The way it was
As many opine for the days when the Bozeman Local ran like clockwork and with clean power, no doubt people such as Mark Hemphill yearn for when the MRL #405 plied the rails as DRGW #3047. Although the tonnage on this day won't make a dent in the speed, even with a 1.9% grade ahead, the #405 undoubtedly saw mountain territory in its previous life. The #3047 was one of 22 GP35's delivered to the DRGW between 1964/65. Like most of the GP35 fleet, it lasted just about 28 years, being retired in Dec 1993 along with 17 others. An interesting note is that all 22 GP35's were made to be trailing unit only in 1972, removing cab seats, toilets and radios. I am unsure if this lasted until their retirement or if they were made lead qualified again at some point. Thanks to utahrails.net for the great details! Its an interesting note that by now the #405 has spent close to or more time on the Montana Rail Link than it did the Denver and Rio Grande Western. Time marches on!
The way it was
As many opine for the days when the Bozeman Local ran like clockwork and with clean power, no doubt people such as Mark Hemphill yearn for when the MRL #405 plied the rails as DRGW #3047. Although the tonnage on this day won't make a dent in the speed, even with a 1.9% grade ahead, the #405 undoubtedly saw mountain territory in its previous life. The #3047 was one of 22 GP35's delivered to the DRGW between 1964/65. Like most of the GP35 fleet, it lasted just about 28 years, being retired in Dec 1993 along with 17 others. An interesting note is that all 22 GP35's were made to be trailing unit only in 1972, removing cab seats, toilets and radios. I am unsure if this lasted until their retirement or if they were made lead qualified again at some point. Thanks to utahrails.net for the great details! Its an interesting note that by now the #405 has spent close to or more time on the Montana Rail Link than it did the Denver and Rio Grande Western. Time marches on!