This is a close-up taken of the line on Windy Point that the engines will Huff and Puff to climb and you will want to take allot of photographs of this climb, all from the RIGHT side and as far back in the train as you can get; basically get to the Open Car if you are not there already. BTW: Most of the images I'm posting I pulled out of my video camara so they are low resolution stills but the video itself is WOW!
Great stuff Lion and Hemi!! I will definitely be able to use this fantastic info. I will look into that book, Hemi.
That's what we're here for!!! I'll allow Darren to show his D&S shots.. I have some, but I'm betting he has many more!!!
Don't wait for me... HEMI, you have some great stuff too plus I'm still processing my video to get stills pulled for my Railfanning Colorado {Tons of Photos/Video!!!!!!!} topic so give any/all advise you have on the D&S as well. Based on his schedule we need to get him information quickly and I have allot online on the C&T and only building up the story on the D&S right now.
Once you are over Windy Point comes Cumbres Pass The train we take on water but you won't be able to get off the train. Don't forget you can reach this spot by car as it is a short drive from Chama to here up the highway. There will be things to see on both sides of the train but the WYE will be on the LEFT and the DEPOT will be on the RIGHT. As you pull out of Cumbress you will pass though a small yard that normally has equipment on the siding. Again the best shots of this is to come back by car. Next up is Tanglefoot Curve where you will have some great angle from the LEFT side. Next up is Los Pinos Tank which will be on the LEFT side
Next up is Cascade Trestle, Osier, & Lunch Small Challenge now, the trestle is best seen from the LEFT and OSIER from the RIGHT and the best shots come at about the same time so if you are quick go for the shots of Cascade Trestle first from the LEFT and then get back to the RIGHT for shots of the Trestle again and of Osier. As you can see from the video clip belowyou will first see the trestle on the left and then BANG, it's on top of you. Again, don't forget to look backwards as the trestle can be seen from the RIGHT side as you look back; but, if have to be quick. Look RIGHT to see the beginnings of the canyon (More on this later)
Osier You will now see Osier approaching from the RIGHT side and you can still see the trestle from the distance also from the RIGHT side. You will stop here to have LUNCH so there is time to take allot of photograph once you are off the train. If they are busy, they will have trains running both directions and they will meet here at Osier so if you are the first train in keep an eye out for the other one coming from the opposite direction.
Thanks, Darren! Well, what I can tell you, is brings lots of film or a big media card & batteries for your camera.. The route winds thru Animas River Canyon all the way from Durango to Silverton. There is TONS of places to get curve shots. Several water stops, and a few bridges. That book is your very best info. Lots of history. Buy it, read it before the ride, if possible... I have a few pics, all are in the old RI,a nd I haven't switched them yet.. But, since you asked, I'll deliver! Some Hi-line stuff, directly out of Rockwood, CO: 400 feet straight down!!
I was so enthralled by the scenery, I missed a few key shots, or shot too late, and they blurred... Needleton Siding: Somewhere between Rockwood and Durango: Somewhere deep in Animas River Canyon: Tank Creek water stop:
Rocky Mountain Splendor: Chilly, misty morning in Durango: High in ARC, near Silverton: A gang of narrow gauge equipment at Silverton:
D&RGW 493, a K-37 class engine rests at Silverton: The later day train sits at the Silverton wye while we creep slowly downgrade: Guardrails at the Hi-line past Rockwood: Engine 472 blasts aspen leaves off the trees near Needleton:
I hope that whets your appetite!!! One caution: it maybe june or july when you go, but bring a jacket! Silverton is nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, and weather there can be dramatically diferent than in Durango. It can snow any day of the year at that altitude. For flatlanders, the altitude also is a problem with thin air. You will tire out from very little physical exertion. Bring water, or snacks--the ride up the canyon to S-ton was a few hours. The concessions car has stuff for a premium price! Also, a little walk around the town will reveal a few cabeese *standard-gauge, no less!*, the 493, several NG cars, and lots of touristy shops. The diners in the area are pretty good. Last thing--cinders! Wear a hat, and some kind of glasses. The cinders rain down, and in the open-air car, you get them in your eyes all the time. Above all, have fun! be safe, and take lots of pics! The shop in the Durango depot has a neat D&RGW steam engine poster--best deal in town, for just a few bucks. The Narrow Gauge DVD combo is good footage, and features a rebuild on the Rio Grande Southern Galloping goose motor car....
Wow!!! More great info and fantastic photos, guys! I have two full sets of batteries, one Just bought a week ago. I also have a 1GB and a 2GB card which can bring me 1100 to 1200 shots at a time. This has turned out to be a tremendous thread with the fantastic photos and excellent tips! I greatly appreciate all the effort the two of you are putting in to this. I will do my best to not let you guys down!!
We just want you to be prepared, and have as much, if not more fun than we had!! Enjoy!!! When do you head west? Be warned--once you see the Rockies--you may not want to go back to the east coast... FWIW, I filled a 256 woo woo woo card, and half on another 256'er... My camera is only a 3MP... I took upwards of 450 shots....
I set out Westward from Maryland on Saturday. I expect it to take 4 or 5 days since I plan to take my time and stay at campgrounds to keep costs to a minimum (and besides, it is very pleasant). I've seen the rockies a few times - they are very impressive. My mother lives in Arizona so I get to see them rocks when I go there. But the East Coast has its beauty as well. It can be hard to pick for me, so I want a home with wheels. 450 shots - nice. I click so often that I will probably take quite a lot. Images sizes for me average in the upper 3MB since I go for maximum quality images. My S2 is a 5MP camera. My goal is to get a Canon Rebel which is an 8MP camera. I will probably need a 4GB card by then. I am going to try to slide through some parks too in order to satisfy my desire to get some scenery and critter photos.
With LUNCH over you head in to Toltec Gorge Again, RIGHT side is where you mainly want to be coing out of Chama... and again look behind you now and then Rock Tunnel is next and be on the RIGHT side for sure... Just before you enter the tunnel keep you eyes out for the Garfield Monument as it will come and go really fast.
Into Rock Tunnel Short Video taken inside the tunnel (15 sec.) This video requires Flash 8 or newer.
Lava Pedestals Lots and Lots of great views on the RIGHT side and keep your eye out for Lava Pedestals along the line. Also in this area is Phantom Curve BTW: You will be crossing the Colorado / New Mexico State line 11 times while on the train.
Mud Tunnel approaching next As you might have guessed, I spent most of the trip in the Open Car and took about 2 hours of video
