Amtrak 21, the southbound Texas Eagle, was early and it was feared that it might have to wait in UP's yard before coming to the station because of No. 22 being on the Amtrak siding, but smart heads prevailed and No. 21 was allowed to continue to the station, but had to stop on UP Main 2 instead of the Amtrak siding. It arrived at 2:59 a.m. The crews de-boarded and boarded passengers on No. 21 across the ballast but placed a walking board over the ballast so no passenger actually had to step on the ballast. This was another smart move. Anyway, 21 arrived early and left just a couple of minutes late. It's unusual to see both Texas Eagles at the station in Little Rock at the same time and I had both my cameras and got photos and movies of the busy action at Union Station this night.
Amtrak 171 was the leader of Texas Eagle 22, arriving at 12:50 a.m. May 12.
Amtrak 42, the saluting Veterans special unit.
America's Railroad Salutes Our Veterans art on the locomotive.
Amtrak 406, the 40th anniversary unit, was also on the train.
Passengers lined up to board at 12:55 a.m.
12:58 a.m.
12:59 a.m. taken with my cell phone.
Passengers boarding 1:06 a.m.
On one of the exhibit cars.
At 2:13 a.m., a UP truck arrived to help with the air-brake problem.
At 2:59 a.m, southbound Texas Eagle 21 arrived.
You can see the green lights on the Superliners of No. 21 indicating the air pressure on No. 21 was ok.
Passing trains, 2:59 a.m.
Had No. 22 not had the low-level anniversary cars on it, I'd have never seen No. 21 passing.
A couple of the first people to get off 21 made it to the platform at 3:05 a.m.
At the west side of Union Station, Eagle 21 sits on Main 2 while 22 remains on the Amtrak siding, 3:06 a.m.
Amtrak locomotive 123 headed No. 21. My sensitivity setting was high, so it really looks bright.
A rare sight, Amtrak 21 and 22 at the same time at the station in Little Rock, 3:08 a.m. May 12.
I thought this was a great shot of nighttime on the railroad. The bright locomotive lights show the green trees and the red signals shine overhead.
3:14 a.m.
No. 21 ready to leave at 3:15 a.m. Here's a video of it leaving:
http://youtu.be/TH4RhOcE2G8
I call this scene "Scaring the Ghosts out of the darkness"
3:21 a.m. and Texas Eagle 22 was still in the station. Here's a video of No. 22 leaving at 3:46 a.m.:
http://youtu.be/csNeSel76u0
East side of the station after everyone left, 3:51 a.m.