While searching through Kodachromes for a suitable candidate to scan, I came across this view of Rio Grande's very first six axle EMD, an SD7 built in May 1953. What surprised me is the kind of traffic it is hauling from UP's North Yard in Salt Lake City to Rio Grande's Roper Yard. Coupled behind this well worn 'high hood' EMD are extra height auto racks (without roofs) and priority piggyback trailers, likely headed for the Grande's pig ramp at 30th South. I'm standing near the 2nd North grade crossing which was closed soon after this photo was taken. Note the mineral red iron ore jennies stored in UP's South Yard, displaced by a fleet of shiny new black ore cars.
