FROM THE ARCHIVES! With snow levels rising, Union Pacific deployed its rotary snow plows on Donner Pass to clear snow from the line between Emigrant Gap, and Tunnel 41, the 'Big Hole'. Here, lead rotary SPMW #207 heads Eastbound as it cuts into the bank on the #2 track as it approaches the Soda Springs railroad crossing. The rotary consist pauses at the crossing to inspect the equipment, and for UP management to check in with the operating crews to get an idea how the rotary is operating. This was 207's first official deployment on the Hill since its 2014 rebuild, having undergone a test run in 2016. As soon as the inspection is completed, the rotaries continue East to Norden, where they will cross over to the #1 track to continue working. Road power for the rotary consist is made up of 2 EMD SD70ACes, UP #8661 and UP #8972. Trailing the consist is SPMW #209, one of the rotaries yet to be overhauled. The average time span between rotary deployments is 6 years, as snowfalls fluctuate time to time. As you would imagine, a large crowd was on hand to witness the rotaries in action! 02-26-2017