This view looks back railroad north from the second of three units on the head end of a southbound unit export coal train. The head end is passing beneath one of the most dangerous areas on the entire railroad, the very active "Slide Zone 49" which is kept at bay by the ARR's experienced avalanche crews using CATs, Howitzers, and even aerial bombing! On this splendid day, however, avalanches are of little worry as the train digs in on the steep 3% grade to claw its way toward the 1062 ft summit at Grandview. All six SD70MACs (3 up front and 3 mid train DPUs) are working hard to lift the 74 car 10,765 ton successfully over the top. Note: the photographer is a railroad employee with permission to ride and was wearing all required PPE while taking this photograph.
