USA2005

United States of America - California - April/May 2005 (UPDATED 2021)

This gallery was updated in June 2021 with every image re-edited and remastered using newer processing software. A large selection of additional images have also been added to the gallery, which have never been seen online before.
In April 2005, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to travel to the USA in order to photograph a completely different type of railway system. Traveling with good friend Colin Marsden we flew from London Heathrow to Los Angeles International Airport with Amerian Airlines. During the trip we visited the Cajon Pass, Tehachapi Mountains, as well as some other sights of Southern California. My personal thanks must also go to Gray Gray, Don Toles, Bruce Jones, Sheryl & Doug, and Robert Beyer, for all their time, energy and information which they supplied to make our stay in the USA a very enjoyable one. The photo's included in this gallery were taken between April 19th and May 5th 2005, charting our photographic trip in some of the worlds most lovable locations where we spent hours watching and photographing trains hard at work in California on gruelling gradients and meandering curves.

Watch this one hour long video of the footage taken during the 2005 visit to California. Some of the footage is a little by unsteady as only a small tripod was being used because of the weight/ baggage restrictions which hindered the transportation of a full sized tripod from the UK.

20th April 2005:

Having flown into Los Angeles LAX the previous day, we stayed in the Best Western Motel at Cajon. The first day of our trip was spent in the Cajon Pass, watching the huge American freights hauling their trains through spectacular mountain scenes. These scenes were taken before the additional track was added through the pass, some of the photographic locations included in this gallery have since changed beyond all recognition, or no longer exist.

A brace of BNSF C44-9W (Dash 9) loocmotives climbs through Hill 582 on the Cajon Pass, California. BNSF 5487, BNSF 1091, BNSF 972, BNSF 4002 hauled an eastbound stack train originating from the port of Long Beach, Los Angeles on 20th April 2005.

Three General Electric C44-9W (Dash 9s) BNSF 1064, BNSF 1019, BNSF 5107 haul an eastbound stack passing Hill 582 in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005. The train was struggling due to lack of power and promptly stalled adjacent to Hill582.

UP 5825 (AC44), UP 9700(C44-9W), GATX 7357 (SD40-2), UP5783 (AC44), UP5764 (AC44) take the westbound Union Pacific line pictured passing a stablled BNSF double stack at Hill 582 on the 20th April 2005 hauling a Manifest.

A quartet of C44-9WS formed as BNSF 4118, BNSF 5421, BNSF 4915, BNSF 4620 approach Summit Island in the Cajon Pass with an eastbound intermodal on the 20th April 2005.

A Pair of BNSF operated SD40-2 locomotives slowly approach Hill 582 in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005 to assist a stalled train to the top of the pass.

A Union Pacific eastbound manifest climbs to Summit Island in the Cajon Pass lead by UP9709 (C44-9W) and genuine Southern Pacific liveried SP174 (C44-9W).

Union Pacific UP 5417 (AC45CCTE), UP 4778 (SD70M) , UP 5421(AC45CCTE), and NS 9222 (C44-9W) bring their train to a stand on the BNSF tracks short of Summit Island on the 20th April 2005. The Union Pacific track had been closed for a track inspection with High Rails (seen in the background) leading to congestion on the BNSF tracks.

Brand New General Electric ES44DC 'GEVO' BNSF 7687 leads, BNSF 4380 (C44-9W), BNSF 5003 (C44-9W) and BNSF 8630 (B40-8) westbound with a double stack heading for Los Angeles in the Cajon Pass between Summit Island and Hill 582.

A powerful shot of a mixture of BNSF and Norfolk Southern power in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005. BNSF 4117 (C44-9W), NS 8886 (C40-9), BNSF 847(C44-9W), and BNSF 8250 (SD75M) climb with an eastbound double stack.

Having worked light loco down to a stalled train at Hill 285 in the Cajon Pass, a pair of BNSF SD40-2 locomotives pilot C44-9W (Dash 9s) BNSF 1064, BNSF 1019, BNSF 5107 to the top of the Cajon Pass, seen here approaching Summit Island.

A huge BNSF power move heads westbound through the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005 with BNSF 4785 (C44-9W) leading BNSF 5228 (C44-9W), BNSF 1052 (C44-9W), BNSF 4980 (C44-9W), BNSF 4889 (C44-9W), BNSF 5393 (C44-9W), BNSF 4655(C44-9W), SF 6358 (SD40-2), BNSF 830 (C40-8W), and NS 6573 (SD60).

A brace of C-44 9W (Dash 9) locomotives BNSF 4873, 5088, 4964 and 4611 burst out of Tunnel 2 in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005.

