This has been a troubled summer season for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad out of Chama, New Mexico. First, a fire destroyed a bridge on the 64-mile narrow-gauge line back in late June. The little engine that could kept chugging along, avoiding that part of the winding trip through Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. But, many fewer travelers showed-up for the ride.

Then, this week, one of the historic passenger trains struck one of their own crew vehicles, sending two employees to the hospital with minor injuries. Chama Mayor Archie Vigil was in Taos yesterday, assuring all that the trains are running and hoping that more travelers from this area would take mini-vacations by train.

For updated train information, call toll-free 888-CUMBRES. That’s 888-286-2737. Or, get yourself to the train on time by checking schedules and special theme trains on the Internet at www.cumbrestoltec.com/