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Posted by
Dave
on Wed May 30 01:49:41 2012
edf40wrjww2msgDetail:detailStr fiogf49gjkf0d The WP&YR is a narrow gauge route (3') that climbs almost 3000 feet in just 20 miles and features steep grades of up to 3.9%, cliff-hanging turns of 16 degrees, two tunnels and numerous bridges and trestles. The steel cantilever bridge was the tallest of its kind in the world when it was constructed in 1901. It was abandoned in 1969.
The 110 mile WP&YR Railroad was completed with the driving of the golden spike on July 29, 1900 in Carcross Yukon connecting the deep water port of Skagway Alaska to Whitehorse Yukon and beyond to northwest Canada and interior Alaska.
The WP&YR suspended operations in 1982 when Yukon's mining industry collapsed due to low mineral prices. The railway was reopened in 1988 as a seasonal tourism operation and served 37,000 passengers. Today, the WP&YR is Alaska's most popular shore excursion carrying over 380,000 passengers during the May to September tourism season operating on the first 67.5 miles (Skagway, Alaska to Carcross, Yukon) of the original 110 mile line.
Motive power is C-C type GE diesels built in the 1950's, and MLW (Alco) C-C diesels built in the 1960's. Two steam engines are still used; No. 73, a fully restored 1947 Baldwin 2-8-2 Mikado class steam locomotive, and No. 69 in 2005, a Baldwin 2-8-0 built for WP&YR in 1907. Passenger cars are 69 restored and replica passenger coaches. Also operational, a few times a year is an original steam-powered rotary snowplow.
Princess cruise line extended the start of the line down a pier adjacent to where its cruise ships dock:
A wall adjacent to the siding is painted with the insignias of ships and their captains:
Four cruise ships were docked today, all arriving around the same time. The WP&YR scheduled all their trains today:
We watched a train depart 10 minutes before our train:
I have MANY more pictures to post tomorrow, as well as a long video. Meanwhile, I found proof that even Santa and Mrs. Claus take a vacation!
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