Classic American Railroading.
Amtrak train 3, the westbound Southwest Chief, is seen splitting the semaphores near Bernal, New Mexico as it climbs the steep grade through the mountains. The semaphore signals and associated telegraph wires give this scene such a classic feel!
I was in Denver for a week and opted to take a day to drive to New Mexico to shoot these last few surviving semaphores, knowing their futures are uncertain and that they could be removed at any time. It was certainly worth the 10-hour drive, even if only for a few photos!
Photos showing the railroad pole lines. The pole line used four basic electrical circuits - telegraph, telephone, signaling, and power. Modern technologies of fiber optics, microwave, radio, satellite, and computers have been replacing the pole lines.
