Dumb Question...

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

OK, so after seeing Brian’s stunning shot of UP 1995, I decided that I need to get a shot of UP 1989, (plus the others…but 1989 seems like it would be the easiest at the moment). So I went over to www.drgw.ws where there is a listing of Heritage unit information (known assignments, locations, etc.). As of 7/17/06, 1989 is listed as being in “captive service” betwixt Denver and Pueblo.

So…what exactly is captive service? Based on the remarks on the page, it doesn’t sound promising for great photos.

I’m sure pretty much any railfan knows the answer to what is more than likely a simple question, but any and all answers are appreciated. Thanks!

2

It just means they are keeping it on that line (more acuratly between those points). It seems the 1983 is captive on the Overland west of Ogden/SLC. I wonder where the SP unit will run.

3

Thanks Chad. Considering that it departs to and from Pueblo at 11PM (according to the website), I don’t have a lot of hope. Guess I’ll have to cross my fingers that it gets de-captured and starts to roam the Moffat line again.

4

What does SLC mean? and does anyon know if the Mopac and Kays units are captive? They seem to have been around St. Louis a lot lately.

5

Salt Lake City. I think that the Mopac unit is captive to the Chicago-Texas route, but I am not sure.

Bert

6

Why no hope? Isn’t that right in your back yard?

7

It’s in my backyard, but it’s the time factor that’s affecting me. I might be able to snag a night shot of it, but I wouldn’t be able to get anything when it’s moving…and I don’t know how close I could get to it on Public property when it’s in Denver or Pueblo between runs.

I’ll definately keep an eye out, but it would be much easier (and more scenic) during daylight hours on the Moffat Line.

8

Ah, gotcha, What kind of traffic is there on the joint line? Is it busier then the Moffat line?

9

Not sure just how many trains a day it sees, but it certainly seems like more than the Moffat Line. Additionally, there’s a little more variety. The BNSF has some trackage rights on the Moffat Line (that I don’t know a whole lot about…MC?) but I think they only run one train a day each direction over it.

The Joint Line on the other hand is still a “joint” effort between the UP and the BNSF. One sees a good mix of both railroads down that way. Although not as pretty as the Moffat Line, there are still some photographic locations (I’ve always been fond of shooting the line between Castle Rock and the Springs).

For awhile, I was catching the so-called “Barf Bonnet” quite a bit on this line (though I never got a shot that I was thrilled with). Haven’t seen that bugger in awhile…must be elsewhere now.

10

Thanks for the 411 Chris. If I make it to Colorado this fall I would like to check out the joint line.

11

Clue me in on what the “Barf Bonnet” is.

12

I think that’s the one of a kind orange & brown warbonnet scheme applied to a SD70MAC.

13

No wonder it’s called the barf bonnet if that’s the case. How can one beat the original silver and red?

Dave

14

I think it was the SD70MAC that was painted in an ATSF-style “bonnet” but with the BN corporate colors of green and creme, or it might have been blue and creme, with “Burlington Northern Santa Fe” spelled out on the long hood.

Edit - creme and green -

15

They need to send some of those units out here to the east coast so I can get a glimpse of em’. [;)]