The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad needs $35 million over the next five to seven years to improve tracks, facilities and the trains themselves, officials say.

"Capital needs have been neglected at a rate of $1 million a year," railroad general manager Kim Flowers said Monday.

The narrow-gauge railroad was forced to cut its schedule last year because only one steam locomotive met federal safety standards. It shut down for six weeks the previous year because of extreme fire danger along its 64-mile route between Chama and Antonito, Colo.

"I thought we were done, quite frankly," Flowers said.

But the railroad was able to bring two more locomotives up to code during the past year, thanks to more than $1.5 million in state and federal money.

The state Legislature this year allocated $800,000 for the railroad's operation and $275,000 for track upgrades.

Three locomotives will be available for trips six days a week when the railroad's season opens May 29. The railroad, owned by New Mexico and Colorado, already has made $99,000 in advance ticket sales, Flowers said.