Friday, March 8, 2013

Silverzone Pass on the Union Pacific Eastern Nevada March 2013

                  A westbound Union Pacific grain train enters a rock cut on Silverzone Pass

On two seperate trips I explored various parts of Arnold's Loop on the Union Pacific to photograph trains climbing over the Toano Mountains in Eastern Nevada. The railroad gains elevation quickly by looping over itself. At my favorite spot an observor can see trains on two different levels. Most of the photos on this post come from my second trip when I chased three westbounds from West Wendover on Interstate 80. I love this area because you see trains, great scenery and wildlife. Remember to stay away from trains and carry provisions such as water. On this blog I have included my favorite pictures of the trains as well as a herd of deer.

                                Herd of mule deer

Another pic of deer
                                 Train on upper part of pass. It has already gone around the loop.

                                  UP grain train near siding at lower part of pass 

           Westbound climbing grade; if you look closely you can see the tracks on the upper side of        the hill to the right.

                               Same westbound at end of siding on lower part of loop

                            Chugging toward the rock outcrop

                          Lower tracks with train on upper part of hill after it has gone around loop