After making a run through the Rocky Mountains, an eastbound oil train has far gentler grades ahead on the plains of Colorado. The train has left CTC behind and is now running under a track warrant, which has been issued electronically through PTC.
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There is a small hill located toward the east end of the siding of Mesa that trains, whether eastbound or westbound, have to overcome. This eastbound oil train has crested the hill and is heading east out on to the open plains of the Limon Sub.
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Here is something of a rare sight! UP is using a borrowed ES44C4 from BNSF to bring up the tail end of this eastbound coal load as it departs the siding at Mesa.
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UP's Salina, KS to Denver, CO manifest crosses Picadilly Road on the far east side of Aurora. The train is coming up to an approach signal at the east end of Mesa. The train will hold the main at Mesa until the 36th Street yard opens a spot for the train.
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A westbound manifest kicks up some snow on the main along the siding of Old Mesa just east of Mesa. The temperature outside is a mere 5°F.
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Most of the siding of Mesa is on a 1% grade, climbing to the east. However, very close to the east switch is the top of a small hill and the tracks head back down a 1% grade. Here, a coal load is cresting the top of the grade at east Mesa.
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About a mile east of the east switch of Mesa, this grain train has a warrant that'll take it another 30 miles without having to stop. It is up to track speed now and will quickly be leaving the Front Range of the Rockies behind.
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An eastbound UP grain empty pulls its way down the main at Mesa after meeting a westbound coal empty.
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