The "Colorado Eagle": MP's Premier St. Louis-Denver Train
Last revised: August 25, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Missouri Pacific's fleet of trains were the Eagles and served all of the railroad's far reaching markets including St. Louis, Kansas City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denver, Omaha, San Antonio, New Orleans, and El Paso.
The Colorado Eagle was one of MP's premier services linking St. Louis and Denver in conjunction with the Rio Grande.
History
While the MoPac’s Eagle fleet is well remembered it was not as successful as some of the West's other fabled trains.; names like the Santa Fe's Super Chief, the WP/Rio Grande/Burlington California Zephyr, and Union Pacific's opulent City fleet were much more popular.
Despite this, the Eagles carried enough status that the name survives today under Amtrak.
Photos
Missouri Pacific's westbound "Colorado Eagle" is seen here posed north of Pueblo, Colorado on the Santa Fe in the summer of 1948. The train's accommodations at this time included five sleepers (10 roomettes/6 double-bedrooms [Denver-St. Louis], 6 section/6 roomettes/4 double-bedrooms [Denver - St. Louis], 14 roomettes/4 double-bedrooms [Denver - St. Louis], 6 sections/6 roomettes/4 bedrooms [St. Louis - Los Angeles in conjunction with the "Golden State"], 8 section/1 drawing room/3 double-bedrooms [Wichita - Denver], coaches, grill coach, "Planetarium Dome" coach, and diner-lounge. American-Rails.com collection.The Missouri Pacific's corporate heritage began as the Pacific Railroad chartered in March, 1849.
Historically, the company is credited with operating the first train west of the Mississippi River when the locomotive "Pacific" chugged over the original 5 miles of track between St. Louis and Cheltenham on December 9, 1852.
The Missouri Pacific Railway was formed in 1872 from the remnants of the Pacific Railroad and eventually fell into Jay Gould's hands.
Despite his shady business practices, Gould did transform the MP into a major player throughout the Midwest and Gulf Coast. By also owning the Texas & Pacific the MoPac stretched across eleven Midwestern and Southern states.
In spite of this, the railroad dealt with over a half-dozen bankruptcies from 1849 until 1956.
Consist
Being only regional in nature, the original Eagle was a six-car consist (with an EMD E3 diesel locomotive on the point for power), built by American Car & Foundry. The train's consist included a diner, lounges, and parlor-observation.
What the MoPac began as just the Eagle in March 1940 blossomed into an entire fleet of Eagles including the Aztec Eagle, Missouri River Eagle (which was the original Eagle renamed), Valley Eagle, Louisiana Eagle, and Delta Eagle.
The Missouri Pacific’s Colorado Eagle was the very last of the fleet to get its wings when it was inaugurated in June of 1942. The train's route headed westward from St. Louis and upon reaching Pueblo, Colorado, worked in conjunction with the Rio Grande to complete its journey into Denver.
Like the rest of the fleet the Colorado Eagle featured dazzling designs on both its exterior and interior. All of this came from noted industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who gave the Eagle fleet a classic livery.
Missouri Pacific PA-2 #8015, E7B #7015-B, and PA-2 #8011 lead the westbound "Colorado Eagle" (St. Louis - Pueblo - Denver) towards Denver over the Santa Fe on July 30, 1960. The westbound/northbound run utilized AT&SF; trackage between Pueblo - Denver while its eastbound/southbound counterpart operated on the Rio Grande. Richard Kindig photo.The scheme was an intricate design of dark blue, light cream, silver, and yellow with a chromed eagle flanking the nose of locomotives.
The interior of the train featured similar
colors, particularly the train’s noted dark blue, in a consist featuring
diner-lounges, standard sleepers, diners, and a grill/chair coach.
During these early years, Pullman was contracted to staff and serve the train. The Colorado Eagle also featured domes. What the MoPac coined Planetarium Domes were a product of the Budd Company and part of a 1948 order for a new equipment that totaled $14 million.
Timetable
According to the Missouri Pacific's 1944 timetable the westbound train (#11) would depart St. Louis Union Station at 4:15 pm, reaching the connection with the Rio Grande at Pueblo by 6:50 am the following morning (this was the western edge of the MP system).
The MP also provided connecting service between Wichita and Geneseo, Kansas. From Pueblo, the D&RGW would ferry the Colorado Eagle into Denver Union Station in a few short hours, arriving there by 9:50 am.
In total, the trip typically lasted just over 18 hours carrying an average train speed of 55 mph.
