The railroad has yet to connect this
second track. Another view of abandoned right-of-way.
Below, an airplane mock-up for fire
fighter training.
In the Anchorage yard, a work train is
parked.
Below, more rail is waiting to be
installed at the new passenger yard opposite the Anchorage Depot.
Already assembled switches are ready for installation.
Below, base material is in place and
ready for new track construction for the new Alaska Railroad passenger
yard. After the completion of this project, trains can be
serviced in place instead of having to be run into the yard.
There will be some kind of overhead walkway, stairs and possibly
elevators for distributing passengers to their proper train. This
system will be helpful in the future when commuter rail service is
initiated between Anchorage and Wasilla.
At the Anchorage Depot, I got the
reflection shot of the depot in the window of a rail car. Inside
the depot was this interesting silverware salmon sculpture.
Conductor Steve was at the depot to greet me. He also chatted
wtih Conductor Redfearn and introduced me to him. On the train, I
had not actually identified myself to Conductor Redfearn and never
mentioned my friendship with Conductor Steve.
As Conductor Steve and I drove off to
the Moose's Tooth for dinner, he asked me if I had been standing in the
middle of Talkeetna Spur Road earlier that morning in a blue
shirt. I replied that I thought I was in my black windbreaker,
and then remembered that I was warm enough that I was not wearing
it. So, it was Conductor Steve on the southbound freight that
morning and he saw me.
As in the past, the Alaska Railroad was the highlight of a great
trip. I enjoyed exploring a new Alaskan town and finding new
places to stay, fishing guides and meeting new people.
I already have my airline ticket to return in June 2008. The
Alaska Railroad will be ready for all visitors with several new tours
including Curry and the Whistlestop Glacier Discovery.
