I've been busy with too many real-world projects to get much done on the railroad this week, so today's post is a collection of past scenic shots, revisiting a day in the life of Thunder Mesa.
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It's just before dawn at Thunder Mesa depot and the station master is already at work writing up train orders for the day's crews.
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Work is underway at Saguaro Siding as well where a crate of machine parts is being hoisted up for delivery to mines along the Calico High-line. Engine #4 passes in the foreground with the daily mail in tow.
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The first rays of morning sun hit Baxter's Butte as the Earl Vilmer steams through McKennon Arch.
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From high on Baxter's Butte, a resident big horn sheep observes the action below.
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A little later, the Marc F. Davis chuffs through Dinosaur Gap with a load of ore bound for Thunder Mesa mill.
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Engine #1 is an eccentric teakettle to say the least.
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Dinosaur Gap turns out to be an excellent rail-fanning spot as we later spot the Ollie Johnston pulling a short mixed train with SFD&C Combine 101 bringing up the tail.
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Things slow down around noon as the heat of the day sends desert critters and people alike scurrying for shade. It's pretty quiet here in the Cactus Forest, save for a pair of wrens busy with nest building and a hungry coyote looking for a chance meal.
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The circle of life goes on in the Living Desert.
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The quiet break doesn't last too long however, and soon we see Estrella & Sonora Grande #1 heading through the Gap. The E&SG has a gentleman's agreement with the TMMC and sometimes runs equipment here.
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Back in Thunder Mesa, there's lots of action at Big Thunder Creek as the Ollie Johnston backs into the mill siding with a string of side dump ore cars. Up above, the Marc F. Davis works the mines.
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Working the mill is a thirsty job and the #6 stops to top off at Thunder Mesa tank.
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Late in the afternoon we catch another glimpse of Combine 101 heading back into Rainbow Caverns as a lonesome cougar looks on.
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The last rays of the sun bathe McKennon Arch as another day comes to a close. Engine #5, the Frank Thomas, pulls a freight bound for San Lorenzo.
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Night settles in and a full moon rises above Baxter's Butte as Old Unfaithful geyser begins to erupt again.
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Day's end and the station master is still at work, finishing up the day's paperwork and getting ready for tomorrow.
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Thanks for coming along on today's photo journey, I hope everyone enjoyed it. There are several new projects on the workbench so check back next Friday for a new update. That's all for this time. Adios for now!
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