Built in 1909 by H. K. Porter, the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Co. #2 was purchased in 2006 by Efstathios I. Pappas. Affectionately known as "The Chiggen," this locomotive served as a billboard for a fried chicken restaurant for over 30 years before rebuilding began. This locomotive is available for rent and special events and use on your railroad.
Status Update: (January 2017) A new chapter Begins...
Status Update: (January 2017) A new chapter Begins...
Stathi has accepted a new position at the Cumbres and Toltec as Assistant General Manager Trainee. In February 2017, Stathi will start on a exciting new chapter of his life down in southern Colorado. For the time being, The Chiggen will be stored indoors at the Northwest Railway Museum.
Below is the press release issued by the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
"Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado…………………….The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad and President, John E. Bush are pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Efstathios (Stathi) I. Pappas who will be assuming the position of Assistant General Manager Trainee and Project Manager on February 1, 2017.
Mr. Pappas brings to the C&TS RR a long list of successful accomplishments in steam locomotive restoration, tourist railroad management, experience with railroad museums and advanced academic teaching and studies in the field of Industrial Archaeology and Anthropology. His most recent position was that of Manager of Steam Operations and Restoration, Chief Mechanical Officer and Curator of Large Objects at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA. Previously, he was the Assistant Operations Manager, Chief Mechanical Officer and Road Foreman of Engines at the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, in Washington. His additional experience includes Machinist and Boilermaker at the Chelatchie Locomotive Company, Washington; Machinist, Locomotive Fireman, and Conductor at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, Felton, CA, as well as currently owning a consultant business; Stockton Locomotive Works, specializing in supplies and contract services for steam railroads.
During the period of 2004 to 2007 Mr. Pappas served as an Adjunct Professor and Doctoral Candidate at the University of Nevada, Department of Anthropology, Reno, NV. He taught university classes on various topics including anthropology, archaeology, philosophy and executed research methods as well as developing original research in industrial history and archaeology, grant writing, publication/authorship in academic journals.
Mr. Pappas brings to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad a high level of professional experience in museum curation, operations management experience including FRA Compliance, Safety, OSHA Compliance and crew training. He is a seasoned steam locomotive maintenance and restoration expert in the areas of machining, welding, and complete locomotive rebuilding.
Mr. Efstathios I. Pappas will be accompanied by his wife and their two sons. They will be residing in the Alamosa, Colorado area."
Below is the press release issued by the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
"Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado…………………….The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad and President, John E. Bush are pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Efstathios (Stathi) I. Pappas who will be assuming the position of Assistant General Manager Trainee and Project Manager on February 1, 2017.
Mr. Pappas brings to the C&TS RR a long list of successful accomplishments in steam locomotive restoration, tourist railroad management, experience with railroad museums and advanced academic teaching and studies in the field of Industrial Archaeology and Anthropology. His most recent position was that of Manager of Steam Operations and Restoration, Chief Mechanical Officer and Curator of Large Objects at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA. Previously, he was the Assistant Operations Manager, Chief Mechanical Officer and Road Foreman of Engines at the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, in Washington. His additional experience includes Machinist and Boilermaker at the Chelatchie Locomotive Company, Washington; Machinist, Locomotive Fireman, and Conductor at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, Felton, CA, as well as currently owning a consultant business; Stockton Locomotive Works, specializing in supplies and contract services for steam railroads.
During the period of 2004 to 2007 Mr. Pappas served as an Adjunct Professor and Doctoral Candidate at the University of Nevada, Department of Anthropology, Reno, NV. He taught university classes on various topics including anthropology, archaeology, philosophy and executed research methods as well as developing original research in industrial history and archaeology, grant writing, publication/authorship in academic journals.
Mr. Pappas brings to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad a high level of professional experience in museum curation, operations management experience including FRA Compliance, Safety, OSHA Compliance and crew training. He is a seasoned steam locomotive maintenance and restoration expert in the areas of machining, welding, and complete locomotive rebuilding.
Mr. Efstathios I. Pappas will be accompanied by his wife and their two sons. They will be residing in the Alamosa, Colorado area."
