Bottom of the Whiplash - Flanger Extra 487 Eastbound. After doing a little plowing on the first day of our Flanger charter, the train turned at Big Horn and headed back to Antonito. Along the way, we stopped for a few run-bys to show off this unique consist. This one was taken at the small trestle at the bottom of the famous "Whiplash Curve", which is a series of reverse curves and straight stretches of track that step the train down the south side of a lava-covered mesa. Take a look at the Google Map view as well as the satellite image of this location, to get an idea of how it is structured. If the train looks like it is at the bottom of a steep hill, it is. As interesting as it is, the Whiplash is a difficult place for photography, because there is a lot of sagebrush immediately adjacent to the tracks. Fortunately, there are a few places, such as this one, where some elevation can be gained, and a good view of the rails can be obtained. Incidentally, the location seen here is very near the site of the old Big Horn Section House....long since removed....and is literally right on the CO-NM border with MP 296 just 50 yards or so ahead of the locomotive.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
