Producer: Green Frog
Locations: Chama to Durango
Timeframe: 1950s- 1960s
Length: 35 minutes
Source: Emery Gulash
Green Frog with Emery Gulash on Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Steam. The abandoned Chama to Durango, Colorado line. Farmington branchline.
Famous for his expert cinematography. Emery used all color 16mm film.
Audio sounds excellent. Natural train sounds and a touch of music. Good levels.
Bob Carrera narrates an informative script. Wish they included a map. It is hard to follow, and the need to research makes the difference.
* I did some additional research to write this review. This line was the San Juan Extension. It is over 100 miles, which was abandoned in 1968. Revenue traffic kept it going into the 1960s. The gap between the Durango & Silverton to Cumbres & Toltec Scenic.
Chama yard
The locomotives get water and coal. The 487 is back to back with K-37 493.
An NRHS Special Excursion is featured from the 1960s. Emery gets some awesome views on the roundtrip to Durango.
At Durango, the Coaling Tower is now long gone.
The Excursion arrives at Chama. Locomotive will need servicing here.
An additional locomotive is added on this freight at Chama.
Train arrives at Gato, aka Pagosa Junction. Some of this survives. It is on a reservation and private property.
Allison is listed as on the Southern Ute Indian reservation.
D&RGW- 50s & 60s Chama to Durango
Rare footage of this abandoned Rio Grande trackage. Excellent film quality.
The limited run time has this show ending before you know it. Time flies while having fun 🙂
Rating: 5 Stars
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