RMRX 8020 and RMRX 8021 both spit out a blast of exhaust as the engineer increases the throttle by a notch. The train has cleared the east switch of Rollins, and is now running west through the 8,320-foot long siding. The sun glints off South Boulder Creek to the right.
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Exiting from the extremely narrow canyon just east of Rollins, the westbound Rocky Mountaineer enters into the siding at Rollins. UP had some track and time on the main track at Rollins, so the mornings trains were routed in and out of the siding.
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The westbound Rocky Mountaineer is approaching Tunnel 30, the final tunnel the train will pass through prior to reaching the Moffat Tunnel. There are not a lot of shots from the Tunnel 30 area, as it is remote and isolated from the other tunnels between Denver and the Moffat Tunnel.
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At Pactolus, in between Cliff and Rollins, the westbound Rocky Mountaineer passes by a small (private) lake and the Lincoln Hills Fly Fishing Club.
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The Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies to the Red Rocks is only making one trip west per week between Denver and Moab throughout the month of August. In the high heat of the summer, demand for the Mountaineer is decreased, so the train does not run Sunday through Tuesday. It only runs Wednesday through Friday. This morning, the Mountaineer has its GP40-3s and is making track speed.
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From above the building complex of the Moffat Tunnel at East Portal, we see the train as it approaches, passing the switch at the west end of East Portal. The lead unit is passing under a camera bridge. The dispatcher (and others) in Omaha, NE can view many different directions around the tracks here.
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With a green signal and the Moffat Tunnel curtain now open, the train is throttling up quickly toward track speed.
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The Rocky Mountaineer has slowed to a stop on the main at East Portal. Ahead, the Moffat Tunnel is still venting from the Zephyr passing through about 30 minutes ago. Until the tunnel finishes venting, the train will have to wait.
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The Rocky Mountaineer is passing the location where, once upon the time, the tracks curve and started up the major grade of Rollins Pass. Today, the east leg of the wye at East Portal lies on a portion of that original grade.
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The Rocky Mountaineer throttles up on the main at Rolland, and RMRX 8021 kicks up some exhaust in response, as the train faces a flashing yellow (advanced approach) signal at West Tolland.
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After the California Zephyr ran around the Rocky Mountaineer at Rollins, the Mountaineer is now headed west on the main at Tolland. The Zephyr is still in the Moffat Tunnel, so the Mountaineer will have to stop for a few minutes at East Portal.
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The westbound Rocky Mountaineer crosses CO-72 at the east end of Cliff. Like so many siding, Cliff has a house track off the siding. The track is currently empty, but has about 1,000 feet of storage space, if it is needed.
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RMRX 8600 knocks down a clear (green) signal at the east switch of Cliff. The OS at the east switch of cliff is quite long, as there is a curve that obstructs the view. The eastbound signals are placed so they are visible from the grade crossing around the bend.
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RMRX 8020 is currently in North Yard for some mechanical work, so the blue long term lease unit, RMRX 8600, was brought out to lead the Rocky Mountaineer this morning. The train is just existing Tunnel 29 (out of sight around the bend), headed for the east switch of Cliff.
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RMRX 8020 adds a little bit of color to the otherwise yellow tracks at North Yard. The five units in the distance are currently assigned to locals and yard job. The SD70M in the foreground to the right is likely waiting to be serviced.
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