A bit of exhaust is being kicked up by the geeps on the point of this test run of the Rocky Mountaineer as it approaches Tunnel 1. The train will be regular revenue operation between Denver and Moab, UT in a few weeks.
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At the start of the season, or in the case, the pre-season, the Rocky Mountaineer GP40-3s can pretty well be counted on to make an appearance on the train. For this pre-season test run, there are only eight cars in tow for the trip. The train is actually testing an extended service that will start in 2026, taking the train from Denver to Salt Lake City (and back). The train will be rebranded as the Canyon Spirit.
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After several months of little to no use, the Rocky Mountaineer GP40-3s are burning off a bit of built up carbon, kicking up quite a bit of exhaust as it burns off.
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A test run of the Rocky Mountaineer is rounding Little Ten Curve on the main at Rocky. It is meeting UP's eastbound MGJNY, which has a single DPU, waiting on the siding.
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The Rocky Mountaineer is conducting a test run ahead of the 2025 season, which starts it roughly a month. In addition to this being a good test run for the crew, it is also a test run for an expansion of service in 2026. The train is expected to run from Denver to Salt Lake City starting in 2026, and this is a test run for that service.
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Another UP rebuild of a GP38-2 into a GP38N is hitching a ride on the MGJNY. Considering the fact that this is a recent rebuild by UP, it is unlikely the unit is headed for the scrapper. More likely it is due for an inspection and, afterward, will return to Grand Junction for switching duties. The unit was delivered new to Missouri Pacific in February 1981.
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A GP38N (formerly a GP38-2) is fourth on the head end of the MGJNY. It was originally delivered to Missouri Pacific as MP 2169 in January 1980. The lack of dynamic brakes is a good indicator that there is a high probability this was an MP unit.
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UP 5938, a C44ACM that was recently rebuilt, leads UP's MGJNY around Big Ten Curve. An SD70M and an ES44AC are also on the head end of the 82 car manifest. GP38-2s are fourth and fifth on the head end, either due for their inspection, or being taken to auction/scrap.
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Five units lead an eastbound UP manifest out the east end of Eisele (Clay). The power is elephant style. The last two units are GP38-2s from Grand Junction. Not sure if they are due for an inspection, or if they are being sold for auction (or scrap). The top of a tank car that is likely more than a century old is partially buried in the dirt in the foreground.
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UP's MGJNY (manifest from Grand Junction to North Yard) is making a daylight appearance on the Front Range. Five units, elephant style, are approaching the west portal of Tunnel 1 on a beautiful March morning.
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A look at the end of this very old Rio Grande tank car located near the east switch of Eisele (Clay). There are two reporting marks that have clearly been hand written on the car: DRGW X-2901 and DRGW X-2906. I'm not sure which is correct, if either of them!
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Near the east switch of Eisele (Clay) is this very old Rio Grande tank car. It is now partially buried as it has most likely been here for at least a century.
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The Zephyr is kicking up a bit of exhaust as it rounds the bend and approaches the east switch of Eisele (Clay).
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Several reports have indicated that Amtrak is planning to add another sleeper and another coach to the Zephyr for Spring and Summer of 2025. While the westbound Zephyr has had a handful of runs with eight Superliners in the past few weeks, at the moment, it is still typically only running with seven. It is seen here, climbing the north edge of Big Ten Curve.
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The westbound Zephyr is at the base of the north leg of Big Ten Curve, just west of Rocky. While brown is still the dominating color in the landscape, there is perhaps a hit of green mixed in. The 2024-2025 winter season has seen an above-average snowfall, so hopefully we will be setting up for a nice green May and June.
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