Sunset Zephyr. It was late in the evening of March 24, 2022 when the Amtrak California Zephyr (Train 5) was passing through Woodside, Utah after sunset. An unusual addition to the train, AMTK 90221 (F40NPCU, Salutes Out Veterans, formerly AMTK 221, F40PH) is 3rd out, behind P42DCs 202 and 45. NPCU means "Non Powered Cab Unit", as this former engine now only functions as a cab control car. It was with the consist from Chicago, Ilinois to Emeryville, California. Last week the California Zephyr celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its first run, having commenced service on March 20, 1949 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) and Western Pacific (WP) Railroads. After various changes over the decades, on July 16, 1983 Amtrak restored the name California Zephyr to the service.
A continuously growing album of photos that IMHO reveal the awesome and seldom-seen beauty of the railroad world from the dimming of day to dawn's early light! From dusk to dawn, trains roll on! (I'm still finding gems of sunset-to-sunrise surprises!)
