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A new executive director rides the rails
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These historic trains aren’t in a museum; they are chugging along the border of New Mexico and Colorado. And, they’ll soon have a new conductor, of sorts: Rick Marsden.
Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. is a railroad volunteer organization that preserves the history of 64 miles of narrow gauge track between Chama and Antonito, Colorado. The nonprofit’s executive director, Tim Tennant, is retiring after 20 years of service.
Marsden will start as executive director Feb. 13, the organization announced Monday.
Marsden has participated with Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad since 2014. He is also a past vice president of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Society.
“They’re helping keep history alive. It is right up my alley,” said Marsden in a press release.
The Cumbres & Toltec itself was built in 1880 to serve the silver mines in the San Juan Mountains. In 1969 the track was abandoned, and in 1970 the 64-mile rail line was purchased by Colorado and New Mexico, according to the Cumbres & Toltec website.
Now, Cumbres & Toltec offer rides on the historic trains from Chama to Antonito.
Tennant told the Journal that Marsden is “a good guy.”
“It will be a good fit,” he added.
As for Tennant, he said it’s just time to retire. He’s worked in tourist railroading for 45 years.
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“I’ve enjoyed it,” Tennant said.