Six locomotive slog up the grade through the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005. BNSF 4381 (C44-9W) leads, BNSF 4578 (C44-9W), BNSF 881 (C40-8W), BNSF 7686 (ES44DC), NS 8756 (C40-8), and NS 9865 (C44-9W) on an eastbound intermodal.

Norfolk Southern Locomotive NS8756 (C40-8) is pictured in a six loco convoy in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005.

Norfolk Southern Locomotive NS9865 (C44-9W) is pictured in the Cajon Pass on a six locomotive lash up on the 20th April 2005. The locomotive was outshopped from the General Electric workshops in primer paint and stensil numbers after the locomotive was needed in traffic. It would enter workshops for its Black and White paint during its next visit to NS workshops.

A Pair of Union Pacific SD60M locomotives UP2268 and UP2424 stand on a short works train at Sullivan's Curve in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005.

A small Union Pacific works train lead by a pair of SD60M locomotives UP2268 and UP2424 head west through Sullivan's Curve on the Union Pacific tracks on the 20th April 2005.

A pair of C44-9W 'Dash 9' locomotives buit by General Electric wind their way through the Cajon Pass at Sulivans Curve on the 20th April 2005. BNSF 4806 and Norfolk Southern 9556 haul an eastbound stack service.

Norfolk Southern GE C44-9W 'Dash 9' NS9556 is pictured in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005.

Union Pacific locomotive UP 5696 (AC44CW) leads UP 3926 (SD70M), UP 5824 (AC44CW), NS (Conrail) 8397 (D8-40CW), UP 5757 (AC44CW) eastbound through the Cajon Pass on the Union Pacific tracks at Milepost 475 (also known as 'The Garden Spot'. This is also the natural break in the earths crust known as the San Andreas fault, which can be seen in the bottom left of this image.

Former Conrail D8-40CW Locomotive is pictured in the Cajon Pass with a Norfolk Southern 'Patch' number NS8397. The loco was providing 'power by hour' for Union Pacific on the 20th April 2005 on an eastbound Manifest, pictured at Milepost 475.

BNSF 4806 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 8075 (SD40-2), BNSF 116 (GP60), and NS 2601 (SD70M) westbound through the Cajon Pass at Milepost 475 'The Garden Spot' on the 20th April 2005, following the San Andreas fault line in the lower valley.

General Electric C44-9W locomotive BNSF 5167 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 'Warbonnet' 720 (C44-9W), BNSF 4577 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4887 (C44-9W) eastbound along the Union Pacific Tracks at Milepost 475 'The Garden Spot' in the Cajon Pass, using trackage access rights.

A stunning end to day one of photography in the Cajon Pass on the 20th April 2005. A Union Pacific Ballast train takes the UP cut off at the head of the Cajon Pass with a east UP 4080 (SD70M) leads UP 3465(SD40-2), UP4999 (SD70M), UP 9257 (C40-8) and UP 4647 (SD70M).

A brace of General Electric C44-9W 'Dash 9' locomotives take the down grade at Summit Island on the Cajon Pass working an eastbound double stack on the 20th April 2005. With headlights ablaze BNSF 4019 leads, BNSF 5180, BNSF 5508, and BNSF 5474.

BNSF 5167 (C44-9W) BNSF 720 (C44-9W), BNSF 4577 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4887 (C44-9W) come to a stand at Summit Island in the Cajon Pass with an eastbound Manifest on the 20th April 2005. The train was held on the Union Pacific track before being allowed to to pass back onto the BNSF tracks. Passing the stationary train BNSF 4617 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 5274(ES44AC), NS 9578 (C40-9W), BNSF 4947 (C44-9W) with an eastbound 'Z' stack.

In the evening sunlight at Summit Island the General Motors SD70M locomotives take the cut off to route onto the Union Pacific track through the Cajon Pass with a westbound double stack on the 20th April 2005.

In the evening sunlight with the I15 Freeway high above the Cajon Pass, BNSF 5456 (C44-9W) leads , BNSF 4717 (C44-9W), BNSF 4087 (C44-9W), NS 3431 (SD40-2) up the final climb to Cajon Summit on with an eastbound stack on the 20th April 2005.

With eight locomotives in one shot at Cajon Summit on the 20th April 2005, A Trio of General Motors SD70 Mac locomtoives UP4440 (SD70M), UP4050 (SD70M), UP 5178 (SD70M) with an eastbound Autorack waiting, while a Union Pacific Ballast hauled by UP 4080 (SD70M), UP 3465(SD40-2), UP4999 (SD70M), UP9257 (C40-8), and UP4647 (SD70M).

