My final photo of the Rio Grande Zephyr tested the limits of Kodachrome 25 in the last light of day. As I turned t... (more)

The sun is setting both literally and figuratively on the Rio Grande Zephyr in this view on the Dotsero Cutoff at Dell, Colorado. When it gets to Denver, the RGZ will cease to exist,... (more)

On the day after the arrival of the final Rio Grande Zephyr, six of its cars were conveyed to Amtrak. Here waiting for a deadhead ride east are coaches Silver Aspen and Silver Pin... (more)

Budd streamlined cars have been a regular sight in the shadow of Denver Union Station for 34 years, but this is the last day that they will be here. Today, they are owned by Amtrak, and tonight, a... (more)

Legally Parked

Rio Grande diner Silver Banquet makes its final visit to Grande Junction, Colorado. Its last steak and eggs breakfast has been served, and after it spends ano... (more)

Rare Rio Grande boxcar
On September 26, 2020, Denver & Rio Grande Western boxcar No. AX-60080 sits in the yard at Phippsburg, Colorado, located on Union Pacific’s former Rio Grande Craig... (more)

Four Tunnel motors, with a loaded coal train coming off Gilluly, with dynamics brakes screaming. SD40-T's 5363, 5406, 5390, and 5345 are doing the honors. Tom Ellis photo.

Early Union Pacific locomotive consists on Colorado’s former Rio Grande Moffat Tunnel line could be colorful as seen on April 2, 2001. Rio Grande EMD SD40T-2 No. 5401 leads UP and Southern Pacific... (more)

Tom Golden photo.

Tom Golden photo.

After Union Pacific began operation of the Moffat Tunnel line in the wake of the Southern Pacific merger, there was a brief era when UP assigned Rio Grande’s GP60s to the Ski Train. On the morning... (more)

A couple nice looking units are in the fueling racks of Roper Yard. DRGW 3144 was part of a batch of GP40's acquired from Conrail, originally Penn Central. Also Southern Pacific 7384 SD40R wears a... (more)

An historic day on the Rio Grande. Rio Grande GP40-2 and GP40's 3107, 3059, 3109, 3074, 3052 are approaching the west end the brand new Thistle Tunnel. This will be the first train through the Thi... (more)

History being made. The first train makes it's way through the Thistle Tunnel. The men are able to sit back and admire their hard work for a minute. With the Rio Grande main line out of service. T... (more)

Union Pacific’s West Local out of Denver, powered by a trio of Rio Grande EMD GP40-2s, descends off Rocky Spur at Rocky, Colorado, on the afternoon of December 27, 2001.