Today, 9/22/2012, Amtrak #7 the westbound Empire Builder terminated at Spokane WA account delayed by a freight train wreck in Western Montana. The train was turned at Parkwater, about 4 miles east of the depot in downtown Spokane. I stumbled upon the train as it went around the balloon track.
24 and 470, the "King Tutt" unit were on the east end and will be leading on tonight's #8 out of Spokane. 138 and 4 on the west end lead the way back to the depot.
470, the "King Tutt" unit as seen from the Fancher St bridge.
Here we see the rear of the train with what is left of the Parkwater engine terminal in the picture.
Looking east from the east side of Fancher St, the train is ready to move west.
470, the "King Tutt" unit from the Fancher St bridge.
The train moves west on the "old main" near Fisk St with 138 leading.
What will be #8's head end is moving west near Fisk St. We are looking west.
Westbound near Spokane St, looking east.
Westbound near Spokane St, looking east.
Westbound, looking west. Downtown Spokane is seen in the background.
This is the first time I have seen the Empire Builder with units on BOTH ends. Likely S.O.P. when going around the balloon track. Eliminates backing up problems. Makes for some interesting pictures!