After a full, enjoyable day riding the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, we chased the train from Whiplash Curve- so named for the series of switchbacks the train has to make to help ease the climb/descent- to the old track maintenance town of Sublette, NM (during the days of the Denver Rio Grande and Western Railroad, it was responsible for maintaining ten miles of track)
With the Antonito train not departing till 10 am, we had time to enjoy breakfast and break down camp before making our way to Whiplash Curve. We managed to find the dirt roads that lead down to the lower section of Whiplash Curve to start the chase. It’s always a blast chasing the train and getting pics, all while trying to beat it to Sublette, NM.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
With the colder nights, I had to break out the extra liner for my zero deg sleeping bag.
After a leisure morning in camp, we headed out to Whiplash Curve to start the chase.
Mike in his new FJ60 ( my friend Marco was the previous owner). Brian riding shotgun.
Dan Silbaugh leading the group.
At the lower end of Whiplash Curve and the start of the chase, waiting for the train from Antonito, CO.
Dan spotted some track from 1901.
#488 from Antonito.
#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 grade.
The engineer kindly posed #488 for us by blowing 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.
When coming from Antonito, the train stop at Sublette for a maintenance check and to take on water for the next leg to Osier, NM.
Lunch time for the crew.
Group shot at Sublette, NM.
End.