Chama train depot 3-5-2006

The is actually just a bit north of the depot (which is behind us and to the left).

Locomotives need both coal and water to operate, and we're standing at the north end of the Chama yards, looking at two service structures necessary for getting that coal and water on board. That's the coaling tower rising in the near distance, and in the very center of the photo is the water tower.

Locomotives also carry sand to drop on the rails in front of the driving wheels for traction on steep grades, and the green roof just in front of the coaling tower is the sandhouse where sand is dried and stored.

I've modeled this scene (in HOn3), and feel peculiarly sentimental about it.

The track in front of and slightly to the right of the water tower (and Speeder !) leads to the Ashpit where the fire on the grates was dumped prior to shopping in the roundhouse (just out of view to the right (behind the trees).