UP Big Boy Doublehead East Bound Return - May 12th

Gpritch posted:

So, for those of us who are considering going for this event, what are the best ways to take part?  Logistically speaking, are there recommended viewing locations?  Will there be any group tours to chase the train?  

What are the route details?  Will the train exit Union Station to the south or to the north?  

What radio frequencies will be used to listen into the event?

Looking for some real advice on how best to take this all in.

Thanks!

 

Glenn

I hope they have the diesel in dynamics going up the Wasatch grade otherwise that doubleheader won't be breaking a sweat, even if the UP ties every bit of Heritage equipment that they own behind it.

From what I heard on the Trains Magazine podcast, chasing will be nearly impossible. They suggest you stake out one photo location on the mountain and get your pictures/video etc. The authorities are aware of the significance of these events and are planning accordingly. That's why I'm giving it a pass. There is no way I am going to go through the expense of travelling from Georgia to Western Utah for 5 minutes of video of the 4014.

Every inch of the road trip to Ogden and back, as well as any break-in runs on the Greeley Sub will surely be covered by railfans, with their results posted on YouTube. They have much more advanced video equipment and auxiliaries such as drones than I possess or can afford to acquire anyway. My most sophisticated device is a Canon XL2 Standard Definition camcorder. 

Truth be told, I don't have the energy or inclination to do these big railfan events anymore and the mind-numbing sameness of day-to-day operations with train after train of ugly GE Gevo bricks pulling ugly double stack containers leaves me cold. 

The railroad follows the Weber River south out of Ogden towards Riverdale. After Riverdale it takes an arc to the east and begins the climb up Weber Canyon to Echo, where it enters Echo Canyon for the remainder of the climb up to Wasatch. The locomotives will need to be serviced with the most likely place being Echo. That is also where ridiculous amounts of people will attempt get in to see the train. I would avoid that place like I avoid my ex-wife.

Radio Freqs out of Ogden and up to Green River:

 Evanston Subdivision