USA 2015

United States of America - California, September 2015

During three weeks of September 2015 I traveled to California in the United States of America. Myself and good friends Colin Marsden, Nathan Williamson, and Paul Clarke flew from London Heathrow on the 7th September to San Francisco with United Airlines. Our trip took us to the famous railroad mountain town of Tehachapi and also incorporated several days in San Diego along with a day trip to Los Angeles/ Long Beach, and a visit to the Californian State Railroad Museum located in Sacramento. The trip coincided with an Autumn heatwave in the Californian State, with temperatures topping out at 100 Degrees Fahrenheit most days. We used a 4X4 to travel between the three major cities but also used public transport to assist with getting around. This gallery (Along with uploads to the Aviation, Marine and Architecture Galleries) chart our photographic travels, recording some of the stunning California scenery.

7th September 2015 - San Francisco

Our first full day in California started in San Francisco where we took time to explore the city in the morning before catching the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) from San Francisco to Oakland around lunchtime. Later we caught the ferry back to San Francisco travelling past the Port of Oakland and under the Bay Bridge to Pier 41. San Francisco's heritage cable cars are a great way to see the sights of the city, the cars are loving cared for and restored to keep them operational for the huge amounts of tourists who flock to travel on them each year. There are three cable car lines which operate in San Francisco, Powell & Hyde, Powell & Mason & California. A one way trip costs $7. The Powell and Hyde line links Fishermans Wharf with Market Street giving a novel way to travel over the steep hills of San Francisco without the need to travel along the Embarcadero.

Powell & Hyde Cable Car No.3 stands at Hyde Street waiting for its next passenger duty.

Powell & Hyde Cable Car No.15 stands at Hyde Street having just been turned on the turntable.

Powell & Hyde Cable Car No.1 arrives into the Hyde Street stop from Powell Street.

Powell & Hyde Cable Car No.3 departs from Hyde Street to head over the steeply graded roads to Powell Street.

Cable Car No.19 arrives from Powell Street down the final grade into Hyde Street Cable Car stop.

The other form of Heritage Transport in San Francisco are the Heritage PCC Streetcars. each has been restored and repainted into a genuine livery of previous US states where PCC cars once operated. These colourful streetcars date back to 1946 and provide another attraction for tourists. However the streetcars are not just for show, they are a dedicated part of the MUNI passenger network within San Francisco, and play a vital role in the mass movement of people around the city. Muni charge a flat fare of $2.25 which covers you for 90 minutes of travel (including transfers onto Trams and Busses). After this point another $2.25 is needed to fund more travel. Further information about each of the Streetcars featured below can be found on the San Francisco Streetcar website, which provides a more detailed history for each of the PCC's in daily operation.

PCC Streetcar No.1076 passes Fishermans Wharf painted in Detroit, Michigan colours.

PCC Streetcar No.1076 painted in Detroit, Michigan colours and No.1058 painted in Chicago colours at Beach& Jones .

PCC Streetcar No.1007 is seen at Beach and Jones painted in Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Co. colours.

PCC Streetcar No.1058 carries Chicago, Illinois colours, pictured here at Beach & Jones.

PCC Streetcar No.1072 carried Mexico City livery, and is seen at Beach and Jones being passed by British built bus E767JAR on a tour of San Francisco.

Milan Tram No.1811 carries original 1928 Yellow and White livery. It's seen here at the Ferry Building.

PCC No.1075 carries Cleveland, Ohio striking colour scheme seen here at Ferry Building on the Embarcadero.

PCC Streetcar No.1009 carries Dallas, Texas livery and is seen here arriving into Steuart Streetcar stop.

PCC Streetcar No.1007 painted in Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Co. colours departs from Ferry Building with car No.1058 following close behind.

PCC Streetcar No.1058 carries Chicago, Illinois colours, pictured departing from Ferry Building heading for Castro.

PCC Streetcar No.1079 carries Detroit, Michigan colours and is seen departing from Ferry Building heading for its next stop at Steuart.

PCC Streetcar No.1058 rounds the curve from Ferry Building, this car is painted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania colours.

PCC Streetcar No.1063 carries the brightest livery on the network, the bold yellow of Baltimore, Maryland has been applied to this car.

Streetcar No.1052 departs from Steuart wearing Los Angeles Railway colours.

Streetcar No.1080 departs from Ferry Building and is painted in Los Angeles Transit Lines colours.

PCC No.1074 carried Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota livery seen here departing from Steuart.

PCC Streetcar No.1072 rounds the curve from Ferry Building towards Steuart wearing Mexico City livery.

PCC No.1074 in Toronto, Canada livery passes PCC No.1009 at Steuart Station.

PCC Streetcars No.1080 (Los Angeles Transit Lines livery) and No.1062 (Louisville, Kentucky) are pictured between diagrams adjacent to the Bay Bridge.

PCC No.1009 departs towards Ferry Building wearing Dallas, Texas livery.

PCC Streercar No.1070 calls at Pier 39 on route to Fishermans Wharf. No.1070 carries Newark, New Jersey livery.

PCC Streetcar No.1076 pauses at Pier 39 on route to Fishermans Wharf. No.1076 carries Washington, D.C livery.

PCC Streetcar No.1074 stops at Pier 39 on route to Fishermans Wharf. No.1074 carries Toronto, Canada livery.

Milan Tram No.1814 carries Milan, Italy (1930s 1970s) livery, and is seen at Pier 39 on route to Fishermans Wharf.

9th September 2015

On the 9th September we left San Francisco just after breakfast and first drove to Jack London Square, Oakland for the morning period. Jack London features some unique railroad operations, where trains are allowed to pass through the main street at the same time as live road traffic. This sort of operating would never be allowed in the United Kingdom, but in America it's possible to view one mile freight trains slowly rolling through to street to access the busy container port of Oakland. While most freight operations are generally kept to the night time, some do operate during the day, I have been lucky enough to witness this on all three visits to the this location!

