Railblazer
WB Amtrak Train #3 The Southwest Chief AMTK 515 511 on Raton Pass East of Gallinas Colorado
Two Amtrak GE B32-8WH's in the "Pepsi Can" paint scheme lift westbound Train #3, the Southwest Chief up the steep eastern slope of Raton Pass on January 25, 1992. Thirteen cars trail month old B32-8WH's 515 and 511, (both built in December 1991) nearing Gallinas, Colorado headed to the next station stop at Raton, New Mexico. The steepest section of the grade, (approaching three and one half percent) lies just ahead in the next five miles to the summit of the pass at Raton Tunnel, elevation 7588 feet, highest point on the Santa Fe Railway.
Gallinas Colorado was named for the Spanish word "gallina" meaning hen for a nearby creek along the railway of the same name. At one time the railroad facilities at Gallinas consisted of a two story railroad depot, a wooden interlocking tower, a 43' steel water tank, a large coaling trestle and a wye for turning helper engines. With installation of CTC on the line, servicing facilities began to be phased out starting in the 1930's and ending with yard tracks and a passing siding removed by 1950. At the time of the photo all that remained were the station sign, a pair of steel cantilever signals guarding the cross-over switches and a small MofW shed.
WB Amtrak Train #3 The Southwest Chief AMTK 515 511 on Raton Pass East of Gallinas Colorado
Two Amtrak GE B32-8WH's in the "Pepsi Can" paint scheme lift westbound Train #3, the Southwest Chief up the steep eastern slope of Raton Pass on January 25, 1992. Thirteen cars trail month old B32-8WH's 515 and 511, (both built in December 1991) nearing Gallinas, Colorado headed to the next station stop at Raton, New Mexico. The steepest section of the grade, (approaching three and one half percent) lies just ahead in the next five miles to the summit of the pass at Raton Tunnel, elevation 7588 feet, highest point on the Santa Fe Railway.
Gallinas Colorado was named for the Spanish word "gallina" meaning hen for a nearby creek along the railway of the same name. At one time the railroad facilities at Gallinas consisted of a two story railroad depot, a wooden interlocking tower, a 43' steel water tank, a large coaling trestle and a wye for turning helper engines. With installation of CTC on the line, servicing facilities began to be phased out starting in the 1930's and ending with yard tracks and a passing siding removed by 1950. At the time of the photo all that remained were the station sign, a pair of steel cantilever signals guarding the cross-over switches and a small MofW shed.