This past weekend N Scale Supply visited the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
in Southern Colorado. Alamosa is about a 4 hour drive from Denver
where we rode the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad from Alamosa to La
Veta and back on Sunday (09/30/07). Its about a 3 hour ride each
way with a stop in La Veta for lunch. Very scenic country to travel
thru, going over La Veta pass at about 9,000' elevation. Traveling
thru the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges was fantastic
this time of year. The Aspen trees are just starting to turn to
the fall colors.
Our train was pulled by ex-Southern Pacific #1744 2-6-0 steamer.
We rode in the Parlor car which has an observation platform on the
back. There was also a concession car (ex-UP RPO), a 1930s-era “observation”
car, with bench-style seating and a coach car. This is the second
year of operation for the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and the first
year with the steam engine. It sounds like they have great plans
to expand their offerings as they are attempting to acquire more
steam. In the Alamosa yard were several other pieces of passenger
equipment in various stages of restoration. I look forward to seeing
what they have to offer in the coming years. |
