American Steam in the Rockies DVD

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The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates 64 miles of 3-Foot narrow gauge trackage from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado in some of the best scenery that the American West has to offer. This was once one of the 5 videos in our Steam Around The World Series, and it was the American entry into the set. So this is the first time it is released on DVD, after being dormant for 10-15 years. The focus is on a 4 day charter by a group from the UK, and several photo freights were operated in October 1995. We enjoy seeing class K-27 2-8-2 number 463 running solo on a short tank car train, and a replica of the old San Juan Passenger train, and working in a doubleheaded freight train. Besides 463, we also enjoy K-37 number 497 on some of the specials as well as in regular passenger train service. This engine (497) has not operated for over 15 years. Most of the focus is on the Chama to Cumbres section and into the Los Pinos Valley. We see classic shots at Tanglefoot curve, Los Pinos, Cumbres, and the entire Chama Valley between Cumbres and Chama. We also witness a freight train up the hill with a mid-train helper, and regular passenger trains that are doubleheaded. Also shown are the K-36 class 2-8-2's which are the dominant class of engines on this former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Speaking of that, the engines for the charter trains are all lettered Rio Grande just like the D&RGW days. So if you are not a fan of foreign steam, then enjoy this slice of American Steam In The Rockies.