1939 D&RGW Chili Line Excursion

The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will recreate a Chili Line mixed train for the Summer 2024 Charter. This event will be held on August 3, 2024. Tickets sell fast, and limited seating is available. Tickets available here: bit.ly/3VYeVye
The Chili Line, also known as the Santa Fe Branch, ran 125.6 miles from Antonito, Colorado, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Denver & Rio Grande Western closed the narrow gauge Chili Line in 1941 due to competition from motor transportation. It was dismantled in 1942.
On November 25, 1939, Train 426 left Santa Fe, New Mexico, headed for Alamosa. A local Santa Fe Club chartered car 312 for a trip north on the Chili Line from Santa Fe to Antonito and toward Chama.
Video from the Richard L. Dorman Collection. ©Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

[@t-12productions15]

I think I am crazy enough to concitder rebuilding this branch, Santa Fe to Antonito and all.

[@friendsofctsrr]

It would be really cool to rebuild it all. If only we had an unlimited supply of money!

[@jgrahamiii7749]

Why stop there? Rebuild the line from Chama to Durango and then on to Ridgeway...

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

This is amazing to see. I've only seen one other piece of footage of the Chili Line. It was colour, but shakey and blurred.
This is really good footage.
(I actually have a spike from the Chili Line here in the UK. Someone sent it to me 🤫).

[@friendsofctsrr]

We were stoked to see this footage as well. The volunteer who digitized it let me know there is more footage that has not been digitized yet. I don't know if the footage is as good as this is though. We can't wait to see and share it.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@friendsofctsrr Fantastic. What a gem!
I look forward to that.

[@davetaylor7240]

Love the video, BUT... WOW the mouth organ work deserves to be credited, GREAT sound track.. But by Who?

[@friendsofctsrr]

This was a piece of stock music through a paid service. It is great music though and we wish we had more information for you.