More train geeking. Amtrak engine 156, with the “Phase 1” 40-year anniversary commemorative paint job, on the California Zephyr route. This engine has been heading back and forth between Chicago, IL and Emeryville, CA for several weeks now.
Seems like every train has had some special train car in tow. The Zephyr often shuttles Amtrak equipment between California and their shop in Beech Grove, Indiana.
Click on all photos for larger versions.
April 24, 2014: AMTK 156 Eastbound near Tolland, Colorado. Amtrak California #90225 Cabbage Car in tow.
April 27, 2014: Westbound at Pinecliffe, Colorado. Amtrak California coach #5003 “The Lark” in tow.
April 27, 2014: A close up, #156.
Setting the stage: Tunnel No. 29 near Pinecliffe, Colorado
May 6, 2014: Peeking around the corner. From the paint scheme, it’s not 156.
May 6, 2014: It’s 137 on the point and 156 is the second unit.
May 6, 2014: AMTK 156 at Tunnel 29, near Pinecliffe, Colorado.
Wait… what’s this on the end? The Moonlight Dome private car, built for The Chessie between 1946 and 1948. (May 6, 2014)
Read about the The Moonlight Dome.
More photos of the The Moonlight Dome.
If I ever win the lottery, I want to get all my friends together for a ride in a private car like this one.
I spotted someone in the photo, at the door of the car.
Since I was at Tunnel 29 taking photos, I heard over the radio another train approaching in the opposite direction, an empty coal train.
UP 8146 Eastbound
UP 8146 Eastbound at Tunnel 29.
The back of the train can look like the front of the train in a still photo.
That is one cool looking tunnel.
The part of the tunnel I can see looks quite short, is there more of it further back?
You must have had a train set as a little boy!
Great photographs.
It’s a very short tunnel. There are over 30 tunnels on this part of the route.
I think what interests me about this train route is that it’s living history. This train route was carved through the Rocky Mountains over 100 years ago and is still operating today. I can’t think of any other things, including buildings or roadways that are still being used. And I’ll take any excuse (paint jobs or special cars) to get out to hike and take pictures. 🙂