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In a message dated 5/4/98 7:45:54 PM, you wrote: <<Hi all, I'm wondering if any list members can give me a general rundown on what traffic levels are like on the Moffat lately. Just the general stuff, like number of daylight trains, train frequency, and particularly what the power is looking like. (As in: any SP consists left?) What about the BNSF run-throughs? What's the schedule on the Craig branch? My last western vacation was well spent on Tennessee Pass just before the UP merger, as well on across the desert to Soldier Summit and Provo. I'd really like to take in the Moffat line and the desert again, but would hate to use up valuable vacation time if there's just not enough going on to warrant it. Thanks in advance, Scott >> Scott, the Moffat Route is quite busy these days....probably more so than at any time in its past. We generally see 8 to 10 trains during daylight, with about six at night. Power is about half UP, half SP, but the manifest trains can have anything on them. BNSF can run several trains a day. On May 3, I logged five BNSF trains, but that's unusual. BNSF usually runs a manifest each way everyday and quite often these are supplemented by grain or coil steel trains. The power can be about anything BNSF runs and we often get warbonnets and heritage units. The BNSF trains often have manned helpers out of Denver and these are usually a pair of BN units out of the Joint Line pool. The UP coal trains have mixed UP and SP power. D&RGW units, which were quite common a year or so ago, have disappeared and we rarely see any......that is, except for the local which still operates with a pair of RG GP30s. And, of course. Amtrak operates the CZ daily in each direction and the Rio Grande Ski Train makes an occasional appearance. It has operated twice to Winter Park since the end of the regular ski season. The Moffat sidings near Denver are often full of trains waiting to get into Denver; a sight rarely seen until recently. You mentioned Tennessee Pass.....and in that regard, don't forget the ore train that still operates in daylight twice a week between Malta (Leadville) and Pueblo. This week, the east unit is D&RGW 3111. That along is worth the trip to shoot the short train. Be advised, however, that the train will probably not run much longer, so you had better check if that train is part of your plans. I'm not sure of the Craig Branch schedule, but I imagine it sees about four trains a day. There is certainly no predictable schedule. If you need additional information, email me off list or call and I can perhaps help. Joe McMillan Arvada, Colo ======================================================= -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved =======================================================
