This is a classic shot of the AuRoRa at the Anchorage Depot. Here we see in full color the original Alaska Railroad herald that was used on the noses of locomotives and observation car ends as well as used as the company logo and in publications. It looks like it could be a nice June morning judging by the snow on Mt. Susitna on the right hand side of the frame in the background. With the baggage cart that is barely visible it could be around 07:30AM. 1510 was part of the second order of F units, and was one of the three FP7s used for passenger service. The FP7s were equipped with a boiler for heat in the coaches. Since it has the modified snow plow that was put on not too long after entering service, and with the vintage cars and trucks I think 1955-1957. Passenger Tracks 2 and 3 occupy this spot and the Annex is directly left of frame. The other really neat thing that was photographed was the man on the ladder climbing the depot. - Mike Gerenday |