By Joy Meadows
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
One of the most anticipated historic railroad events of the year will take place Aug. 21-29, when the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (CandTSRR) hosts the 19th Century Victorian Iron Horse Roundup.
In celebration of the scenic railroad’s 50th anniversary, there will be four 1880s locomotives under steam simultaneously. All week long, the collection of historic steam locomotives from Colorado and Nevada will steam 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains, pulling trains of historic passenger and freight cars.
While train rides behind the “Iron Horses” are sold out for this celebration, you can still book a ride on the regularly scheduled daily Cumbres and Toltec departures and see these “Iron Horses” in action. There are plenty of free activities, including photo opportunities in the historic rail yards of Antonito, Colo., and Chama, N.M., railyard tours and equipment demonstrations.
“The Iron Horse Roundup will feature two 1875 steam locomotives from Nevada, the Eureka and the Glenbrook, and they will be joined by our own recently restored 1883 engine No. 168 and engine No. 425 (315). All four steam locomotives will pull historic consists of passenger and freight cars, creating living images that have not been seen on this planet for 140 years,” said Scott Gibbs, interim CEO of the CandTSRR.
He added, “The railroad tracks they are traveling on were laid in 1880, and the surrounding mountain, river canyon and high plains scenery they will be traveling through is unchanged, so people will be able to travel back in time to see transportation exactly the way it was a century and more ago.”
And while rides aboard the historic Iron Horses are sold out, rail fans and visitors are encouraged to attend and check out the Iron Horses and enjoy many free opportunities to participate in this historic event as we celebrate 50 years of passenger service.
For more information, visit www.cumbrestoltec.com.
