Sunday, September 2, 2012

Some Steam

 

Summer is rolling to a close but it is no  longer the signal to start school.  Lots of things around Labor Day have been lost because of the early school starts.  Oh well, hope you had a great summer and Labor Day was kind of anti-climaniatic.

Union Pacific has a pair of big steam engines they run for various public relations.  Recently it was in Iowa for the state fair.  On its return trip to Cheyenne,Wy it came through here.  I drove out to Kansas and followed most of the way back to Denver.  It was a kick.  I am posting a few pics on here from my adventure.

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The sun sets into the smoky haze near the Smoky Hill River.

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The next morning it returned amid the haze of the smoke.

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Sa the sun rose so did the steam off the engine.  early morning preparations have begun to get the big brute ready for the trip.

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Up out of the Smoky Valley she climbs, spewing black smoke.  The sun has a glorious shimmer on the black beauty.

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Side rods churn, pistons pop, steam propels, there is a magic.

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When the engine stops for servicing, the spectators get up close and personal with the engine.

These old giants of railroading past are amazing to watch.  I also understand why they were replaced.  They take lots of feeding and work to keep em going.

 

Have a great one getting ready for Fall and the changes of the season…… Giddy up Ironhorse.

3 comments:

john bord said...
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Joe said...

Anticlimactic indeed John. I often think it would be far smarter for schools to start up right after Labor Day...it just seems to make more sense and would have a better sense of closure if you ask me. I love your pictures...the sun in particular. We've had some very red sun and moon evenings with the sheer amount of smoke in the air right now. The train shots I also enjoy very much...methinks once we get closer to the election we may be longing for it to all be over...the season right along with it.

Here I Am Carrie said...

What beautiful sunset you captured. My hubby would have love to have seen those old steam engines. Really takes one back in time seeing them.