GSM goes the way of the California Zephyr

[beavercreek]

Well, just as I get a little nostalgic for railways long and recently gone the way all things with some being reborn under new management so, in a small way, it is like the GSM closing and reopening as the Gscalecentral.

As I model a line based on the Rio Grande area (with of course a little artistic license) I have a lot of 'fallen flag' material!
One of the most beautiful passenger trains in the world is generally an accolade given to travelling on the original 'California Zephyr' which in its last days became the 'Rio Grande Zephyr' These both ceased operation decades ago but Amtrak did resurrect the 'California Zephyr' but it was never quite the same.
The 'Ski Train' ran from Denver to the Winter Park are and used old Zephyr cars but that too has now closed this year.
So Gscalecentral is our new Amtrak so long may it last.
But can I take this opportunity to just throw a few pics up showing a litle homage to past glories...?


The Zephyr is ready to pull out with many excited passengers.

 

[beavercreek]

The 'ski train' is also to disappear

 

[beavercreek]

Although called the 'Ski train' it also ran during all seasons.

 

[beavercreek]

The Zephyr was always a great centre of attraction when stopping at smaller stations.

 

[delivery of oblivion]

Oh Wow...That is FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[beavercreek]

Many thanks Adrian.
I just love the look and the folklore of those big American rail liners. I suppose it is the great distances that they covered yet would also sit in local scenary with great aplomb.

 

[chris m01]

Nice

 

[djacobsen]

How cool!

When I drove semi truck,
I paced with one of the trains
for a few miles, where the rail line
paralelled the interstate highway...
It had an SD70, hauling, in UP livery.
Sure wish I could have gotten pictures.

 

[Woderwick]

Love it, nice trees that man.

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Rod

Ah yes... the trees.... well they have had to have quite prune this year and now have more the look of real ones where the trunks can be seen. The pruning has happened since these piccies were taken

The Beavercreek Railroad has had a thread over on the old GSM.. 'Bevercreek in the sun'.
I might find out if it can be ported over if anyone would like it?

 

[mike]

if i went american, i hope it would look like this love it

 

[beavercreek]

mike - 25/10/2009 4:24 PM

if i went american, i hope it would look like this love it

Hey ..thanks Mike ..nice words.

I have asked Lisa if there is anyway that we can 'port over' threads from The GSM and she has been working on it already. I have a thread over in the 'Pictures' section on GSM called 'Beavercreek in the Sun' . Have a look if you have time at my one and some other American layouts threads and maybe we Yankophiles' can lure you over from the 'Dark side'

Some of the Euro layouts and kit really tempt me to run RULE 8.

 

[beavercreek]

A few more California Zephyr shots

She passes Arbour Summit

 

[beavercreek]

Rolls along the mainline through Beaver Creek, not stopping this time

 

[beavercreek]

Caught as she passes the sightseeing local narrow gauge special

 

[spike]

Nice thing with the Ski Train is you can add a variety of different locos.
ex Amtrak F40PH in Rio Grande paint
F40PH in Amtrak paint
UP GP40
Southern Pacific GP60
Cotton Belt GP60
Southern Pacific GP40
Cotton Belt GP40
Rio Grande SD40 Tunnel motors
Rio Grande GP60
Rio Grande Zephry F9
Rio Grande PA1

I see the F40s and a load of cars have gone to the Algoma Central here is the move with CN up front in Illinois

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-4L1s5Upbc/">Ski Train in Illinois</a>

 

[spike]

beavercreek - 25/10/2009 12:27 PM Although called the 'Ski train' it also ran during all seasons.

Sorry link did'nt come out right but here is another go

Nice thing with the Ski Train is you can add a variety of different locos.
ex Amtrak F40PH in Rio Grande paint
F40PH in Amtrak paint
UP GP40
Southern Pacific GP60
Cotton Belt GP60
Southern Pacific GP40
Cotton Belt GP40
Rio Grande SD40 Tunnel motors
Rio Grande GP60
Rio Grande Zephry F9
Rio Grande PA1

I see the F40s and a load of cars have gone to the Algoma Central here is the move with CN up front in Illinois

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-4L1s5Upbc">Ski Train in Illinois</a>

 

[beavercreek]

Thanks for the link Mike.

Yes I was sad to hear a few months ago that the last train to carry the Rio Grande name had finally bit the dust. The YouTube footage was also a bit mournful as the whole roster was being dragged along by the CN Dash 9. They should have at least let the 'Ski Train' power itself to Canada.
That's one train journey I will have to scratch off my dream birthday rail tour over in the States

I will just have to renact the Denver to Winter Park journey on my layout on frequent intervals to give me the fix!

 

[Charles M]

Don't give up hope on riding the " Ski Train " just yet. The is a move a foot to bring a new " Ski Train" back to running from Denver to Winter Park. See this article from the Denver Post newspaper . http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12993517.
The govenor is puttting his support behind this proposal and it may just happen. Union Pacific has indicated that it could be done.

You have done a wonderful job on recreating the " Golden years " . I lived in Granby , Colordo and saw the Ski Train and CZ train many times.

Charles M

 

[spike]

Charles M - 27/10/2009 3:17 AM

Don't give up hope on riding the " Ski Train " just yet. The is a move a foot to bring a new " Ski Train" back to running from Denver to Winter Park. See this article from the Denver Post newspaper . http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12993517.
The govenor is puttting his support behind this proposal and it may just happen. Union Pacific has indicated that it could be done.

You have done a wonderful job on recreating the " Golden years " . I lived in Granby , Colordo and saw the Ski Train and CZ train many times.

Charles M

Have heard that power may be SL&RG SD40-2 with HEP car....although SL&RG have various ol dogs.
it may look something like this

<a href="http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=255773&nseq=25">SL&RG Tourist Train</a>