Following the BNSF's Clovis Sub, at milepost 688 we happened upon an empty coal train, BNSF E-SPSBTM0-09D, heading back to the Powder River Basin's Black Thunder Mine in Wyoming from Springerville, Arizona. With two units up front (BNSF SD70ACe 9078 and ES44AC 6006) and three on the rear (BNSF ES44AC 6189, SD70ACe 9077 and SD70MAC 9581) – more power on the rear than the front seemed odd – even though we were stuck on the "wrong side" I was still happy to have an old Burlington Northern SD70MAC in the distinctive Grinstein Green and Cream scheme, and with light on the nose. These coal units rarely traveled to southern California, and now many have left the roster, so I'm always eager to see these in service. (Cantera, New Mexico – March 20, 2024)
