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  • DOUBLEHEADER FUNDRAISING PHOTO CHARTER

Locomotive 492 Fundraiser Photo Charter

A rare doubleheader photo charter with Locomotives 168 and 315

Quick Details

Adult

Ages 11+

$ 500

A Rare Doubleheader With a Powerful Purpose

On Monday, September 28, historic Locomotives 168 and 315 will doublehead a special fundraising photo charter from Antonito to Osier and back.

Designed for railroad photographers and steam enthusiasts, this full-day experience will feature planned photo stops and runbys at scenic locations along the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The early-morning departure begins with a planned sunrise photo opportunity at Ferguson, followed by additional opportunities throughout the journey to Osier.

The charter is limited to just 60 guests and is scheduled during the traditional fall-color season, offering the potential for spectacular autumn scenery alongside two historic Baldwin steam locomotives.

Proceeds from the event will support the restoration of Locomotive 492.

Experience Highlights

  • Experience Locomotives 168 and 315 working together in a rare doubleheader
  • Support the restoration of Locomotive 492
  • Begin the day with a planned sunrise photo opportunity at Ferguson
  • Photograph two planned runbys at Ferguson
  • Enjoy planned photo stops and runbys throughout the journey to Osier
  • Ride with a historic Railway Post Office Car featuring a restroom and snack counter
  • Experience the railroad during the traditional fall-color season
  • Enjoy access to an open gondola
  • Join an exclusive photo charter limited to only 60 guests

The Train

Historic Locomotives 168 and 315 will doublehead this special fundraising photo charter from Antonito to Osier and return. The train will feature historic passenger equipment, an open gondola and Railway Post Office Car, creating a distinctive consist for railroad photography.

Planned Train Consist

  • Locomotive 168
  • Locomotive 315
  • Open gondola
  • Railway Post Office Car
  • Two historic coaches

The Railway Post Office Car includes a restroom and snack counter.

Train consists, locomotive assignments, photo locations, and operating plans are subject to change due to railroad conditions, mechanical requirements, weather, and safety considerations.

Photography Experience

This charter is designed specifically for railroad photography, with planned photo stops and runbys at locations between Antonito and Osier.

Planned photographic locations include:

  • Ferguson sunrise photo opportunity
  • Two runbys at Ferguson
  • Lava Water Tank
  • Sublette
  • MP 308.5 Rock Cut
  • Phantom Curve or Calico Cut
  • Exit of Rock Tunnel
  • Osier Water Tank

Photo locations and timing are subject to change based on railroad operations, weather, track conditions and safety requirements.

George Niederauer Book Signing

During the charter events, author George Niederauer will participate in a special signing of his book Locomotive 315: The Lives, Times, and Rebirth of an 1895 Steam Engine.

The book documents the remarkable history, restoration, and return to service of Locomotive 315.

Proceeds from book sales during the event will support the continued operation and preservation of Locomotive 315.

Itinerary

  • 5:30 AM: Recommended arrival and check-in at the Antonito Depot
  • 6:00 AM: Depart Antonito behind Locomotives 168 and 315
  • Morning: Planned sunrise photo opportunity at Ferguson with two runbys
  • Morning–Midday: Planned photo stops and runbys at Lava Water Tank, Sublette, MP 308.5 Rock Cut, Phantom Curve or Calico Cut and the exit of Rock Tunnel
  • Midday: Continue to Osier with a planned photo opportunity at Osier Water Tank
  • Lunch: Box lunch provided by From the Wagon
  • Afternoon: Return toward Antonito with additional photo opportunities as operating time permits
  • 8:00 PM: Return to the Antonito Depot

Train Car Information

Historic Coaches

Two historic coaches will provide enclosed seating aboard the charter. Guests should expect the character and accommodations of historic narrow-gauge railroad equipment rather than a modern passenger train. Seating may be unassigned unless otherwise stated.

Railway Post Office Car

The Railway Post Office Car adds another distinctive piece of historic railroad equipment to the consist and includes a restroom and snack counter.

Open-Air Gondola

The open-air gondola provides unobstructed views, fresh mountain air, and an immersive experience close to the sights and sounds of the steam locomotive.

The gondola is exposed to wind, sun, smoke, soot, cinders, and rapidly changing temperatures. Guests should bring protective eyewear and dress in layers.

Meal Information

A box lunch prepared by From the Wagon is included with each ticket.

Check-In Information

Please arrive at the Antonito Depot at least 30 minutes before departure.

What to Bring

  • Camera and photography equipment
  • Fully charged batteries
  • Extra memory cards or film
  • Tripod or monopod, if desired
  • Protective covering for camera equipment
  • Layered clothing for changing mountain temperatures
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves
  • Rain protection
  • Sturdy, closed-toe footwear
  • Protective eyewear
  • Hearing protection, if desired
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Additional snacks for the full-day excursion
  • Small flashlight or headlamp for the early-morning departure

Guests are responsible for safely handling, transporting, and securing their own equipment.

Accessibility

Guests with mobility concerns or other accessibility needs should contact us before booking. Our reservations team can discuss boarding procedures, available accommodations and the movement required between the train and Osier Station.

Not all historic railroad equipment or areas of Osier Station offer the same level of accessibility, so advance coordination is strongly recommended.

Policies & Cancellations

Trip Protection

Protect Your Reservation

Trip Protection may be added during online checkout for 8% of the reservation total. Trip Protection must be purchased when the original reservation is made and cannot be added later.

Reservations With Trip Protection

Guests may cancel or change their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Refunds exclude the Trip Protection fee and applicable processing fees.

Changes are subject to availability and any difference in ticket price.

Reservations Without Trip Protection

One complimentary change to another available excursion may be requested up to 24 hours before departure. Additional changes are subject to a $20 change fee plus any difference in ticket price.

Within 24 Hours of Departure

No changes, cancellations or refunds are available within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.

Trip Protection fees and processing fees are nonrefundable.

Read our Cancellation, Change & Refund Policy