I celebrated the beginning of the last day of 2025 by getting a colonoscopy first thing in the morning. My wife Judy had to drive me to and from the appointment due to the aftereffects of the anesthesia and we were both pretty tired after we got home. After a nap I turned on my home radio a little after 2:00 pm and discerned there was a westbound train in the siding at Iona waiting for an eastbound “Z” train that was passing Preble west of Weatherford.
Since I was not supposed to drive today, Judy was most kind to drive me over to Aledo with the intention of catching both trains. On the way to Aledo, we could see a westbound intermodal train stopped at Iona. We arrived in Aledo and parked near the tracks. In a few minutes at 3:07 pm the eastbound “Z” train charged uphill with six units on the point.
The presence of UPS trailers confirms this was a “Z” train.
A few minutes after the trains passage, I heard them on the radio conversing with the crew on the train in Iona siding. While I waited for the westbound, I looked around and noticed how quiet and deserted downtown seemed this afternoon of New Year’s Eve. I did not have to wait long as the westbound showed up at 3:20 pm with two units up front.
There was one mid-train DPU in the form of an SD70ACe.
As the rear end of the train approached I composed this going away photo a few seconds later.
With two trains in the bag in good light to finish up 2025, I thanked Judy for taking me to accomplish my goal. Happy New Year to Everyone!