Timetable (July, 1944)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #11/Missouri Pacific) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #12/Missouri Pacific) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 12:15 PM (Ar) | |
| 4:22 PM | 2.9 | 11:59 AM | |
| 4:39 PM | 9.5 | ||
| 4:35 PM | 12.9 | 11:47 AM | |
| 5:09 PM | 51.1 | ||
| 63.5 | 10:56 AM | ||
| 6:15 PM (Ar) | 121.5 | 10:00 AM (Dp) | |
| 6:17 PM (Dp) | 121.5 | 9:58 AM (Ar) | |
| 6:43 PM | 146.6 | 9:31 AM | |
| 7:25 PM | 185.1 | 8:53 AM | |
| 7:52 PM | 214.6 | 8:25 AM | |
| 8:22 PM | 245.5 | 7:55 AM | |
| 8:50 PM | 269.5 | 7:30 AM | |
| 9:15 PM (Ar) | 279.2 | 7:15 AM (Dp) | |
| 9:25 PM (Dp) | 279.2 | 6:45 AM (Ar) | |
| 10:25 PM | 338.1 | 5:32 AM | |
| 10:43 PM | 359.1 | 5:00 AM | |
| 11:09 PM | 391.4 | 4:24 AM | |
| 11:48 PM | 429.3 | 3:50 AM | |
| 12:12 AM | 455.9 | 3:22 AM | |
| 12:59 AM | 501.0 | 2:38 AM | |
| 1:37 AM (Ar) | 529.2 | 2:09 AM (Dp) | |
| 1:37 AM (Dp) | 529.2 | 2:09 AM (Ar) | |
| 2:13 AM (Ar) | 563.2 | 1:33 AM (Dp) | |
| 595.1 | 11:50 PM | ||
| F 3:11 AM | 687.2 | 10:38 PM | |
| 711.8 | 10:13 PM | ||
| 3:53 AM (Ar) | 735.5 | 9:52 PM (Dp) | |
| 3:58 AM (Dp) | 735.5 | 9:47 PM (Ar) | |
| 4:50 AM | 790.5 | 9:06 PM | |
| 5:42 AM | 846.1 | 8:16 PM | |
| 5:50 AM | 851.2 | 8:11 PM | |
| 6:50 AM (Ar) | 901.7 | 7:25 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Train #4/Rio Grande) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #3/Rio Grande) |
| 7:00 AM (Dp) | 901.7 | 7:15 PM (Ar) | |
| F | 932.9 | F | |
| 7:50 AM | 945.9 | 6:25 PM | |
| F | 959.0 | F | |
| F | 964.9 | F | |
| F | 968.9 | F | |
| F | 973.9 | F | |
| F | 977.8 | F | |
| F | 988.3 | F | |
| F | 996.3 | F | |
| F | 1000.1 | F | |
| F | 1010.5 | F | |
| 9:30 AM (Ar) | 1020.8 | 4:45 PM (Dp) |
In the early 1960s with losses mounting (totaling $14 million in 1962), the MoPac had no choice but to downgrade or discontinue many of its regional services although fragments of them limped on until Amtrak took over intercity passenger train operations in 1971.
The Colorado Eagle was one of the first to see reductions in services. In early 1964 the train lost all-Pullman status and likewise had its dining services yanked.
Missouri Pacific PA-2 #8020 leads the "Colorado Eagle" during the 1950s somewhere in Colorado. Unlike most roads, the MoPac continued using PA's in service well into the 1960's.Final Years
Just a few years later it had completely lost its name and was
cut back to just Kansas City, no more than a regional run, and remained
this way until the startup of Amtrak in 1971.
During these final years the train typically employed a consist featuring nothing more than coaches.
The slow decline of the streamliner can certainly be attributed to outside competition in the way of automobiles and airplanes although another major factor in the train’s decline was the hotly contested market it served.
Recent Articles
-
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:07 AM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Missouri's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:05 AM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:04 AM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Kentucky Scenic Train Rides At KRM!
Jan 09, 26 11:13 PM
Located in the small town of New Haven the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a combination of historic equipment and popular excursions. -
Washington "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:53 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:21 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Kentucky's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:12 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:05 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 09, 26 12:51 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee Dinner Train Rides At The TVRM!
Jan 09, 26 12:39 PM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
New York Scenic Train Rides On The A&A!
Jan 09, 26 11:20 AM
The A&A is both a common-carrier short line moving freight and a heritage railroad hosting popular excursion trains, all on the same storied right-of-way. -
Pennsylvania Scenic Train Rides In Hollidaysburg!
Jan 09, 26 11:14 AM
Tucked into the Juniata River valley just south of Altoona, the Everett Railroad offers one of the most approachable—and photogenic—heritage-rail experiences in Pennsylvania -
Montana Dinner Train Rides Near Lewistown!
Jan 08, 26 03:03 PM
The Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns an ordinary rail trip into an evening event: scenery, storytelling, live entertainment, and a hearty dinner served as the train rumbles across trestles and into a t… -
Alabama's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 02:19 PM
There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway! -
Rhode Island's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:43 PM
Let's dive into the enigmatic world of murder mystery dinner train rides in Rhode Island, where each journey promises excitement, laughter, and a challenge for your inner detective. -
Florida's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:13 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards.
