Cumbres and Toltec 489: Chasing Steam Through the Desert!

The year 2021 marked a first for the Cumbres and Toltec; the railroad's K-36 class steam locomotive #489 was converted to oil burning, after almost a century of being fired by coal. The decision was made based on a number of factors, including concerns over a high fire risk and severe drought in the region. In this video, we take a look at #489 just months after the conversion was completed. Filmed on two separate days in August of 2021, we watch the engine take on water and couple to its train. After departing the depot at Antonito, Colorado, we follow the train by car across the San Luis Valley on a parallel road. The track is straight and on a minimal grade for several miles, providing for a unique opportunity to chase the steam-powered train at a good speed! With lots of action and plenty of whistling, you won't want to miss this latest video from The Train Tracker!
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Special thanks to a friend of mine for lending me some of his footage.

[@shaunbolton4662]

Nice. Very nice. Loved the tracking shots- great to see the locomotive in action, and not just run-bys. Beautiful!

[@realethanangell]

That whistle off of 489 was a N&W 8-inch Hooter, similar to the one of of Strasburg 475.

[@T128Productions]

Yes it is a hooter, but I doubt that it’s from the N&W.

[@TheSteamGuy5125]

Yeah but for me that hooter is not cutting it, they need to put that 6 chime back on her

[@stephensfarms7165]

It’s sad they had to convert this train to oil. It still does not have the power the coal fired engines have.

[@HinckleyBranchRailfan]

I understand how some people feel about and I do feel the same way a bit but I know they did this for a few reasons and since they converted just one to oil, it’s not exactly a threat cause Oil Burner’s have been around since the 1920’s, and possibly even before that.