Thanks. It was kind of a surprise so I hadn't really thought it out about how I might approach it. It's a popular train-watching spot and we knew it was in the area but didn't expect it to be grinding right there due to the track configuration, switches and crossovers and all.
I might get more detail if I went back and repost processed these now. I didn't try to rush up and get close, I was on a tripod near the passenger platform/walkways and the process is noisy, smelly and I think kind of dangerous. While there is shielding, I've heard that the grinding wheels can break and didn't want to deal with anything being kicked up in an accident. You can see a guy who did run on up alongside and shoot some video of it in action.
Craig, neat shot of the grinder at night. Fullerton station is about 1.5 miles west of my house and yet, I rarely get over there to take pictures. It is a great place to shoot trains as that is a really busy area. Lots of missed opportunities in my case.
Walter S wrote:
If Im not mistaken UP 4700 is a EMD SD70M.
Walter - you are probably right - i'm no expert. I did go to the Union Pacific website and looked up the number and that is what I got. Usually the website of the rail company is fairly accurate - but I'm not familiar enough with UP to be sure.
Where did you find the information so I can go and look in the future?
Trust me, I am NOT an expert on Uncle Pete's numbering and/or re-numbering "logic". However, upon checking the UP website I notice they have number 6900 listed as an SD40-2. "Hmm," I said to myself as I saw that, "I thought number 6900 was a DD40X, one of several." So, I did some further checking on their site and found/confirmed my original thinking. 6900 is/was indeed a DD40X, one of 47 units. They were introduced in 1969 and were number 6900-6946, and their introduction coincided with the Centennial of the completion of Transcontinental Railroad, which is why they are called Centennials. Also, Uncle Pete did not retire number 844 when he purchased new GP30s and numbered them in the 800 series, he simply added an extra 4 to the end of the number making it 8444. From this I conclude, Union Pacific's/Uncle Pete's website is not always up to date with the numbering/re-numbering of their motive power. I also concur with Walter S. that number 4700 pictured here, and on railpix, is an SD70MAC. Of course, if one was so inclined, one could always check out The Diesel Locomotive Spotter's Guide published by Kalmbach and make, probably, a better identification. Whatever, I think it is one cool looking hunk of diesel power, and jbear did a great job photographing it.
Thanks for the clarification guys - and that 8 engine hookup is mind blowing. First thought was "what in the heck were they going to haul up the side of Pikes Peak?" I've not had much experience looking up UP numbers - as I haven't been around any UP trains since I lived in Kansas 25 years ago... and Uncle Albert hadn't invented the kind of internet we enjoy today - yet.
My dad can look at five engines that look pretty much identical to me and tell me what each one is and why they are different - he used to work for MoPac. I've had a lifelong love of trains - but not so much that the details aren't a bit fuzzy.
Thanks for the compliment on the pict - here is another I shot after it was by me a little and you can see some more detail
jbear,
I like your going away shot! Cool!
Technically there is a difference between an engine and a locomotive. If you wanna know, just ask. Otherwise we'll avoid some boredom.
