Modern Day RDC? - At first it seems a bit ungainly and dare I say ugly, but after a bit it really does kind of grow on you. I imagine this is how fans felt in 1949 when they gazed at the first Budd RDC polishing the high iron. I probably should have titled this photo "Can you believe I get paid to do this!?" On Thursday the 29th the US Forest Service needed to take a dozen people in to inspect their construction sites at Spencer and Grandview where they are building a series of "whistle stops" and trails only accessible by rail. Since I hadn't been in there in a while I was real interested to see the progress as this is a real exciting project that should draw a lot more people to the railroad. Also, I talked to the ARR's head of passenger marketing about doing some promotional shots of the DMU for future railroad PR use since we weren't on a schedule and there were no conflicting train movements. All in all a great day out on the railroad visiting with employees, our Forest Service partners, and enjoying the stunning fall scenery. For those interested in a bit more detail, this particular spot is the southernmost of five tunnels that come in quick succession between MP 52.7 and 51.8. After exiting this last and final tunnel on the on the southward climb trains immediately cross the gorge over the Placer River on a 133 ft deck truss bridge all while climbing a steady 2.1% grade. If you would like to learn more about the Chugach National Forest's Whistle Stop project in conjunction with the ARR please click on this LINK. Note: the photographer is a railroad employee with permission to be on the property and was wearing all required PPE while taking this photograph.
The worst of railroad design. Please, send me your entries / suggestions for the "Album of the ugly trains of the world" (past or present, paint scheme or shape).
