How about a few signal shots? The U.P. appears to be getting ready to upgrade the signals in Western Colorado. Depot Siding Signals Signals on the west side of Grand Junction, CO. Ben
If you look close you can see the new signal masts that have recently been erected at the Palisade Siding. Ben
Loaded Coal Train While Mike was out visiting last summer he expressed an interest in coal hoppers. So Mike this coal train is for you (with a few extra hopper shots). A loaded UP coal train arrives in Grand Junction from one of the mines near Paonia, CO. Ben
Next I headed over to the main yard to catch a few early morning shots. The lighting was not in my favor but I still had a good railfan outing with my son. Grand Junction Tower UP 1460 & 1203 And finally a couple of shots of the sanding towers. Ben
Ben, you are the man!!! Great shots of some old cars And this shot is just awesome! Isn't that the bridge that our "houseless" friend from that morning lives on the other side of? Mike
I used to watch trains coming onto the wye from Montrose and delta from the old 5th St. bridge around 5 PM when I was a kid. It was all Rio Grande power then. Back when they still used cabooses too. Good times I miss it!
I also remember 7th St as well. That grain elevator used to be Mesa Feed. I liked to watch the Rio Grande zephyr leave town on it's way to Denver. All that greeen glass and stainless steel mixed with Rio Grande gold is permanently etched in my mind.
Silver Lady memories I was 10 when I rode the last trip of the Zephyr in 83. I was barely old enough to appreciate the finery and sad goodbyes folks waved, even from rocky outcroppings along the right-of-way. I was just so thrilled I could ride. I didn't understand why these old folks were hooping and hollering about whose time actually won. I only learned after my dad explained to me that they were taking a pool on arrival times to certain stations and waymarkers or sidings. Those folks are likely all gone now. :tb-frown: Still, I was so stoked when we got front row seats in the second vista dome! :thumbs_up: I felt it was a bit of a loss to not be in the first dome, but I didn't realize it was cool to watch the dome ahead of us take the plunge in the tunnel. :tb-err: It's a simple pleasure, really. All that to say, your reminiscing brought some of my own memories to life. Green glass and brushed aluminum is a true impression of the silver lady, especially at night. :tb-cool: So much better than what followed (Amtrak)
Although I was pretty young I still remember my uncle saying "there goes the Zephyr" as it gracefully passed by our house. It truly was an elegant looking train. Ben
UP Switching How about a few switching shots? UP 1349 switching at the concrete plant on 1/30/11. UP 1349 pulling the empty concrete hoppers into the west yard. Ben
Thanks Mike! Too bad the U.P. had to paint her yellow. I guess that beats her going to the scrapper. Ben
