The web page at uprr.com says that the Frontier Days train will depart Denver at 7:00 AM this Saturday and return at 8:30 PM.
Please give me some hints about a good place and time to see the passing train this week.
When is the train likely to run southbound toward Denver before the scheduled operation? And when is it likely to return? How can I keep up-to-date on this plan?
Where is a good place to watch? I’m in Boulder, so I’d like to view between (maybe) Fort Lupton and Greeley. Is there a section of that line with lower speed, easy road access and favorable line-of-sight?
I’m pretty naive so good advice will help a lot.
Thx
John
Hi John,
The train comes down to Denver today. I’m not sure what time, but I’m thinking it should be in the morning sometime. The train will be on display at Union Station the next couple of nights.
The train heads back to Cheyenne on Sunday with the “Cheyenne Depot Museum Special” at 1:00. All riders will be bused back to Denver.
As for open views, you can pretty much take your pick. The train will be on the Greeley sub, which is paralleled by US85 really decently between Ft. Lupton and Greeley. The route is very straight and level, and there isn’t much to obstruct your view.
Just be advised, travelling on US85 can be a bit hazardous to your health, though. Picture dozens of railfans trying to pace the train, riding each others bumpers while trying to shoot pace shots and drive at the same time. I’m only chasing because I have a friend in town who wants to run all the way to Cheyenne. If you don’t need to see the train more than once, I’d pick one nice spot and stay there.
Also, if you can swing into Denver some evening, it’s worth it to catch the train at Union Station, even if it isn’t moving. I personally prefer the “blue hour” (the hour after sunset) becuase of the photo possiblities:
Best of luck!
The 844 is moving as we speak just now leaving the Cheyenne yard
http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/excurs/trace.cfm