I love to chase the Cumbres & Toltec steam train out of (and/or back to) Chama. Chasing it consists of waiting for it to show up at one place or another, snapping a bunch of photos, then driving really fast on Highway 17 to the next best spot for another series of shots. Rinse and repeat.1
I drove up a few weeks ago and stopped near the Colorado-New Mexico border, waiting for the train to show up on its way back. I immediately noticed the scene below so I casually pulled my camera out of the car, checked its settings, then ambled toward the man as if I hadn’t even registered his presence.
A couple of nanoseconds after I’d raised my camera and pushed the shutter button, he noticed me and very politely moved behind the sign so I could get the “real” shot. I laughed, thanked him, and told him he was the shot.2
It was a beautiful day and the trees were at a perfect point of yellow, green, and even a bit of orange. Only a few had begun dropping their leaves.
I’d completely forgotten that the train goes downhill into Chama two or three times as quickly as it chugs uphill. I managed to get to some good vantage points anyway, despite its (relative) speed.
This can be a risky proposition since there are often a bunch of other photographers and train enthusiasts doing exactly the same thing. I have seen some really bad driving (and perhaps have even engaged in some of it myself).
I don’t think he believed me. By the way, it was a lucky shot anyway. People (and critters) usually notice me, no matter how sneaky I think I’ve been.
Perfect shots!
Fun! Would love to do that! How do you know the route? 🧡😂🚂