Pictured amid some fabulous storm lighting, UP's Short Line Transfer heads north a few blocks from it's destination at North Yard in downtown Salt Lake City. The nick name 'Short Line Transfer' dates to the early 20th century when the D&RGW exchanged cars with the UP, formerly known as the OSL (Oregon Short Line) in Salt Lake. Traditions being what they are, this nick name survives today. The power duo on March 23, 2010 was not typical for this job. In the late 70's and early 80's, when the D&RGW ran this train, they utilized trios of SD7-SD9 type motors for the transfer. Later, pairs of GP30's filled the bill. After the UP-SP merger, UP began to use SD40-2's and SD40T-2 motors. Of course, now these classics have gone into storage and SD60M units fill the bill. What should greet my Canon's sensor on Tuesday was this unique pairing nearing North Yard at the 4th North crossing. The leader, UP 2576 was rebuilt from former D&RGW GP40 #3059 by the folks at Boise Locomotive and leased to the UP via Helm in 1999. The 2576 was unique in D&RGW-SP history as it was one of only two D&RGW geeps painted SP scarlet red and gray while maintaining it's Rio Grande number. The train length was sizable with 49 cars including an articulated flat carrying solid fuel rocket fuel motors in containers and a brand new UTA commuter rail coach at the tail end of the train. Uncle Pete provided the train while Mother Nature provided the background. I thank them both.
For the train and storm chaser. Trains with thunderstorms, dark clouds, rain, lightning, hurricanes - tropical storms, funnel clouds, storm light, rainbows, and snow storms.
