Hey guys (and girls if any). It seems that every time I turn around lately that I’m getting turned on by another railroad company. This time it’s the Alaskan… I own the McKinley Explorer passenger set which I’ve had for over a year now and earlier tonight aquired two GP-40s to go with the caboose that I’ve also had for some time. If I’m not mistaken I think I might also have an Alaskan box car among my modest collection of rolling stock. Anyways, all that said, is there anyone else out there interested in the Alaskan and if so please stop by and say hello…
I have collected that same set over the last 4 years, kind of a “one piece at a time” thing. I also did a search on the history of the prototype train, and who put on the tours, although I don’t remember right off hand all the info I read about. I do believe most of the cars are now found on private tours and diner trains. Like you, a particular railroad, or a certain train on that railroad, will catch my interest, I’ll study it to death, then another topic will distract me, and on I go. I managed to pick up two Atlas GP40’s, the newer ones that can run DC or DCC, and I also have a couple freight cars. I was always impressed by the Alaska railroad, ever since the “Runaway Train” movie. I also like some of their train consist, flat cars with personal vehicles and trucks, equipment, maybe a passenger car or two, etc., the tunnel that the train shares with vehicle traffic, it’s all interesting to me. I remember when the WC started up in the late 80,s, talk about making do with the equipment you have! It was fun to watch. My lastest “adventure” has been trash / garbage trains and equipment. Just about done with a 15 car train. My previous anventure was how railroads in WI scampered to find equipment for the growing “Frac sand” traffic.
I took a trip from Anchorage to Denali National Park on the Alaska railroad this past summer. All day at an average if 30 mph. With foot boarding on the open air deck at the end of the cars. It was great.
Tye passenger consist was 10 cars. 1 baggage, 4-5 Alaska RR coach and first class cars. The rest were being pulled by the Alaska RR for private cruise lines. I believe three were Holland America line and three were Princess Cruises. It was a trip back in time, I don’t think anywhere in America there is a 10-car consist now?
We were pulled by a pair of SD70s in elephant configuration; the second one was apparently running dead as a back up in case he primary power fails.
What a beautiful journey it was! My wife offered me a McKinley Explorer train set (we travelled in this car as we claimed a “spare ticket deal” from a cruise broker although we were not part of he cruise)
The Destination America channel ran a six part documentry about the Alaska Railroad last November, I only caught one episode, but was very good. My favorite part of the episode was the track maint. crew using a high powered rifle to shoot down a giant icicle that was threatening an approaching train. Maybe there will be re-runs.
We also took the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali this summer. What a glorious trip in the Gold Star service with the open observation deck on the dome car. Enjoyed breakfast and lunch in the diner, bar service in the dome, and great photography and views. Highly recommended.