Another Century of the Narrow Gauge Steam II 
Use of Campaign FundsInterpretation and Education 20-25% of funds raised The Friends’ mission includes interpreting the history and educating the public about the rich legacy of the Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge system, which dates back to 1870. This living museum is in fact, more than just a spectacular historic train ride. It is the experience of stepping back in time that grips all the senses. Three key components of retaining and sustaining this will be: building a Railroad Visitor Center in Chama, achieving museum accreditation on behalf of the railroad from the American Association of Museums, and achieving Landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places. Funding of this initiative will allow the organization to reach out to visitors to the region. It will also provide the opportunity to develop an educational curriculum and activities for children and youth. Each new milestone in interpretation is intended to enhance the visitor experience and turn tourist dollars into economic stimulus for Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Historic Rolling Stock 20-25% of funds raised Efforts to rehabilitate and preserve the historic rolling stock fleet are now enhanced with the development of a long-range restoration plan. A new car restoration facility has been constructed in Antonito, Colorado. Highlights of future projects include: completing restoration of pile driver OB in 2008 (over twelve years of volunteer labor already invested), manufacturing of new trucks for a variety of cars, restoring rotary snowplow OY, and beginning interior work on passenger coaches and RPOs. In addition, covered car storage and a car restoration facility are planned for Chama. Historic Structures 20-25% of funds raised The Friends have stabilized these structures during its annual work sessions, but more significant structural repairs are necessary to preserve them for the next 100 years. C&TS Locomotive Fleet 10-15% of funds raised Funding from ACNGS I helped to rebuild K-36 locomotives 484, 487, and 488. K-36 489 is expected to be completed in the summer of 2007. Additional funds will be required to rebuild 463, a K-27. Having five operating locomotives will enable the C&TS to operate more revenue trains and maximize passenger carrying capacity. It also affords the opportunity for the Friends to operate special charters like maintenance-of-way trains or freight consists, and sets the stage for the possibility of running rotary snowplow OY to clear winter snowfall. Railroad and Operator Assistance 10-15% of funds raised Where reasonable and appropriate, the Friends will provide volunteer labor and/or funding in the form of loans and grants to meet critical needs of the railroad. Some past examples include right-of-way clean-up, matching funds for locomotive and track work, and repairs to equipment such as speeders. Permanent Endowment 10% of funds raised Preserving the past includes preparing for the future.
This page remains open for reference only. Campaign Contributions and Pledges (ACNGS II has concluded. Please consider making your Pledge or Donation to our current campaign. Thank you!) You can make a donation or pledge to the ACNGS II campaign online right now! (This will now take you to our Donation Page where you may make a donation to our current campaign or other fund.) If you prefer to make a donation or pledge by telephone, call the Friends office at 1-505-880-1311. You may also request a donation form via postal mail by emailing the Friends office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Our full-color Another Century of Narrow Gauge Steam II campaign booklet provides in-depth background information about the railroad, its economic and cultural significance, and the Friends. You may view it online in PDF Format. Campaign Updates
Contact Information For further information about the campaign, we invite you to contact Friends Development Committee Chairman Bob Ross. Bob Ross, Development Committee Chairman Friends of the Cumbres & Totlec Scenic Railroad, Inc. Phone: 505-880-1331 |
We are excited to announce Another Century of Narrow Gauge Steam II: Preserving a World Class Historic Property. We seek to raise $2 million over the next five years. Building on the success of the first campaign, this fundraising program will allow us to take the next steps to restore and preserve the unique historic assets of the C&TS. The priorities for this new effort come directly from the Friends’ strategic plan, and 100% of the Board of Directors have already made pledges. To strengthen our endeavor we will reach out to corporations, foundations and appropriate government entities. And, as in the past, we will also focus on the generosity of our membership.