Early plans for the remodel and rebuilding behind Union Station called for the tracks to be underground! That plan was ultimately scrapped because there wasn't enough room for a gentle enough grade to allow Amtrak to "climb" out and get back up to the surface. Honestly, I'm glad it didn't work out, because shots like this would not have been possible.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
The westbound California Zephyr sits on Track 4 at Union Station on a chilly New Year's Eve. On Track 5, private cars California and Kansas hang out, waiting for the Zephyr to pick them up and take the west back to California (where they now live).
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Here is a scene that, in most ways has changed dramatically in the last five years. The shot is taken from 17th Street looking (obviously) toward Union Station. Most of the buildings on this side of the station didn't exist just five years ago. As an added bonus, the former Ski Train veteran "California" sits on Track 5 at the station.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A last shot of the California and Kansas sitting on Track 5 under the new artsy Union Station canopy. It was great seeing these classic cars in town once again. Soon, they will likely be behind Amtrak on their journey back to California.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
I am extremely lucky in that, even at the ages of 10 and 13, my daughters still enjoy coming along with dad to take train pictures. Jaina, my 10 year old, came with me on this particular day and poses with the California. My Canon Digital Rebel XT is slung over her shoulder as she works on her own photographic skills.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
The construction around Union Station that has taken place over the last 15 years (and, in particular, over the last 5 years) is really incredible. New lofts and office buildings have popped up on all sides of the old station. One such (new) building towers over the California and Kansas, in town on Track 5.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Had the Ski Train not stopped in 2009, this scene might be a regular occurrence here in 2015! The California and Kansas sit on Track 5 at Union Station, in town during Christmas. The Utah apparently stayed behind out in Los Angeles.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
It was great to see the California in Denver on Track 5 at Union Station over Christmas. Looks as though Phil Anschutz may have been in town for the holiday. I sure miss the days of the domed classic being on the Ski Train...
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
A couple of old friends were in town over Christmas. When Phil Anschutz sold the Ski Train equipment in 2009, he kept the California, Utah, and Kansas. He relocated them to California (Los Angeles) and started a new railcar charter company called American Railway Explorer. I'm guessing that Phil was actually in Denver for Christmas and used the California and Kansas to get here!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Work is progressing on the new commuter rail tracks at Union Station! Signalling for the tracks has been installed and looks to be active and ready to go! Seen here are Tracks 6, 7, and 8. They will head northwest to Arvada and (eventually) to Boulder and Longmont.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Despite the fact that Amtrak Train Days is going on and the Exhibit Train is in town, this car is not actually a part of the museum train. It is a car privately owned by Amtrak that just happens to be waiting in Denver for the eastbound California Zephyr! Once the Zephyr arrives, it'll hitch a ride east to Chicago.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
As a part of the Exhibit Train tour around the country, Amtrak took several old Baggage Cars and converted them into Display Cars. The insides of the cars were stripped and rebuilt to accommodate a museum on wheels!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
While Amtrak's Exhibit Train is touring the country, staff need a place to sleep. The solution is the Pacific Bend. Originally built by Budd for Union Pacific in 1950, the car has had quite a long life. One of its numerous jobs was to serve as a communications car for Amtrak police! For the time being, it is serving as the home for Amtrak staff during the tour.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
Amtrak F40PH #406, the only remaining F40PH in Amtrak's Phase III scheme (even though it no longer has a prime mover), sits under part of the new semi-enclosure at Union Station on Amtrak's Exhibit Train for Train Days.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
When the F40PH was the king of (Amtrak) rails, there were over 200 units on the roster. Now, this is the only one left on Amtrak's roster. And it has actually be converted to a cab control car as it no longer has a prime mover. Sure looks sharp sitting on Track 5 at Union Station though!
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster
or add a comment to the picture.
