Know Your Union Pacific EMD Locomotives

There's something about being able to identify a locomotive. Perhaps being able to identify something allows a person to connect with the subject. This was a big deal in the days of steam when spotting a specific engine class could tell you not only what railroad, but whether it was a brand new lighwogjtstreamliner or a thundering Pullman heavyweight behind her. Today, identifying diesel locomotives in main line service isn't always simple matter.

For a complete guide on identifying locomotives,
this is probably your best bet! Schraders / Library

On one hand, when I first started trying to figure out the make and model out on the Moffat Route and elsewhere, there were EMD locomotives and GE locomotives. I quickly figured out a fast rule of thumb: The GE's always seemed to have an exhaust on the roof, usually in the middle of the hood section. These days, the exhaust is even easier to spot. I just look for the fluted aluminum stack sticking up about a half-foot above everything else. If it's there, it's a GE loco rather than an EMD.

On the other hand, Identifying the model of a locomotive isn't as simple as a quick look. While it's relatively easy to tell the difference between a GE and an EMD locomotive, it's significantly more complex a task to determine the model.

This isn't a comprehensive guide. There are books like Greg McDonnell's 2008 guide that are much more researched. However, there is a fairly consistent means of identifying the two most popular, state-of-the-art models by EMD that are in use on the Union Pacific railroad (as well as BNSF). It involves examining the radiators.

Click to enlarge. Photo collage by Alan Radecki (CC 2.5), Identification and graphics by Colorado Railroads

As you can see, the three different versions on top are all considered SD70Ms, and the fourth is the Tier 4 compliant SD70ACe. The 3 bottom locomotives all have flared radiators, but only the ACe's have space between the radiators and the end of the hood.

As late as 2004, EMD produced the previous version of the SD70s AC version, the SD70MAC, which might better explain the disparity in suffixes of the EMD model numbers.

Deciphering the EMD Model Numbers

SD stands for Special Duty because it was anticipated that this design would see only limited use as opposed to General Purpose (GP) road switchers. While GP locomotives have 4 axles, SD series have 6 axles, 3 per truck, with each axle powered independently. The notation for this by AAR standards is C-C. As far as it being Special Duty, EMD no longer produces any of the GP series.

70 indicates the place in the series. As a rule, EMD numbered SD series on the 5s, but skipping 55 and 65. Since SD70, EMD filled SD75 and then SD80 and SD90 series in short succession, but the latter 2 were non-starters with design shortfalls. The SD70, like the SD40, has built a reputation for reliability.

M was applied as a suffix applied to comfort or safety cabs when they were the option and not standard. When the SD70M was introduced, the standard cab was the short hood, low nose design from the early days of EMD locomotives. Today, the situation is reversed, with any company that wants one to specify the Spartan cab. So far, the Spartan has but few takers.

AC Initially, all diesel electrics functioned using Direct Current (DC) produced by a prime mover as two phase AC and then rectified to DC. Today's AC units change that DC electricity to three-phase AC. This solves some problems that have dogged DC diesel-electrics for years.

e eco-system friendly, specifically "EPA Tier-3 emissions certified" as EMD says on their site.

One last thing...

Incidentally, I've appreciated Union Pacific's long-standing choice of the American flag for the side of it's locomotives. Sure, it's not a big leap from the UP shield to the flag, but being an American (and especially a Coloradoan) is particularly important to me.◊

Resource Review: Railway Productions' Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad DVD

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad DVD Review Category Rating Factual Accuracy & Detail ★★★★★ Entertainment Value and Appeal     ★★★★★ Subject Choice ★★★☆☆ Production Quality ★★★★☆ Value ★★★☆☆ Overall ★★★★☆

There have been perhaps hundreds, even thousands of videos of various quality and length devoted to Colorado's surviving narrow-gauge lines. Some of the most professional and entertaining focus on the entire state, while others just as good tend to settle on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The latter of the two is the subject of The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad DVD by Railway Productions, the production branch of online railroad retailer www.a-trains.com. 

