Even though there is no train in the scene, this is still one of my favorite pictures from 2023. Heck, this is probably in the top 10 of my favorite shots of all time. The fall colors, the sun, and the lingering morning mist creates an absolutely perfect scene.
An AC4400CW, still in Heritage 2 paint, brings up the tail end of a westbound loaded coal train as it dives into the 6.2 mile long Moffat Tunnel. 100 years ago, construction on the tunnel had started!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
At 7:22am, the sun has just started to light the valley in which the Moffat Tunnel is located. While this looks like it could possibly be an eastbound BNSF coal load, it is actually a westbound load with a trio of DPUs bringing up the rear. The train is diving in to the Moffat Tunnel, ultimately headed for Valmy, NV. The dawning sun also illuminates the fall colors, still showing bright on October 2.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
BNSF recently picked up a contract to deliver Power River Basin coal to Valmy, NV. The loaded coal trains run west over the Moffat. They run with three units on the head end and three units on the tail end. Here, the three DPUs have found morning sun as they disappear toward the west end of Tolland.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Fall colors are in full force nearly 9,000 feet above sea level as three elephant-style BNSF units lead a coal train toward the Moffat Tunnel a few minutes after 7am.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
The sun has not yet peeked over the mountain here at Tolland, but it is definitely up and it is definitely lighting up the clouds to the east. Meanwhile, a BNSF coal load runs on the main amidst fantastic fall colors.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
On a glorious October morning, a westbound BNSF coal load slowly pulls through a damp scene with fall colors still in force at Tolland. The mix of clouds and sun was just perfect!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Five minutes before 7am finds a westbound BNSF coal load, headed for Valmy, NV, slowly climbing the grade in the canyon between Rollins and Tolland. The sun has technically broken the horizon, but has not yet peeked over the mountains.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
In the valley leading to the base of James Peak, the westbound Rocky Mountaineer approaches the east portal of the 6.2-mile long Moffat Tunnel. East Portal is a very popular spot for hikers, and there is a near-full parking lot in the scene. Hikers used to cross the tracks at the entrance to the tunnel, but UP had the trail head moved to go up and over the tunnel so hikers do not walk across the tracks.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Fall colors are at their peek at the start of October, which is one of the largest draws for passengers on the "Rockies to the Red Rocks" Rocky Mountaineer. The train is rolling west on the main at East Portal, about a mile from the entrance to the Moffat Tunnel.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
On a crisp, cloudy October morning, the westbound Rocky Mountaineer makes another trip west toward Moab, UT. The "Rockies to the Red Rocks" train will continue running twice a week through the end of October. It will then shut down until the 2024 season starts in April 2024.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A pair of ES44ACs, the first of which is a "Tier-3 credit unit", in the same number range as ET44ACs, lead an eastbound loaded oil train about seven miles east of the Moffat Tunnel. A dirt road, called Tolland Road and/or East Portal Road, follows the tracks on the opposite side of South Boulder Creek.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
East of Tolland along South Boulder Creek, an eastbound UP oil train snakes along the river amidst a lot of coniferous pine trees and a handful of bright yellow deciduous trees, well on their way to shedding their leaves for winter.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
This September afternoon has a lot of clouds floating in and out of the path of the sun. Such is the case with the eastbound Zephyr at Tolland, as the tail end just left a pocket of sunlight and it is now fully engulfed in shadow as it approaches the grade crossing on the main.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
DS 378, the dispatcher overseeing the Moffat this afternoon, was unable to get a signal for the Zephyr at West Tolland. Consequently, the dispatcher "flagged" the train by the red signal, giving them authority to proceed by it. The Zephyr will no exceed restricted speed until it encounters a signal more favorable than stop (red).
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
