Illinois Division Modules: John Massura
Tin Cup (Loop B) and Staging
This module is one of two reversing loops of the Illinois Division., and is the entrance to a staging yard. The photos show the western (Pacific) portal of the Alpine Tunnel where the line passed under Altman Pass (sometimes referred to as Alpine Pass) . This portal was at elevation 11,521.13 ft., the pass was at elevation 11,940 ft. and the tunnel was 1,771.7' long. This tunnel was the first to pierce the continental divide and for a long time was the highest RR in the world. I believe it is still in the top 5 highest RR's ever built.
Photo by John Scherr, 2022
Photo by John Massura, 2019
A view of Tin Cup, showing the loop, reversing loop, and the track going to the Staging Yard behind the backdrop. A large roundhouse is expected in the future. Photo by Steve Haworth, 2022.
The "door" in the backdrop is the entrance to the hidden Staging Yard behind. Photo by John Scherr, 2022
Staging Yard. Photo by John Massura, 2019