In July 1969 the Rio Grande was granted permission from the Interstate Commerce Commission to abandon their narrow gauge lines in Colorado and New Mexico, with the exception of the Silverton branch. Determined to save the rugged and scenic line over Cumbres Pass the states in which the line ran purchased the line from the Rio Grande, along with several locomotives and much of the remaining rolling stock. Starting in 1971 the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad began operations, hauling first class excursion trains between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Today the C&TSRR continues to provide visitors with a first class tour of the former Rio Grande and while their principle focus is on the tourist business, photo charters also draw crowds of railfans, looking to relive an era of railroading long since lost to the history books in most of North America. As a part of 'Chama Steam's 2015 triple header' photo charter, Rio Grande K-27 #463 teams with K-36s #484 and #489 to tackle the grueling 4% grade out of Chama.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
