The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is bringing in new management following a tumultuous start to the 2025 season. 

On June 19, the historic narrow gauge railroad announced that Eric Mason, who previously served as CEO and general manager, would return as interim general manager, replacing Ed Beaudette. Beaudette is now the strategic programs officer. Steven Butler, who was the general manager in 2023, will return as chief mechanical officer. Additionally, Merrill Gutierrez, who has been with the railroad for four years, has been promoted to shop manager in Chama. 

In a press release, the railroad’s commission attributed the shake-up to a rocky start to the 2025 season, which included canceled trains due to a lack of operating locomotives. However, the railroad has seemingly experienced a revolving door of leadership in recent years, with multiple general managers. Additionally, in 2023, four former employees sued the railroad and its managing commission, alleging that it was a “toxic and hostile workplace.” That suit is ongoing. Officials with the C&TS said the management transition was not related to the litigation. 

“It’s been a disappointing start to the season,” Commissioner Scott Gibbs stated in a press release about the cancellations this season due to mechanical issues. “The good news is that the Cumbres & Toltec is going to be in a much better position as key repairs have been made. We’ll be back to running two trains a day, six days a week, ensuring we can meet the demand from passengers who travel from all over the world to experience the thrill of historic steam railroading.”

In the same press release, Mason said that he was looking forward to a successful season and encouraged people to come out and ride. 

The C&TS is owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, and is managed by a four-person commission. The railroad was founded in 1970 to preserve one of the most scenic and rugged sections of the famed Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. 

—Justin Franz