<P>Hi, <p> I'm writing my third western novel, this one set in the Chama area of New Mexico. <br> My train passengers are coming from Kansas City and going to Raton, NM, the end of the terminus in 1878. <br> How long would the trip take? <br> How many MPH could the 4.4.0 steam engine make on level ground? <br> Would an old 4 4 0 still be operating in 1878? If not, what would be the engine of choice on the Atchison,<br>Topeka and Santa Fe? <br> If you could answer any or all these questions, I would be profoundly in your debt. <p> Thanks, <br> <p> Carter Swart <br> http://as.net/~cswart/index2.html<br>




cswart@as.net

<P>I'll take a stab at this:<p>yes, many 4-4-0 (American class) were operating then - top track speed of maybe 60 if the tracks could support it. The ATSF did go thru Raton - but not via Chama. That was D&RG lands. Narrow guage country. Trip - maybe two days.<p>Best wishes for the book - let's hope the movie comes out soon.<br>




lundquist@sdrm.org