I always hate reading the words "undetermined origin." They too often mean that some slimeball did it deliberately. This is such a historical structure, it's a big loss. Boxcab E50
Sadly, that's probably just what caused it... The things people do to amuse themselves... :membarrassed:
Not as bad as it could be, Lots of discussion on the narrow gauge board, along with good photos. It appears that the deck ties burned, but the main bridge structure "seems" un damaged. Time now for a complete inspection, and then a replacement of deck and rails. Perhaps with all steel ties, probable causes bandied about are a cinder off of the last west bound, or fireworks. (Yep it is that time of year) From the photos, "I" don't see any distortion in the bridge beams... However I am not a structural engineer. Time to set our worries on hold and wait for the experten. (Grin) Maybe even a chance to get some new paint on the trestle. (Grin) Regards, Kevin
Laboto Trestle I hear NM is going to pony up the remainder of the $$$ for a new bridge? Can anyone confirm this?
it was either some smoldering remains of a grass fire that was burning on May 22, or their own loco....there was no evidence of a vehicle driving out there before the fire crew and lightning was rulled out...either way, it was a total loss and is expected to cost between $1.2 and $1.6 million per the report....looks like the bridge was in bad shape before the fire and leaning anyways...but it was 120 years old and lasted 40 years longer than D&RGW narrow gauge mainlines did.
Will the new bridge attempt to replicate that historic structure? Of course using newer materials and... Boxcab E50
Wasn't this the bridge that if crews had a double header on they had to stop the train and let the first engine cross on its own? Then the rest of the train could continue across and they would couple them back up on the other side? If so I am not surprised that it was called a total loss. Either way it is sad to see something so historic meet its demise so sadly.
update Cumbres & Toltec allocated repair funds New Mexico Business Weekly Date: Monday, December 20, 2010, 12:36pm MST Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. has allocated $95,000 of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the repair of the fire-damaged Lobato trestle on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad near Chama. Officials said the news “essentially completes” funding needed for the project. Additionally, Ritter has allocated $385,500 in ARRA funding to cover Colorado’s half of the projected operating fund shortfall for the 2011 season. The shortfall stems from a 35 percent reduction in 2010 operating income that officials said is directly attributable to reduced ridership related to the trestle fire. On June 23, a fire damaged the trestle, about four miles from the Chama terminal. The heat of the blaze damaged the steel girders supporting the rail bed and all of the spans must be replaced. The trestle, built in 1883, is believed to be the oldest railroad bridge still in service in New Mexico. Officials said it will be repaired in a way to retain its historic character. Despite an abbreviated service that was put in place after the fire, the perception that the entire railroad was shut down triggered a drop in ridership and revenue. “We are deeply grateful to Gov. Ritter for this significant support at our time of deep need,” C&TSRR Commissioner Lon Carpenter said. “Were it not for the emergency assistance from [New Mexico and Colorado], the trestle fire could have proved to be a fatal blow.” The New Mexico Department of Transportation has allocated $825,000 to help finance the repair. Contributions from private donors, including $20,000 from the Friends of the C&TSRR, added $60,000 to the repair budget. Colorado ARRA funds totaling $135,000 were previously directed to the trestle project and insurance coverage will add $360,000. The balance of the estimated $2.042 million repair bill will be covered by redirecting track rehabilitation funds previously granted by the two states to the repair project. “Our crews are poised to move equipment and tools by rail to the repair site next spring,” said Elmer Salazar, management company president. “The timing is tight, but we are confident we will have the trestle back in service for the start of the 2011 season.” The C&TSRR is a remnant of the once far-flung mountain railroad network of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Its coal-fired steam locomotives showcase a 19th-century transportation experience with mountain scenery. It is jointly owned by Colorado and New Mexico and is governed by a four-member commission. Crews for the line come largely from multigenerational railroad families in Chama and Antonito, N.M
I hope they can get trains running over a new bridge soon. I've always had a soft spot for narrow gauge tourist lines like the Cumbres & Toltec & Georgetown Loop. This thread has me worried. Goat Canyon trestle (186 ft. high, 633 ft. long) in Carriso Gorge is my favorite SD&AE landmark, and it is in the middle of California wildfire territory. If that burns up I have no reason to live. Why does nature hate railroads?!?
