Transportation | Tony's Takes Photography

Firefighting planes continue their battle against Colorado wildfires

October 20, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

Aero-Flite Avro RJ85 on approach to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony's Takes) — Aero-Flite Avro RJ85 on approach to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony’s Takes)

Not the typical kind of “bird” you expect me to photograph but given how the fires here in the Centennial State are dominating our news and impacting so many lives, I took the opportunity yesterday to visit Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport where these planes are temporarily based out of.

It is a constant, beehive of activity as the airtankers depart with a load of slurry, expertly drop it on the Cameron Peak Fire or the CalWood Fire, then return, load up and do it again. About every 15 minutes a plane is arriving and / or departing, ensuring a constant onslaught against the blazes.

It is an impressive sight to see and we are thankful for the work of Neptune Aviation Services Inc , AeroFlite Aerial Firefighting and others for their aerial work and as well as those of the firefighters from across the nation on the ground.

Firefighting planes continue their battle against Colorado wildfires — Neptune Aviation BAe 146 airtanker departs while two others load up with slurry. (© Tony’s Takes)

Aero-Flite Avro RJ85 landing through the smoky haze at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony's Takes) — Aero-Flite Avro RJ85 landing through the smoky haze at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony’s Takes)

Neptune Aviation BAe 146 airtanker returns from a run against the Colorado wildfires. (© Tony's Takes) — Neptune Aviation BAe 146 airtanker returns from a run against the Colorado wildfires. (© Tony’s Takes)

Neptune Aviation BAe 146 Airtanker on approach to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony's Takes) — Neptune Aviation BAe 146 Airtanker on approach to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. (© Tony’s Takes)

Neptune Aviation BAe 146 airtanker departs to battle the Colorado wildfires. (© Tony's Takes) — Neptune Aviation BAe 146 airtanker departs to battle the Colorado wildfires. (© Tony’s Takes)

Firefighting helicopter on the move

October 13, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

A quick flyover of my home just a bit ago. This CH-47D Chinook is operated by a private company contracted to fight wildfires. None are anywhere near my home but the Cameron Peak Fire in northwestern Colorado continues to rage and the Mullen Fire is just north of it, having originated in Wyoming.

We do truly appreciate all the hard work they and the firefighters on the ground do. Hopefully we get some precipitation soon and these guys can go home.

Colorado Air National Guard honors first responders

May 6, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

A fun event just a bit ago as the Colorado National Guard and 140th Wing did a flyby of hospitals all along the Colorado Front Range. I was unfortunately almost directly under them and light was horrendous but still fun to see and a great way to honor the police, fire departments, and hospital workers keeping us safe during the pandemic.

The Colorado National Guard performs a flyover to thank first responders. (© Tony's Takes) — The Colorado National Guard performs a flyover to thank first responders. (© Tony’s Takes)

Thunderbirds say thank you

April 18, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

Not the usual type of birds I photograph – these guys were a lot more mechanical. 😉

The Air Force Thunderbirds did a flyover the Air Force Academy’s graduation today then gave much of the Colorado Front Range a treat. As part of their #AirForceSalutes thanking front line responders for keeping us safe during the pandemic, they did flybys of many hospitals from Fort Collins down to Pueblo.

It was a bit of a guessing game as to where was best to setup and, unfortunately, I opted for a spot further north than what I should have. Mother Nature complicated things further with hazy skies. Nevertheless, I managed some okay shots and it was definitely a treat.

The Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the Denver metro area to thank front line responders. (© Tony’s Takes)

Flying high on 303 Day

March 3, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

Longtime residents of Colorado know that 303 is the original area code for the Centennial State. We have since added three more but 303 is still the one most folks prefer to have and most-associated with the state.

It is somewhat of a badge of honor to have a phone number with the original area code. Today, March 3rd – 3/03 – is a day set to celebrate all things Colorado.

No doubt some marketing person somewhere along the line put the numbers together and thought it was a cool idea to have #303Day. It is kind of silly but also fun and an opportunity to show the pride we have in our home state.

This capture dates back to October 2018 and is one of a series I took of this way cool hot air balloon as it floated aloft. I’ve shared some of those other images, but this is one I haven’t made public before.

The Polar Express heads northbound in a snowstorm

November 26, 2019 by Tony Leave a Comment

Snow day! Even though I was off work it was bad enough outside here in Denver, Colorado that I wasn’t too inclined to go far for pictures. However, I couldn’t resist the temptation knowing Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy 4014 was going to be heading north on its final leg to Cheyenne.

The weather caused a three-plus hour delay but it was well worth the wait. It came thundering by at 50mph or more, steam bellowing from its engine and the ground shaking. Once it was there, I didn’t mind the cold one bit!

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 rumbles across the Great Plains

November 23, 2019 by Tony Leave a Comment

Road trip! Not too far of one but we headed a couple hours east of Denver to catch this awesome steam engine as it nears the end of a months long tour celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad.

This behemoth of a train engine is 132 feet long, weighs 1.2 million pounds and is the world’s largest steam locomotive. On the first crossing we saw it at, it came flying by at probably 50mph and it shook the ground! Nothing short of impressive!

I’ll have more pics of it in the coming days but wanted to throw one out there right away. I liked the black and white as these trains definitely evoke a bygone era.

A different kind of British invasion as the Red Arrows visit Denver

September 18, 2019 by Tony Leave a Comment

Not the usual type of bird I photograph but some that are pretty darned special. The Royal Air Force Red Arrows are on a tour of North America and made a stop in the Mile High City Monday and Tuesday.

We, unfortunately, didn’t get a full airshow however our friends from across the pond did do a series of flybys showcasing their incredible, precision flying and beautiful formations.

The Red Arrows are Britain’s equivalent to our Navy Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds. They fly an upgraded version of the BAE Systems Hawk, a two-seat, high performance training jet.

The flight of nine took advantage of a gorgeous late summer day and it was a treat to be able to see these visitors from our nation’s greatest ally.

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows in formation near Denver, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows in formation. (© Tony’s Takes)

Royal Air Force Red Arrow jets fly by. (© Tony’s Takes)

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows. (© Tony’s Takes)

Fly me to the moon

May 20, 2019 by Tony Leave a Comment

An airplane flies high, passing the moon in the evening sky. (© Tony’s Takes)

Fly me to the moon. Or, at least fly by the moon, eh?

Out taking pics last week I look up and see this airplane is going to fly right by the early evening moon. Unfortunately by the time I got my camera dismounted from the tripod and pointed at it, the plane had passed. It still makes for kind of a cool shot I think. Our moon looks absolutely fantastic against that clear, blue, Colorado sky.

As a space geek, I can’t help but look at it and look forward to the day when we can say, “There is a man (or woman!) up there!” It is hard to believe it will soon be 50 years since we first set foot on it. It has been far too long. Let’s go, NASA!

Holiday lights in iconic downtown Denver locations

January 2, 2019 by Tony

I meant to share these before the start of the new year and forgot! The day before Christmas Eve I headed out very early in the morning to capture some of the holiday lights in the Mile High City. Two iconic spots were my prime focus – Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.

Both looked absolutely gorgeous in their brilliantly lit displays. At the mall, the famous Daniels & Fisher Tower was lit up in red and green. Union Station had a similar color scheme and a beautiful display out front.

Getting out there early meant a minimum of traffic and people – and parking was easy. 😉