The new Amtrak policy limits the number of terminals and stations where they will pick up and drop off cars. Mostly only places like Kansas City, Los Angeles, Chicago etc. Patric is exploring using BNSF and UP to pull his cars. Recently BNSF declined a trip over Raton Pass as they no longer have any crews qualified over that route and Amtrak would not lend them a pilot. After the new year coming up Amtrak may stop running trains over the pass as that line does not have the new federally mandated Positive Train Control installed there. The Southwest Chief is the only train that uses it but I guess the east bound and west bound could still theoretically collide somewhere between Albuquerque and La Junta. Here the #4 is passing the west bound at a meet in Sands, New Mexico.
Inspired by Kurt's interest in my Railimages files, I decided to resurrect some old photos. This one of 4449 on her trip to Montana in 2004. We chased her to Sandpoint, Idaho, where the trip was to start, and could not find her. Some sleuthing produced info that she was "hiding in the siding" at Kootenai and we got a shot there. I have to find a bigger version of that file.
IAIS 6988 along with IAIS 703 on the rear roll by with the Mitchellville Steam Experience Excursion, one of five this day to benefit the Mitchellville Volunteer Fire Dept. The excursions were SOLD OUT. Taken between Altoona and Mitchellville, IA. Iowa Interstate Newton Sub. August 18, 2018 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Way to go, Buddy. The IAIS sure has some interesting stuff and we are glad you cover it with your lenses.
It would be hard to tell what RR this was, at least until the loaded return with the CP leader. The CP's policies will not allow a unit without a hotplate in the cab... We could have really confused folks if an NS and CSX unit were also in consist. We get those thru Minot all the time.
An old one from 1943 taken by Jack Delano. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/fsac/item/2017878100/
The old depot in Thompsons, Texas. It was on the other side of the Brazos River about seven miles south of where I live . At one time it was a junction between the Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe and the Cane Belt railroads. Today the wye is still heavily used by coal trains coming in from Wyoming to the huge coal fired power plant at Smithers Lake just west of Thomsons. https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4842716,-95.613292,4653m/data=!3m1!1e3
BNSF crossing the UP Sunset Route in Rosenberg. The diamond is under the three black tank cars bracketed by the white ones.
Finally got a photo of UP 1943 leading a special, though it was deadheading back home.Mt Vernon, IA-August 24, 2018. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Russ, how do the various car tracking systems handle an ID like this? Obviously MKT 4567 disappeared into obscurity many decades ago as a Class 1 identity on car tracking logs. Yet here she be pulling her income producing weight. If there is some magic potion for keeping historic carriers alive and available to revenue payers, perhaps you could resurrect the NYC Commodore Vanderbilt on which I last rode in May, 1947. Jim (Fitz) and I would be eternally grateful.
A few from the Colorado RailRoad Museum today, 8/25/18. Tunnel Motor #5401 Rio Grande K37 #491 Museum shop goat "PeeWee" Along with a few others of the 5401.
Looks like NS removed a No. 2 turnout here! Dig that light rail. I have no idea what this once looked like in its prime. Just happened upon the scene this afternoon.
