AMTK 203 and AMTK 81 lead the Zephyr west at the base of Big Ten Curve. In the distance (at the top), you can see the mainline at Eisele (Clay), where the Zephyr will be in just a few minutes.
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With school complete, as we move into the summer months, Amtrak has expanded the Zephyr to eight Superliners from seven. A third coach has been added, which is quite common with higher demand in the summer. The Zephyr is only moving along at 10 MPH, due to a heat restriction on Big Ten Curve.
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At the west end of Rocky, the unique yellow nose of AMTK 203 leads the Zephyr west toward Big Ten Curve.
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At the west end of Barbara's Gulch, the morning Zephyr is just a few minutes behind schedule as it approach a green signal at the east end of Rocky. AMTK 203, the Operation Lifesaver unit, has spent a lot of time on the Zephyr the past few months, making another trip this morning.
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AMTK 182 and AMTK 4 lead the eastbound Zephyr down from Big Ten Curve on the approach to the west end of Rocky, still "slow rolling" along at 10 MPH due to a slow order. The slow order was most likely out due to forecasted high winds. It is also possible that it was out due to high heat and the potential for sun kinks in the rails.
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Decided to get a roster shot of AMTK 4. Amtrak will likely be retiring more of the P42DCs on the roster as the Siemens Chargers continue to be delivered and become more ubiquitous. Lowered numbered P42DCs, which were delivered first and, naturally, are older, are more likely to be retired before higher numbered P42s.
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I really like the view of eastbounds at the east end of Eisele (Clay). It is a very pleasant scene here on the 7th day of June as the Zephyr slowly rolls east. The train has slowed to 10 MPH due to a slow order on Big Ten Curve.
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Some threatening-looking clouds swirl around over the plains to the northeast as the eastbound Zephyr approaches a green signal at the east end of Eisele (Clay). The train has slowed down to 10 MPH due to a slow order ahead, around Big Ten Curve.
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The eastbound Zephyr knocks down a green signal at the east end of Plain. This location is a "check point" for the Zephyr, and the engineer on the head end just called out the check point for the conductor. From here, the train has roughly 24 miles remaining on the journey in to Denver. Afternoon clouds are building over and out on the plains.
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The eastbound Zephyr is on the main, rolling through the S-curve at Plain, coming up to Rainbow Cut. The sun is playing tag with clouds that are in a partly cloudy sky this afternoon.
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At the west switch of Plain, just outside the east portal of Tunnel 2, the eastbound Zephyr knocked down a green signal. The train is moving along at 25 MPH due to a slow order. However, just ahead, the train will be able to pick back up to track speed.
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The eastbound Zephyr passes by Tunnel 28. Or, more accurately, what is left of Tunnel 28! The tunnel daylighted decades ago due to numerous cave-ins and general structural issues. The tracks follow along South Boulder Creek all the way east to Tunnel 8, when the tracks turn to the south.
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The eastbound Zephyr, running about 45 minutes late, emerges from the east portal of Tunnel 29. At only 78 feet in length, Tunnel 29 is about the same length as one of Amtrak's Superliners. When riding the Zephyr, I would always tell my daughters "don't blink or you'll miss it"!
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The eastbound Zephyr crosses over South Boulder Creek just west of the shortest tunnel in the Tunnel District. Tunnel 29 is only 78 feet long. This area essentially marks the start of the Tunnel District as trains head east from Cliff.
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At the east end of Gore Canyon, the westbound Zephyr is following around a very shallow Colorado River. Here at the east end of Gore Canyon, the land opens up into Middle Park, with relatively wide open spaces for the next 18 miles or so, until reaching Byers Canyon.
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