Awhile back you might recall that I ask some questions about Milepost information between Denver and Emeryville, CA; mainly the later half. Well, we took that trip and what you are about to see here is a very detailed trip report. For those that don't know how I have done topics like this, I slowly update my website and tell the story as the updates are made. So, by the time all the updates are done, the story will also be told. For this topic there will be a ton of YouTube Video clips coming
Sit back and Enjoy as if you are riding along with me...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
We start out at DENVER Union Station
- - -
Note: Something else I try to do for those that are on Dial-up is post thumbnails that you can click on to see the larger image. This way the topic should load faster as the large images don't have to load every time. It's a bit of a challenge to do in UBB Code put as you can see it can be done...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
DENVER Union Station
Here is a quick look inside the waiting room from each corner...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
DENVER Union Station
Let's go down to the gates while we wait for the train to arrive to get in a few shots...
- - - Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
I've always enjoyed the Denver Union Station hallway where they have the numbered gates and the long-gone train names from times gone by.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
I am not computer savy but I can't seem to get your report. Help
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by RR4me: I've always enjoyed the Denver Union Station hallway where they have the numbered gates and the long-gone train names from times gone by.
Then you are going to enjoy the next couple of posts I've got coming up with the rest of the Gates.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by train lady: I am not computer savy but I can't seem to get your report. Help
I'm not sure what you mean, this entire topic will be my report for you to read and enjoy. I will try to post something nightly that will include either photographs or links to YouTube to see actual video clips.
Does this help answer your question?
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
DENVER Union Station
Here is the next set of numbered gates. As you see (and RR4me might remember), these numbered gates contain historical information of days gone by...
- - - Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
Thanks! Them's the ones.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
DENVER Union Station
Here is the other numbered gates you might recall
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
DENVER Union Station
Train #5 has arrived and we get ready to board after I take a few photographs. At the front we have GE P42DC Diesel Engines #181 and #11 followed by Baggage #1242 in Phase IVb Paint Scheme. We have selected to travel in a Roomette and board Superliner Sleeper Car #32034 marked as Cab #531; also in Phase IVb Paint Scheme.
- - - Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Stourbridge Lion, did you have any problems getting those photos of the head end of #5? Reason I ask is that back a little over two years ago, when I rode in a bedroom on #5, I tried to get similar shots at Denver and I was "discouraged" by the Amtrak crew from walking forward of our sleeper along the platform, so I didn't persevere.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ocala Mike: Stourbridge Lion, did you have any problems getting those photos of the head end of #5?
Let's say Yes & No...
I was allowed to go all the way up to the "Yellow Line" without any complaints but knew that would be the limit without drawing negative attention from the crew. So, the shot of Baggage #1242 is right at the line.
Ready for LOTS of VIDEO Clips!!!!!!
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #01 - Denver UNION Station to Clay Siding (MP 21.2)
OK, we are onboard and we depart at 08:37, passing over the 23rd Street crossing, over the South Platte River, through Prospect, travel through the North Yard, turning towards the West at Utah Junction, pass through the C&S Junction, crossing Tennyson Street as we pick up speed into Aravada, crossing over Highway 72 (Indiana Street), pass through Rocky Siding as a UP Coal train waits, around Little Ten and around Big Ten Curves as we make our climb to Clay Siding where we stop for another UP Coal train. We get the Green Light and we are off again...
I wonder if anyone knows what the next Video Clip is going to cover... Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
To paraphrase GBN, if you've been through the Moffat Tunnel once, you've been through it a million times.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Stourbridge Lion -- your video takes forever to buffer on my office computer, so I'll watch it at home later.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Tried the video again yesterday PM and got it to play. Good job!!!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ocala Mike: To paraphrase GBN, if you've been through the Moffat Tunnel once, you've been through it a million times.
Ahhhhhh.......but the ascent from Denver to the eastern portal of Moffat Tunnel NEVER grows old. It's one of the best railroad rides in North America.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
David WINS!!!!!!!
Here it comes, the Tunnel District (Tunnel #1 through Tunnel #30) of Amtrak's California Zephyr.
We still have not yet reached Moffat Tunnel, that will be included in Video #3 Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
In this section, we will start off in Rollinsville, CO and pass through the Moffat Tunnel and continue westward onto Hot Sulphur Springs. Also seen in this clip is Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Fraser Canyon, Tunnel #34, and Granby. If you watch closely, you will even see I caught a Rio Grande Boxcar as we pass though one of the rail yards...
Thats some nice vids you got there Stourbridge.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #04 - Byer's Canyon to Tunnel #34
We continue our video tour as we continue through Byer's Canyon, passing Slide Fences, Middle Park, Parshall (MP#93.0), Troublesome, Zip ZIP, and Kremmling (MP#103.5). We reach Gore Canyon (MP#106.0) where we once again start going through more tunnels, in this section we will pass through #35, #36, #37, #38, Azure Siding (MP#111.3) and #39...
YouTube - Amtrak #04 Duration: 10:00 Minutes
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
Thank you! I am enjoying the train ride.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #5 - LUNCH! to Dell Siding (MP 142.1)
Just as I put on the lens cap to go to lunch, we pass through Tunnel #40. We get seated with others from the Sleeper Cars and I take a few shots out the Diner Car window while we wait for the food; wouldn't you know it just as I shut down, we pass through Tunnel #42 also. We see a few river rafters and believe it or not, we don't get mooned. We come to a full stop for an hour at Yarmony Siding (MP123) which will be just the beginning of several stops as UP has a great deal of maintenance work going on. That's OK with us, just more time to spend on the train; we are done eating and back in our cabin before we get going again. We slowly approach State Bridge as we are running under a SLOW ORDER and again come to a stop as we creep past more UP MOW efforts. A look back I spot an entire convoy of UP MOW Critters on the track that was on the other side of the train. We continue slowly along the Colorado River to Dotsero Cutoff (MP 129) and into Bond, CO; which is a small RR community. This is where we depart the Moffat Road and onto the Rio Grande mainline. It's still a nice slow ride for a bit before we can pick up speed again. I get surprised by Yarmony Tunnel (MP 131.2) while filming out the window taking shots in the big sweeping curves. Colorado is Spanish for "Color Red" and you can sure see why in this part of the state and that is also how the river got it's name. We reach Dell Siding (142.1) and again come to a stop...
YouTube - Amtrak #05 Duration: 9:58 Minutes
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Stourbridge -- I am enjoying your videos very much!!! Good job -- is that your wife who is reflected in the window glass? Too bad we can't find a good way to get such reflections out of our videos (nothing against your wife!!) -- I have the same problem with reflections from my camcorder. Seems like none of the popular "circular polarizers" made for video camcorders work very well!!
Again, great videos!!!
--Railroad Rich
Posted by TBlack (Member # 181) on :
I'm compelled to add my praise, as well. I'm particularly enjoying the audio...the sound of the horn, the squeak of the car, the wheels on the rails. Poetic.
Also, your wife is so prominently featured in these videos. Maybe you should have given her a speaking part?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
While it is hard to watch it all with my slow internet connection, what I've seen is very good.
