RAPID CITY, PIERRE, & EASTERN TRAIN #M-RCHU STARTS CLIMBING THE HARDEST UPGRADE HILL OF THE TRIP - EAST OF WASTA, SOUTH DAKOTA - SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Eastbound train #M-RCHU is seen as it starts to climb up the ruling grade on the Pierre-Rapid City mainline, which is called "Wall Hill" on the railroad. Ahead are about 10 miles or so of a killer climb that will end once reaching the town of Wall. The climb will put the four SD40-2's to the test, and this climb is the most likely place for any RCP&E train to encounter stalling issues. Unfortunately, from this photo location to almost all the way to Wall, there is little access to the railroad. Therefore, for the railfan it is "Drone Fly Boy" or hiking territory, but even then likely requires permission to access as it's all on some type of private property.
RAPID CITY, PIERRE, & EASTERN TRAIN #M-RCHU STARTS CLIMBING THE HARDEST UPGRADE HILL OF THE TRIP - EAST OF WASTA, SOUTH DAKOTA - SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Eastbound train #M-RCHU is seen as it starts to climb up the ruling grade on the Pierre-Rapid City mainline, which is called "Wall Hill" on the railroad. Ahead are about 10 miles or so of a killer climb that will end once reaching the town of Wall. The climb will put the four SD40-2's to the test, and this climb is the most likely place for any RCP&E train to encounter stalling issues. Unfortunately, from this photo location to almost all the way to Wall, there is little access to the railroad. Therefore, for the railfan it is "Drone Fly Boy" or hiking territory, but even then likely requires permission to access as it's all on some type of private property.