Producer: Pentrex
Timeframe: 1991
Locations: Chama, Cumbres Pass
Length: 39 minutes
Sources: David Busse, Martin Orozco
Narrow gauge action, on Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Watch, Steam Rotary Snowplow OY. It operates, on the 10,000 foot Cumbres Pass, with two Steam locomotives! Plenty of additional C&TS, train moves. Classic Museum Railroading.
This show is on a DVD-R. There are no extras. Save a preview, at the conclusion. Familiar voice of David Drui handles the narrative. Script is nicely written. High quality production throughout!
The show begins at the C&TS yard in Chama, New Mexico. An operational steam rotary is a rarity. This vintage OY unit, was from Rio Grande. Actually, this was first OY usage in a decade.
Engines 487 and 488 are the steam power, for this snow removal train. A couple of work cars and a caboose
Water stop. All this steam equipment needs to be topped off.
Plow and locomotives work hard upgrade.
Some heavy snow encountered at Windy Point.
Cumbres Pass Station. Deteriorating weather conditions.
A passenger special. The Chama Turn, it was once called. Would turnback at Osier, Colorado. The run was 32 miles. Not discussed, although it might be the same move.
Now, the opposite direction. The downhill snow removal train, only requires a single locomotive.
The other engine, follows with passengers. Doesn’t this scene appear to be a Model Railroad?
This show has recently been reissued in 2019. Likely, a fresh remaster. It looks great! Never saw the original. The rather short running time, makes the most of it. The chief concern for value.
Steam Rotary Snow Plow OY
The trains are naturally, a slow paced affair. By using multiple camera angles and creative editing, it appears to pace faster.
There is everything here for steam fans. It reaches beyond, being a boring, watch the rotary turn endlessly, type of show! Smartly produced and a worthwhile additional to any Railfan’s collection.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 