Anybody further west of MP 171.9 (West switch at Parkdale = 171.7) other than Union Pacific or its contractor(s) would be in serious trouble. (With UP, the feds [STB/FRA] and the Colorado PUC)
East switch at Spikebuck = MP 175.3
UP has started and stopped, several times, conversion to TWC from CTC on the line which is compounded by PTC changeover and getting the slide fences, defect detectors and clearance wires changed over to use in a TWC world. Suspect you may have seen a PTC contractor or UP Signal gang in a leased Danella truck out there. (Royal Gorge Express is not exempt from PTC mandate and RRRR/RGCX/CCRG now own from 160.15-170.9 with UP retaining trackage rights)
It could have been track material theives. Outfit yourself in the proper gear, who will know unless they get directly questioned by either real railroad people or the authorities.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
We just drove home to Cañon City from Buena Vista today . The usual views of the Tennessee Pass line until around Spikebuck. There was a hi-rail truck on the track and a couple of people on the ground inspecting the track. It may have been at a switch but the weeds were pretty dense. The truck was not marked for UP - maybe Rock n Rail? My guess was they might be getting ready to shove some more stored cars that far. Anybody hear anything?
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