CDTX 2015 & 2009 arrive into Jack London Square, Oakland with Train 531 the 08:20 from Sacremento to Jack London Square.

General Electric P42 pushes away from Jack London Square operating Amtrack California Train 714 the 10:05 Oakland to Bakersfield.

F59PHI No.2010 arrives into Jack London Square operating Train 533, the 09:20 Sacremento - Coliseum.

GE P42 AM153 leads into Jack London Square operating Train 535, then 10:10 from Sacramento to San Jose.

Cabcar shot of Train 535 heading into Jack London Station.

Union Pacific General Electric AC45CCTE No.5296 leads No.5029 and No.7039 east through Jack London Square with a Manifest.

The sheet size of the Union Pacific locomotives dwarfs everything around them. No.7039 No.5029 and No.5296 run through the street towards Jack London.

With cabcar No.8306 leading CDTX No.2010 pushes away from Jack London Square forming Tran 530 the 12:15 to Sacramento.

Union Pacific SD70ACe 8784 leads UP5293 west through the central Jack London Square street heading for the Port of Oakland.

A rare 'meet' at Jack London Square. UP8784 and 5293 meet with UP4623 and UP4142 leading light in the opposite direction.

UP7616 C45ACCTE brings up the rear of the double stack container train heading into the Port of Oakland.

10th September 2015

After a late arrival into Tehachapi on the 9th we set our sights on a day photographing between Mojave and Bakersfield. The Californian blue skies greeted us for our first day on the mountain, with some high cloud forecast for the afternoon period. This wouldn't cool the temperatures which were set to top 100 Degrees Fahrenheit, even at 4000ft above sea level. We first headed to Mojave before driving back over the mountain pass and through to Bakersfield.

BNSF C44-9W 4498 7328 & 4005 lead a lengthy oil train south through Mojave passing Union Pacific SD60M 2376, before taking the Santa Fe route to Barstow.

ES44C4 BNSF 7189 leads 5134 & 8113 round the tight curve from Bealville into Tunnel 3, working a southbound double stack.

ES44AC-H UP8265 stands at Caliente with UP5369 and UP8061 waiting for the route to be set to make the climb over the Tehachapi Mountains.

Operating a soundbount intermodal 'Z' train through Sandcut are BNSF 7172, 7903, 8779, and 8273. Passing behind are three mid train units from the passing Grain Train (BNSF7533,4519, and 8339)

The heaviest train to traverse the Tehachapi Mountain is the Grain Train loaded to some 20000 tonnes. ES44DC BNSF 7653 is seen with BNSF 5342, UP 5404 and BNSF 4755 at Sandcut, having been stopped to allow a higher priority train to pass.

BNSF ES44C4 No.7022 leads classmates BNSF 4809 and BNSF 4945 past Bena Coral with a north bound double stack.

BNSF ES44C4 No.7022 leads classmates BNSF 4809 and BNSF 4945 round the curve into Sandcut with a north bound double stack.

BNSF Dash 9-44CW No.4069 double heads with BNSF 4938 with a south bound Intermodal.

BNSF 5332 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6556 & 6750 through Sandcut on a north bound Manifest, with the Tehachapi Mountain Range beyond.

BNSF 5332 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6556 & 6750 through Sandcut on a north bound Manifest

CITIRAIL ES44DC No.1211 on seen on the rear of a norhtbound Manifest at Sandcut.

Union Pacific SD60M No.2516 and 2468 are seen stabled at Bakersfield just south of the Union Pacific Depot. Within the consist are also UP7634 and UP4004

Union Pacific GP40-2 No.1453 and GP38-2 No.808 are pictured stabled together at Bakersfield UP Depot.

BNSF C44-9W No.4066 leads Norfolk Southern 9425, BNSF 5424 and BNSF 2860 through Bealville on route through the Tehachapi Mountains.

BNSF ES44C4 No.8331 leads classmates BNSF 4437, 7458, 7156 and 6986 through Woodford with a soundbound stack train.

BNSF C44-9W 5520 powers through Woodford with a north bound manifest. Contained within the loco consist was one of Norfolk Southern's Heritage paint locomotives. No.1063 carried 'Penn Central' livery. following in formation were BNSF 4908, CSX7347, BNSF7947, and BNSF 5339

11th September 2015

We spent the 11th September on the Tehachapi Mountain route driving between Mojave and Bakersfield. For the morning period we started at the heart of the Tehachapi Route around Woodford, Waylong and Tunnel 10, before then driving out to the Mojave desert to record the shots from the knoll at Warren. Temperatures again soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the mid afternoon.

AC45CCTE UP8263 leads UP7362, 7455 and 2544 (Rear Up 5329) through Woodforth on a southbound Manifest.

Former Niles Canyon Railway Kaboose No.209 which is located the former property of longtime railfan Dave Burton, at Tunnel 10, Tehacahpi.

One area which is undergoing extensive work on the Tehacahpi Mountain Range is Tunnel 10 'Burtons Curve'. The impending double tracking of this section of line is seeing large sections of the hillside removed to provide room for a second track to be routed around the outside of Tunnel 10. On the 11th September UP8263 leads a southbound Union Pacific Manifest past the busy worksite.
Compare this image below to one taken in 2007 to see just how this scene is being changed.

This was the same Tunnel 10 scene recorded in 2005, showing BNSF 760, 561, 7242, NS6119, & BNSF 7249 exiting from Tunnel 10 with a southbound manifest.

UP 7998 (ES44AC) powers away from Mojave with two SD70M's 4634 and 5041 working a northbound Manifest.

Union Pacific SD70ACe 8569 rides on the rear of the passing north bound Manifest service as it heads towards Cameron.

