The D&RGW ran an expanded Rio Grande Zephyr consist on February 25-26, 1978 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Moffat Tunnel. Management determined the trio of F9s were insufficient to haul the 11 car train (much to the disappointment of railfans), and three GP40-2s were assigned to move the RGZ from Denver to Salt Lake City and return. A Union Pacific baggage car became a mock RPO stamping mail along the route. The special RGZ is pictured at the foot of the 13 mile, 2% climb to 7440 ft. Soldier Summit.
