(From the RR's website, early Sunday morning, June 26, 2010.)


JUNE 26, 2010 – 7:00PM

CHAMA, NM – A team of infrastructural experts known as HNTB, Kansas City, Missouri was on scene today and will finish completing their assessment of damages Sunday, June 26, 2010. HNTB will return to Kansas City to determine the solution of repairs to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Lobato Trestle, damaged by a fire still of unknown origin Wednesday night.
“We asked HNTB to arrive at their earliest possible convenience as we look at the upcoming weekend being the Fourth of July,” said Marvin Casias, C&TSRR Management Company General Manager on Saturday. “We’d like to have answers sooner, rather than later.”

Carson National Forest Service Officials, in addition to the Chama Valley Fire Marshall and New Mexico State Police continue the ongoing investigation to determine the cause to the trestle fire. Reservation cancellations continue to increase as a result of the circumstance, however, patrons booked out of Chama will be offered the option of the private motor coach ride to Antonito, to take the line from that terminal to Osier and return. Those electing to make this trip will be provided motor coach transportation both ways. Cancellations by New Mexicans have taken the lead in this matter due to the damage of the trestle, second highest on the 64-mile line and located about four miles out of Chama. “Now, more than any other time, we ask our Colorado and New Mexico patrons to continue visiting us," said Roger Hogan, C&TSRR Marketing Consultant.

The C&TSRR is celebrating its 40th year this summer. This setback comes as the C&TSRR management company continues its multi-year program to replace ties and ballast on the track to restore it to optimum operating capability. A total of 40,378 new ties have been installed over the duration of this project, with 64 miles of track resurfaced and lined. Bringing the track, locomotives and rolling stock up to top-notch condition has been a priority project of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission and the operating company, and has moved forward with generous funding from the states of New Mexico and Colorado, owners of the line. The rail line is a living history experience in steam-powered mountain narrow-gauge railroading, owned and preserved by the two states.