BNSF officials switch out the consist of a locomotive test train featuring Progress Rail' Tier 4 SD70ACe-T4 and two BNSF test cars before a run across Santa Fe's Raton Pass on the Colorado and New Mexico line. Typically, this picturesque route logs only two trains daily: Amtrak's eastbound and westbound Southwest Chief trains Nos. 3 and 4. On this morning, the test train would be assembled and head for the Pass before Amtrak's arrival. Here, as an added bonus, an empty Powder River Basin coal train can be seen headed north for the BNSF-UP Joint Line.
This is dedicated (with permission) to the skilled and gifted photographer - Chase Gunnoe - who regularly posts and is on staff with RP. I believe he deserves a gallery showcasing his remarkable photos. This is for you Chase! (More great photos to come!)