Current DVD Titles:

Steam in the Rockies - Volume 4:
Caterpillars on the Cumbres and Toltec

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad faced an unusual challenge in June of 2013, as a massive outbreak of the western tent caterpillar necessitated doubleheaded operation on the 4% grade from Chama to Cumbres Pass. This was the 2nd straight year the caterpillars wreaked havoc during the month of June, as their emergence is timed to coincide with the appearance of new aspen leaves in the spring.

Feeding solely on young aspen leaves, the caterpillars denuded entire groves of trees before moving to the ground in search of more food. Gathering on the rails in great numbers, they very effectively greased the rails as the locomotives passed over them - causing frequent delays on the west side of the railroad. In this program we'll look at operations during 4 days in June, and see how the railroad devised a solution to the caterpillar problem.

Moving forward to September, you'll see a doubleheaded passenger train at the beginning of fall foliage season, as most of the aspens were able to re-foliate after the caterpillar outbreak. Finally, this program concludes with coverage of K-27 #463 on her first passenger excursion after being restored to service. We'll ride behind #463 as she doubleheads with K-36 #487 on a special Friends of the C&TS charter, from Antonito to Chama in May of 2013.

Filmed entirely in HD, this program features great steam action amidst spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.

This program has minimal narration (with the option to turn it on or off) and no distracting music.

In addition to the standard widescreen DVD, this program is also available on HD Blu-ray disc.

Running Time: 82 minutes
(plus 8 minutes of previews)

Standard Definition DVD

$20.00

High Definition Blu-ray

$25.00

Steam in the Rockies - Volume 3:
Fall Freights on the Cumbres and Toltec

2013 was a special year on the Cumbres and Toltec, as K-27 'Mudhen' #463 returned to service after a thorough rebuild. The highlight of the year was a fall photo charter featuring #463 and C-18 consolidation #315, which was trucked in from Durango for the event. This program covers all 4 days of the 'Chama Steam' fall charter.

On the first day, you'll see #315 leading a doubleheader from Chama to Cumbres, as both locomotives put on a spectacular show climbing the 4% grade. Subsequent days have #315 pulling a period stock train, while #463 leads a mixed freight serving as the photographers "chase train." The final day features #463 as a mid-train helper from Antonito to Cumbres.

In addition to plenty of runbys, you'll see both locomotives being serviced in Antonito, plus #463 being re-railed at Osier after derailing her trailing truck on the loop track. We cover many of the iconic spots on the railroad, plus a few unique locations that have never been seen before.

Filmed entirely in HD, this program features great steam action amidst spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. With perfect clear weather on all 4 days, great stack talk and whistle echoes, plus the sweeping vistas the Cumbres and Toltec is known for, this program is sure to please any steam fan. You'll see why the Rio Grande narrow gauge is such a special place for so many.

This program has minimal narration (with the option to turn it on or off) and no distracting music.

In addition to the standard widescreen DVD, this program is also available on HD Blu-ray disc.

Running Time: 94 minutes
(plus 9 minutes of previews)

Standard Definition DVD

$20.00

High Definition Blu-ray

$25.00

Steam in the Rockies - Volume 2:
The Cumbres and Toltec

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad operates 64 miles of former Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge track between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Built in 1880, this line originally connected Denver with the mining country of southwestern Colorado. While much of the trackage was abandoned in the late 1960s, the Chama to Antonito portion was saved and became the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in 1970.

The railroad travels over 10,015-foot high Cumbres Pass, providing a spectacular display of steam-powered mountain railroading on the 4% grade to the summit. This DVD contains footage filmed in 2011 and 2012, focusing primarily on Chama and the climb to the pass.

In addition to the regularly scheduled passenger trains, you’ll see clips from the August 2012 Engineer & Fireman School program as students operate a freight consist over the scenic line. All 3 runs up the hill (over 2 days) are included, plus afternoon switching and servicing in Chama.

Also featured is the Cumbres Fiesta Train, a special late afternoon trip operating from Chama to Cumbres. You'll see the railroad in a different light (literally) as locomotive #488 departs Chama at 5:30 in the afternoon.

Finally, you’ll see the first revenue train to cross the rebuilt Lobato Trestle on June 20th, 2011. This was the first time in almost a year that a train left Chama for Cumbres Pass, as the historic bridge was heavily damaged by fire the year before.

Filmed entirely in HD, this DVD features great steam action amidst spectacular mountain scenery.

This program has minimal narration (with the option to turn it on or off) and no distracting music.

In addition to the standard widescreen DVD, this program is also available on HD Blu-ray disc.

Running Time: 105 minutes
(plus 7 minutes of previews)

Standard Definition DVD

$20.00

High Definition Blu-ray

$25.00

Steam in the Rockies - Volume 1:
The Durango and Silverton

The Durango and Silverton operates 45 miles of former Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge track in the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado. From Durango, at an elevation of 6500 feet, the railroad steadily climbs along the Animas River to Silverton, at 9300 feet. Originally built to tap the rich mining areas around Silverton, the line now hauls tourists year round.

This DVD contains footage from both 2011 and 2012. The first segment shows the winter operation to Cascade Canyon (roughly half the distance to Silverton) with K-28 class 2-8-2 #478. From sunny skies one day to a blizzard the next, you'll see a breathtaking portrait of steam in the winter.

We’ll also climb aboard the Winter Photographers Train held in February of 2012. Locomotive #486 pulls a mixed train from Durango to Cascade with many runbys held en route, highlighted by 1886-built Flanger OF being used in snow clearing service.

You'll also see coverage of the August 2012 Railfest with the visiting “Eureka,” an authentic 1875 wood-burning ‘American’ type locomotive. We'll climb aboard the Friday run to Cascade Canyon, and also see trackside views on Saturday and Sunday. Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 and locomotives #478, #482, and #486 also make appearances.

Finally you’ll see the regular operation to Silverton, including 4 trains a day during the busy summer months of 2011.

Filmed entirely in HD, this DVD features great steam action amidst spectacular mountain scenery.

This program has minimal narration (with the option to turn it on or off) and no distracting music.

In addition to the standard widescreen DVD, this program is also available on HD Blu-ray disc.

Running Time: 86 minutes
(plus 16 minutes of previews)

Standard Definition DVD

$20.00

High Definition Blu-ray

$25.00