Chasing Amtrak's Southwest Chief over Raton Pass 10/7/14 HD

Описание: One of the coolest, albeit longest day of the 4 day trip with Chuck and Evan was our adventure to Colorado and New Mexico to chase Amtrak’s westbound Southwest Chief over the famed Raton Pass. This trip had been an idea of mine to do this year, so we worked it into our trip plans. We left Amarillo at 5:20 AM and arrived in Trinidad, CO around 7:30 AM. A check of Amtrak’s smart phone app showed the train being 1 hr and 45 minutes late arriving in Trinidad around 11:40 MT. We used our free time to scout for locations between Raton and Trinidad.

We finally got word the train would soon arrive when a Welder seeking track and time from the DS asked where train 3 was, DS told him he would be by soon, so we set up on the east side of the Trinidad platform.

Amtrak 3, Southwest Chief (Passenger: Chicago, IL – Los Angeles, CA)
AMTK 200 (P42DC)
AMTK 74 (P42DC)

Our second catch of the train, was the famed curves of Gallinas, CO

After conquering Raton Pass, we catch the train sliding down grade into Raton, NM

After nearly losing sight of the train we get ahead of it finally and get the ultimate experience, watching the train blast through the Semaphores at Wagon Mound, NM

After the station stop in Las Vegas, NM, train 3 heads for Ojita to meet an on-time train 4. Here is the train passing under Highway 84 just west of Las Vegas.

About 5 minutes later, Train 4 arrives with a great horn show from the crew, and Phase 4 Heritage unit 184 bringing up the rear.

Amtrak 4, Southwest Chief (Passenger: Los Angeles, CA – Chicago, IL)
AMTK 41 (P42DC)
AMTK 184 (P42DC) Phase IV Heritage Unit.

After this catch we were ready to get started on the trek back to Amarillo with a satisfying chase in the books.

Thanks for Watching.