Two Engines Needed For This Climb!

4% grade proves no match for these 2 Mikado locomotives!

The Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad Mikado class K-36 RGW #487 and #488 are hard at work pushing snow and belching black smoke while crawling around the curve pulling a 11 car train.

Built in 1880 to support mining operations in the area, the Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad covers 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. The 3 foot narrow gauge railroad crosses over the Colorado and New Mexico borders 11 times and reaches a height of 10,000 feet through the Cumbres pass.

Rio Grande’s Class K-36 Mikado #487 and #488:

• configuration: 2-8-2
• Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works 1925
• Locomotive weight: 187,100 lbs
• Tractive effort: 36,200 lbf

Let us know if you have ever had a chance to take this excursion on the Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad! We would love to hear your comments!