http://gizmodo.com/the-massive-proving-ground-where-extraordinary-new-trai-1698207851/+pgeorge
Found this at Jalopnik. (huh??)
Some images of testing at the Federal Railroad Administration’s high-altitude testing circuit near Pueblo, Colorado at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
Posted this on the TRAINS site first. Thought people here would like to see the clear images from multiple directions. The images can be opened and enlarged at the link.
The big question is who will bring out the first model? Kato, Atlas, Fox Valley, B-man? (and Athearn for you HO people)
Thanks for posting, quite interesting and dramatic photos.
I notice the one interior (rather tight) loop, but to get out they will need to back up. They could have made a reversing loop, but probably the really big plastic insulating rail joiners were on back order!
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I'm sorry to say that the locomotive is of little interest to me in itself. But the AAR Transportation test center definitely is. I would love to spend some time there seeing them test anything. The place is massive. Take a look on Google Earth. It's as large as the city and the immediate surrounding communities of Pueblo.
This is the Christmas loop for the big boys. (The corporations and the Feds)
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Basically an ES44AC on steroids. An overall taller body, with an arched radiator.
The first models should be out sometime next year.