A pair of BNSF SD70ACes lead an eastbound coal empty on Main 3, as a single UP ES44AC bring up the tail end of a westbound coal empty. Because BNSF accesses the Orin Sub from both ends, empties enter from both ends to reach the mines. As a result, it is quite possible for two empties (or two loads) to meet each other, such as in this shot.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Although coal mining is by far the dominant industry in the Powder River Basin, there are a quite a few (and/or natural gas) wells in the area as well. While nothing compared to coal...or even to wells in places like Utah along the former Rio Grande, there is a loading facility here around MP 34 off of Main 1. Meanwhile, a UP coal empty heads west on Main 2, meeting a BNSF coal empty on Main 3.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
It took awhile to catch up to this westbound UP coal empty. The empty train allows it to run at track speed, 50 MPH. After shooting it at MP 59.7, I could not get ahead of it until here near MP 34. Since the roads do not directly follow the tracks, it took about 25 miles to get ahead.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A UP coal load on Main 3 is creeping along next to some cars in storage on the 10,000 foot siding near Reno Junction. The train had a yellow (Approach) intermediate leading to Reno Junction. Due to the mist, the train is creeping along so the crew can stop short of the next signal, in the event it is red.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
West of Reno Junction, a UP coal empty is on Main 2 and headed for the Belle Ayr mine at MP 16.4. It is one of the mines further north on the Orin Sub. It is worth mentioning that while BNSF can access the Orin Sub from the North and South end of the 127-mile sub, UP only accesses from the south end. So all westbound (geographic north) UP coal trains are empty, and all eastbound (geographic south) UP coal trains are loaded.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