Makes me want to dig into my pile of old Super 8mm movie films for transfer to DVD. Somewhere in there is one taken on the CZ in 1967 from Denver to Orestod, CO. I also had a problem with reflections of my bride to be.
Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
Palmland, you may be just ruminating, but if you did find and transfer the '67 trip, I'd love to see it.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Yep, that's the wife you see in the reflection taking all sorts of shots as well. We plan to make this trip into a high quality multi-disk DVD home movie where I will intermix her shots with the video. That's also where she will play narrator as she has in other DVD home movies we have made of our travels.
Palmland - I too would love to see your video clips if you can get them converted...
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
I really should do something with my old movies before they (or I) disintegrate. A year or so later also had movies on the Super Chief on the way to my wedding.
I only wish I had taken interior pictures. The landscape (and even some of the semaphores) are still there, but we will never again see anything quite like the diners or lounges. Because of the holiday, the Super Chief was running all Pullman with the El Cap close behind.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #6 - Dell Siding to Allen Siding
After sitting at Dell Siding (MP 142.1), we see Amtrak Train #6 heading towards Denver; with P42DC #183 & #64 as the motive power. We pass by Burns, CO (MP 144.6) as we cross the Colorado River at several locations. We pass through Range Siding (MP 155.2) without stopping and barely catch some MOW equipment, including I believe is a a Rail Grinder. We then pass through Sweetwater Tunnel at MP 159.2 and reach Dotsero where we also reach Dotsero Junction where the MP will now change. Here is where we depart the Moffat Route (MP 166.8) and enter the Rio Grande mainline (MP 341.9); hence the jump in MP numbers. Also here is Dotsero Siding where we pass a UP Coal Train so we again keep going without stopping. We continue to keep rolling as we pass through Allen Siding at MP 347.5 where we pass by a BNSF Freight Train.
YouTube - Amtrak #06 Duration: 8:48 Minutes
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
My first ride through the Rockies was aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr in May 1984. I got in Salt Lake City, whiled a few nocturnal hours away, and caught the eastbound Zephyr back to Denver where I was going to be spending the summer working with the drum and bugle corps there.
It was a fantastic trip though I still regret having just missed the opportunity to do it in real domes aboard the Rio Grande Zephyr.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Hey Stourbridge -- another great video!!! Thanks a lot! Do you plan to (or have you already) made any similar videos for other AMTRAK routes? It seems that everybody who does "train ride videos" chooses the CZ (for obvious reasons, assurably!), but there are other nice routes to video also.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #7 - Shoshone Tunnel #1 to Una Siding (MP 409.9)
The next installment takes us through three more tunnels before reaching Glenwood Springs Depot; about 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. After a brief 10 minute stop where I could get out a take just a few quick shots we are off again. We will pass through New Castle (MP 372.7), Silt (MP 379.5), Rifle (MP 386.6), Rulison, and Parachute (MP 404) where many sidings exist. We travel right next to Interstate 70 and given the speed limit is 75MPH on the highway you can get a feel for the trains speed.
YouTube - Amtrak #07 Duration: 8:58
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: Do you plan to (or have you already) made any similar videos for other AMTRAK routes?
This is my first Amtrak Video travel log but I hope to do more. We had taken the CZ to Chicago and transferred to the Lake Shore Limited into Albany, NY in 1998 but didn't have the video camera yet. We also took the CZ to Salt Lake later in 1998.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Glenwood Springs
Here is the few quick shots I took...
- - - Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
My second California Zephyr ride originated in Glenwood Springs headed eastward in July 1985!
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #08 - De Beque Siding (MP 416.6) to UTAH State line (MP 483.3)
We continue our ride towards UTAH...
In this section, we pass De Beque Siding (MP 416.6), Akin Siding (MP 423.3), Beaver Trail Tunnel (MP 428.5), Highline Deversion Dam, Cameo Siding (432.6), Palisade Siding (MP 437.), Clifton Siding (MP 442.5), Fruitvale (MP 445.0), Grand Junction JCT (MP 450), pulling into the Grand Junction Station at ~6:10 PM; about 2 hours late.
After a quick 10 minute stop, where I again catch a few shots outside the train, we are off; passing the old Racy Siding (MP 453.8), Mack Siding (MP 468.9), Ruby Canyon Tunnel (MP 471.4), Ruby Siding (MP 473.1), Shale Siding (MP 478.0), and Utah Siding where we cross into UTAH at 7:05PM at approx. MP 483.3.
YouTube - Amtrak #08 Duration: 9:50 Minutes
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Grand Junction
Here is the few quick shots I took...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Grand Junction
plus a few more...
- Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Stourbridge Lion: Is that souvenir shop/refreshment stand still there at the Grand Junction station? I have a memory of a 10 or 15 minute stop on our trip out on #5, and dozens of people (including us) bought lots of "junk" at that store. The proprietors had an assembly line deal going where the customers were efficiently relieved of their money in return for useless trinkets, many of which we still have!
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
There were two little shops at Grand Junction. There was the fresh fruit stand outside on the platform, and this is where I always used to buy a bag of grapes and some snacks. Unfortunately, the owner died of a heart attack. His son took over for a short while, but did not want to do it any more so it was closed down.
The other little store---inside the building---is still there. They still sell very expensive batteries, expensive postcards, and other expensive (el cheapo) touristy junk.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #09 - Westwater Siding (MP 488.4) to beyond Green River
We finish Day#1 off with this next segment. We are now in Utah passing MP 488.40 Westwater Siding (where it's raining like mad), MP 504.40 Cisco Siding, MP 510.50 Whitehouse Siding, MP 515.60 Elba Siding, MP 520.70 Sagers Siding, Wye, MP 528.10 Thompson Siding, Station, MP 533.80 Brendel Siding, Junction, Yard, MP 540.40 Floy Siding, and MP 546.90 Solitude Siding. We reach Green River (MP 555.2) at about 8:30PM and I shutdown the video camera at 9:00PM as it's to dark now to film.
Believe it or not it was after 10:00PM before we get dinner and we were a bit steamed. We would later find out that the train is running with only 50% Dining Staff and the train is packed and they were truly doing the best they could
Now, I off to figure out where we were at when I started filming Day #2. Google Earth and I are getting to be great friends...
YouTube - Amtrak #09 Duration: 2:24 Minutes
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
ZZZZZZZ... (Approx. 360 miles later) ZZZZZZZ...
OK, I've spent allot of time in Google Earth and I believe I know where Video #10 will start Day #2...
We spend the night in a Upper Level Roomette: <Amtrak View>
During the night, we pass though Wellington, Price, Carbonville, Spring Glen, Helper, through Nolan & Kyunne Tunnels, Colton, Soldier Summit, Tucker, Sky View, Thistle Tunnel, Moark Junction, Springville, Provo, American Fork, Riverton, and into Salt Lake City. Hard to say how late the train pulled into the station but I would say a good 2 hours late given where we were when we called it a night.
The train would then have passed through Garfield, Lake Point, Burmester, and cross into Nevada at Wendover. From what I can tell, we would travel another 80 miles through open range before we woke up placing the start of the next video near Tobar, NV where I catch Chimmey Rock & Grey's Peak around 6:20AM...
