Snow-covered curves catch the lowering sun between Dalton, New Mexico, and Cresco, Colorado on the afternoon of February 29, 2020. The quiet of the high country in winter is shattered as Cumbres &... (more)

The crew of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Rotary OY pauses during a short break in the action at the Highway 17 grade crossing above Dalton, New Mexico on February 29, 2020. Engineer Max Casias... (more)

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam Rotary OY, pushed by K-36 Mikado locomotives Nos. 487 and 484, approaches the Highway 17 grade crossing above Dalton, New Mexico, on February 29, 2020. The s... (more)

Marvin Casillas operates Rotary OY.

The Rotary Train has exited the Narrows and is approaching the trestle across Wolf Creek.

The Rotary Train has exited the Narrows and is approaching the trestle across Wolf Creek.

Anatomy of a Rotary. High above Highway 17, and just north of Lobo Lodge, the Cumbres & Toltec's Rotary Snow Plow OY continues to slice through the snow-pack as she clears the line from Cha... (more)

Rotary train rounds the curves above Lobato Trestle.

Rotary OY nears the New Mexico-Colorado State Line as it climbs toward Cumbres Pass.

Rotary OY nears the New Mexico-Colorado State Line as it climbs toward Cumbres Pass.

Rotary OY and its train nears the New Mexico-Colorado State Line as it climbs toward Cumbres Pass.

Rotary OY rests under the coal tipple in Chama after a long day of clearing the line. The fan at the front as just spun down after a test spin.

Even in the light snow just outside of Chama Rotary OY and its two locomotives put on a show in the bright sun.

Lake Lobato: The climb begins in earnest. The Cumbres & Toltec Rotary Outfit takes the turn at Lake Lobato as it emerges from The Narrows and digs into the 4% grade that culminates at Cumbr... (more)

Steam, smoke and snow
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Rotary OY approaches Colorado Highway 17 grade crossing at Coxo, Colorado, on March 1, 2020. The steam-powered rotary plow is being... (more)