Best Side to Get a Seat on 5 Colorado Tourist Lines?

[collingswood_don]

This summer, my family and I will be riding five Colorado tourist lines:

1. Cumbres & Toltec (Chama to Antonito);
2. Durango & Silverton;
3. Royal Gorge;
4. Georgetown Loop; and
5. Pike's Peak Cog Railway.

I sense that the view from the train will be very different depending on what side of the train we sit.  Wherever possible, I hope to get an open air observation car or a dome car to facilitate picturing taking.

For each of these trains, is there a preferred side on which I should be trying to sit?  (To avoid symatic confusion, I guess it would be best to speak of the train's left and right side from the perspective of it pulling out of its originating station?)

Any suggestions would be appreciated toward helping to make this a trip of a lifetime.

Donald

[Railway Man]

C&TSR Chama to Antonito, I would choose the south side (engineer's side) because it will have the best view climbing toward Cumbres and in Toltec Gorge.

D&S is a round trip, and the train wyes at Silverton, so ostensibly it doesn't matter.  I would still choose the east side (engineer's side) because it's more likely to be clear in the morning than the afternoon, and the view will be better of the Needle Peaks and the Animas Canyon.

Royal Gorge, south side (fireman's side) -- that's the water side.  The train doesn't wye so you'll have the good side both ways.

Georgetown Loop, south side (fireman's side) is a little more interesting, but either side is nice.

Pike's Peak -- I don't think it matters at all, both sides are equally spectacular.

RWM

 

[rogruth]

I have ridden gorge train.I was able to change sides and use the open air car.There are some interesting things on both sides.

On the PP&MS,I fond the left side to be more interesting.I made the trip in early July.The temperature in The Springs was 96.On the Peak,36 and we went through a snow fall.Many on the train were not prepared for the temperature change and will look at you sort of funny when you show up in long pants and with a jacket.Some have breathing problems on top and experience some dizziness[my wife].Try the donuts that are sold on top.Different.

I enjoyed both trips.But I enjoy anything about trains except AMTRAK coach seats.

Have fun. 

 

 

[collingswood_don]

Thanks to the both of you for the insights.  I took your advise when I ordered tickets.

[Railway Man]

Please let us know what you thought of the trips after you take them.

RWM

[spokyone]

 

Barbara & I just returned to Illinois from the Great Southwest. We rode the steam trains. Rio Grande Scenic at Alamosa, The Durango & Silverton, and the Cumbres & Toltec as well as the Verde Valley with the FP7s. We skipped the Grand Canyon Railway because the steamer was not available that day. I encourage everyone to ride one of these trains. The sound of a steam engine working the grade is beautiful. Gettin soot in the hair and on the face is just like it was in my father's time.  Priceless
The D&S turns the whole train. Everyone gets a great view. The Rio Grande Scenic dome car did not have assigned seats and was less than 1/3 full.
  The RG Scenic was very comfortable and the only negative comment is that the employees were only waiters and were not knowledgeable about trains or local history.