Georgetown Loop Doubleheader. Just weeks after emerging from a rather substantial restoration effort, the former IRCA Consolidation #111 was being put to the ultimate test on this particular Saturday. It was the middle of the fall foliage season and the trains were about as long and heavy as they get on this line. For most of the day, she held her own, running solo on the hill, occasionally slipping the tires, but making to the top without any help. Then, about mid-afternoon, she stalled up on the High Fill and was unable to get her legs back under her. Diesel Locomotive #130 was quickly dispatched from Silver Plume, reaching the stalled train in just minutes and giving it the needed boost to get moving again. With just one more run remaining, the crews elected not to take a chance and sent the 111 back down the hill with the 130 in tow. At Devil's Gate Station, the two locomotives pinned on to the front of the train, and as is normal practice, they backed down to end of track, just underneath the High Bridge. Then, with the Conductor's call of "High Ball!", the two began their charge for the hill.
This unusual doubleheader is pictured here, emerging from the woods just below Devil's Gate Station, about to run the 360 degree loop that gives the line its name. In just minutes, it will cross the Devil's Gate High Bridge, part of which is just visible on the left edge of the photo.
