On Friday, Dec. 5 2008, Union Pacific quietly retired D&RGW SD40T-2 #5371 from the active roster, bringing to a close the era of Rio Grande numbered power on the UP. This image was captured in happier times as Rio Grande 5371 lead the world famous 'Dirt Train' local through the pristine Green River Desert region near Mounds. This trip on Leap Year Day 2008, would become 5371's very last turn on the LDP45 local. Soon it would be hauled away to Cheyenne, Wyoming for storage. Goodbye 5371...and thank you for all the Grande memories!
