A C44AC-CTE brings up the rear of this eastbound coal train, loaded at the Somerset mine on the North Fork branch in western Colorado. The unit is facing the "wrong way", which really only means anything to railfans! In reality, thanks to DPU technology, the direction the DPU's are facing is irrelevant.
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Up close and personal! A good look at the C44AC-CTE leading this eastbound coal train at Crescent. UP was the only railroad to purchase the C44AC-CTE, which looks identical to an AC4400CW. From what I understand, the differences are internal and relate to emissions standards set forth by the EPA.
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This coal train will be heading east on the Limon Sub after it reaches Denver. The three mid-train swing helpers will but cut out at North Yard, but this fine looking C44AC-CTE will stay with the train. Here, it is crossing over the bridge at MP 36.45 just west of Tunnel 29.
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This was the proverbial "Money Shot" that I was going for on this particular day! This eastbound coal load is leaving Cliff and crossing over South Boulder Creek on the bridge at MP 36.45. Just ahead, the train will enter Tunnel 29.
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Eight units are on the point of the MNYGJ as it pulls west through Crescent. Despite the fact there are eight units, only three of them are actually "loading" (working). The last five are being moved to Glenwood Springs for mid-train coal power.
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UP has been doing a lot of maintenance on the Moffat between Plain and Rollins in the last few weeks. Here, a work train sits on the siding west of the crossing at Crescent. The train just go in the clear in order to allow a westbound to come through on the main.
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After an eastbound coal load passed by, I knew I had a little bit of time before the next westbound reached Cliff. I took advantage of the time and gained a little altitude on the north side of the tracks to shoot the MNYGJ. I was grateful for the overcast skies above me...on a clear day, the shadows would have killed this shot.
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After meeting an eastbound coal load, this Somerset-bound empty is throttling up and leaving the siding at Cliff westbound. The creek in the foreground is South Boulder Creek.
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This may be a view from Cliff that you aren't used to. Most shots at Cliff from either the west end or the east end. Not many come from in between the two! This eastbound coal load is meeting a westbound empty and is now about a quarter of a mile away from the east end of the siding.
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Don't lose your balance! There is a great view looking down on the tracks from a cliff about a quarter of mile east of the east end of Cliff. This coal load is about to cross over South Boulder Creek and dive into Tunnel 29. The start of the Tunnel District.
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While the tail end of the California Zephyr is bathed in morning sunlight, the train is heading for a major change in weather! On the other side of the Continental Divide in Winter Park (about 25 miles west of this location), there is over a foot of fresh snow on the ground and it is still coming down!
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Just because May is less than a week away doesn't mean you can't find snow on the ground in the Rockies! The westbound Zephyr is making good time as it heads west through Crescent on a clear signal.
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Never let it be said that UP dispatchers don't do their best to keep Amtrak running on time! Here, the westbound Zephyr is overtaking (passing) a manifest at Crescent. The manifest is headed for Grand Junction.
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Hello C44AC-CTE! I personally am very glad that UP started putting the wings on the nose of their units again. The nose is just too darn plain and boring otherwise...
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In the Rio Grande days, the switch at the west end of Cliff was a "Y" switch. In other words, you diverged slightly whether you were staying on the main or taking the siding. Union Pacific has done away with that, however. Now, the main curves to the left before reaching the switch. Here, a westbound coal empty runs over the switch, passing the MNYRO which is tied down on the siding.
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