After talking to a inspector who controls the Chama narrow gauge train, I have to believe that the real problem with these old trains are the old bearings in the wheels: They give off sparks. The 416 Fire started at wheel height. Video confirms it. So changing to diesel engines won’t be the catch-all solution. The train still needs to be super diligent with following water cars that put out spot fires.
Peter Pizzoferrato
Durango
