In a very rare move, the Rocky Mountaineer has backed across the Belt Lead to Broadway. Bypass 1 and 2 both have trains on them, so the Mountaineer has to back in to North Yard and then depart westbound on Main 3.
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For the previous two months, The Rocky Mountaineer has only making a single trip per week from Denver out to Moab and back. However, with fall rapidly approaching, the train has once again started up twice-weekly service. The Mountaineer power is still in the shop, so a pair of (Phase 2) SD70Ms are being used for power.
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The Rocky Mountaineer's typical pair of GP40-3s used on the Rockies to the Red Rocks are receiving some maintenance in UP's North Yard. A former DRGW GP40-2 sits a few feet away on the same track.
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A pair of GP40-3s, wearing the standard Rocky Mountaineer paint scheme, sit shut down on a track in UP's North Yard. Both units are getting worked on and the Rocky Mountaineer, running only Wednesday through Friday in July and August, continues to lease UP units in the meantime.
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The two Rocky Mountaineer GP40-3s that have been missing from the Rocky Moutainteer "Rockies to the Red Rocks" train were spotted near the repair shop in UP's North Yard. Presumably, the Rocky Moutaineer has contract with UP to do some work on the units. You can see RMRX 8020 with several doors on its long hood open.
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The Rocky Mountaineer, with a pair of SD70Ms for power, approaches a clear (green) signal at Pecos. The train is currently on Bypass 2, which directly connects the Moffat with the Belt Industrial Lead. Main 3 and the North Yard Siding are just visible in the lower portion of the shot.
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The Rocky Mountaineer GP40-3s are currently undergoing some maintenance as they've had some issues earlier at the start of the season. In the meantime, a pair of SD70Ms leads the passenger train west across Bypass 2 at Broadway.
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The westbound Rocky Mountaineer is starting its overnight trip to Moab, UT. When first departing Denver, the Mountaineer has to pass through a rather industrial part of the Denver area as it crosses the Belt Industrial Lead.
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The eastbound Rocky Mountaineer knocks down a clear (green) signal at the east end of Eisele (Clay). The train is rolling through at speeds lower than maximum track speed, allowing passengers to enjoy the pleasant May evening and incredible views.
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The scene around the Blue Mountain Road Crossing is summarized in a single word: GREEN! The Rocky Mountaineer is passing through the beautiful, lush scene, brought on thanks to huge levels of rainfall this May. As of this picture, this May has seen nearly 6 inches of rain the Denver area...the fourth wettest May on record.
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Afternoon thunderstorms have given rise to dramatic clouds this evening as the eastbound Rocky Mountaineer crosses Blue Mountain Road Crossing. The train has roughly 25 miles remaining in its trip in to the yard.
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RMRX 8021, a rebuilt GP40-3, leads the eastbound Rocky Mountaineer "Rockies to the Red Rocks" train out of the east portal of Tunnel 1. Passengers started their trip the previous day, departing Moab, UT in the mid-afternoon. They spent the night in Glenwood Springs last night and are now completing their trip to Denver.
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As somebody that grew up on (EMD-only) Rio Grande, it is great listening to the classic two-stroke prime movers in RMRX 8020 and RMRX 8021 as they pull the Rocky Mountaineer west up the grade.
I should probably clarify my statement of Rio Grande being "EMD-only". While it is true that, over the years, Rio Grande did own some GE and ALCO units, by the time I was old enough to go train chasing with my dad, Rio Grande was an EMD-only railroad.
GP40-3s RMRX 8020 and RMRX 8021 kick out a bit of exhaust as the train throttles up approaching the grade crossing at Blue Mountain. In the next three days, the train will run out to Moab, UT and then return back to Denver, CO.
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The clouds have descended in the area, creating a layer of fog. Headlights from the westbound Rocky Mountaineer cut through the fog as the train approaches the Blue Mountain grade crossing.
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