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by Steve Eshom
As I alluded to in this post I spent on time on Pengra Pass a couple of weeks ago. Pengra is one of my favorites places thanks to the long mountain grade, interesting scenery, and heavy tonnage. In addition to the usual photographs I tried to capture some additional photos to portray the essence of the pass. My hope is to combine all these photos into a segment of program for this fall’s Autumn Leaf slide show.
Read more about my Pengra visit: Summer Solstice on Pengra Pass
Pengra at its best, lush forests and lumber laden trains
After Pengra Pass I headed north for Stampede Pass. Stampede has always been a sentimental favorite for me because of my childhood love for the NP. Growing up I spent quite a bit of time studying the history of the pass so it became one my first efforts as a railfan. I visited in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 2006, and of course 2009. In 1977 the pass was closed due to the Borup washout and in 1978 I just didn’t see anything. In 1979 I saw my first train on the pass at old Stampede. In 1984 the pass was closed again, this time due to BN wanting to be rid of it. Of course 2006, and 2009 were much busier!
Like most railfans I can see the potential in Stampede Pass and I hold out hope that all the rumors at some point come true and Stampede traffic steps up. In the mean time I still visit because Stampede still has its charm and there are plenty of great photos to be made there. Look for more on Stampede this fall at the Autumn Leaf slide show.
Read more about my Stampede visit: Relaxing on Stampede
Since 1913
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