Passenger Trains > Alaska RR - Fairbanks to Anchorage

Our last rail journey in Alaska was on 9/8/21, where we rode the mainline from Fairbanks to Anchorage, about 12 hours for 356 miles.  It's the journey as much as the destination.
We rode the Wilderness Express, which on this date was two separate cars at the rear of the train.  It operated somewhat like private cars on an Amtrak train; that is, one is confined to the car you are in.
All seating is on the upper level; dining and restrooms are on the lower level.  There is also an open deck on the lower level, though it is much smaller than the upper-level open air decks on the Alaska RR cars.  The diner menu was somewhat more extensive though.

1. The Wilderness Express cars, prior to departure from Fairbanks. Power was 4325 and 4324. We were in the last car.
2. Tank cars labeled for 'Fire Suppression Water' at Fairbanks.
3. ARR 2005 and 2008, Fairbanks yard

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/18/21 22:20 by casco17.

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4. ARR Big Hook, Fairbanks yard
5. Mears Memorial Bridge near Nenana
6. A convoy of motor cars at Healy.  The orange one next to the "rent a can" is labeled for the Rio Grande

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7. Along the Nenana River
8. Garner, where the line was relocated to the right.  The line originally went through a tunnel near this location.
9. Along the Nenana River, with a bridge over a tributary

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10. Highest point on the ARR; it was a wide area, not a narrow mountain pass.
11. Hurricane Gulch.  The train stops here for the bridge to be inspected, prior to moving across at 10 mph.  It was a bit nerve wracking for some of the people on the open air platform!
12. M/W cars; there was a caboose at the other end

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13. Freight trains preparing for departure at Anchorage.  The train closest was all hopper cars; the next train over was TOFC containers, tank cars and other freight.
14. Distributed power
15. A signal bridge, just north (compass east) of the Anchorage station. 

Thanks for looking.

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Superb series and naration!     Truly one of the best train rides in America.   When I did it to Healy in 2015, it was like riding on a model railroad.
Thanks for sharing!
 

Fant4astic!  I did it 2017 and got great pics.  Its a ride not to be missed!

 

That signal bridge lighting up the rails is really unique!

The hopper car set is probably used for rock, I think Palmer or Willow to south Anchorage.

Next year might be the year I return to Alaska.  I need to ride the bilevel cars and do some serious fishing.  Done the whole railroad at various times in the past.

Travelled Fairbanks to Anchorage in the ARR cars in August. The outdoor "balcony" opportunity was outstanding. 

We went in 2008 about this same time of year when those SD70s on our train were almost brand-new. It was a great trip then as it still seems to be today.

TJY



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/19/21 11:49 by icancmp193.

Those are some nice shots!  Looks like you really had a good time.

RC Lundgren
Elgin, TX

Brings back pleasant memories!

Man I miss my job there. The Alaska Railroad has a soul, unlike the soulless Class 1 I work for now.

Wilderness Express (former Royal Caribbean Tours) is a class act. I spent many, many early mornings attaching their cars to the rear of the Denali Star then spotting it at the Anchorage Depot. They spare no expense to keep those cars in top shape. The onboard staff is wonderful as well. True professional outfit.

Cool pics, I'm still surprised they got CTC up there now!

ProAmtrak Wrote:
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> Cool pics, I'm still surprised they got CTC up
> there now!

It's been there for a long time but it's in very limited stretches of the railroad.

Where is Todd Clark?
Im sure he would be very interested in those motor carts in the photo #6.
 

Jerry Martin
Los Angeles, CA
Central Coast Railroad Festival



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/19/21 20:42 by GP25.