GE ES44AC UP2538 leads UP7626 and UP8171 round the curve at Warren on the approach to Mojave. At the rear of the southbound Manifest were UP5406 and UP8182, the train consisting of 474 axles.

UP5406 and UP8182 bring up the rear of the southbound Manifest at Warren.

BNSF 4050 (C44-9W) passes Warren with a sound bound Intermodal, BNSF 7328, UP8246 and a rare BNSF SD70M 9924 was also in the consist.

BNSF 6640 (ES44C4) powers south at Sandcut with BNSF 4856, and 5384 with the Modesto to Selkirk 'Wine Train' At the rear of the high value train were BNSF4852 and UP5543.

UP 7998 (ES44AC) powers away from Mojave with two SD70M's 4634 and 5041 round the curve at Sandcut heading towards Bakersfield.

BNSF 6640 (ES44C4) powers south at Sandcut with BNSF 4856, and 5384 with the Modesto to Selkirk 'Wine Train' round the curve into Illmon Caliente.

C44-9W BNSF4126 leads BNSF 6628 and 6765 into the curve at Sandcut from Bakserfield with a south bound Manifest.

C44-9W BNSF 4126, BNSF 6628 and 6765 power away from a stop at Illmon after removing some plastic sheeting from one of the wagons.

BNSF 6765 (ES44C4) at Illmon.

BNSF 6640 (ES44C4) BNSF 4856, and 5384 with the Modesto to Selkirk 'Wine Train' round the curve into Illmon Caliente.

BNSF 6640 (ES44C4) rolls slowly through Woodford with BNSF 4856, and 5384 on the Modesto to Selkirk 'Wine Train'

C44-9W BNSF4126, BNSF 6628 and 6765 pass through Woodford with their southbound Manifest.

C44-9W BNSF4126, BNSF 6628 and 6765 exit from the Tunnel 10 worksite with their south bound Manifest.

BNSF 4849 (C44-9W), 8136, 8389, and 5103 power up to Tunnel 2 from Caliente hauling the North Bay- Willow Springs Intermodal.

BNSF 4849 (C44-9W), 8136, 8389, and 5103 power through Woodford hauling the North Bay - Willow Springs Intermodal.

BNSF 5103 (C44-9W) heads away from the camera at Woodford.

12th September 2015

We spent the 12th September driving to various locations between Mojave, Tehacahpi and Bakersfield in persuit of interesting operations over the mountain route. The day would typically warm up to 90 degrees before 12:00 and then continue to heat up to 100 degrees by 16:00. There was plenty of freight moving on the mountain route, and despite some background haze the lighting was good for for the day.

BNSF 4527 (C44-9W) leads Citirail 1414, BNSF 7181, 6515 and 7991 through Mojave with a south bound double stack container service.

A view of Mjoave Union Pacific Yard. SD70ACe 8459, alongside SD60M's 2400 2418 and SD59MX 9903

Union Pacific SD70ACe 8459 stands in Mojave Yard.

Union Pacific SD60M's 2400 2418 and SD59MX 9903

BNSF 5247 (C44-9W), BNSF 7857 and 7287 lead a south bound Manifest at Mojave heading from Pasco Yard to Barstow.

Mid Train power was provided by BNSF 711, BNSF 4942 and BNSF 7295.

Rear End assistance was provided by BNSF 7107 and 4081.

ES44C4 BNSF 8057 leads classmates BNSF 5518, 6906, 7768, 7355, 8375, 4358, and 5223 round the famous Tehacahpi Loop, hauling a lengthy south bound Intermodal.

BNSF 7205 (ES44DC) leads BNSF 5342, 7653 round the Tehacahpi Loop hauling an empty BNSF Grain Train formed of 458 axles.

BNSF 7205 (ES44DC) leads BNSF 5342, 7653 powering through Monolith on route towards Mojave.

UP 5329 (ES44AC) passes through Woodford with UP7455 UP7362 and UP8263 on a north bound Manifest.

Bringing Up the rear of the previous shot was Union Pacific AC45CCTE 2544, seen here passing Woodford.

BNSF 7833 (ES44DC) passes through Woodford with the loaded Grain Train with BNSF 8029, 5293, and CSX 4736 powering at the front of the train.

BNSF 7233(ES44DC) BNSF 4156 and 5456 provide Mid Train Power to the north bound grain train.

BNSF 7833 (ES44DC) passes through Bealville with the loaded Grain Train with BNSF 8029, 5293, and CSX 4736 leading as rear end power BNSF 4831 and 5426 enter Tunnel 5.

BNSF 7833 (ES44DC) passes through Bealville on the loaded Grain Train with BNSF 8029, 5293, and CSX 4736 leading the way.

BNSF 7833 (ES44DC) passes through Illmon Caliente Creek on the loaded Grain Train with BNSF 8029, 5293, and CSX 4736

CSX 4736 SD70MAC passing Illmon Caliente Creek.

UP 5396(AC45CCTE) UP 4346, and UP 2523 power away from a stop at Bena Croal to allow a northbound BNSF Grain Train to pass.

GE ES44C4 BNSF 8048 rumbles north at Bena Coral with classmates 6640, 4856, 4852, UP 5543, 6505 on a north bound Manifest.

GE ES44C4 BNSF 8048 rumbles north at Bena Coral with classmates 6640, 4856, 4852, UP 5543, 6505 passing a south bound Manifest lead by BNSF 6775.

