Lessons learned from a lifetime of working on a historic American West railroad

That was powerful.

Thanks.

Andre

Andre said it well, thanks strap hanger.

I liked it, a lot.

One thing I didn't like about the film - only 10 minutes long.

Me, the wife, and the kid road this train back in the early 2000's, while on a Colorado vacation.  Only from Antonito, Colorado to the half-way point (Osier) and back, however (regrettable - should have done the whole blasted route - from Antonito all the way to Chama, New Mexico).

"Memorable" is an understatement - best money I ever spent.  It's an all-day ride, whether to the half-way point and back, or the whole route one way.  After riding the fantastic Durango & Silverton a few years later, I would have to rank that as an extremely close second.  The Cumbres & Toltec - talk about an authentic, old west ride - you just can't get any better than that, I'm sure.

If you haven't done the Cumbres & Toltec, you need to put that on your bucket list and ride it while you and your "significant other" are dressed in your finest wild-west outfits.  You won't regret it in the least!!!   

Those among us that have been fortunate enough to have ever lifted a section of rail or a spike mall, or who have pulled and hydrotested superheater tubes, or cut coal and fired a locomotive, or operated an injector or hooked up a power reverse, or pulled a throttle can relate to the feelings of Mr. Bush. A steam loco is the closest machine to a living being that has ever been created. May they continue to flourish through succeeding generations of caretakers!

Andre nailed it for me as well. Powerfull, Moving, such awesome beauty, But also sad in a way knowing that the knowledge carefully nurtured by Mr. Bush can easily be lost forever with the passing of just a few people like him.  It’s all so tenuous.  You really are fortunate, tinplate art. 

The young steam folks I personally know are keeping the dream alive. A good example is Shane Meador, the project leader, of the NC&StL 576 restoration here in Nashville, TN. There are also a number of younger folks at TVRM and the TCRM who are learning the craft, so steam will stay alive!

That was indeed awesome.

Mixed Freight posted:

If you haven't done the Cumbres & Toltec, you need to put that on your bucket list and ride it while you and your "significant other" are dressed in your finest wild-west outfits.  You won't regret it in the least!!!   

Cumbres & Toltec:

Great video. I have a lot of books & videos of those railroads. Here in Pa. we have the moribund East Broad Top RR and I have ridden its rails quite a few times and toured the shops.  Have a lot of video that I watch at times some with my late wife in them so they are special.