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UP Donner Pass

A few pictures from two trips in 2002 and 2003 to Donner Pass, Southern Pacific's famed Sierra crossing. Most of the show was run by Union Pacific, but Amtrak's California Zephyr (trains #5 and 6) run both ways and BNSF has overhead rights as well as a local operating out of Reno, NV.
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  • A westbound autorack train decends "The Hill" as it crosses Butte Canon Bridge on the single track between Cisco and Emigrant Gap.

    A westbound autorack train decends "The Hill" as it crosses Butte Canon Bridge on the single track between Cisco and Emigrant Gap.

  • A BNSF C44-9W leads a westbound manifest out of Tunnel 41 at East Norden. This is the summit of the new alignment.

    A BNSF C44-9W leads a westbound manifest out of Tunnel 41 at East Norden. This is the summit of the new alignment.

  • Soft evening light paints the hillside in this view from Emigrant Gap towards Red Mountain.

    Soft evening light paints the hillside in this view from Emigrant Gap towards Red Mountain.

  • An eastbound autorack train rolls downgrade through the S-curves at Andover, CA.

    An eastbound autorack train rolls downgrade through the S-curves at Andover, CA.

  • Seldom do the mountains permit a view of the full train. This westbound autorack consist has an Oakway leaser as it passes Essex, NV.

    Seldom do the mountains permit a view of the full train. This westbound autorack consist has an Oakway leaser as it passes Essex, NV.

  • Mountain railroading in the Sierras means curves, curves, curves. This EMD/GE combo has their train wrapped around the large horseshoe at Hirschdale.

    Mountain railroading in the Sierras means curves, curves, curves. This EMD/GE combo has their train wrapped around the large horseshoe at Hirschdale.

  • One of the more interesting places to visit, and a beautiful place to enjoy the last rays of light, is Boca where this classic cantilever signal guards the eastbound track.

    One of the more interesting places to visit, and a beautiful place to enjoy the last rays of light, is Boca where this classic cantilever signal guards the eastbound track.

  • BNSF's local with two bluebonnet GP38s races eastbound out of Reno, NV.

    BNSF's local with two bluebonnet GP38s races eastbound out of Reno, NV.

  • Amtrak #5, the westbound California Zephyr, rounds the sweeping curve at Floriston, CA.

    Amtrak #5, the westbound California Zephyr, rounds the sweeping curve at Floriston, CA.

  • Near Mystic, the old wooden water funnel creates an odd contrast to the modern railroad and interstate. At the Nevada-California line, the scenery abruptly changes from dense forest to barren desert.

    Near Mystic, the old wooden water funnel creates an odd contrast to the modern railroad and interstate. At the Nevada-California line, the scenery abruptly changes from dense forest to barren desert.

  • From the summit of Red Mountain, a view of SP's fire lookout shows the interstate and railroad deep down in the valley. This lookout was used to spot fires in the wooden snowsheds in the days of steam. Cisco and Butte Canon are visible in the distance.

    From the summit of Red Mountain, a view of SP's fire lookout shows the interstate and railroad deep down in the valley. This lookout was used to spot fires in the wooden snowsheds in the days of steam. Cisco and Butte Canon are visible in the distance.

  • The battle of men and machines versus The Hill continues as it has over the past 140 years. "Flags and Flares" SD70M #5035 leads the next round of attack as this westbound freight climbs through Andover.

    The battle of men and machines versus The Hill continues as it has over the past 140 years. "Flags and Flares" SD70M #5035 leads the next round of attack as this westbound freight climbs through Andover.

  • A brace of GEs whine downgrade under the Andover signal bridge, taking their train through Tunnel 13 high above Donner Lake.

    A brace of GEs whine downgrade under the Andover signal bridge, taking their train through Tunnel 13 high above Donner Lake.

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    From the summit of Red Mountain, a view of SP's fire lookout shows the interstate and railroad deep down in the valley. This lookout was used to spot fires in the wooden snowsheds in the days of steam. Cisco and Butte Canon are visible in the distance.
    The battle of men and machines versus The Hill continues as it has over the past 140 years. "Flags and Flares" SD70M #5035 leads the next round of attack as this westbound freight climbs through Andover.
    A brace of GEs whine downgrade under the Andover signal bridge, taking their train through Tunnel 13 high above Donner Lake.