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The Tippecanoe (SL-2)

The Colorado Eagle was a spectacular royal-blue and antique-white Missouri Pacific Streamliner that ran between St. Louis and Denver as train numbers 11 and 12. The train was operated by Rio Grande crews from Pueblo to Denver on the joint AT&SF/D&RGW trackage. Service began in 1942, with new equipment arriving in 1946. Now the train had "Planetarium" coaches to view the scenic Missouri River and the dramatic front range of the Rockies. Also in the consist was a Deluxe Lounge-Diner which served "famed Silver Platter dinners." In 1964, the sleeping accommodations were dropped, leaving patrons with downgraded services. The end came in 1966 when the train was discontinued.

The scene above depicts Missouri Pacific train number 12, the Colorado Eagle, slicing through the snow along the frozen Missouri River. The snow is fresh, and some of the clouds from last night's flurry are still around. The train is led by two of MP's distinctive EMD E7's having the custom side panels with portholes. That weathered old Pennsy express box behind the locomotives may break up the lines of the Streamliner, but one or more of these type cars did frequently show up on this train. Not every Streamliner had all new equipment either; the baggage cars on this train are rebuilt from old heavyweights. The Colorado Eagle had character; and convenient scheduling and connections were a good reason to "fly" the route of the Eagle.