13th September 2015

The town of Tehachapi sits 3967ft above sea level between Mojave and Bakersfield, and has a long association with the railroad. In the centre of the town is the 'Old Depot' which during the early 2000's was in the process of being restored. Sadly a fire broke out on the 13th June 2008 devastating the original 1904 building and raising the majority to the ground. The below images show the restoration progress in 2005 (before the fire) and the terrible scenes which greeted the hard working volunteers when they saw what had happened to the building. Thankfully at the time of the fire there were no exhibits inside the building, which saved many of the historic items from perishing in the flames.
After another 5 years of hard work the Depot has now been completely rebuilt, and is open as a visitors centre for all to enjoy. The internal fixtures and fittings have all been replaced and museum exhibits now pack the building, charting the history of the Southern Pacific Railroad, visitors also have the added enjoyment of being able to see passing freight trains from the external veranda, as they rumble through the town. The Depot is run by friendly volunteer staff and welcomes visitors from all over the world, as can be seen on this recent TV coverage by Kerngoldempire.

This stunning consist was one of the most varied we captured on the whole trip, BNSF 774(C44-9W), BNSF 5470(C44-9W) FERROMEX 4666(ES44AC), BNSF 4974(C44-9W), BNSF 5196(C44-9W), BNSF 528(B40-8W), BNSF 4463(C44-9W) are seen alongside the I58 at Tehachapi on their 332 axle south bound manifest.

BNSF 774(C44-9W), BNSF 5470(C44-9W) FERROMEX 4666(ES44AC), BNSF 4974(C44-9W), BNSF 5196(C44-9W), BNSF 528(B40-8W), BNSF 4463(C44-9W) head south a Mojave.

BNSF 528(B40-8W)

BNSF 774(C44-9W)

BNSF 4463(C44-9W)

FERROMEX 4666(ES44AC)

SW9 number PRLX 711 belonging to Progress Rail, is seen at Mojave Airport.

ES44C4 BNSF 8328 stands at Caliente with BNSF 8394 and 5928 ready to make the climb to Bealville with a north bound empty grain train.

ES44C4 BNSF 8328 stands at Caliente with BNSF 8394 and 5928 round the curve into Bealville.

ES44C4 BNSF 8328 exits from Tunnel 5 with the rear of it's train not even clear of the Bealville road crossing.

UP 7998 (ES44AC), UP5340, UP7495 pass Illmon Caliente with a south bound manifest.

GP50 BNSF 3113 and SD40-2 BNSF 1712 are seen switching wagons back into the BNSF Yard at Chester Ave, Bakersfield.

Amtrak California Cabbage Car No.90215 is seen at Bakersfield Amtrak station.

GE ES44C4 BNSF 6976 and 4384 leads a JB Hunt contract train of double stack containers through Woodford heading north.

14th September 2015

On the 14th September we left Tehachapi early before sun rise and began the drive south towards San Diego. We left early so as to avoid most of the traffic on the Los Angeles Freeway, we were also able to make full use of the carpool lanes which delivered us to San Clemente Beach by 10am. While the first few images taken appear to be in cloud, the temperatures were still between 80 and 90 degrees, even stood next to the Pacific Coastline.
Operations over this stretch of track are formed of Metrolink services from Los Angeles, longer distance Amtrak passenger services operating between Los Angeles and San Diego, and once you reach Oceanside, Coaster services are also operated. The the exception of the branch to Escondido all passenger services are loco hauled. We spent the morning period at San Clemente, before following the Pacific Coast down to Oceanside, Del Mar and into San Diego.

Metrolink 856 (F59PH) passes San Clemente with an empty stock heading for San Diego.

Amtrak 459 (F59PHI) pushes train 567 along the Pacific Coastline at San Clemente with the 08:22 San Deigo - Los Angeles.

Amtrak 452 (F59PHI) hauls Train 566 along the Pacific Coastline at San Clemente with the 08:10 Los Angeles - San Diego.

Amtrak 457 (F59PHI) leads Train 769 the 09:25 San Diego to Goleta with Amtrak 1 on the rear of the train.

Amtrak 462 (F59PHI) skirts the Pacific Coast at San Celemnte with Train 768 the 06:35 Goleta - San Diego service.

General Electric P42, Amtrak 1 tags a ride on the trear of Train 769 the 09:25 San Diego - Goleta.

ES44DC BNSF 7730 leads Barstow classmates 7745, 7716, 7705 through Oceanside heading for San Diego in a rare daytime freight movement. BNSF 7757 and 7734 were also on the opposite end of the train.

Siemens Built Coaster Springer No.4010 passes Escondido Junction with the 13:03 Oceanside - Escondido.

Heritage liveried Amtrak P42 No.184 powers away from Oceanside with the 11:15 Los Angeles - San Diego.

F59PHI Coaster 3002 arrives into Oceanside with Train 645 the 12:34 San Diego - Oceanside.

'Cabbage Car' No.90230 rides on the rear of the 11:15 from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Amtrak FP59PHI No.462 pushes Train 579 through Cardiff By The Sea/ San Elijo with the 13:40 San Diego - Los Angeles.

FP59PHI Amtrck 450 hauls Train 774 the 06:55 San Luis Obispo - San Diego through Cardiff by the Sea

FP59PHI Coaster No.3002 pushes Train 652 the 14:32 Oceanside - San Diego over the San Elijo Lagoon Tressel Bridge.

F40PH-2C Coaster 2102 passes over the San Elijo Lagoon with Train 651 the 14:16 San deigo - Oceanside.

Amtrak 'Cabbge Car' No.90230 leads Amtrak Train 583 over the San Eljo Lagoon on the 14:40 San Diego to Los Angeles Grand Union. On the rear of the set was Heritage liveried Amtrak P42 No.184

F40PH-2C Coaster 2104 passes the stunning Pacific Coastline at Delmar with Train 653 working then 15:45 San Diego - Oceanside.

Rear end driving cab view on of the 15:45 San Diego to Oceanside passing Delmar.

FP59PHI Amtrak 450 pushes north through Delmar operating Train 785 the 16:00 from San Diego.

F59PHI Coaster 3002 passes Delmar with Train 655 operating the 16:27 San Diego - Oceanside service.

