Cumbres/Toltec Narrow Gauge RR

[jonadel]

Jim--

That saddens me to hear of the financial problems. Last year when we took the trip I was able to talk with the engineer during the lunch stop and he was worried about it's future, especially the insurance costs. With the tremendous tourism industry in Colorado I just can't understand why they can't find the $$$. Reminds me of Farm Bureau in Iowa--they are against rails to trails projects and it's been proven that those kinds of attractions are what draws young families to the area. I think they need to load up the number crunchers on that train and make the trip, it truly is a treasure that needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Jon

[FJ and G]

Jim,

Agree. i think it's a national treasure.

Too bad there aren't many rich rock star railfans to help fund these things (Neal Young is only one I can think of). Shame on Colorado for not paying their fair share. They're a bunch of losers it seems.

[hugoroundhouse]

Hopefully, the Cumbres-Toltec will be operating again next summer. They had to lay off most of their staff this fall, just keeping a bare-bones maintenance crew. The problem is that it is a state-subsidized operation with Colorado and New Mexico sharing the costs. NM picks up the majority of the funding, and Colorado a smaller proportion. Colorado did not pay its share this past year because of budget shortfalls caused by what is known here as the "Tabor" admendment. It was a short-sighted bill enacted about ten years ago when the economy was booming to ratchet down taxes. Many services have been slashed in Colorado, including many for seniors.

The Cumbres route is beautiful, especially in the fall with the aspen changing. It would be a shame to see it go under.

Other historic restoration projects, such as the restoration of the UP Roundhouse in Hugo, Colorado, (my hometown) have been put on hold. Meanwhile, the structures continue to deteriorate. It is so sad to watch.

Jim E.

[jonadel]

I was going through old bookmarks on my computer this morning and found one of my favorites and thought you might enjoy it on this cold gray day. This was one of the trains my wife and I rode a year ago in Sept. and we think it's the best train trip we've ever done, including Durango Silverton.

If any of you are starting to think about vacations for next year in Colorado, this day trip should be at the top of your list. Everything about it was FANTASTIC.

Enjoy.

Jon

http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/gallery.php?image=windyPoint.jpg