http://mfmalk.zenfolio.com/p47324941

All,

Follow the above link to my photos from the Cumbres & Toltec and Durango & Silverton Lerro charter and fall photographer’s weekend. Click on “Slideshow” at the top right of the screen.

Impossible to time, but just a little early for the changing of the aspen trees; regardless the scenery was stunning. Us railfans are very fortunate that so much of the Rio Grande equipment and right of way is still intact, a time machine to the past.

Thank you once again to all the men and women who organize, run, and participate in these events, your efforts are so appreciated.

Enjoy,
Matthew

Great pictures. I particularly enjoyed the one of 485 on the bridge under the stars (picture 8). Thanks for sharing.

Really nice photos.

Did the C&TS staff really put those Brangus yearlings into those cattle cars?

I ask because I can attest to the damage that cattle feces causes to wooden floors (with any kind of preservative treatment) and steel frames.

I personally have changed trailer floors about once every decade because of the damage caused by not being able to get feces completely out after a cattle haul. I have used a fire hose and volume,and a garden hose and high pressure sprayer pump to blast it out and still the floors rot and the steel corrodes from the little bit that get underneath the floors.

I now wet the floors prior to loading in an attempt to prevent the wood floors from absorbing moisture and and acid from the feces, but still it causes damage. I would never put a cow into any rail car that I owned.

Loco112, no the cattle did not enter the cars. They wouldn’t even enter the inclined chute! When the train first pulled up, the guy opened the stock car door. The rancher was able to herd them to the entrance to the chute, but that’s as far as it went. They were too stubborn, or scared; probably both. Regardless, the scene made for some great photos, quite timeless to my eye.
Matthew

Cows are smarter than people think!