Hello- On what was technically the last day of summer (9/22), I ventured into the Colorado High Country to see how the aspens were progressing. While in the Denver-Metro area (elevation around 5,280 feet), the trees - for the most part - are still mostly green. This was not the case above 8,500 feet! Starting around Cliff - and particularly west of Rollins - the fall colors were near the peak in many locations. The day sounded as though it might start off with a bit of a bust. An eastbound coal load went into emergency on the west switch of Cliff (UP Moffat Tunnel Subdivision, west of Denver, CO). Turns out the independent air brakes would release on the first (of three) mid-train swing DPU's. From what I gathered on the scanner, the engineer had to make a couple trips between the head end and the swing helpers to troubleshoot the problem. Ultimately, the DPU was linked to the third unit in the mid-train helpers and the trucks on the first unit were "cut out", allowing the brakes to release. When things started rolling again, there were westbounds at Cliff, Crescent, Plain and Leyden, and eastbounds at Rollins, Tolland and Tabernash! Made for a good remainder of the day with quite a bit of action. 1. Amtrak 5 - the train that was waiting at Crescent for the broken coal train - heads west through the canyon between Rollins and Tolland running about two hours late at this point. 2. After meeting Amtrak at Tolland, this coal load crosses South Boulder Creek about a mile east of Tolland. The siding of Tolland is being extended from 5,650 feet to ~9,000 feet. The extended siding is in and it looks like they are now mainly waiting on the signal department. New extended siding expected to be open for business in early October. 3. My personal favorite shot of the day. The aspens behind the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel were just perfect! This is the DPU power on the end of a westbound coal empty plunging into the tunnel. All-in-all, it was a fantastic day. You can find some more shots from the day by clicking here. Enjoy!
Fantastic shots! I was hoping someone would be on location for Golden Week! I LOVE that shot on #5. Amazing!!!!!!!
Hey Kevin, definately UP Calendar material! Copy19 over T.O., stated he was looking for "Corporate" looking scenery....well you nailed it!
