Thanks to an 10 1/2 hour Amtrak number 6. I was able to catch the 161 heritage unit for the first time.

Saddle up! The engineer for the Winter Park Express Ski Train climbs into the cab of engine #84 (P42DC) at Denver's Union Station and gets ready to move the train.

A sharp curve slows the eastbound California Zephyr just after passing Thompson Springs.

The California Zephyr runs through the S curves at Rainbow Cut in Plainview, Colorado as two deer check out the photographer. It was about this point where I went from saying 'stay there' as the ... (more)

Amtrak heritage engine #161 (P42DC) leads the California Zephyr through Tunnel 29 at Pinecliffe, Colorado.

Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr drops downgrade at milepost 23 between Plain and Eisele at Coal Creek, Colorado, on the afternoon of April 14, 2019.

After lengthy delays in Utah due to a broken rail, the California Zephyr 6 train waits at a snowy crossing in Rollinsville, Colorado at dawn for a fresh crew that will help get the train to Denver... (more)

The California Zephyr 6 train waits in snow and fog at Rollinsville, Colorado for a new crew after a lengthy delay in Utah meant the original crew timed out before reaching Denver.

The California Zephyr rounds the corner at Pinecliffe, Colorado as it climbs higher into the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Christmas Eve finds the California Zephyr running through the snow to get to Denver, Colorado.

The California Zephyr runs past a number of signals that are between Roggen and Keenesburg, Colorado.

The polar vortex had temperatures in Roggen, Colorado at -22 with wind chill of -57. Freezing switches, clogged freight traffic and broken rails had the California Zephyr many hours late as it ra... (more)

Amtrak’s westbound California Zephyr marches away from the great plains out of Leyden Colorado, as my wife Katie waves and our two dogs watch intently on July 12, 2009. Kevin, our 18-1/2-year-ol... (more)

Amtrak no. 5, the westbound California Zephyr climbs up the Truckee River Canyon from Reno Nevada to the summit of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Donner Pass.

Amtrak 184, the Phase IV heritage unit, leads the eastbound California Zephyr over the West Bureau Creek bridge in Wyanet, IL.