Now that we are beyond Salt Lake City, my Milepost information is limited but I do catch a sign that I belive is 729 just outside of Wells, NV a few minutes later. So, these will be the MP numbers you will hear me call out starting in the next clip...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #10 - 6.5 miles North of Tobar, NV to Ocala Siding
It's DAY#2 and we wake up to snow caps mountains just outside of Tobat, NV. At this pont, the RR Mileposts are either gone or on another system is in place. The first MP marker I spot out the window is 729 and even if these are not true RR markers they are found to be extremely useful in knowing where I'm at. You will hear me in the video calling out these numbers as I see them and I then used them in Google Earth to determine my location. As I spot various bridges I will also attempt to give approximte MP values to help better define where I'm at along the route.
We will also pass through a few long tunnels in this section as well; Ryndon @ 4,000 ft and Osion @ 3,000 ft. By the time we reach Elko, NV I now show us as being about 4 hours behind schdule so it looks like we lost another 2 hours during the night. I will take a break from video taping when we have breakfest and we will pass through a few towns during that hour.
With the meal done, I spot a MP 500 to figure out where I'm at again. We pull into Winnemucca, NV and we have made up some time but still over 3 hours behind schedule. In this section we are now working our way around freight rahter than coal trains. Our first major stop today is at Humboldt Siding for a freight train. We coutinue around Humbolt sink and reach Ocala Siding at MP 322.
YouTube - Amtrak #10 Duration: 9:58 Minutes
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Weso, NV
While we were sitting outside of Weso, NV waiting on a UP Freight train to pass so we can pull into Winnemucca, NV, I took a few still photographs. The train is being power up front by UP engines #5283 and #4546 and with helpers on the rear of #7840 and #8395. In the distance is a "W" on the side of a mountain that is visable on Google Earth to help also pin point our location.
- - Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Pop quiz: what is the origin and related history of the name WESO?
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Union Pacific Chilled Express
... and yes, I took a few photographs of the frieght cars.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Pop quiz: what is the origin and related history of the name WESO?
No Idea... Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Oh well, it looks like there is some curiosity being aroused on this point. WESO, some three miles to the East of Winnemucca, NV is shorthand for WE(stern Pacific)SO(uthern Pacific), or otherwise the Western end of the pre-merger joint track arrangement between the SP and WP.
The Eastern end of the paired track was at Wells NV. Each road, WP and SP, had their own track roundly paralleling one another, however the two roads agreed to a paired arrangement whereby WB traffic of both roads was routed over SP, and EB over WP.
I can recall doing a 1968 joyride Ogden-UP103-SLC-WP17-Elko-SP102-Ogden (surprise, it was Coach). The trains departed from different stations in Elko - just as does Amtrak today; IIRC, Mr. Smith, Blackjack table minimum was only $1.00.
Well, if one had wondered why does Amtrak have two stations in Elko, "you now know The Rest of the Story".
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Interesting that you mention Wells, NV, Mr. Norman. A couple years ago we visited the Nevada Northern Ry. which is a working museum complete with steam and a functioning roundhouse/shops.
It is little changed in the past 100 years. Its mainline extended from Ely, NV to a SP interchange at Shafter and then to the WP at few miles further Cobre, NV. Presumably because the area is so desolate (you get to it via US 50, the so called 'loneliest road' in the US), that the only passenger service was via 'motor coach' from Ely to Wells, 28 miles east of Shafter.
At Wells, the official guide list connections to the WP, SP. Greyhound, and Burlington and Twin Falls-Wells bus line. There are active discussions now to have a large coal fired utility plant built on the out of service portion of the mainline which would require an interchange again at Shafter or Cobre.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #11 - Ocala Siding to Donner Pass / Summit Tunnel
In this section, we will complete our passage through the Nevada Desert. I will catch a few interesting places along this route as well as the "Mustang Ranch" before we pull into Reno. We will catch Lunch on the train at this point. Soon afterward, we start into the Sierra and reach Truckee (Schedule 10:37AM / Actual 2:29PM), so we are still running 4 hours behind schedule. I will catch the front and rear of the train turning around Horseshoe Bend so you can see that our car is roughly in the middle of the train. We will pass through Twin Tunnels, the Snowshed, and into Summit Tunnel (10,322 feet long) as we head over Donner Pass.
YouTube - Amtrak #11 Duration: 9:36 Minutes
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Oops, forgot to post these shots from Winnemucca, NV
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: WESO, some three miles to the East of Winnemucca, NV is shorthand for WE(stern Pacific)SO(uthern Pacific), or otherwise the Western end of the pre-merger joint track arrangement between the SP and WP.
Thanks for sharing this... Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
The pictures of the AmShack at WNN actually look pretty good. Last time I was through there, it looked much different than that. It looks like a new concrete slab, new shelter, and a new bench. Granted, it's still just an AmShack...but it looks much better than in years past.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: IIRC, Mr. Smith, Blackjack table minimum was only $1.00.
That's like old Las Vegas....you just don't see table minimums like that any more. At least, not on The Strip. Gone are the $3.99 prime rib buffets as well (there are a few exceptions, but you get what you pay for).
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Sparks, NV
When we stopped at Sparks, NV I was not able to get off the train but did get these two shots out of the window catching the depot.
- Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Reno, NV
When we got to Reno, we again had a chance to get out of the train; but, not long enough to get to street level to get shots of the station. So, here is what I could get from down below. In the end, the best angle was actually from are cabin out the window...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
... and here is a few cars in our train as well.
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Truckee, CA
When we stopped at Truckee, there was no time to get out so besides what I captured in the video, this is all I could get using my still...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #12 - Donner Pass / Summit Tunnel to Emigrant, CA
In this segment we finally exit Summit Tunnel over Donner Pass where we meet Train #6 coming the other way before we pass through Norden and Soda Springs. For those interested in mountain routes, we will pass through more Snowsheds and Tunnels in this section of the route as well as a few bridges. I will also catch parts of the old Transcontinental Route of days gone by. We will wait for a UP freight at Cisco, CA...
YouTube - Amtrak #12 Duration 9:55 Minutes
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #13 - Putman Valley / Lake Putt to Colfax, CA
Tonight I've uploaded the next section of the trip where we are now in the Putman Valley area near Lake Putt; old logging operations. In those days, the trains would stop to let passengers enjoy the view of the America River Canyon; the north folk is about 2,00 feet below track line.
From there we get into Gold Rush and pass through Tunnels #34 and #33 before crossing over Long Ravine Trestle. We finally reach Colfax, CA about 4 hours still behind schedule. See what parts of RR history I catch as we pass through town...
Video #14 - Pinecroft, CA to Suisun / Fairfield, CA
In this section we find ourselves at Pinecroft, CA where the East and West bound track takes different routes. South of Heather Glen, I will catch a tunnel below us that is the other track being crossed over. On this west bound route, we will pass through Bloomer Cut which is 800 feet long and 63 feet deep. We will pass through Tunnel #18 near Newcastle. We will also travel along side the original Continental Highway. In Loomis, I will find it's depot sitting up on stilts; I wonder what that is all about...
