Western Railroad Discussion > Backlit near Thompson, UT

Date: 11/11/19 18:41
Backlit near Thompson, UT
Author: Searchlight

Thompson, UT is at the top of the divide between the Green and Colorado rivers on UP's former D&RGW line. Westbounds make a 40 mile climb from the Colorado and just before reaching Thompson encounter a near-horseshoe curve. I stopped at this curve to catch a glimpse of the eastbound California Zephyr on Monday (11/11/19). Two westbounds passed before the Zephyr, a fortunate event on this quiet line. I had to stay near the car and ended up with some backlit shots but it was fun none the less.

1) A westbound BNSF trackage rights train jogs up the 1% grade. It would meet the Zephyr at Brendel, the first siding west of Thompson.

2) Next was a loaded westbound UP coal train struggling up the hill. It would meet the Zephyr at Thompson.

3) A mile east of the first two shots the eastbound Zephyr heads into the morning sun.

Three trains in less than an hour was a nice treat.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/11/19 22:12 by Searchlight.