Between Sublette, NM and Antonito, CO, you can find a great network of dirt roads, allowing one to get up close and chase the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Sublette, NM, an old track maintenance town for the Denver Rio Grand and Western Railroad, was responsible for taking car of ten miles of narrow gauge rail.

This year, we managed to work down the dirt roads to get to Whiplash Curve. So named for the section of track that has to loop back on to itself a few times to make the climb/decent more manageable for the Steam Locomotive. It’s always a blast, chasing the train, getting photos of the train, then rushing ahead of the train to the next photo opp. We always try to beat the train to Sublette.

With the colder nights from the recent storm, ended up having to break out the extra layer for the zero degree sleeping bag.

The train doesn’t depart Antonito, CO until 10am. This gives us time to make our way to the intended start of the chase. Along with a lazy morning in camp

Mike in his new to him FJ60 ( my friend Marco previously owned it).

Dan Silbaugh leading the group.

At the start of the chase. Waiting for the Antonito train.

Dan spotted some track from 1901.

#488.

#488 making it’s way up Whiplash Curve.

To get to this point, #488 had to make a big loop to help lighten the load of the climb.

The engineer kindly posed #488 for us by letting off some steam.

Dan and Nancy. The chase begins:)!

Mike and his FJ60 wait for the next photo opp.

A fun stretch to chase the train:).

#488 coming into Sublette, NM.

We opted to stage the trucks here so not to block views of the old town while passengers look on from the train.

When coming from Antonito, CO, the train stops at Sublette, NM to take on water for the next stage to Osier, NM, as well as a maintenance check.

Lunch time for the crew.

Group shot at Sublette, NM after #488 left. Brian rode along in Mikes Fj60.

End