Redwards wondered in another thread about such a ride.
In August, 2002 Dover Harbor and open platform observation MKT 403 traveled together cross country to the NRHS Convention in Williams, Arizona. At the time, Amtrak was running MHC cars behind the passenger consist. We went on the Capitol Limited to Chicago, and then the California Zephyr to Emeryville. MHC's were behind all the way to Denver. At Denver, one MHC had to be switched out, and the conductor came to us and asked if we wished to be positioned on the rear, behind the MHC's. The problem was the MHCs did not have HEP pass-through, so if we did that, we'd have to rely on generator power for AC, lights, etc. We wondered if the generator would handle the load across the Nevada desert. Did we want scenery or assured comfort? What would YOU choose? Of course we chose scenery, and I have some wonderful shots from the open platform. Yes, the AC did fail leaving Nevada, but we didn't care.We then went down to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight, on the rear.
So, here are a few photos from the part of the trip where MKT 403 was on the rear, Denver to Los Angeles.
First, at Denver and climbing the Front Range.
Through the Fraser river Canyon and a friendly wave at Granby.
A happy rider across Central Colorado. A large fire was happening to the North. The scenery turned orange, and after we'd cleared the smoke, it looked like a cloud bank behind us.
Glenwood Canyon and West to Sunset. BNSF has trackage rights West of Grand Junction.
I got up early in the morning to see sunrise over the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. I was alone on the back platform. It was cold, desolate, quiet, except for the whine of the wheels on the rail, and beautiful. it still ranks as one of the most memorable hours of my life.
Along the Humbolt River in Nevada. A friendly weave at Sparks. Reno, "Biggest Little City in the West." Then it was up into California along the Truckee.
We pass the Eastbound Zephyr, and see that there are still snow sheds in the Sierra Nevadas. Dude, this IS the way to travel!
We were not allowed to stay aboard the cars in Oakland, one of two places where we had to go to a hotel. Next morning, this switcher brought the cars into Jack London Square to join the Coast Starlight.
Down the Coast line, past the Ghost town at Drawbridge. Then past freights and we finally reached the Pacific shoreline. By then, it was getting cold, and the rear platform became distinctly uncomfortable, especially with dinner awaiting. I regret not getting more photos along the shore, but we were running late and it was getting dark.
We occupied the cars overnight in Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal yards. The next day was on to Williams on the NRHS special Train, but BNSF prohibited platform riding, except for crew. Still, my open platform ride remains one of the highlights of my railroading adventures.
