CHAMA, N.M. — The bi-state agency overseeing the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has agreed to purchase a diesel locomotive from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a first for the classic line preserving the former Denver & Rio Grande Western line between Chama and Antonito, Colo.
The commission agreed to the purchase of Bombardier DL535E No. 114 for $120,000, as well as all related acquisition costs, at its Nov. 11 meeting., saying in a resolution that it “recognizes the need for additional motive power … outside the confines of the existing locomotive fleet.” Funding will come from money received under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Meeting notes from Samuel Seiber, who reports on the commission as a citizen journalist, indicate commissioners said the locomotive would be used for maintenance-of-way work and as a rescue locomotive, and would allow the railroad to save the $1,000 or more per day in expense of keeping a steam locomotive hot as a rescue engine. The commission hopes the 1,200-hp C-C locomotive could be on hand by late spring or early summer 2024.
The Cumbres & Toltec purchase follows a similar acquisition of four DL535Cs by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from the White Pass & Yukon in 2020 [see “Durango & Silverton buys …,” Trains News Wire, April 13, 2020]. That purchase has helped the Durango & Silverton continue to operate during periods of higher fire danger [see “Durango & Silverton set to go coal-free …,” News Wire, June 25, 2021].
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