At first glance, you may not realize that there is something in this picture you cannot see. Something would be able to see if this picture had been taken in July. Largely due to its (relative) short length and the fact that there is a road crossing near the east end, the siding of East Portal is use very infrequently. Completely covered by snow the rails of the siding lie next to this coal empty.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
It has only been about 20 minutes since the Zephyr passed this location, but the rapidly falling snow has still built up enough for the plow on this C44/60AC to have something to do. The coal empty is just moments away from entering the 6.2 mile long Moffat Tunnel.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
It's about time to bid a fond farewell to the MNYGJ. The train has an approach diverging as it heads into the Moffat Tunnel. At Winter Park, the train will take the siding to meet an eastbound coal load.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
This westbound coal empty is making track speed as it prepares to enter the Moffat Tunnel. It is a beautiful September day and there are some aspens weaving in and out of the pine trees in the distance.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
We are pretty close to the highest point on any active mainline (non-excursion) in the United States! The Moffat Tunnel Sub peaks out (pardon the pun) at 9,242 feet above sea level inside the tunnel. Here, the MNYGJ is on the mainline approaching the east portal of the tunnel.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
The sun shines through to light up the nose on this westbound BNSF manifest as it prepares to enter the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. Back in 1997, Santa Fe's Warbonnets were still in close-to-pristine condition and you can tell even in this black and white photo!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Espee 131 is about to overtake ATSF 845 at the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel. The light power will run through the tunnel ahead of the manifest to rescue a stalled coal load at Winter Park. This picture was taken on Ilford Pan-F (ISO 50) film.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A BNSF manifest holds the siding at East Portal to allow light power to run around the train on the mainline. A westbound coal load stalled out on the main at Winter Park and this light power was sent through the tunnel to rescue it!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
