With No TIGER, SL&RG Weighs Its Options

It was a pleasure to read a letter to the Alamosa Valley Courier today regarding the San Luis & Rio Grande. A doting grandmother who lives in the San Luis Valley recounted her trip with her grandchildren on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad from last fall. I too have taken that trip, and like her, I am worried that the SL&RG's denial of TIGER funds will prevent the valley from prospering.

Train Show In Denver This Weekend

As previously announced in the Colorado Railroads Google calendar, the World's Greatest Hobby On Tour is coming this weekend to Denver. On February 20th & 21st, WGH On Tour will be at the National Western Complex from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults with kids 16 and under free. For more details, visit the WGH site.

Highball, Westbound Photo Turn CRB001 Track One

Climb aboard, brakeman! We're going on a run for the latest Colorado railroad photos out there on the web. Put your grip beneath your seat, click the Read More link, and we'll get moving!

Photos From the Great Train Expo In Colorado Springs

On January 16th and 17th, the Great Train Expo paid a visit to Colorado Springs at the Phil Long Expo Center. This show was three months after the GTE in Denver at the National Western Complex.

Recession? What Recession?

When the Union Pacific bought the Rio Grande and Southern Pacific in 1996, it closed the Tennessee Pass line between Parkdale and Minturn, making the route feasible for a tourist operation. Within two years, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad began taking passengers through the dark depths of the Royal Gorge, the most scenic and accessible portion of the route using reconditioned EMD F-7s and former VIA/CN coaches.

GM Soni Honegger Resigns From Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR

Soni Honegger, a talented and resourceful man of steam, has resigned from his position as General Manager of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Honegger came to the position November 1, 2008, amid praise for his skillful resourcefulness. At that point, he had worked with the C&TS for nearly 9 years after serving with Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad and the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.

Amtrak Anarchist Not Charged

Ojore Nuru Lutalo, the self-described anarchist arrested in La Junta, Colorado after being put off Amtrak's Southwest Chief for making threats and statements related to Islamic terrorism, is off the hook.

Would You Like Some History With Your Coffee?

Picture this: You're out railfanning on the joint line south of Denver--solid choice for February--and you get this craving for coffee, or at least your hands are cold and need to hold something warm. Rather than hit the nearest Starbucks or McDonalds, I have the perfect stop, and it's truly a stop worth making.

Steampunk And The Museums Of Tomorrow

If you've seen a group of people walking around your local railroad museum dressed up in turn-of-last-century or Victorian garb, especially around your local museum, you've been exposed to Steampunk. It's the future, or is it the past?

Amtrak Passenger Held In Colorado After Threats

An Amtrak passenger aboard the Southwest Chief was arrested in Colorado after making terrorist threats on his cell phone.

Building Photo Essays For Your Railroad Pictures

Have a collection of railroad photos based on a location, interest or theme? Is using Flickr or Panoramio just not letting you show your abilities? Build a photo essay, or simply take a look at what one site can do.

Amtrak: CZ Denver To Chicago Run Canceled Friday

Important Information

The information below was based on facts available in 2010. For updated information on Amtrak train status, the first site to check is always www.amtrak.com. - S.Walden 2015-FEB-17


Amtrak's California Zephyr, the only Amtrak train serving the state has canceled Friday's eastbound run from Denver to Chicago because of the snow.

From the National Association of Railroad Passengers:

The California Zephyr due to arrive Chicago yesterday afternoon got there at 17 hours 56 minutes late, at 9:26 this morning. The Zephyr due to arrive Chicago today terminated in Denver yesterday. Yesterday’s departure from Chicago did not operate Chicago-Denver but the train departed Denver west this morning.

Similarly, freight service on BNSF (route of the CZ) and  Union Pacific, has been disrupted. From the AP:

Burlington Northern Santa Fe said the cold weather and snow was causing its freight trains to be delayed between 24 and 72 hours in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana and North and South Dakota.

There is no word whether service for Saturday is canceled.

More Info: Amtrak Suspends Chicago-Denver Train Due To Snow