We will now start see all sorts of engines as we reach Rocklin and I will start an old SP Steam engine (#2252) as we pull into Roseville where I will also catch some SP Snowplows sitting in the yard. Yes, we are still running about 4+ hours behind schedule.
Then out of the blue, my eyes caught sight of something that I didn't exspect too see; a D&H Covered Hopper!!!!!!!
We will pull into Sarramento arounf 6:30PM. I will catch several MOW cars at Davis, CA. Near the end of the clip we will pass by Vacaville Junction before passing the Suisun / Fairfield Station.
Here is a few shots I took while we stopped in Sacramento...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Also while the train was stopped, I took this shot in the Diner Car while not in use...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Davis, CA
When we stopped at Davis, I was only able to grab this quick shot out the door...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #15 - Near Jacksnipe, CA to Emeryville, CA
In Part #15 we will first pass by a large Wind Farm near Jacksnipe. I will then catch the Mothball Fleet in Susian Bay near Port Chicago as we pass by a large Automobile Distribution Center. We will then cross over the Benicia-Martinez Bridge where we will reach the Martinez Station. I will catch the Chockett Station which Train #5 does not stop at before we pass under the Carquinez Bridges. There is one more Tunnel on the route that nearly caught me by surprise. We are late enough that the sun is starting to set on San Pablo Bay. Next is several Comuter Trains in a yard in Richmond, CA. Albany, CA will fly by next as we are now just about 10 miles from our final stop; Emeryville, CA.
We will depart the train and I will take several still shots before we go to the hotel to get checked in and our room very nicely overlooks the tracks. I will catch from our hotel room a Amtrak California train pulling out of the station before Train #5 pulls out to get serviced for the return trip back across the route.
While in Sacramento taking a few shots around the platform including of Amtrak California, the train departed. Well, I didn't have my video camera with me; but, my little point and shot also has video capability so I took advantage of that feature.
Very cool and very good quality for the source. I didn't realize until this Christmas that my camera had that capability!
Frank in Sunny SBA
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Emeryville, CA
So, here we are finally in Emeryville, CA which was scheduled to arrive at 5:10PM but we pull in several hours late. Grabbed a few shots of the GE P42DC Engines (#181 & #11) at ground level before we head for the hotel; which requires us to use the overhead walkway you see and took a few photographs as we passed over the engines.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by sbalax: I didn't realize until this Christmas that my camera had that capability!
I have found it to be handy feature more often then I thought I would...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Amtrak California
From our hotel balcony, I catch Amtrak California being lead by CDTX GE P32-8BWH - #2009...
- Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
Thanks again for the vicarious treat! One very minor point - the Calif station past MArtinez is Crockett (like Davy), not Chockett
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
California Zephyr Train #5
... and here is the last view of California Zephyr Train #5 at the Emeryville Station as the sun sets and we get ready to call it a night.
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
End of Day #2
Hope you enjoyed the ride from Denver, CO to Emeryville, CA on the California Zephyr
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Stourbridge -- I enjoyed your DEN-EMY videos very much. You should consider maybe starting your own web site where you can post a lot more of your videos.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by RR4me: One very minor point - the Calif station past MArtinez is Crockett (like Davy), not Chockett
Thanks, I will update my master copy so it's right when I put this all together in DVD format.
If you noticed any other errors like this please pass them on.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
So, we spend the night at the hotel next to the station and get up the next morning to start the second half of our trip, riding Train #6 back to Denver.
Are you ready? Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Day#3
It's the next morning and we depart out hotel room to cross back over the bridge to the Emeryville Station to await Train #6 to arrive. As you can see, the tracks are currently empty in both directions but it's a bright and beautiful day.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Emeryville, CA
Being such a beautiful day, we wait outside the station since inside is nothing special from my point of view. Here we see our Hotel and Balcony I took the shots from the night before. Also at the station I found these two plaques...
- - - Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Hadley, like many others who have had no reason to comment I have been reviewing your material as you have posted such.
Good heavens, that hotel at which you stayed in Emeryville certainly, on one view, looks like the "nose' of an EMD SD-70, or maybe a steeplecab locomotive such as a New Haven RR EY-2. On the other it looks like an Oriental pagoda.
Ugly, but I guess if it provided you with convenient, safe, and well maintained accommodation at a reasonable rate - well 'that's what it's all about".
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Train #6 Arrives
Good thing my little camera was video, Train #6 arrives and I don't have the camcorder ready.
There is nothing quite so thrilling as standing on the platform watching YOUR train pull into the station!
Henry,
How do you find this stuff? More importantly, how can we get to charter it for a cross-country tour?
TB
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
WOW - Wouldn't be nice to travel on those cars!!!!!!!
Yes, we will have two additional private cars traveling with us; the "Evelyn Henry" sleeper car that is just luxurious and the "Warren R. Henry" Dome car that is equally as nice. Oh well, I can only dream right now as it's time to get on board but enough time to grab a few quick shots as I walk by...
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Ugly, but I guess if it provided you with convenient, safe, and well maintained accommodation at a reasonable rate - well 'that's what it's all about".
A bit pricey for us; but, since it was right at the station and we would not have to worry about a Rental Car or Taxi it was worth it...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by TBlack: More importantly, how can we get to charter it for a cross-country tour?
The wife and I wonder the same thing but have not called to see what the $$$ would be but you know it would not be cheep. Still, if you could get say 10 folks together to split the bill it might make for a great vacation ride...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #16 - Emeryville, CA to Roseville, CA
We are now on board California Zephyr Train #6 leaving Emeryville Station right on time. We pass by the Berkley Aquatic Park before catch the Gold Gate Bridge in the distance. I will be riding backwards most the trip so there will be clips showing our Patrick Henry Charter cars that are tagging along with us. We will pass through a tunnel before the Carquinez Strait Bridge comes into view as well as the old C&H Pure Cane Sugar plant. We are suprised with a nice breakfest as we look out over the water wit the George Miller Jr. Memorial Bridges in the distance.
As we pull into Martinez Station, Amtrak California is there with #2052 doing the honors. Near the station is Shoreline Regional Park where SP#1258 rests with ATSF Boxcar #40922 and Caboose #999390. We cross over the George Miller Jr. Memorial Bridge and pull past the Suisun-Fairfield depot. I catch Dixon station before we pull into Davis Station about 30 minutes late where I will also catch the RV076 Tower.
As we pull into Sacramento over the Swing Bridge where the Delta King Paddlewheeler sitting in dock. While at the station, I sneak back to out private cars to find "Georgia" being on the door. You can partially see the UP Shops over the platform cover. We reach Roseville where I search to see if the D&H Hopper is still there but no where in sight. This is one big yard that I'm sure has seen lots of history over the years of operation. The Am-Shack people board the train from is a sad replacement from the old Roseville station that I catch out the window as well...
As we depart Roseville, we are hearing news of a major rain storm in the Midwest that is disrupting service, Train#5 behind us is over 13 hours behind schedule!!!! This storm would turn out to cause massive flood damage and cancel service on this line until July 5th. We are lucky that it won't impact the rest of our trip since we are getting off in Denver as this train will not make Chicago now...
