Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - August on the San Juan Extension (4K60)

Running on 64 miles of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge San Juan Extension through beautiful scenery, cresting 10,015 foot Cumbres Pass and crossing the Colorado/New Mexico state line 11 times, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has been a popular destination for railfans and tourists alike for decades. In late August 2023, I visited the Cumbres & Toltec for 2 and a half days documenting the operations of the railroad. We will first see K-36 class 2-8-2 number 488 as she is serviced at Chama and performs some switching in preparation for the departure of train 216. We will then follow train 216 in video shot over two separate days as it makes its way from Chama to Los Pinos, climbing the 4 percent grade to Cumbres Pass. Next, we will see K-36 number 484 as she heads west light from Antonito, bound for Chama to receive a regular boiler wash. Then, we will watch as K-27 number 463 is prepared to take train 215 west from Antonito, which we will then follow to