Big Country Here is another shot that's never seen the light of day until now. This was taken on the same day as, but a bit before, my 'infamous' losing calendar shot that I know you can't forget. But in case you did here it is: https://flic.kr/p/2krcj3P But before the Hurricane Turn showed up I shot this conventional northbound train across the Gulch in a wide sweeping panorama in a feeble attempt to capture the feel of the true vastness of this place. Since the final northbound Denali Star of the season ran the prior day this is technically a cruise train running on the Star's schedule. Because the big tour companies still had end of season guests at their lodges they contracted with the ARR every year to run this train for a few extra days. So while it is running on the Star's schedule and with two SD70MACs, it has no ARR cars only Holland America Princess equipment. Located at MP 284.2, this bridge spans 918 feet and rises 296 feet above the floor below. This famous arch is arguably the signature location on the entire ARR mainline and was the most expensive and difficult engineering project on the entirety of the railroad. The American Bridge Company started construction in early 1921, erected steel in June and finished in August. To construct the bridge, they strung an aerial tram across the gulch and construction proceeded from both sides. The first passenger train crossed Hurricane Gulch Bridge on August 15, 1921 culminating the $1,200,000 project. For some stunning historic photos of its construction click: https://vilda.alaska.edu/digital/search/searchterm/Hurricane Hurricane, Alaska |
