Echo Curve
According to track charts, the six degree curve at Echo, Utah, mile post 952.2 of the Evanston Subdivision is the sharpest west of Omaha, Nebraska.
No doubt there were curves as sharp or sharper than six degrees along the original transcontinental route. Over the years, 40 miles of track have been trimmed from line changes and track realignments. Due of geography, there is no practical way to reduce the six degree curve at the east end of town.
Union Pacific 8901 leads the INPOA 08 train along the Lincoln Highway into the aforementioned curve. Maximum train speed through the 102 degree arc is 35 mph, even for passenger. To add more fun, eastbound trains immediately hit a 1.14% compensated grade at the speed restricted curve, extending 24 miles to the 6,842 ft. summit at Wahsatch.
Echo Curve
According to track charts, the six degree curve at Echo, Utah, mile post 952.2 of the Evanston Subdivision is the sharpest west of Omaha, Nebraska.
No doubt there were curves as sharp or sharper than six degrees along the original transcontinental route. Over the years, 40 miles of track have been trimmed from line changes and track realignments. Due of geography, there is no practical way to reduce the six degree curve at the east end of town.
Union Pacific 8901 leads the INPOA 08 train along the Lincoln Highway into the aforementioned curve. Maximum train speed through the 102 degree arc is 35 mph, even for passenger. To add more fun, eastbound trains immediately hit a 1.14% compensated grade at the speed restricted curve, extending 24 miles to the 6,842 ft. summit at Wahsatch.