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/

Northern New Mexico’s Cumbres & Toltec Scenic railroad is still chugging along. But, the little economic engine of Chama has a big hill to climb since losing its Lobato Trestle. The wooden ties there burned in a fire of undetermined origin right near the beginning of the tourist season. The trestle may have to be replaced.

Meanwhile, railroad president Elmer Salazar wants prospective passengers to know that the train is going over a rough spot, but it’s still operating. Cumbres has switched its itineraries around so you can enjoy a historic steel rail experience, without crossing the out-of-service trestle.

Ridership is down, though, and all around Chama, that’s a big deal because the train is the town’s main tourist attraction. Other businesses count on Cumbres to get passengers to the train on time. Area businesses are contributing to a fund to replace the burned-out trestle. The railroad is also offering discounts for some of its most popular trips for this, its 40th anniversary season.

Yesterday, fire crews and railroad employees were investigating the cause of a blaze that damaged a bridge on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The fire at the Lobato Trestle, the second highest bridge on the 64-mile line, caused the 40-year-old narrow-gauge railroading attraction to suspend operations out of its Chama depot.   CEO Elmer Salazar said they will, for now, offer alternative ride experiences, avoiding the bridge. The historic line runs from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado and crosses in and out of both states several times during its journey.  For updated train information, call toll-free 888-CUMBRES. That’s 888-286-2737.