Amtrak 454 and 457 pass through Delmar in 'top and tail' formation operating Train 580 the 15:00 Los Anglees - San Diago.

Amtrack 454 rides on the rear of Train 580 the 15:00 Los Anglees - San Diago passing Delmar.

F40PH-2C Coaster 2105 passes Delmar with Train 657 the 16:52 San Diego - Ocenside.

F40PH-2C Coaster 2104 pushes alongside the Pacific Coast heading for San Diego from Oceanside.

15th September 2015

The 15th September proved to be the wettest day of the USA trip, in fact it was the only day we had rain. Unknown to us, our arrival in San Diego had coincided with the arrival of the former Hurricane Linda. The storm bought record levels of rainfall to the city, flooding streets, and causing widespread disruption! The weather system passed through the city within a few hours, but further intermittent waves of rain arrived throughout the night.
San Diego has a mainline passenger service starting at the Santa Fe Station with connections to Los Angeles and Oceanside provided by Amtrak and Coaster. While the MTS 'Red Trolly' system then provides transport links throughout San Diego and down to the Mexican boarder at Tijuana.

SDMTS (San Diego Metropolitan Transit System) operate three routes (Green, Orange and Blue), using a 'tap and ride' card system. A daily ticket costs $5 with the value being added to your credit card style 'Compass Card'. The 'Downtown Loop' operated by the Heritage Streetcars runs between 12th and Imperial, Gas Lamp Quarter, and American Plaza, and the Blue Line also provides a link to the Mexican Boarder.

Siemens 4000 series Trolly 4065 in Advertising livery is seen on an Orange Line service at Santa Fe Station.

F59PHI Amtrak 457 is seen at the Santa Fe Station, stabled as the spare locomotives in case of failures.

Siemens Red Trolly 4044 is seen on the rear of a Blue Line service to Tijuana stopped at American Plaza station.

Siemens Red Tollies 3004 2028 3011 2050 all arrive into Gas Lamp Quarter station.

Blue Line Trolly 4016 is seen at the Mexican Boarder Station at Tijuana.

The San Diego downtown tram network also operate a Heritage service using former PCC Streetcars on a Tuesday and a Thursday each week until 14:00. The 'Downtown Loop' provides as circular route for passengers to enjoy. The latest PCC to enter service is No.530 which carries San Diego Zoo livery. The streetcar has been fully restored but also incorporates modern disabled access, and a large modern pantograph. These concessions aside the restoration of the Streetcar is immaculate, and as such because of the heavy rain the streetcar was retired to the car shops early so as not to damage it. Images below show the PCC Streetcar operating on the downtown loop.

San Diego Imperial Valley 'Genset' No.701 is seen in the sorting sidings adjacent to the Red Trolly and Coaster stabling yards. SDIV are owned by Genesee and Wyoming whos colours the locomotive carries.

Red Trolly 3001 2015 and 3002 pass through San Diego's Gas Lamp Quarter on route to 12th and Imperial.

Red Trolly 2050 arrives into Gas Lamp Station on a Green Line service.

Red Trolly 3001, 2028 and 3004 arrive into Gas Lamp Station.

F59PHI Coaster 3002 exits from the carriage sidings at Gas Lamp Quarter to work empty stock to Santa Fe station.

Coaster driving trailer 2301 arrives into central San Diego with a Coaster service from Oceanside passing little Italy.

Siemens Red Trolly No.4048 arrives into Little Italy with a Green Line service from Santa Fe to Santee.

BNSF C44-9W 4126 & 6628 depart from the BNSF yard at San Diego passing Gas Lamp Quarter with the 19:00 service to Barstow. Freight services through the ciry centre are generally kept to evening and night time due to the intensive passenger service, and disruption they cause over multiple road crossings when stopped.

Amtrak passenger services are seen in the pouring rain at San Diego, Santa Fe Station. P42 Amtrak 207 is seen in the background alongside two F59PHI's No.457 and 458.

Orange Line Red Trolly service formed of 4051 2044 and 4055 are pictured at Santa Fe Station in the pouring rain.

16th September 2015

The 16th September proved to be much more like the Californian weather we all knew, the morning period was still somewhat overcast, so we decided to take a Coaster service for a ride up the Pacific Coastline to Oceanside and back, to take stock of the stunning Pacific views. By the time we returned into San Diego the last of the poor weather had cleared and the sun was out returning temperatures into the 90's once again.

F59PIH Amtrak 456 passes Control Point 'Ash' with Train 610 the 06:35 Los Angeles - San Diego.

F40PH-2C Coaster No.2102 prepares to depart from San Diego Santa Fe with the 09:48 San Diego - Oceanside service.

Above: F40PH-2C Coaster is seen at Oceanside, together with Interior shots and a detailed view of the driving trailer which would lead back to San Diego.
Below: A selection of images of 'Red Trollys' taken set in the stunning Architecture of San Diego

General Electric Amtrak 184 stands at Santa Fe Station waiting to depart witht Train 583 the 14:40 San Diego - Los Angeles

Coaster 2106 departs with Train 653 the 15:40 San Diego - Oceanside.

Driving Trailer 6593 leads Train 774 out of San Diego with the 16:00 to Goleta.

F59PHI Amtrack 459 departs from San Diego on the rear of 16:00 to Goleta passing Little Italy.

Coaster 2102 departs with Train 655 the 16:27 San Diego - Oceanside passing Little Italy.

Coaster 3002 passes Iittle Italy with Train 656 the 15:34 Oceanside - San Diego.

Coaster 2104 departs with Train 657 the 16:52 San Diego - Oceanside service.

Super Power was provided on the evening freight from San Diego to Barstow on the night of the 16th. BNSF ES44DC's 7743, 7707, 7757, 7734, 7759 and 7732 were all teamed up with just one wagon to return!

