A Ride on the Empire Builder
Author: Matthew Zisi
Yep, we took a ride on it-the whole route, Portland leg! By the end of the trip, I had been to 38 states (would've only been 37 if I'd gone to Seattle). The Empire Builder is a very scenic ride-I'd try to summarize, but on a ride that long, you see all sorts of sights or terrain, so it's really tough to do so. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's probably true here. If you're ever looking for an awesome travel idea, though, definitely consider the Empire Builder-you'll love it!
Photo Gallery
Always get a picture of your train, if possible! I had my camera out as we were boarding, so I caught our leader before I got on. Interestingly enough, the train would split up at Spokane (half went to Seattle, half went to Portland), but 19 was still our engine when we arrived in Portland!
Neat train scenery in Watertown!
Now part of the CP Rail System, according to the bottom right corner.
Waiting for us on a cross track!
The other SOO caboose we saw, in Winona!
Now part of the Strata Corporation, but this little veteran actually started life with the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1953!
1916 is a remote control unit!
1916 was built in 1972 for the Burlington Northern. Not painted orange until sometime around 2016. Also, at one time, it was BN 1876, with patriotic paint for the US bicentennial http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5047900
Also built in 1972 for BN. Still green as of NOW
1470 has not been seen on this site since 2017-it is here, in Minot, North Dakota.
1690 was built for the Burlington Northern in 1973.
1444 just got repainted from BN Green and White sometime during 2017-2018.
1900 was built for the Santa Fe in 1980.
Built for the Frisco in 1974.
Trackmobiles are used to move cars when a switcher is not handy.
Minot is a service stop, so we got to get out and walk around. Here is our observation car.
Or unloading it. Or both.
We had a long service stop in Williston, so I finally got to get a picture of our second engine!
Location approximate