The eastbound route takes a slightly different route then the westbound train does in this area. We will now enter the TUNNEL DISTRICT which was constructed by SP between 1907 and 1920 with 18 tunnels ahead of us. I won't catch shots of all of them since LUNCH will occur in the middle of this which makes eating interesting as you go in and out of tunnels.
Going eastbound I will catch better shots of the Balloon Track in Blue Canyon. The mountain and valley views in this area today are wonderful; just wish the trees along the tracks weren't there blocking the view. If you have noticed yet, I riding backwards this time in our cabin so I will get more shots of our "Private Cars" on the rear then of the engines up front as we go through turns. As we get higher in elevation we start to once again pass through the Snow Sheds. I bet my buddy HEMI will enjoy second shot I will get of Tunnel 38 with the "Private Cars" coming out. We will soon enter Summit Tunnel (#41) and enter darkness for 2 miles...
Having my new trusty point-n-shoot with me when we arrived in Colfax, I was able to take a few shots. The time stamp also tells me that we were running about 1.5 hours late when we arrived.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Tunnel Junkie
I will also catch Tunnel #34 as we pass by with my little point-and-shoot...
Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
This continues to be a great vicarious trip for me. Thanks once again for the videos/report.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #18 - Summit Tunnel (#41) to Sparks, NV
We now reach the end of the 2 mile long Summit Tunnel (#41) and it won't be long that I will catch the old CP route Tunnel #12 that is now part of a 4x4 route that I understand goes all the way through Tunnel #6. Might have to try to get to this road someday! From here we get some great views down the valley and of Donner Lake. I also got a nice shot of the Snow Shed this time since I'm riding backwards. We then enter Tunnel #13 (Twin Tunnels) and head around Emigrant Canyon making the 180 degree turn at Standford Curve to pass back out of this small canyon. Did you see the tracks on the other side as we head down this grade? I will also catch Tunnel #13's portal from the other side of the canyon too. We will then make Truckee (CP RV205 W-Truckee) and will once again get shots of the Passenger and Freight Stations. I also get shots of some MOW equipment that is station here at the other Balloon Track here in the yard. As we pass through Polaris, I catch a couple of shots of a building, is this their Station from days past? I will also catch a shot of part of the old town of Boca. As we travel along Truckee River there are some great views of this region.
We cross now into Nevada and cross over a Trestle bring the Truckee River into view. We pass through Verdi and soon will catch the westbound trestle before we pass through Mogul. We pass the West Reno switch (MP 239) before entering the trench. Looks like we are running about 1 hour behind schedule now. Soon afterward, we reach Sparks which is a very active rail yard but I still get a shot of the Station as well as other builds from the window. Catch a few signs out the window as well...
quote:Originally posted by RR4me: This continues to be a great vicarious trip for me. Thanks once again for the videos/report.
Glad to hear that are are enjoying this as much as we did during the trip itself.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I'm wondering what you thought of the volunteer docents on-board your train from Reno to Sacramento? I've done this trip so many times that I can't stand it and you can't turn them off. If you want to catch a snooze or have a conversation with someone, it makes it very difficult with the PA blaring for several hours. But as an infrequent passenger on the Zephyr, what did you think of it? Did you like it, or did you tire of it after a while?
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
I can say that we did enjoy it and since we had a Roomette, we could control the volume or turn it off if we wished. Can't say for folks in Coach what option they had or didn't have if they didn't want to listen.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The only experience I've had with docents is aboard #4 Southwest Chief during 1991 or otherwise my most recent, and likely final, "bumper to bumper' ride.
There it appears the Native American Guide's commentary was limited to the Lounge car (I frequented Lounges on occasion back then - smoking then fair game notwithstanding).
This reminds me of another "travelviewing" experience I once had. On a PANC to KORD flight during 1983 (love my timing of trips; that was when the Korean Air incident occurred; also when Chernobyl occurred during 1986, I was visiting my Sister in London; guess I had a penchant to be closer to the action), the Captain did offer some flightseeing narrative of the glaciers visible during the climb. As soon as we reached FL10 (FAA regulations allow only line of duty talk on the Flight Deck below that altitude), he pointed out the various landmarks - this was on a crystal clear day; and the aircraft was a DC-8 that had exceptionally large windows, which even in Coach, had the seating properly aligned for a good view.
However, the Captain did apologize to the regular passengers and asked their forbearance.
But alas, other than to friends and family all of whom reside in the East (I was away from home 18 nights during 2008; likely about the same for 09), my traveling days have become quite curtailed.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Reno, NV
When we reach Reno, I got a chance to step out of the train for a bit and took advantage of being able to go forward up to the engines for a few shots...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: But alas, other than to friends and family all of whom reside in the East (I was away from home 18 nights during 2008; likely about the same for 09), my traveling days have become quite curtailed.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Here is a few more shots taken in Reno including of our Sleeping Car (#32079); but, could not get a better shot of the station this time either...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #19 - Sparks, NV to Golconda (~MP 435)
We now leave Sparks and I catch a Pullman in the yard listed as Virginia City, I wonder who owns this piece of history. Soon we pass through Vista then over a Trestle (~MP 249.6), another at (~MP 248.5), and another (~MP 258.5) before passing Masters Foods USA in McCarran, NV. Did you see RI hoppers sitting on the siding? There is another industrial facility at ~MP 260 and I catch a TANK heading down the highway later. We cross more Trestles (~MP 270) before passing Wadsworth, NV and Fernley (MP 275). Near Hazen, NV I catch a shot of Black Butte and then head off to Dinner.
Upon returning from Dinner I have no idea where we are at but today with the help of Goggle Earth I determine we were at ~MP360. Rye Patch Reservoir comes into view (~MP 370) and soon the Majuba Mountains come into view. At around 7:30PM, we see the ever so late Train #5 go by that I talked about earlier that will be turn around in Reno. Given the time, I estimate it will make Reno around 10PM so it still running 12+ hours behind schedule due to the Rain/Floods in the Midwest.
As the sun starts to set, I catch views of Springer Canyon, Blue Mountain, Little Tabletop Mountain, Winnemucca Mountain, and Bloody Run Peak. The trains runs down along West Railroad Street as we pull into Winnemucca, NV and see folks waiting at the Am-Shack. We ourselves are running about 45 minutes late and as we leave I catch a blury shot of a sign about the "First Railroad" in Winnemucca dated 1868. I spoted a railcars around MP 420 as the sun continues to set behind Spoon Mountain as we pass through Weso, NV. The Humboldt River reflects the setting sun around MP 435.
While Mr. Hadley, I'm not completely certain what your icons represent, if it is because I'm a "non traveler" beyond that necessary to "keep friends friends' and 'family family', participating at a traveler's (in the case of some I'd dare say compulsive traveler's) board, I should note that I have never said anything derogatory about such a pasttime.
After all, it too was once mine, but in my case, the "wake up call" occurred during June 1990 on a ten day trip to visit first military friends (Air Attache) in Berlin then followed by educators (US citizens) in Sevilla, and for which the trains were cheap Eurailpass (First Class) transportation between those cities and my aerial port of entry EDDF. On that journey, which became analagous to a "low impact survival course' I can recall during a necessary "overnight' in Paris looking in a hotel mirror (the Hotel Gare d Nord BTW) and saying "why, WHY, am I doing this?"
