Watching a BNSF Freight at Denver Reminds Me of the Legacy of the California Zephyr

It is very inspiring when I sit in the Amtrak lounge car and watch America's trains pass by the window as I draw.  Here, as I head west on the California Zephyr, I watch a BNSF intermodal train just outside of Denver Union Station.

As our California Zephyr heads into Denver, we have been traveling over BNSF's former Chicago Burlington and Quincy mainline from Chicago.  Today's Amtrak California Zephyr is rooted in the history of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy which, together with the Rio Grande and Western Pacific railroads, first ran the California Zephyr.  From Denver, we will be traveling west on the tracks of the former Rio Grande, which today are owned by Union Pacific.

Tom, Our Great Amtrak Conductor on the Amtrak California Zephyr

Great conductors and great crew members make a spectacular Amtrak trip even more memorable.  Our conductor, Tom, on the eastbound California Zephyr through Eastern Utah, made a point to describe the scenery along our route.  As the train passed through a small ghost town, Tom pointed to a small gas station and mentioned that a scene from the movie "Thelma and Louise" had been filmed at that location.
I had just been finishing drawing an Amtrak P42DC locomotive and was honored to give it to Tom.  Thanks again for making our trip so memorable.

Amtrak and The Class 1 Railroad System

Drawing in the Amtrak lounge car is a great way for me to enjoy my Amtrak journey. As I draw, many passengers ask about the artwork.  I explain the history of our railroad system and how Amtrak travels over tracks that are maintained by our Class 1 railroad system for much of its journey.  Here I am drawing a historic Chicago Burlington and Quincy locomotive, which is part of the BNSF history of railroads as our Amtrak California Zephyr heads through Nebraska over BNSF rails.

Drawing a Baltimore and Ohio GP9 Aboard Amtrak Capitol Limited

It truly was a great thrill to ride the Amtrak Capitol Limited across CSX's historic Baltimore and Ohio tracks. Drawing a Baltimore and Ohio GP9 locomotive in the lounge car as the train passed through Cumberland, Maryland was the highlight of my trip. 

 For years I have watched CSX and Amtrak trains roll through this key community.  Seeing Cumberland with its historic structures from this vantage is truly an experience I will always remember.

The Amtrak Journey Across America

As I ride Amtrak, there are many moments when I just enjoy taking a moment to watch America go by. I enjoy seeing America's towns and cities, returning a wave as we pass.

My mind can barely grasp the stark changes America's landscape presents from sea to shining sea as the train crosses our mountains, plains, deserts and rivers in this land we all call home.