ABOVE: The author in Chama, N.M, 2007.
LEFT: An amazing scene of sage and solitude unfolds from the rear of a westbound train just ten minutes out of Antonito, Colo., in 2007.
Silverton and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic. In the fall the Rockies glow in the rich yellows of aspens and sharp reds and browns of oaks under the deep blue Colorado and New Mexico skies. Sometimes it would rain, or even snow, but it all worked and added to the attraction of the slim rails. These photographs are the result of
several recent adventures into the land of the three-foot gauge, the remnants of the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge empire. What you experience on these trips is not only the steam — those outside frame chunky Mikados with flailing rods, counterweights, sharp exhaust, and marvelous whistles — but you get to enjoy the lost elements of railroading set against the dramatic backdrop of the Colorado-New Mexico mountains. These preserved railroads have much
to offer the photographer. You’ll find lots of cinders, wooden cars, kerosene marker lamps, tall brake staffs, brake clubs, friction bearings, and other relics of railroading. Watch as the crews turn up retainers or deal with a hot box. See cast iron wheels billowing large clouds of brake smoke. Whistle and hand signals, torpedoes, train orders, and trains in first and second sections are everyday occurrences. These railroads, as they conquer grueling 4 percent grades, drip with nostalgia, and the visitor is steeped in the experience.
47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74