I've never done it since.
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion: Video #19 - Sparks, NV to Golconda (~MP 435)
We now leave Sparks and I catch a Pullman in the yard listed as Virginia City, I wonder who owns this piece of history.
I'm still enjoying this train trip....the scenery, the train sounds, and your commentary. Thanks so much.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion:
While Mr. Hadley, I'm not completely certain what your icons represent,
It was nothing more than using the "Emotion" icons to represent that I was "Sad" to hear that "my traveling days have become quite curtailed."
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Eric - Thanks for the link on the Pullman!!!
20th Century - Glad to hear you are enjoying this
Will try to get Video #20 done by the weekend...
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion: It was nothing more than using the "Emotion" icons to represent that I was "Sad" to hear that "my traveling days have become quite curtailed."
OK; we're cool.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Sorry for the delay, having Editing issues reading the next tape currently.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #20 - Preble, NV to Elko, NV (End of Day #3)
OK, I've gotten past my Technical Difficulties...
With this clip, we concluded Day #3 as the sun is setting rapidly at this point but I try to film as much as I can. We start out this clip near Preble, NV where I would later catch MP 555. Soon Lone Butte comes into view and I will later see MP 574 go by. As you can see, there is more much out there but there is beauty in that too with the mountains in the distance. As we reach Rennox, an industry site shows up as well as another at Jenkins. Newmont Power Plant comes into view before we pass through Dunphy, NV and later through Boewawe where we cross over State Road 306. MP 623 comes into view and soon a UP Freight Train is seen going the other way followed by MP 625. Next we pass near Cluro where the landscape becomes more interesting and up near the tracks. The Westbound track is now more visible in this region as we reach an area where we have Bridges and start entering Tunnels again near Palisade. By the time we reach Carlin there is little Sun or Moon light most of what can be seen must be illuminated like some tanks at Vivan. Even the tunnels of I-80 take on a different view near Tonka as basically natural light is nearly gone. We reach Elko at 10:14PM (about 30 minutes late) and once we pull out it's time to catch some sleep.
As I said earlier, at Elko, NV we called it a night. The train will now pass by Coin, Osino, Elburz, Halleck, Deeth, Tulasco, Wells, Ventosa, Spruce, Hogan, Sage, Shafter, Silver Zone, Clifside, Pilot, and Ola Nevada before crossing into Utah. Within Utah we will pass through Wendover, Burmester, Lake Point, Garfield, Salt Lake City, Midvale, Riverton, Lehi, American Fork, and Provo before we awaken near Springville Utah. All in all, we will cover about 310 miles while we sleep.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
BTW, I'm note 100% sure how this Rate Member thing works here; but, tonight I believe I have given everyone that has joined in on this topic a rating so far.
Just about have Video #21 ready for upload so get ready for Day #4 to begin soon...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #21 - Mapleton, UT to Green River, UT
We begin Day#4 somewhere near Mapleton, UT and we are up out of bed around 6:12AM/MT to find it raining outside. As we pass by Moark Junction we see several Wind Generators. We the reach Castilla Siding and later spot my first railroad MP of the day as we pass by MP682. We will one again pass through Thistle Tunnels were I catch both portals including our Speical Cars exiting the tunnel. We will head for Breakfest at 6:30 and within the video I document some of the places we will pass during the hour we are in the Diner Car. As we head back to our room we pass through Kyunne tunnel and as we exit I will see MP 637.1 pass by the window. As we exit Nolan Tunnel I catch the portal sign well enough to read it as well as catch the other portal too. MP 635 comes into view next as the pass into a canyon and I get a good shot of Castle Gate. The next area that comes into view is the Ghost Town of Royal (a.k.a. Bear Canyon) where today their is a siding. The views here are truly wonderful and then out of the blue at MP630 the Carbon Power Plant shows up neat to the tracks. We now reach Helper around 8:04AM (Scheduled 7:37AM) so we are running about 30 minutes behind schedule. Did you see the Rio Grande Boxcar rusting away in Spring Glen, UT? We pass into Garley Canyon and soon the views in this area come into view as we reach Price. We will soon pass siding after siding which helps me locate where we are at along the route. We end this clip as we reach Green River...
This next section is just breathtaking in the views out the window. We reach Green River Station only about 20 minutes behind schedule and then we are off crossing over the bridge. We will once again pass Siding after Siding with absolutely wonderful views all along the way. Did you see all those Rio Grande Hopper sitting out in the middle of nowhere at the UT/CO State Line? Oh yes, there is a Tunnel shot in there too...
Viewing the ride from Green River to Loma was awesome. I'm having fun watching your video/photo report.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #23 - Fruta, CO to Parachute, CO
We start this next clip in Fruta, CO and will soon pass Fruta Siding and Durham Siding before pulling into Grand Junction Station; ON TIME!!!!!!!. The first building here is the "New" station which to me is a sad replacement of the "Old" station sitting next to hit with a "For Sale" sign on it. I will pick up two nice books by Eva J. Hoffman on the California Zephyr for the sections we travlled on this trip at the Gift Shop which is a hopping place when the train come in. She was a thrid book of the section we didn't travel on this trip. I will post more info on the books later...
We pull out of Grand Junction and soon the D&RGW Station comes into view as well as D&RGW Boxcar #3001 that sits across the street as a Static Display. I will also catch D&RGW Boxcar #X-2514 now being used as a shed. As we start to head out of town, Garfield Mountain comes into view. We then pass Palisade Siding that is 12,260 feet long. We later pass though Cameo, CO and the views out the window again are just wonderful. Beaver Tunnel nearly catches me off guard but I do get a good shot of it with the back of the train coing out of it. Canyon after canyon come into view and this is why I Love Colorado! Akin Siding soon is here as more canyon and mountain views still pass by our window. As we reach De Beque, CO Mount Logan dominates the view. I wonder what the views are like from that Dome Car that is still behind us. We later reach Una, CO where Mt. Callahan is now in view before reaching Parachute...
quote:Originally posted by 20th Century: Viewing the ride from Green River to Loma was awesome. I'm having fun watching your video/photo report.
THANKS!!! It's always nice to get feedback...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Grand Junction, CO
OK, let's rewind a bit back to Grand Junction where we had time to get off the train and look around. First off I get a shot of part of the "Old" station and then head up to the front of the train to take a few shots of the engines. The forth shot in this sequence is of engines BNSF#8627 followed by SF#8738 with caboose BN#12517.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
One of my TrainBoard friends was out Railfanning that day and we wonder how close we were to catching each other on camera. Well, in Grand Junction we missed each other by a few hours but we got a laugh of us both taking the same photograph...
By bravogjt Taken: 2008:06:07 18:33:43
By Stourbridge Lion Taken: 2008:06:07 11:11:18
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
In Video #23 I just posted recently you will see the Cameo Power Plant pass by the window. He was there photographing the train but was on the other side of the track; otherwise, he might have both caught each other on camera.
