As I sit down to write this for the Singing Wire another season on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic has come to an end. This year, even with recent snow, the fall colors were once again spectacular. The last day fall colors contrasted with the white snow that has fallen the week before, truly a sight to see. I too several opportunities this season to ride the railroad and I hope you did as well. Each trip has its own splendor; it's like being on top of the world. And wildlife is something else, have you ever seen a hear of elk crossing in front of you? Just below Cumbres Pass there must have been 75-100. For those of you who know not of what I speak, you need to take a trip on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and experience its beauty.
I would like to compliment the Trolley Museum and staff for an outstanding open house event this October. We must continue to present ourselves to the pubic and display our unique accomplishments. Only through this continous effort of outreach will we attract new members. I hope this was just a warm up for the big 30th coming next year.
Work on the 1889 Pullman Tourist Sleeper continues. Having taken the car down to its skeletal frame we have been making many repairs. On the upper side all carlines on the clerestory were replaced due to rot on the side overhangs. Several of the lower roof Rafters on the sides were also replaced where cracked or split. The Carlines nad Rafters are of red oak and where exposed to the exterior they are treated with wood preservative. All vertical tie rods are being replaced as severe deterioration of the rod was detected where it passes through the outside sill. A big task is underway to repolace a portion of the outside car sill. This protion of the sill was located under an ice box when the car was used in MOW service as a Kitchen Diner for the D&RG bridge crew. During construction Pullman utilized mortise and tenon joints at all junctions so we are looking forward to cutting a large number of mortises in the new sill. Since restoration of the car calls for it to be roadable, the FRA requires the installation of a continouse steel element between couplers to prevent the possibility of accordion collapse. The structural design is now under consideration and will be a big part of 2012 work schedule.
I would like to invite all Trolley Museum members to come and see our progress first hand as we continue the restoration. Also it's not too early to start planning a trip on the C&TSRR next summer. If any of you have questions about the railroad, drop by and see us, were always ready to talk about the railroad. --- John S Engs
----This article was not included in the December Singing Wire due to space and time restraints and various holiday happenings causing me to become even more disorganized than usual!!! But wanted to be sure and publish here! Hope you all enjoy and I apologize for any typos as I had to type it in from a hard copy that came snail mail! Editor - Singing Wire ---------------------------
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