Remarks: Loading with a wheel loader, three at a time, generally takes six hours. The unit train is cut into two halves with three motors for each half.
Remarks: Using the balloon track at the Cordero Rojo mine and loadout, both the lead motors and the helpers are visible on the wide prarie. In the far upper right is another large stripmine that feeds one of the plethora of loadouts in the PRB. The coal gondolas are destined for a Kansas City Power and Light plant. Special thanks to Sue for tech advice.
Remarks: Framed by one of the many blizzard fences along the tracks, another coal drag notches up to leave the Powder River Basin. This particular unit train cycles every other day between northern Colorado and the Powder River Basin. The tan and brown cars are part of an original fifty-five car set from the 80's that was purchased by the utility. Note the boom from a large dragline on the horizon in the upper right.