17th September 2015

The 17th September returned the weather to the hot Californian climate, we departed San Diego early morning by car and drove to Del Mar so as to capture of of the morning Amtrak and Coaster services running along the stunningly scenic Pacific Coast. After spending the morning enjoying the scenery and speaking with locals, we drove to West Colton (the location of Union Pacific's largest freight switching and maintenance facility in California), before later driving on to stay in Cajon for one night.

F59HPI Amtrak 454 operating Train 562 the 06:35 Los Angeles - San Diego passes surfers on the Pacific Coastline at Delmar.

F59PHI Amtrak 464 operating Train 564 the 07:25 Los Angeles - San Diego passes Delmar on the Pacific Coast.

Train 564 heads through Delmar along the stunning coastline towards San Diego.

Driving Trailer 2310 leads Train 644 the 09:22 Oceanside - San Diego with Coaster 3002 on the rear of the set at Delmar.

Coaster 2104 leads Train 566 northbound along the Pacific coast at Delmar with the 09:48 San Diego to Oceanside.

F59PHI Amtrak 462 heads south at Delmar with Train 566 working the 08:30 Los Angeles to San Diego.

West Colton Yard is one of Union Pacifics largest facilities in California, the yard provides passage for through trains, switching facilities to make up new consist and a maintenance facility for locomotives. The yard is incredibly busy with traffic arriving and departing each weekday. The road bridge at the east end of the yard provides one of the best vantage points to view this colossal operation in action.

SD70 UP 2501 leads a motly selection of locomotives out of West Colton Yard to take the balloon track in order to turn a set of wagons. UP 2461 and UPY2746 provide the rest of the power.

Union Pacific SD60 Mac UP2461 is pictured at Colton West Jnction having received unwanted paint attention.

SD70 2501 exits from the West Colton 'Balloon' having turned a set of wagons, now heading back into Colton Yard.

SD70 4643 and CSX 8 pass through West Colton with a bare table returning to the port of Long Beach, LA for loading with containers.

This image shows a rare Southern Pacific shot at West Colton. Left to Right are UP/SP6365, UP8532 and UP8234 with UP/SP6311.

UP/SP 6365 and UP8532 exit from Colton West Yard.

A brace of some 15 Union Pacific locmotives are seen lined up at West Colton Yard.

A group of radio controlled Union Pacific SD40-2's UP 1599 1580 and 1815 switch cars in West Colton Yard.

ES44AC UP 8051 leads UP 6537 and 6634 into West Colton with an south bound Manifest.

Union Pacific ES44AC UP 8059 leads UP 6543 and 4814 into West Colton with a manifest in tow.

RBOX Boxcar 34372

UP 6806 leads UP 6261, CN 8801, UP 5040, 6931 and 6655 out of West Colton Yard in a light power shunt move from the depot.

Three radio control SD40-2's depart from West Colton Yard switching wagons. The consist lead by UP 1586, 1665, and 1574.

A total of 10 locomotives feature in this shot, ES44AC UP 5488 leads 7708, 8866 and 7313 into West Colton on an west bound double stack while UP6655, 6931, 5040, CN8801, UP6261 and 6806 await their next instruction.

BNSF double stacks meet in Swarthout Canyon (Cajon), here BNSF 6830, 7597, 4918, and 5151 head south while BNSF 8073, 7973, 4044, and 8273 head north through the Cajon Pass.

BNSF 7050 powers north through Swarthout Canyon located on the San Andreas fault line with BNSF 7603, 7549, and 8201 on a double stack.

C44-9W BNSF 4391 and 4092 lead a baretable train south through Swarthout Canyon in the Cajon Pass.

ES44C4 BNSF 7050 leads 7603 7549 8201 around the curve at the Cajon Pass Summit with an east bound double stack.

18th September 2015

Having spent the night staying in Cajon, we work to another day of warm temperatures and blue skies, our first location for the early morning period was Sawarthout Canyon which offered good views of the BNSF and Union Pacific Tracks. Swarthout sits on top of the San Andreas fault line and provides some stunning backdrops to west bound freights in the morning. After this we moved to the classic 'Hill 582' meeting with the carers and creators of Hill 582. Our time was spent enjoying the stunning views from the lofty heights of the man made hill in the middle of the Cajon Pass. Traffic flows were busy with all four tracks in use throughout the morning and early afternoon. During the late afternoon we were able to visit the classic flyover at Frost/ Victorville to capture this scene before it's removed.

Union Pacific AC45CCTE UP 2544, 8263, and 7397 climb the 3% grade through the Union Pacific track in the Cajon Pass at Swarthout Canyon.

Union Pacific 5329 assists the rear end of a north bound Manifest on the Union Pacific track while a BNSF double stack heads south below.

ES44C4 BNSF 6989 leads an east bound double stack through Swarthout Canyon with BNSF 7744, 5083 and 5021.

ES44C4 BNSF 6568 leads 6824 and 4086 through Swarthout Canyon with a east bound autorack train in tow.

ES44C4 BNSF 6989 leads an east bound double stack past Hill 582 in the Cajon Pass with BNSF 7744, 5083 and 5021.

UP2523, 7527 4819 and 8107 head south past Hill 582 in the Cajon Pass on the Union Pacific Track with an Intermodal/ Double Stack.

ES44C4 BNSF 7952 head downhill at Hill582 with BNSF 7366 and 6879 hauling a double stack.

ES44C4 BNSF 8342 powers north with BNSF 6614 and 4497 on a double stack, the train also contained BNSF 8393, 5347 as mid train power, along with BSNF 5330 and 6970 on the rear of the train.

Mid train helpers BNSF 8393 and 5347 pass Hill 582.

ES44C4 BNSF 7062, 5239, 4110, 7103, and 6767 power past Hill582 climbing to Summit with a double stack.

