that Southwest Chiefs 3 and 4 pass is never conducive to correct sun angle, so one must try to wait until it is cloudy or near dark. Photo 1 - On June 25, No. 3 is westbound wrapped around the depot, led by the Joe Boardman Veterans commemorative unit No. 42. Photo 2 - The next day, a very late No. 4 squeals around the depot in failing afternoon light from the west, still having motive power problems though a third locomotive was added. It is after hours, so the parking lot has no cars to mar the scene of this more photogenic side. I can't think of any other depot situated on a sharp curve, anybody know of any? Rails of the "New Mexico & Southern Pacific" Railroad (Later Santa Fe) first reached here in 1879. From 1875 to 1880 it was known as "La Glorieta". Before it was established, a little-remarked Civil War "Battle of Glorieta Pass" was fought here for 3 days in March of 1862. Rebel troops were trying to gain a foothold in the American Southwest and failed, after Union troops blew up a confederate supply train some distance away. A wye was once at the crest here to turn helper locomotives, I am standing inside the wye location for Photo 2. Happy glorious railfanning! === === = === JLH

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Thanks for photos and background. I remember a painting, I think, of the past in a magazine way back, stuck with me, don't remember details.

Bob.

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I didn't know about the wye.  Neat photos!  I wonder if you could get a hand stamped postage cancellation there?  That would be cool!

I've been on #4 when #3 was waiting patiently on the siding at Glorieta. Depending on the vagaries of the daily schedule they can meet at Fox to the east or Lamy to the west. I don't know if the Rowe siding is in service.

Excellent photos!  Thanks for posting.

Andy

Is there an ostrich ranch around Glorieta? On two occasions riding the SWC, I've seen ostriches and I don't think I was hallucinating.