A 20th Century Yearbook of the C&TS

Why this DVD, a reissue of the original VHS release? There are lots newer. There's a few different reasons. The bulk of the footage was shot in the late 1990s, a specific point in time in the heritage railroad's history that has since passed. This is before the ridership dive in the 2002 fire season in Colorado, before the 2010 destruction of Lobato trestle and the epic struggle to continue service and rebuild the trestle and reconnect the terminals on the 64-mile line between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It is a yearbook of the railroad at the end of the 20th century with differences in the last 14 years both small and great that familiar eyes will spot.

For example, regular consists at the time of the video's production still contained a number of converted boxcars used to haul passengers from the earliest days of the C&TS. The railroad has since built it's own, semi-standardized fleet of passenger coaches in Pullman green and later Tuscan red.

Another clear example of it's time-capsule quality is a demonstration of the use of Chama's iconic coaling tower. Probably the tallest building in Chama for the first hundred years, the coaling tower has long since been out of service, with each of the engine's tenders stocked with the use of a tractor's scoop bucket or front-end loader. The coaling demonstration alone is worth the effort to get this video. Part of a larger feature documenting each step taken to prepare the locomotives for service each morning, the coaling tower sequence (a little less than 8 minutes into the main video) is invaluable to any model railroader seeking to create their own version for their railroad or anyone wanting to understand the rigors of coal-fired steam operations on a railroad. 

End To End Coverage With Broad Appeal

Although other aspects of railroad technology like narrow gauge versus standard and outside-frame Mikados are briefly discussed, he video itself has a broader range of appeal and technical aspects are discussed but not in great detail. History, operations, scenery, landmarks and geography are woven together quite masterfully throughout the video. The shots are well-produced and the narration, while not top quality like those of say, Pentrex, still flows smoothly and easily, giving a naturally good feel to the experience. The background music also belies a budget production of the mid- to late 90s. In fact, it reminded me of the job training videos that so many businesses used to educate or motivate their employees, often having the opposite effect! On the other hand, the music is composed by a professional and remains relatively unobtrusive while still giving a sense of drama or anticipation where appropriate. 

The video is thorough despite being a bit dated. Both Chama and Antonito departures are extensively covered, with a ride on trains climbing both sides, and coverage meets at the summit of Cumbres Pass. Pacing shots of engine 484 out of Antonito are especially nice, if not entirely steady by today's digital standards. Autumn gold aspen groves show up often. Mudhen 463 makes a few prominent appearances. Fans of the engine will remember that she broke down in 2002, necessitating a costly and extensive rebuild from 2009 to 2013. Also appearing briefly is rotary snowplow OY during her possibly last-ever outing in 1997. Whiplash Curve, Phantom Curve, Tanglefoot Curve (called Cumbres Loop "in the old days" according to the narration), Windy Point, Mud and Rock Tunnels, Lobato and Cascade Trestles, and the dramatic Toltec Gorge get their close-ups with photo freights and passenger runs. In all, a very balanced and well thought-out production that makes a fine 20th century. 

Other notes: The DVD includes an extra 30 minutes of bonus footage including a bit more of OY. It is tacked on after the original 56 minutes. A preview of the video is available for Windows users at the retailer's site. Other retailers: InternetTrains.com, Colorado Railroad Museum 

Category	Rating
Factual Accuracy & Detail - Has the facts straight. Goes into sufficient detail to inform the audience without getting bogged down or over-simplifying	★★★★★
Entertainment Value and Appeal - Is the video just for the hard core fans, or can anyone sit back and enjoy the video?	★★★★★
Subject Choice - How common is the subject matter? Does the railfans' world need another video on this subject? How likely will there be another video made on the same subject?	★★★☆☆
Production Quality - Writing, editing, camera work, narration, and music must exceed nominal qualities by significant margin to achieve full marks	★★★★☆
Value - Does the video deliver a high value (with time, quality, accuracy) for the price asked by the distributor?	★★★☆☆
Overall - The average of the 5 categories. Accuracy is likely to find a contrast with quality and appeal is likely to contrast with subject choice, and value is affected by the other four.	★★★★☆