Union Pacific SD70 UP4137 leads UP2468 and UP8053 pass Hill 582 with a West Colton - Mojave coal train, known locally as 'The Mojave Flyer'.

C44-9W BNSF 5246 and 4036 descend from Summit through the Cajon Pass approaching Hill 582.

C44-9W BNSF 4159 and 6745 power their way east past Hill 582 in the Cajon Pass with a double stack.

On the rear of the same train (opposite) BNSF 6864 and 6709 provide power from the rear of the train.

UP8259 UP/SP 6271 and UP2355 pass Hill 582 with a west bound Manifest.

ES44C4 BNSF 7131, 8183, 6829, 5274, and 5144 pass Hill 582 with a west bound double stack.

ES44C4 BNSF 6749 leads BNSF 7482, 7237, 7513, and 3940 west past Hill 582 with a double stack container service.

ES44C4 BNSF 6690 and BNSF 5099 take the down grade passing Hill 582 with a west bound double stack.

ES44DC BNSF 7963 hauls a west bound Intermodal with BNSF 4945, 7961, and 7873 past Hill 582.

ES44AC UP7670 leads UP5208, UP6886, and UP4473 through Frost/ Victorville with a west bound Manifest.

Located on the rear of the oposite image, were UP7099 and former Soutern Pacific UP5379.

ES44C4 BNSF 8275 leads BNSF 8002 through Frost/ Victorville with a JB Hunt double stack contract train.

19th September 2015

Having arrived back in Tehacahpi late on the 18th September, we backtracked slightly on the 19th heading towards Barstow. Local cycling events in the town of Tehachapi looked to present issues with local travel, so we opted to get up early and head east to the BNSF hub of Barstow. While in Barstow we also took the opportunity to visit The Western American Railroad Museum which is located at the Barstow Amtrak Station.

ES44C4 BNSF 7064 leads BNSF 5200 and 7821 into Barstow from the west with a double stack container train probably from the Port of Long Beach, LA.

In a rare light engine move C44-9W BNSF 4468 exits from the Barstow facility to head slightly west of the town in order to replace failed power on a nearby military train.

A brace of Barstow ES44DC's exit from Barstow. BNSF 7767 leads 7733, 7729, and 7747 on a San Diego bound Manifest.

ES44C4 BNSF 7114 arrives into Barstow with a double stack container service with classmates BNSF 4135, 6634, 5256, and 4556.

A grubby UP7376 arrives into Barstow with UP8930, and UP6634 on an east bound Manifest.

ES44DC BNSF 7676 along with BNSF 5277, 7400, 8182,and 6818 head west towards Los Angeles from Barstow with a lengthy double stack container service.

ES44C4 BNSF 6690 powers into Bastrow with BNSF 7013, 4000, 4036, and 5246 with an east bound double stack container train.

Barstow based ES44DC BNSF 7759 and 7732 arrive into Barstow with a Manifest (possibly from San Diego).

Fromer Union Pacific SD40-2 9950 is located at the Barstow Western American Railroad Museum. Exhibits are free to visit as is the excellent museum.

Santa Fe 1460 is a one of a kind rebuild of a Baldwin Locomotive Works VO-1000 switcher with a 16 cylinder EMD 567 Prime Mover. The unit received the nickname 'Beep' since it is basically a "Baldwin Geep"

SD40-2 UP9950 is seen at the Barstow Railroad Museum. The loco was donated to the Western Railroad Museum in 2004 by Union Pacific.

ATSF FP45 No.95 is seen at the Barstow Western Railroad Museum, having arrived in 1999 the locos paintwork is now very much scorched by the desert sun. But remains a colourful exhibit alongside other locomotives. As well as locos the Western Railroad Museum also have lots of additional items awaiting restoration, some of which are shown below:

ES44DC BNSF 7675, 7340, and 6641 storm past Bryman Road between Barstow and Victorville with a west bound double stack.

ES44AC UP7999 leads UP5370, and UP4589 east bound at Bryman Road on a double stack container train.

SD70ACe UP8807 along with UP 7310, and 4665 pass Bryman Road with a long rake of empty gondoler cars.

Two Union Pacific locomotives 7340 and SD70ACe 8464 bring up the rear of an east bound gondoler rake at Brymand Road.

ES44DC BNSF 7875 storms west at Bryman Road with BNSF 7894, 4390, and 7986 with a double stack container service.

20th September 2015

The 20th September was spent back on the Tehachapi Mountain Range between Mojave and Bakersfield, with Californian blue skies in abundance. Traffic levels were good, with plenty of heavy freights passing through the area.

Union Pacific 8252 powers through Monolith Cement Works with UP8218, and 8182 on a south bound Manifest.

Union Pacific 8252 approaches Mojave North with UP8218, and 8182 on a south bound Manifest.

Union Pacific 8252 departs from Mojave with UP8218, and 8182 on a south bound Manifest.

Remote Control SD40-2's BNSF 1712,3113 and 1803 switch cars at Bakersfield BNSF Yard.

ES44C4 BNSF 7957 and 4685 shunt at Bakersfield BNSF Yard.

ES44AC UP 5363 powers south at Sandcut with UP7858, and UP4958 on a south bound Autorack.

UP5774 provides rear end assistance on a south bound Autorack at Sandcut, the lead end of the train can be seen in the distance approaching Bean Coral.

ES44AC UP 5363 powers up the grade from Caliente to Tunnel 2 with UP7858, and UP4958 on a south bound Autorack.

ES44AC UP 5363 rounds the curve at Waylong (Tehachapi Loop) with UP7858, and UP4958 on a south bound Autorack.

C44-9W BNSF 4755 leads NS 8413, UP 5220, and BNSF 4994 through Woodford with a southbound double stack.

