The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic has issued the following press release (including a couple of photos) regarding train operations following yesterday's Lobato Trestle fire [.pdf format]:

[www.cumbrestoltec.com]

CHAMA, NM, -- The Lobato Trestle, second highest bridge on the 64-mile Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, was damaged by a fire of undetermined origin Wednesday night, rendering it at least temporarily impassable by trains.

C&TSRR personnel and fire crews were at the scene into Thursday morning. It was initially unclear whether the main structure had suffered damage or whether the fire was confined to the wooden ties and framing of the roadbed over the steel-framed structure.

“This devastating event will force us to suspend routine operations out of the Chama Depot for an undetermined length of time,” said Elmer Salazar, president and CEO of the railroad management company. “We will design alternative ride experiences for our passengers in the near term while doing everything possible to restore the trestle to full operational capacity as quickly as possible.”

The fire was reported to the Chama Fire Department shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday night. Fire crews and railroad workers rushed to the scene and worked through the night to extinguish the blaze.

“This is the most significant mishap to the track and right-of-way in all the 40 years the Cumbres and Toltec has been in operation,” said Marvin Casias, C&TSRR general manager, who was among those on the scene through the night. “We will be better able to determine the extent of damage and to commence repairs in the light of day today.”

As an initial interim measure, Chama passengers will be offered the option to be bused to Antonito, CO for the route starting on the Colorado end of the two-state line. The Cinder Bear Express children’s train, scheduled for 11:00 am will run at the appointed time. Westbound Passenger Train Service from Antonito, Colorado remains intact, however, as a half way excursion to the routine midway lunch-stop Osier, Colorado with return to Antonito.
The Lobato Trestle, one of the scenic high points, is on the New Mexico side of the line, about 4 miles up the grade outside Chama. It carries the track over East Fork of Wolf Creek, flowing about 100 feet below.

“Our crews will work tirelessly until this trestle is restored to service,” said Casias. “While we will complete the task as quickly as possible, we will not allow passenger trains back on the trestle until we are completely confident that it is restored to full operational capability.”

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.