What train trip would you choose?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Evening all,

I’ve been busy planning our family’s summer vacation trip and have managed to convince the wife that we need to go to Chama, New Mexico to escape the summer heat in Texas. Of course, why go to Chama if you’re not going to ride the Cumbres and Toltec narrow gauge train?

I also discovered it’s about a 3.5 hour drive from Chama to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado. We missed visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado 2 years ago when we visited the Colorado Springs area, so she agreed we should visit the Gorge since it’s so close to Chama.

Now, a trip to the Royal Gorge wouldn’t be complete without riding the Royal Gorge train…but the wife has decided one train trip would be enough for this trip.

Which train would you ride, and why would you choose that train over the other?

Don Z.

2

I have ridden both, and I prefer the Chama ride. On the Cannon City ride, you are just looking up canyon walls or at rafters. I rode in the cab of the F7, so I do not know what the cars are like. The chama ride, you have some beautiful scenery, and I saw a LOT more animals.

3

Well, there is also the “San Luis Express” that has been getting rave reviews. It goes from Alamosa over La Veta Pass. I’ve never ridden any of them.

4

bb4884,

Thanks for the info…did you ride from Chama to Antonito and take the bus back?

Don Z.

5

I parked in Antonito and rode to Chama via train, then bus back. Also, the chama ride is a lot longer.

6

If there was any trip I’d go for whould be the channel tunnel from Briton to France. Might not see to much, but the trip would be interesting none the less.

7

Another option would be the Durago & Silverton Railroad our of Durango, CO. It’s a two way trip, with a few hours in old time Silverton. More porfessional railroad than the C&S, with open and closed cars and equally spectacular scenery. Also has muliple trips every day. I’ve been on both twice, and actually like them both!

8

Bob,

We did the Durango & Silverton in 2004 and loved every minute of it. It was first on my list of many trains I want to ride.

Don Z.

9

I am going to have to agree that the Royal Gorge train isn’t all that great. As stated above, you are just staring at walls most of the trip, although it is interesting to get down there and check everything out. The best way to do that is to raft the Gorge, in my opinion.