C44-9W BNSF 4755 leads NS 8413, UP 5220, and BNSF 4994 through the Tunnel 10 worksite at Burtons Curve with a southbound double stack.

AC45CCTE UP8263 along with UP5329 and UP7397 pass Woodford with a southbound Manifest in tow.

C44-9W BNSF 5401 leads 4935, 6426, 4160 through Woodford on the Northbound Grain Train.

Mid Train DPU's were formed of BNSF 8201, 7903, and 7827

Located on the rear of the train was BNSF 4683, 7516 totaling 500 axles.

ES44AC-H UP 2555 leads UP8871, UP7470 north through Woodford with an Intermodal in tow.

ES44C4 BNSF 6840, leads BNSF 5693, 8030 north through Woodford with a Manifest formed of 386 axles.

ES44AC-H UP 8211, 4502, 5113 slowly roll through Woodford with a northbound Manifest formed of 374 axles.

21st September 2015

On the 21st September we departed from Tehacahpi early in order to catch the Metrolink 06:52 Lancaster - Los Angeles service. Arriving into Los Angeles after two hours of travel we viewed the impressive station buildings, and local operations. After waiting for the Coast Startlight Amtrak service to arrive with then headed to Long Beach using the efficient Metro system. An afternoon visit to The Queen Mary was also made using the free bus link from Long Beach

A Metrolink Rotem driving car leads into Los Angeles Grand Union station.

An Amtrak Driving Car arrives into Los Angeles Grand Union station from San Diego as a Gold Line Metro arrives on the elevated tracks above.

MP36PH-3C Metrolink 894 departs from Los Angeles Grand Union.

F59PH Metrolink 857 arrives into Los Angeles Grand Union.

F59PH Metrolink 854 departs to the car shops coupled as a double set.

Cabbage Car No.90230 arrives into Los Angeles Grand Union with a service train from San Diego.

Parlor Car 39975 from the Coast Starlight set.

Baggage Car 1247 from the Coast Starlight.

Lost Angeles Metro arrives into Long Beach, Pine Ave from Los Angeles.

A pair of General Electric P42's No.60 and 186 stand at LA Grand Union ready to depart with the 'Coast Starlight' for Seattle.

22nd September 2015

The 22nd September was out last full day on the Tehachapi Mountain range before heading back to San Francisco. We covered some of the classic locations on the route including the stunning backdrops of Mojave, The Tehachapi Loop, and other favorites between Ilmon and Sandcut.

C44-9W BNSF 4133 heads south at Mojave with BNSF 4484 and Citirail 1328 hauling a Manifest formed of 298 axles.

ES44C4 BNSF 6981 leads BNSF 5212 and 7338 into Mojave on a south bound double stack.

ES44AC UP 8022 hauls a south bound Manifest with UP 8261, and 8114 into Mojave.

SD70M UP 2501, UP2461, and UP8165 depart from Mojave with the Mojave Flyer heading to West Colton.

ES44AC UP 8022 departs from Mojave having been held for the Mojave Flyer to depart,

C44-9W BNSF 4023 warps around the Tehacahpi Loop with BNSF 6728 6734 and 3943 with a north bound Intermodal.

BNSF 7807, 3917, 4168, 4434, 4764, and 7741 haul a south bound Manifest around the Tehachapi Loop.

C44-9W BNSF 5470, 4823 and UP3893 pause at Bena to await a north bound Manifrst to pass by.

ES44DC BNSF 7763 leads BNSF 7957, 4685 and CP 9767 north at Sancut on a Manifest.

C44-9W BNSF 4023, 6728, 6734 and 3943 pass over Illmon Caliente Creek on route north with a double stack container service.

C44-9W BNSF 4023, 6728, 6734 and 3943 make the climb up from Bena Croal to Sandcut.

ES44AC UP8008, 7937, 8135, and 8176 pass through Bealville with a north bound Manifest.

ES44AC UP8008, 7937, 8135, and 8176 round the final horsehoe curve at Caliente with a north bound Manifest.

UP 8028, 7418, and 8017 storm past Monolith with the north bound Laythrop formed of 262 axles.

C44-9W BNSF 4151 heads north past Monolith with CSX 4736, BNSF 4973, 4382, CSX 7307, and CSX 5230 in the consist.

23rd September 2015

The 23rd September we returned to San Francisco via Sacramento in order to visit the California State Railroad Museum. Throughout the main Railroad History Museum building are 21 meticulously restored locomotives and cars. The museum is well lit, and the volunteer staff are always on hand to inform visitors about their locomotives. The museum is located in Old Sacramento close to the freeway and a local parking lot and is well worth a visit.

24th September 2015

The 24th September was our last half day in the USA so having checked out of our San Francisco hotel we took one last outing over to Pinole/ Hercules to capture a few passenger movements, however we were also lucky enough to capture some of the local freights entering and exiting from the Port of Oakland.

Union Pacific SD70ACe 8460 leads 4227 and grubby 5282 along the waters edge at Hercules with an east bound double stack container train.

FH59PHI 2010 passes Hercules with Train 522 while working the 09:20 Sacramento - Oakland

With driving car leading Amtrak 152 pushes Train 714 through Hercules with the 10:05 Oakland to Bakersfield.

A work-stained Union Pacific 6623 and new UP 3801 pass Hercules with a west bound manifest operating between Roseville and 7th Street.

FH59PHI 2008 passes Hercules with Train 535 the 10:10 Sacremento - San Jose.

Southern Pacific 0-6-0 Steam Switcher 1258 at Martinez

FP59PHI 2010 departs from Martinez with Train 530 the 12:15 Oakland - Sacremento.

Amtrak 47 arrives at Martinez with Train 537 12:10 Sacremento - San Jose.

Caltrain Cab Car at Burlingame

Caltrain 921 arrives with Train 93 to San Jose from San Francisco.