So it's a generally favorable review. I didn't find anything to fully criticize outside of the number of Cumbres & Toltec videos already out there and the MSR price of $30  ($24.95 + 5.00 S&H). With Blu-Ray gaining more of the mainstream market, I can't bring myself to part with that much for a VHS re-issue to DVD. Again, not a lot to criticize on a great 90 minute video that's eminently watchable, especially for those who remember the previous century!

Do More

Want more of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?

• Ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad this year!
• Find out about the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad mentioned in the video
• Read the Wikipedia article
• Learn more about the Narrow Gauge Circle
• Find more posts about the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on Colorado Railroads◊

Product Review: Porcelain Herald

Like a lot of folks, I tend like a specific herald from my favorite railroad. But is it worth buying a version of it to keep? If so, how many are enough?

A railroad herald identifies the railroad company just like logos do today. They are a seal and a promise, if the railroad is run with precision and pride; a warning and a refusal if not. But for those who remember the railroads of yesterday, they're a way of recalling those memories, a symbol of what they miss and appreciate.

When shopping online, there are a lot of variables one can't really account for unless one knows the product or at least knows the retailer well enough to hazard a purchase. Everyone I know has at least one story of ordering something that just didn't turn out as advertised. I make use of product reviews now almost without exception. But in shopping for railroad gear, finding the reviews are sometimes futile and almost always don't tell you what you want to know. That's brings me to a very direct point. If you ever want to ask about a product I've reviewed or anything else, comment in and ask. I allow anonymous comments to make it easy for you. If nothing else, email me directly and I'll do my best to find it in my inbox and answer.

So, I like my railroad, and I wanted to add some personality to my home and possibly my future layout. A herald can do that. I also wanted to signal friends and acquaintances that might like the railroad as well. I kept my eyes peeled and, although I had found one at a museum, it was a particleboard back and I wanted something more durable.

In 2001, I took advantage of a last minute invitation Memorial Day weekend to drive with my then-5 year-old daughter to Durango to ride the Silverton train. Very good memories from that trip still warm my heart. The day before our trip, we hit the gift shop and I found the Rio Grande Main Line Thru the Rockies sign hanging above the checkout. It surprises me to admit it, but it meant something to be able to buy that sign in the same building that had doubtless held General Palmer and so many other railroad men and women over the years.

I was surprised when I took it down to feel how heavy it was. The sign was not aluminum or wood. It was a gauge of steel much heavier than the ventilation ducts and other materials I'd handled over the years. The grommets were mounted in holes that would accommodate most fasteners, and the porcelain meant to me that it would last for years without worrying about fading ink from sunlight or expanding particle board from water. It's held up this far and will likely outlast my lifetime, as far as I can tell. If you're a fan of a special railroad, it's worth showing off a little. You never know when you'll meet another railfan!

I wrote a review a year ago at Schrader's railroadcatalog.com site. It isn't the only place you can get the same porcelain herald, but it's one place I trust. My only wish is to be able to get more than one size. Between 150 - 200% larger would fit nicely as a centerpiece to some photographs.

As far as how many are enough, I know I won't get sick of looking at it anytime soon. So as many as you--or your family--can stand!◊

Knowing The Facts About Trains

Trains Magazine has an article online backing up this month's cover article. The cover article itself posed an interesting question. You're at a party when, wonder of wonders, someone discovers that you're a train geek and they start talking about the "little known facts" of railroading, which actually could be myths. Do you know which are true facts and which are mythical falsehoods?

