Touring the Union Pacific Cheyenne Division

The Portland Rose with four E units pulls out of the Cheyenne Depot. The cityscape fills the area behind the depot. In front is the lead to the massive diesel shop. The ice platform supplies the huge Pacific Fruit express reefer fleet. The gray building is the PFE Ice House. Way in back is the diesel shop. At Diesel House Curve, the hillsides are covered with snow fences. They protect the track from blowing and drifting snow. The steepest grade on the railroad is here on the approach to Harriman. The triple track bridge handles a lot of traffic on the 3% rise. Harriman is at the top of Sherman Hill. Company houses and the engine service facility anchor this isolated spot. Dale Fill originally was a trestle crossing that was filled in with dirt. Continuing west of Sherman Hill, the Red Desert Coal Dock is on the lower line. The tunnel belongs to the Colorado & Southern branch line. Number 3535 is a UP Bull Moose, or 2880. It's on the C&S branch line with a cold drag. Coming out of Hermosa Tunnel, more snow fences help emphasize the big open vistas. The E-6A leads the way over the C&S branch line. In back is Hannah Mine number three. At Ridge Top Curve, the mine is still in view. The clear air here lets you see for miles. Harriman is at the distant right. This coal mine is owned by the UP. Cramps Curve, heading into Red Desert, is the tightest spot on the railroad. The Red Desert Coal facility straddles the main line. A stock pen sets off to the left. The E units pass onto the C&S branch line. You can certainly see lots of open spaces from the cab of the E-6. Tower A guards the west end of Cheyenne Yard. The Portland Rose has made a complete loop of the division. The tour ends between the platforms at the Cheyenne Depot.