Here is Ben's shots as we passed the plant...
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion: Here is Ben's shots as we passed the plant...
I will be riding on this PV after I win the Lotto, and I will win the Lotto.
I'll be giving a number of people a ride as we pass through your areas (even if it is just between SBA and SLO or SLO & EMY). Expect an email before we depart from Houston {It is stationed in Houston}.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Here is some more shots from Grand Junction
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
As promised...
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion: I will pick up two nice books by Eva J. Hoffman on the California Zephyr for the sections we travlled on this trip at the Gift Shop which is a hopping place when the train come in. She was a thrid book of the section we didn't travel on this trip. I will post more info on the books later...
Here are four books I've used to help put this Trip Report together; including the two mentioned earlier...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Grand Junction - Continued...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #24 - Parachute, CO to Dotsero, CO
We start out this section passing through Parachute where we find lots of Hoppers on the siding that include many Fallen Flags intermixed. Lots of great views continue to pass by the window as we pass Lacy, Riffle, and Silt Siding before crossing over the river near Chacra, CO. Not thinking, we setup a 1PM Lunch reservation in the Diner Car...
Shortly after putting in our Lunch Order we reach Glenwood Springs and I have left the Video Camera in our room to not have it at the table. As you might understand, we are now heading into another great section and without the video camera the wife is a bit upset. I do have my point and shot with me that (and you have seen earlier) can take video so out it comes while we eat. Those clips will come in the next video post...
We try to eat quickly and get back to the room where both of our primary cameras are but we are basically coming out of the main part of thecanyon by then...
We next pass by Allen Siding where the views once again wonderful but it would be nice to get rid of a few trees. Note how high the river is from all the rain that has fallen in this area as well; yes, the Walk/Bike path is underwater in spots. As we reach Dotsero we pull onto the siding to wait for Train #5 to pass; is that a deer our there on the island...
This next short clip is from my little Point and Shoot that I had with me during lunch in the Dining Car. Since some of the shots are stills that obviously would not have sound, I have added a little music into this clip where most of those are also contained in the clip.
Here is those shots you saw in the last video clip of Glenwood Springs Station from within the Diner Car.
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #25 - Dotsero, CO to Dell Siding
We start Video Clip #25 at the exact same spot Video Clip#24 ended, as we are still waiting for Amtrak Train #5 to pass us along Allen Siding. We sat for about 30 minutes and then Train #5 came into view behind us as we finally get going again.
We now change lines once again at Dotsero Junction as we jump from MP 342 on one line to MP 166.8 on the other. Here again you can see the river is right at or just above it's banks. We pass Lyons Gulch at MP 162 and soon see folks enjoy some river water sports; nope, nobody is mooning us. Sweetwater Tunnel sneaks up on me while filming the views out the window but the track curves nicely for a shot of the portal.
The train now cross the river back and forth as we travel down the canyon. We eventually reach Derby Junction, pass Burns (MP 144.6), before reaching Dell Siding at MP 142.1; I wonder what kind of a bird that is flying above us?
We start off this section with a nice clean view of the Special Sleeper/Dome that are traveling with us. We once again have wonderful river shots and rock formations pass by our window. Later Yarmony Tunnel comes next before we cross back and forth over the river at Bond. Here we a nice yard with all sorts of equipment around, ready for a major UP project that is going on. You can tell by the speed of the train that we are under a Slow Order here. Remember how late Train#5 was passing through this section earlier in this topic as it looks like we are about to loose time again given our current pace. We later pass Yarmony Siding and get some good views of the Sleeper/Dome cars again. We end this clip as we reach the west end of Radium Siding...
With this next clip we continue our travels past Radium Siding where we pass by an idle UP freight train; mostly empty hopper cars. As we pass through Radium itself, we see more MOW equipment sitting ready for work. We now reach Tunnel #42 and then enter a large turn giving me a good view of the other passenger cars behind us. Gore Canyon now comes into view so I aim the video camera upward. Tunnel #40 and #39 show up next and I catch a nice shot of the portal of 39 with the train passing though it. Soon we come up on Azure Siding that sits mostly empty. Tunnel #38 comes next and I catch a small glimpse of the portal and the train passing though it as well. The wall of the canyon are close to the track so keep looking up. Tunnel #37, 36, and 35 are reached next before pass by Gore Siding which holes another UP train in waiting.
Kremnling Siding and Station are a highlight in this video clip, see Kremnling Station that you will see is now longer there; it was moved since the video was taken as UP had no more use for it but the town wanted it saved.
Our Sleeper Car attendant, Sandy, from Train#5 stops by to talk to us as we reach. I found she has been working for Amtrak for 31 years. Troublesome Siding! Sandy has photos on some of the staff, Pete which is our Train#6 Sleeper Car attendant and Nadalle our Dining Car attendant.
We now pass Flat Siding before reaching Parshall, CO where there is a shoot range. We next pass into Byers Canyon and the canyon wall are once again near the track so it's time to look up again to catch the views. Hope no rocks come down as I don't think that fence will stop much as this angle. We end this clip at Sulphur Siding near MP 86.
Video #28 - Sulphur Siding - Moffat Tunnel - Rollins, CO
In this next installment we pass by Sulphur Sidings and soon the canyon walls dominate the views out the window until we pass under Highway 40. As we exit the canyon Fraser River comes into view before we reach Willows at MP 80. We next pass through Granby and soon afterwords you can look forward and see the Mountain Ranges just outside Fraser. It's 5PM and we are off to Diner as the train pulls into Fraser. Not long into the meal we learn that a UP Freight Train is having an issue at Moffat. We finish our meal and get off the train; I take the time to take several photos that I will post later as we will sit here for 2 HOURS!
It's just a bit past 7PM now and we are finally on our way again. It's June and still lots of snow in the high ranges. At MP 60 we make a nice wide turn, and once again a get a nice clean sort of the Sleeper/Dome cars on the reat of the train. Here you see many Pine Trees that have red pine neddles, this is all dead tress from the Pine Bettle that is wiping out the forests rapidly in the area.
Soon we reach Winter Park Siding as we reach Winter Park Resort, here is where the Ski Train stops (or did stop until sold recently). I will have a future topic on our ride on the Ski Train we took in 2008 as well. In to Moffat Tunnel we go as we plunge into darkness for about 10 minutes; as we exit I do catch the plaque on the portal wall. On this side there is also a siding and a Wye which comes into view. Tolland Siding is next and you can see the sun is quickly setting behind the mountains. We will end this clip as we reach Rollins and pass under Highway 119 and it's close to 8PM with a schedule arrival in Denver at 7:38; we are going to be very, very late...
As mentioned earlier, just as we approached Frisco and headed for the Diner Car for lunch we learned that a UP Freight Train was having an issue at Moffat Tunnel and we would end up staying at Frisco for 2 hours. As we finished our meal, I caught our Diner Car crew having a few minutes of rest. John and Nathalie have been with us for the entire trip and they did a wonderful job throughout the trip.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
THANK YOU Sandy & Pete; Our Amtrak Attendants
With our meal over, we take advantage to get off the train and stretch our legs and take several photographs. Well naturally one of the first things I would take a photo of would be the station. I also was able to grab Sandy would was our attendant on Car#531 on Train#5 and Pete who is our attendant for Car #632 on Train #6 and took a photograph of them in front of their assigned cars. The two of them did a wonderful job making our trip as smooth of an experience as they could.
- - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Since the train was sitting there, why not get a few shots of it...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Here is some more of the train...
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Sleeper Car WRHX#800149
Not knowing how much time I had left for taking photographs I took a shot of the platform and headed for the end of the train to catch our two special cars; starting with the Sleeper Car WRHX#800149.
- - - Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Dome Car #800148
... and let's not forget the Dome car pulling up the rear.
- - - Posted by gibg (Member # 2565) on :
Frisco? Did you mean (looks like) Fraser? That's a pretty late lunch (4:50 pm). No rails in Frisco! That is Summit County, a long way from the UP (ex-D&RGW)ROW.
Also, I wonder why you didn't shoot from both sides of the train. DeBeque Canyon is much better from the right side. Was the Sightseer Lounge fully occupied?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Gardner, if one has paid for a Bed/Room/ette and it is on Fireman side, I would guess that is where Mr. Hadley would locate his "studio".
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by gibg: Frisco? Did you mean (looks like) Fraser?
Oops!!!!!!! Thanks for catching that mistake as you are correct...
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Mr. Gardner, if one has paid for a Bed/Room/ette and it is on Fireman side, I would guess that is where Mr. Hadley would locate his "studio".
We traveled in both directions in a Roomette and you are correct that we choose to enjoy our ride from the privacy of our room both coming and going and hence most of the video was shot from the room.
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Sleeper Car #39042
Sleeper Car #39042 which was right behind the baggage car also displayed this faded marking; Transition Sleeper. Yes, this is what the car is and was being used for during our trip, a Crew Dormitory car.
Posted by gibg (Member # 2565) on :
Point well taken. An engrossing and quite fabulous record of the trip which I have taken several times, but it is always fun to see it from someone else's perspective. Even in the Amtrak era it is wonderful, even without the Feather River Canyon. I was lucky enough to ride Chris Skow's "recreation" several years ago between Reno and the Bay area. Can hardly wait for Rollins - Denver (in the dark?)!
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Video #29 - Tunnel District (#30 to #1)
In this next clip, we have once again reach the Tunnel District, and we will pass though Tunnel#30 through Tunnel#1. As often as possible, I tried to catch shots of the portal as we existed each tunnel and when the opportunity arisen, catch shots of the train itself passing out of the portal. In some cases I will even catch our special Sleeper and Dome cars too as they exit the tunnels. Can you believe how low the water level was in Gross Reservoir...
Now, it's time to sit back and enjoy the ride down through the Tunnel District...
We have now cleared the Tunnel Distrinct and head into Plainview. Here we can look back at various locations and see Tunnel#1 that we existed in the last clip. As we reach Clay Siding, one can see a large freight train sitting at Rocky Siding below. HEY, there is a G&W engine behind the BNSF engines and a railfan taking photographs down there. It took me a bit to determine that it's Rail Line #1005 of the G&W going somewhere. Into the BIG 10 Loop we go and this time I get a good angle of the hoppers that sit here to protect the trains as they pass by this section of track. We soon reach Rocky Siding ourselves and I try to catch RL#1005 again. At MP 16, we pass by Plastic Junction that I believe today sees little traffic. As we pass under Highway 93 you can tell even for my 0 LUX Video Camera it's getting darker and darker as each mile goes by. As we travel along Highway 72 near Leyden you can see lights of the city in the distance and here another freight sits at Leyden Siding that mostly blocks the view out the window. When we reach C&S JCT it's nearly 9PM and we have come to a stop to wait for a freight train to pass. We are more then LATE and we still have to get through the yard before we reach UNION Sation. I wonder what else will pop up to delay our arrival home...
Your last segment (#30) reminds me that wa-a-ay back (in the 1950s) the D&RGW Ski Train used to make a stop at Rocky (Colorado 93) for Boulder patrons. There was an unpaved parking lot off the highway and there always seemed to be a substantial number of skiers (25 or 30) who took advantage of this stop. I was one of them!
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
Then I think you might enjoy my next RRAdventures topic that I will be starting.
It's nearly 9PM and we are now back on the move pulling out of C&S JCT. We are being told that before we officially arrive, they are going to need to perform several switching maneuvers as our Private Cars are going to depart the train in DENVER. At this point the say we should De-Train at 9:30PM. We only travel a short while and we again stop with a new estimate of 9:45PM before we will officially arrive.
For those that have not taken the trip into Denver, Amtrak has to "Back" into UNION Station so the train was to work with UP and BN dispatchers to pull into various yards to turn the train around and this was to get done while freight are using the yard too. This 4 mile yard tour can be painful and this time looks to be bad...
We first pass by the Critter Yard and even in the dark you can see allot of MOW equipment pass by the window. We next pull into North Yard which is actually 3 different yards. We cross over the river and make a hard left turn but we again have to stop for freight traffic. We are now told they thin we will officially arrive about 9:50PM. By about 9:30 we are moving forward again to switch into BN 31st Yard. Once again we stop and wait and pull to a stop for a few minutes.
We now start to "Back" into the station to a alternate platform where we we uncouple the Private Cars. I will catch shots of several engines that are currently in the yard before we pass by the BN Engine House. I just missed getting a shot of a SF Engine as I was to fixed on a Electro Motive that was sitting in front of her. By 9:40 we pass by BN 23st where we enter into the station platform area. Amtrak GE P42DC #189 is sitting here as well.
Now the next few minutes will fell like hours to us. They have to kill the power and fan/air conditioning to the entire train as they are having issues decoupling the Private Cars. You can fell the train rock back and forth as the fail several times to get the Private Cars separated.
It's now a little after 10PM and they finally get the Private Cars separated from the train. We now pull back into the BN Yard to switch to our platform track. It's 10:15PM and we can finally get off the train. We still have no lights, fan, air, nothing working so it's going to be hard to make sure we have all our belongings.
Let's see, it took 1.25 hours to travel the final 4 miles... Officially we are 2:37 late pulling into UNION Station. I think our "ride" was likely given up on us too.
Once off the train I take advantage and film the other cars that are still behind us. We head down the ramp to the tunnel and back up the ramp on the other end to head outside. Yep, our "ride" is no where in sight and it will be another 30 minutes before they get back to the station to pick us up. After 4 days on the train we are ready to go home and this part couple of hours we could have down without...
quote:Originally posted by Stourbridge Lion: We still have no lights, fan, air, nothing working so it's going to be hard to make sure we have all our belongings.
The next day we get a call at home from Amtrak at Denver UNION Station to tell us that Pete (Train #6 - 632 Attendant) did find that Lisa had dropped her sunglasses in the room and that he has dropped them off at the station so we could pick them up... THANKS PETE!
Posted by Stourbridge Lion (Member # 1796) on :
And this concludes my latest chapter of RRAdventures, I hope you enjoyed it...
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)