BNSF typically runs oil empties in a 3x3 configuration. However, this particular oil train has five units on the head end and a single DPU on the back. Of note, a Norfolk Southern unit is second out on the head end. The train is approaching a diverging approach signal at the east end of Tolland.
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A westbound BNSF oil train snakes along South Boulder Creek between Rollins and Tolland. The crew called an approach diverging signal at the previous intermediate. The train will enter the siding at Tolland to wait for the eastbound Zephyr.
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In the canyon between Tolland and Rollins, this BNSF oil train is quickly rolling east at track speed. The crew is running short on time, with only two hours left to work. For now, the train is following South Boulder Creek and Tolland Road, trying to get as close to Denver as possible with the time left.
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BNSF 5830 and two additional GEs lead an eastbound loaded oil train across South Boulder Creek about a mile east of the east switch of Tolland. You could not ask for a more perfect morning on the last day of August, with barely a cloud in the sky. The peaks in the distance are the Continental Divide, which the Moffat Tunnel runs beneath.
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The passengers on the Northern Sky are getting a first class view of the Colorado high country. You can see a handful of them hanging out in the vista dome in the private car.
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AMTK 207 leads an on-time westbound Zephyr across South Boulder Creek, just east of Tolland. The train will be taking the siding at Tolland to meet an eastbound BNSF oil train, which is already waiting on the main. The Zephyr will be taking the siding as DS-378 is trying to keep the oil train moving as it's crew is short on time.
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UP 4533 crosses over South Boulder Creek just east of Tolland with 10 cars in tow. The Engineering special is checking out the tracks between Denver and Grand Junction today, and will continue west through the desert and over Soldier Summit tomorrow, in to Salt Lake City.
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Since entering the drone era, I have really enjoyed exploring parts of the canyon between Rollins and Tolland. In this shot, a UP engineering special, led by a single SD70M, heads west through the canyon under partly cloudy skies.
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I was hoping for some direct sunlight here, east of Tolland, as this coal empty crosses over South Boulder Creek. However, in retrospect, the overcast skies to the west probably helped the shot as the sun might have created some odd shadows from this perspective. The train crosses South Boulder Creek to run parallel to East Portal Road for a few thousand feet on the approach to Tolland.
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At roughly 8,700 feet (2650 meters) above sea level, four units lead this westbound coal empty along South Boulder Creek between Rollins and Tolland. East Portal Road (also referred to as Tolland Road on some maps and in some places) is a well-maintained dirt road that carries a lot of vehicular traffic. Fishers, campers, hikers, and off-roaders all come up here to the high country, in addition to the handful of railfans.
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A little bit of sun breaks through the clouds as the Rocky Mountaineer approach a clear (green) signal at the west switch of Rollins. The tracks exist the narrow canyon just west of Rollins, and the scene opens into a bit of a valley with quite a few deciduous trees, creating a very pleasant scene.
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Under mostly cloudy skies on one of the longest days of the year, the Rocky Mountaineer rolls east on the single main track along South Boulder Creek (and East Portal Road) between Rollins and Tolland.
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NS 4130 and a pair of BNSF SD70ACes cross over South Boulder Creek just east of Tolland. In the distance, you can see a few of the mountains around James Peak and the Continental Divide.
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The eastbound Zephyr crosses over a frozen-over South Boulder Creek about a mile east of the east end of Tolland. Considering we are in the middle January, the temperature is actually fairly warm at 30°F, here at 8,700 feet above sea level.
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Just west of Rollins, an eastbound BNSF oil train approaches a clear (green) signal at the west switch of Rollins. The train passes the Winter Park Express at Fraser and had enough time to make it through the Moffat ahead of the Winter Park Express.
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