BNSF's southbound Denver-Pueblo manifest rolls past a yellow signal at MP 41.5 on the north edge of Larkspur. The train is following on the heals of a slow-moving BNSF coal load, hence the reason for the yellow signal. A severe July thunderstorm is making its way east, starting to encroach on the scene.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Crossing on the of the more iconic bridges on the Joint Line, UP 8837 is making about 20 MPH as it continues the climb up toward Palmer Lake. This part of the Joint Line was, of course, once owned by Santa Fe. The slightly better track alignment was Rio Grande, now Main 2, further back in the distance, following along East Plumb Creek.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
As storms start to build in the late morning, a northbound BNSF "blade train" clips along at track speed on Main 2 in between Larkspur and Castle Rock. While I knew a northbound was coming, the blade train was unexpected and a welcome surprise rather than the typical coal empty.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Main 2 north of Larkspur moves along the base of some lush hills, across the way from I-25 and Main 1. There is no real great way to access Main 2 from the ground, but I always though there could be a great shot of it if it could be accessed. Fortunately, modern technology finally made that possible as this elephant-style coal empty makes its way north.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Three units bringing up the tail end of a northbound grain train on Main 2 cross over Carpenter Creek, which is actually off to the right. Carpenter Creek and East Plum Creek (to the left) join together at a fork right alongside the bridge here in Larkspur.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Main 1, crossing the old Santa Fe bridge on the south edge of Larkspur, gets a lot of attention. However, Main 2 is a bit more secluded on the eastern edge of Larkspur. It is difficult to get to on the ground, so this shot from the air offers a view of a northbound unit grain train.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
As we continue to push toward the summer solstice, the longer days mean the sun stays on the north side of the bridge south of Larkspur for more of the day. Such is the case here as a southbound coal train crosses the bridge (and both West Fox Farm Road and Spruce Mountain Road) on its continued journey south.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A different perspective of a southbound at Skyview Lane, north of Larkspur. I-25 fairly closely parallels Main 1 between Castle Rock and Skyview Lane, whereas Main 2 is much farther to the east, and much harder to get pictures of! No northbounds at the moment, but you can see the rails of Main 2 in the foreground.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A slightly different perspective on a classic bridge on the Joint Line. This old Santa Fe bridge spans both West Fox Farm Road (closer) and Spruce Mountain Road (further) on the south edge of Larkspur. These two units are the tail end DPUs bringing up the back of this southbound coal train in wonderful afternoon light.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Long have I wanted to be able to get a good vantage point of the old Santa Fe bridge on Main 1 on the south edge of Larkspur. Thanks to the advent of drone photography, it was finally possible on New Year's Eve 2019! A pair of BNSF SD70ACes lead a coal train south across the impressive bridge.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
You could not ask for better lighting for this southbound coal train as it approaches the Sky View Lane grade crossing just a few miles north of Larkspur.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Just south of Larkspur, this UP coal empty winds its way through a nice S-Curve on Main 2. I-25 can be see in the light of the setting sun in the background.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
BNSF 6816 leads the HDENKCK-07 south across the old Santa Fe bridge just south of Larkspur. With four SD40's (three being Daah 2's) for power, the 64 car train is moving along at about 18 MPH.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
BNSF 9909 leads a heavy coal load south at Larkspur. On this turbulent Saturday, the weather here would soon go from sunny to rain and thunder!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Perhaps the most well-documented bridges on the Joint Line is this bridge on main one, located just south of the town of Larkspur. The Santa Fe heritage is still evident on the bridge.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
