BNSF 8418 Spruce 3 Feb 15
BNSF 8418 leads a 6-pack of mixed-scheme BNSF units up the grade in Spruce, CO. The last time I caught 6 units up front was almost 2 years ago in Alaska hauling a coal empty. Man, I miss my blue and yellow MACs...now I'm depressed. But at least this manifest had a new ACe up front!
That road you see over the power is Spruce Mountain Road. It connects Palmer Lake and Larkspur and is a nicely maintained and smooth road with some curvies and rolling hills. Not only does it parallel the Joint Line for almost its entire length, but it's so rarely used. There have been numerous times where I've driven its full length and didn't see another car. It's a hidden gem for when I-25 is backed up or you just don't feel like dealing with traffic going 66mph in the slow lane and 68mph in the passing lane when the speed limit is 75mph. Plus, it's just more scenic in my opinion. If you're out this way, Spruce Mountain Road is your lifeline for railfanning this section of the Joint Line.
BNSF 8418 Spruce 3 Feb 15
BNSF 8418 leads a 6-pack of mixed-scheme BNSF units up the grade in Spruce, CO. The last time I caught 6 units up front was almost 2 years ago in Alaska hauling a coal empty. Man, I miss my blue and yellow MACs...now I'm depressed. But at least this manifest had a new ACe up front!
That road you see over the power is Spruce Mountain Road. It connects Palmer Lake and Larkspur and is a nicely maintained and smooth road with some curvies and rolling hills. Not only does it parallel the Joint Line for almost its entire length, but it's so rarely used. There have been numerous times where I've driven its full length and didn't see another car. It's a hidden gem for when I-25 is backed up or you just don't feel like dealing with traffic going 66mph in the slow lane and 68mph in the passing lane when the speed limit is 75mph. Plus, it's just more scenic in my opinion. If you're out this way, Spruce Mountain Road is your lifeline for railfanning this section of the Joint Line.