• Standard gauge came from the width of a horses backside/a Roman chariot
  
• Rails-to-trails and then trails-to-rails actually works
• A passenger train's carbon footprint is less than the number of fully-loaded automobiles
  
• Trucks are losing the battle against freight trains
• Money-losing Amtrak costs more than highways or airlines
• A mile of railroad costs more than a mile of highway
• Maglev will never be more than a novelty

Are any of these true? You'll have definitive answers to these issues and more if you read the current issue of trains. Next time you're at a party, you might save yourself with these answers. Or maybe you'll just smile and nod as they go on in their ignorance.

A Note To My Regulars

To my regular readers, thanks for continuing to read Colorado Railroads. I'm starting to really enjoy this work.

As a reminder, I am continuing to update the special events calendar on Google calendars. The original post continues to show the upcoming events automatically, so you might want to bookmark it and check back there often. In terms of events, I added the swap meet at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds next weekend and a "Big Boy" day at the Forney Transportation Mueuem, along with several other "just announced" events. If you have an event, or you see one that is missing, please drop me a line at coloradorailroads@gmail.com about it. I'll be glad to put it up if it meets the guidelines.

I have also added more links, such as an expanded model railroading listing. Check out the new sites and maybe even visit one.

Finally, check out the store I've set up with Amazon. I continue to hand-pick all the items that relate to Colorado railroading, not just railroading in general. I am accepting reviews of products as well.

Highball!

Steve

Review: Colorado's Mountain Railroads

With winter comes a bit of a slowdown on the railroads of Colorado, and Colorado Railroads blog is no exception. Because there’s not much news besides the Christmas trains, I'm going to do some more product reviews. You’ve already seen the Gunnison DVD offered. Now to the books!

There is no shortage of books on Colorado railroads but if I had to pick books that would be the best to have in any railfan's collection, Colorado's Mountain Railroads by Robert A. LaMassena would be near the top of the list. Covering roughly 100 years of Colorado railroad history, this book is an exhaustive listing of any and all mountain roads laying a rail in the Centennial State.

Having appeared as separate volumes dating from 1963, LaMassena consolidated and revised his work and Sundance Publications Limited printed it in 1984. It is still the most valuable in researching obscure railroads in Colorado. For example, most railfans know the Rio Grande and possibly the Colorado Midland, but not many know about the Midland Terminal or its use of rail buses to help with passenger traffic after World War I. Likewise, not much coverage has been done of the larger, out-of-state roads including the Union Pacific, Missouri Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. Finally, every short line that laid rail (and even some that never did) get at least some treatment. Here’s a partial listing:

• Colorado Central
• Colorado Yule Marble Co., along with the Crystal River railroads.
• Coors Brewing Co.
• Denver, Boulder & Western
• Denver, Lakewood & Golden
• Denver Pacific
• Denver & Santa Fe
• Denver, Texas & Gulf
• Dolores, Paradox & Grand Junction
• Fairmount (yes, to the cemetery in Denver)
• Gilpin
• Golden Circle
• Grand River Valley
• Great Western (the sugar beet short line)
• Kansas Pacific
• Laramie, Hahn’s Peak & Pacific
• London, South Park & Leadville
• Magic Mountain (now Heritage Square in Golden)
• Montezuma Lumber Co.
• Northwestern Terminal Railway (Denver Union Terminal)
• Pagosa Lumber Co.
• Pueblo & Arkansas Valley
• Rio Grande & Pagosa Springs
• Routt Pinnacle Coal Co.
• Salt Lake & Eastern
• San Cristobal
• San Luis Southern
• Santa Fe Southern
• Silverton Northern
• Southern Colorado Power & Railway Co.
• Stone Mountain Railroad & Quarry Co.
• Texas, Santa Fe & Northern
• Treasury Mountain
• Uintah
• Union Pacific, Denver & Gulf
• Utah Central Railroad
• Wasatch & Jordan Valley

I don’t think I’ve listed more than half the railroads covered. Some of them are simple interurbans and streetcar lines. Yet all of them contributed in a real way to Colorado and her vast network of high iron.

