Uploaded May 2008 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
SOLDIER SUMMIT
ASSAULT
At 7,440 feet, the crest of the Wasatch Plateau in Utah is
the fifth highest railroad pass on a US transcontinental mainline. It was the
highest point for the former Denver & Rio Grande in Utah. Assaulting the
steep grades of Soldier Summit takes brute force horsepower. Many trains
require both mid-train and rear end helpers. In 2000, when this show was
recorded, the diesels of the Rio Grande, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific
worked together to muscle trains over the pass.
Union Pacific runs here now, but the Utah Railway and BNSF
have traffic rights and Amtrak's California
Zephyr runs two trains a day. Classic black and orange Rio Grande SD40T-2s
are seen in daily use as helpers on UP's coal trains, and on the famous "trash
train." During this time, the Utah Railway's fleet of SD40s was joined by six
MK5000s and five Australian-built SD50s. UP's E-units and a C&NW Dash 8
also make an appearance.
Watch as extra power is cut into the trains at Helper for
the push up the hill. The descent sees the line change direction 180 degrees at
the Gilluly Loops, before continuing west to Provo. Coal is a major commodity
here, and you'll visit UR coal loading facilities. The red rocks of Utah and
snow-capped mountains, the famous formations of Castle Gate, the horseshoe
curves at Gilluly, and the slide area at Thistle create a spectacular display.
This detailed look at UP's Provo
Subdivision offers everything to interest and entertain: rare motive power,
challenging terrain, a variety of trains, and fantastic scenery!
SOLDIER SUMMIT
ASSAULT
At 7,440 feet, the crest of the Wasatch Plateau in Utah is
the fifth highest railroad pass on a US transcontinental mainline. It was the
highest point for the former Denver & Rio Grande in Utah. Assaulting the
steep grades of Soldier Summit takes brute force horsepower. Many trains
require both mid-train and rear end helpers. In 2000, when this show was
recorded, the diesels of the Rio Grande, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific
worked together to muscle trains over the pass.
Union Pacific runs here now, but the Utah Railway and BNSF
have traffic rights and Amtrak's California
Zephyr runs two trains a day. Classic black and orange Rio Grande SD40T-2s
are seen in daily use as helpers on UP's coal trains, and on the famous "trash
train." During this time, the Utah Railway's fleet of SD40s was joined by six
MK5000s and five Australian-built SD50s. UP's E-units and a C&NW Dash 8
also make an appearance.
Watch as extra power is cut into the trains at Helper for
the push up the hill. The descent sees the line change direction 180 degrees at
the Gilluly Loops, before continuing west to Provo. Coal is a major commodity
here, and you'll visit UR coal loading facilities. The red rocks of Utah and
snow-capped mountains, the famous formations of Castle Gate, the horseshoe
curves at Gilluly, and the slide area at Thistle create a spectacular display.
This detailed look at UP's Provo
Subdivision offers everything to interest and entertain: rare motive power,
challenging terrain, a variety of trains, and fantastic scenery!
