Wyoming Hot Spots

[edahrenhoerster]

I will be playing tourist in Wyoming in September and have never been there before. Can anyone tell me if there are good spots to view UP shops or even get a tour? Where is the best place to view the coal line. Also I have heard that one of the mines gives tours. Does anyone have any details on this? Are there any other "must sees"? Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous]

On of the main areas to go in Wyoming is in Cheyenne. There is the main passenger station in Cheyenne. Near the old passenger station is a viaduct on which you can walk past the entire Cheyenne Yard. Along I-80 starting on the West edge of Nebraska is a great spot. Just after crossing the state line into Nebraska is the town of Pine Bluffs with easy access to the UP main. Farther along is Rawlins, Wyo. which has a good elevated view of the UP and along I-80 is good such as near Sherman Hill. wirwin49@hotmail

[Anonymous]

I too will be going to Wyoming in September. Have been there a couple of times already. As for the Powder River Basin, there is a road, state route 59 that goes along the main coal line for some distance. Also there are some side roads. Make sure your gas tank is full and you have water and snacks. There is a small store in Bill Wyoming to resupply with snacks. Bill is where the UP engine facility is for the coal fields. Also, up by Gillette is Donkey Creek, a railroad location where the coal route joins BNSF Alliance-Billings mainline. Good spot with an overpass for access. If you have the time, travel east from Donkey Creek for 3-4 hours and you will get to Crawford Nebraska. Great place to watch the coal trains struggle up the 12 mile long, 1.55%+ grade up Crawford Hill. Between the coal line and Cheyenne, is Guernsey Wyoming, a yard for BNSF (mainly inspection point). Good shots from a state park of the trains coming into the yard and crossing the North Platte River on a nice bridge.
Hope this helps some.

[Anonymous]

If you like UP's SD70M's go to Cheyenne (probably a quarter of the fleet can be seen in one day). Here is also where the 3985 and 844 are based, although you will probably see a few water tenders and possibly a few passenger cars. But when these exursions do run, they are a sight to see! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I strongly recommend spending some time on route 20 between Lost Springs and Lusk which parallels the UP line out of the basin. The site and sound of fully loaded eastbound coal trains (135 cars) climbing out of Lost Springs at around 15mph is a something that I will never forget! On my last visit I managed to shoot a complete film on just one of these trains. Good Luck!

Robert
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
England

[dt8089]

Take Rte 59 north out of Douglas, past Bill to county road 43. (Gravel Road) Turn right to bridge over triple track main. This is the top of Logan hill. Loaded coal trains are slugging it up the hill around 10mph. Empties will breeze by doing about 40. You can see trains coming from miles away. Busiest spot on the coal line. Happy fanning. Dan

[Anonymous]

Ed,
Still looking for data? If so, pls reply and I can give you 5 or 6 specific spots that are pretty hot with UP and BNSF action.
Dan - up Nort' in Green Bay.

[tankertoad70]

I used to live in Rapid City, and one day whilst driving to Gillette, I counted 24 BN coal trains between Moorcroft and Gillette. Talk about action. Every train was pulled by a brace of 5 SD40-2s, one had KCS power on it. I was hoping to see some Oakways that day, but alas, no dice. Now, how we long for those good ol' SD40s. Alliance is a tremendous spot also, as was mentioned. Back before all the mergers took place, I caught lokies from the BN (of course), ATSF, SP, UP, Mopac, KCS, Katy and CNW there, in one day. What a sight!!!