The photo illustrations are very illuminating as well. Rare photos abound including,

• Balwin’s 2-6-6-2 narrow-gauge, single expansion Mallets made for Uintah’s sharp curves
• Close-up shot of the Corkscrew Gulch turntable near the Red Mountain townsite
• A triple stub switch on the Rio Grande Southern outside of Rico
• A full color depiction of the travesty of RGS engine 42 painted like a circus train for the Magic Mountain railroad
• D&RGW 821, a 2-6-0T used by the Salt Lake shops in 1923
• Several pictures of Rio Grande’s affair with Fairbanks-Morse
• Denver & Salt Lake’s true (double expansion) 2-6-6-0 Mallets
• Colorado & Wyoming’s Ford truck with flanged wheels (a la RGS Galloping Goose)

This is one of the best books on Colorado railroads, period.

---

This review also appears in its abridged form on Amazon.com since 2014-Dec-05. - SW

Gunnison DVD Shares Special Beauty of Marshall Pass Route

DVD - Gunnison - Buy it here

Culled from the footage of the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, this DVD explores the Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) narrow gauge lines around Gunnison, Colorado.

Length: 59 minutes
Video: Black and white with some color
Audio: Synchronized
Locations: Gunnison, Ohio Creek, Crested Butte, Marshall Pass, Sapinero, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Cerro Summit.
What makes this DVD special: Rare footage, especially of a flanger car in action as it plows the tracks clear of snow.

Otto Perry and Irv August both made trips to the Gunnison area in the 1940s and 50s to capture the narrow gauge action in and around this mountain town. Their efforts give us a glimpse into the final decade of operations over the Marshall Pass route, the original narrow gauge mainline of the D&RG to Utah. When the standard gauge route over Tennessee Pass was completed, the Marshall Pass line became a backwater with steam engines hauling livestock specials and the odd shipment between Montrose and Salida. A few fall aspens and gorgeous vistas form the backdrop for D&RGW 268 in Bumblebee livery (now on display in that livery in Gunnison) and her sister engine 278 (preserved at Cimarron) both make several appearances as do the Mikado-style engines that serve as the engines for today's Cumbres & Toltec and Durango & Silverton lines.

So much history comes alive on this DVD. Several locations shown are now beneath the waters held by dams on the Gunnison River west of Gunnison. Livestock extras and a flanger plow in action viewed from the caboose also separate this DVD from the pack. This film is a must for any serious narrow gauge modeler as well as the average enthusiast looking for an alternative to the ho-hum, standard-gauge fare. A worthy addition to your collection.

Coming Soon: Resource Reviews

The aspens have all shed their golden leaves and the first snows of the season are on their way. There's a chill in the night air and morning coffee feels just that much better. Time to fire up the DVD player, break out the books and get the summer dust off those models!

As a fifth-generation Coloradoan, I have a passion for the mountains and the railroads that ventured through them. I envy the lives of William H. Jackson, Otto Perry and many others who saw steam working such places as Red Mountain Pass, Telluride, the Chili Line, Marshall Pass and Leadville. Places like Silverton, Durango and Antonito are magical to me. I've spent hundreds of hours perusing books, studying maps and physically following ghost railroads all over Colorado. Railroad DVDs and past VHS volumes have graced my screen on many a cold winter night. I simply love Colorado railroads.

With this in mind, I'm announcing that I will begin reviewing and recommending DVDs, books and assorted resources that I've found. Most often, you'll be able to get them through Colorado Railroads' relationship with Amazon.com, but a few will be hidden gems or just plain unavailable stuff that you might be able to find down at your local library or museum. I'll bring out the good stuff as much as I can. As always, you can chime in with your own reviews using comments.

I will roll out the first review soon. Until then, keep the fires banked and the glass full. Bring on the snow!