Antonito, Colorado | Chama, New Mexico | 1-888-CUMBRES | info@cumbrestoltec.com
1-888-CUMBRES | e-mail us
TICKET OFFICES: Antonito, CO 1-719-376-5483 | Chama, NM 1-575-756-2151
FAQs - The Train
Are seats on the train reserved?
Yes. You are assigned specific seats when you receive your tickets.
What is the difference between the parlor car and coach?Parlor car guests ride in a carpeted and paneled coach featuring open seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and attendant service. The parlor car seats face toward the windows on the most scenic side of the train, whereas the coach cars have bench seating like a school bus, with the seats facing the front of the car.
Are refreshments available on the train?Yes, there is a concession car on each train. Snacks and beverages are complimentary on the parlor car.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?Yes.
Are the passenger cars heated?No.
Are there restrooms on the train?Yes. There are restrooms on the train and the motorcoaches, and also at the Antonito and Chama stations, and the Osier dining hall.
Can I smoke on the train?No. Smoking is not permitted at any time on the train nor on any railroad property.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages on the train?No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Can I bring my dog on the train?Only certified service dogs accompanied by their masters can be brought aboard the train.
Is there a place I can board my pet during the train ride?In Chama, try Chama Valley Mobile Veterinary Clinic, 1-505-756-1057. In Antonito, try Haynie Animal Clinic, 1-719-274-5752.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?Yes, our trains and one of our motorcoaches feature wheelchair lifts. Please notify the station staff at the time of your reservation that you use a wheelchair, and reserve at least three days in advance.
Can I bring a child’s stroller on the train?Yes.
Can I move about the train?Yes. You are welcome to move from car to car. Please be careful when moving in between cars, as the cars can be subject to sudden jerks. All children must be accompanied by an adult when moving through the train.
Is there an open car on the train?Yes. All trains include an open gondola, and you are welcome to spend as much time as you like in the gondola.
Is it possible to ride in the cab of a locomotive?No. The C&TS does not offer cab rides.
What kind of crew is required to operate a train?A train is operated by a minimum of four crewmen. The conductor is in charge of the train and moves about the passenger cars. The brakeman assists the conductor while the train is moving, and checks the brakes before the train departs. Long trains will require an additional brakeman. Two crewmen run the locomotive. The fireman is in charge of maintaining pressure in the boiler by managing the coal in the firebox, and controlling the amount of water that enters the boiler. The engineer controls the train speed, handling the throttle, brakes and other controls needed to do this job.
How much coal does the locomotive use?On a typical roundtrip the fireman will have to shovel from five to seven tons of coal into the locomotive’s firebox. The amount depends on the fireman’s skill and the locomotive. Every locomotive fires differently and has its own idiosyncrasies. The locomotive tenders hold ten tons of coal.
What do the whistle signals mean?The locomotive engineer uses whistle signals to communicate with the conductor and brakeman. There are several signals that are made with a combination of short and long whistle blasts. However, the most common signals that you will hear are these: One short blast means that the train has come to a complete stop. Two short blasts means that the train is about to move forward. Three short blasts means that the train is about to move backward. And of course there is the familiar long-long-short-long signal at every grade crossing.
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If you have any other questions, email us at question@cumbrestoltec.com.
