Chama trains work beyond burned bridge

CHAMA, N.M. (KRQE) - The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad took to the highway Thursday moving a locomotive and passenger cars around a burned bridge to accommodate passengers from Chama.

Once back on rails the cars and locomotive 484 will operate from Cumbres Pass in Colorado offering an abbreviated ride into the San Juan Mountains. Passengers will still assemble at the downtown Chama station before being bused to Cumbres Pass.

The C&TS also is operating its Cinder Bear trains from Chama on a shortened schedule going about four miles to just short of Lobato Trestle, which was damaged by fire last week . Regular departures from the Antonito, Colo., station have not been affected by the fire.

Both the Colorado train and the train from Cumbres will meet at Osier, Colo., the railroad midpoint and lunch stop, before returning to their starting points.

Meanwhile the railroad is continuing its evaluation of the damaged trestle, which carried trains about 100 feet above Wolf Creek. The fire, its cause still under investigation, burned custom-made wood ties but apparently didn't cause significant damage to the metal structure.

The railroad, however, is calling in another group of experts for a second opinion.

C&TS officials also announced a fundraising effort to help cover the $50,000 deductible in its insurance coverage for the repairs. The effort is being handled by the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which is accepting donations at its office at 6005 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

The origin of the fire reported about 9 p.m. on June 23 remains under investigation although officials have said it likely has a human cause.