21st April 2014

Having stayed the night in Cajon, we moved further east following the line from the Cajon Pass towards Barstow. We spent the day in the vicinity of Victorville, Frost, Kempa Cambell Ranch before driving to Tehachapi.

BNSF 764 (C44-9W), CSX 9008(C40-9W), CSX 658 (AC60CW), UP 7534 UP 6921(AC4460CW) pass Frost on the 21st April 2005 with Warbonnet No.764 leading a double stack westbound towards the Cajon Pass, crossing an eastbound intermodel.

BNSF 4788 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4768 (C44-9W), UP 9793 (C44-9W), BNSF 4394 (C44-9W), NREX 6490 (SD45-2), BNSF 1022 (C44-9W), NREX 5070 (SD50), BNSF 4858 (C44-9W), BNSF 9241 (SD60M), BNSF 9269 (SD60M), BNSF 7006 (SD40-2) over the Frost flyover on the 20th April 2005 with a westbound double stack/ intermodal.

A filthy UP 5795 (AC44CWCTE) leads a mixture of Union Pacific power in the shape of UP 9840 (SD50), UP 4465 (SD70M), UP 9807 (C44-9W) on a westbound double stack on the 21st April 2005.

BNSF liveried 4197 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 621 (C44-9W) and BNSF 129(GP60-M) westbound at Frost on a short 'local' intermodal on the 21st April 2005.

BNSF 4704 (C44-9W) in Heritage Warbonet livery leads BNSF 5311 (C44-9W), BNSF 5003 (C44-9W), and BNSF 7687 (ES44DC) on an eastbound stack passing Kempa Campel Ranch on the 21st April 2005.

Union Pacific westbound manifest lead by UP 5783 (AC44CWCTE), GATX 7357 (SD40-2), UP 9700 (C44-9W), UP 5825 (AC44CWCTE), and UP 5764 (AC44CW) pass Kempa Campbel Ranch on the 21st April 2005.

Southern Pacific Baggage Car No.631 is pictured on a flat bed trailer car attached to the rear of a Union Pacific eastbound manifest passing Kempa Campel Ranch on the 21st April 2005. At the time it's thought the coaches may have been being moved for a filming contract.

Two American Coaches CLPX2242 and CLPX2506 are pictured on the rear of a Union Pacific eastbound manifest passing Kempa Campbel Ranch on the 21st April 2005.

UP 9762 (C44-9W) leads a westbound stack through the ruggid cutting at Kempa Campbel Ranch leading UP 9330 (C40-8), UP 2665 (SD40M-2), UP 4780 (SD70M) on the 21st April 2005

UP 4090 (SD70M) leads follow Macs UP 4318 (SD70M), UP 4848 (SD70M), UP 4003 (SD70M) eastbound at Kempa Campbel Ranch on the 21st April 2005.

BNSF 5349 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 620 (C44-9W), and BNSF 885 (C44-8W) through Kempa Campbel Ranch with a westbound stack formed of mainline China Shipping containers on the 21st April 2005.

Santa Fe liveried BNSF 2448 (GP-30) leads BNSF 2813 (GP-30) and BNSF 2163 (GP-38) westbound through Kempa Campbel Ranch on the 21st April 2005 operating the Victorville - Thorne 'local'.

Faded Santa Fe 'Warbonnet' liveried BNSF 900 (C40-8W) leads BNSF 963 (C44-9W), BNSF 616 (C44-9W), BNSF 798 (C44-9W) through Kempa Campbel Ranch on the 21st April 2005 operating a westbound intermodal.

BNSF 4746 (C44-9W) leads a motley selection of powder formed of BNSF 8619 (B40-8), BNSF 9254 (SD60M), NS 8808 (C40-9), and NREX 5088 (SD50) Ex Union Pacific. The eastbound double stack is pictured passing Frost/ Victorville on the 21st April 2005.

A westbound stack trian passes Victorville Cement Terminal on the 21st April 2005, with UP 5380 (ES44AC) leading, UP 4461 (SD70M) and UP 9720 (C44-9W).

EX works BNSF ES44DC 7667 heads westbound witrh classmates BNSF 4505 (C44-9W), BNSF 1031 (C44-9W), BNSF 770 (C44-9W) on the 21st April 2005, running alongside Hesperia Road heading for Los Angeles.

BNSF 4505 (C44-9W) heads westbound on the 21st April 2005, running alongside Hesperia Road heading for Los Angeles.

BNSF 1031 (C44-9W) heads westbound on the 21st April 2005, running alongside Hesperia Road heading for Los Angeles.

BNSF 770 (C44-9W) heads westbound on the 21st April 2005, running alongside Hesperia Road heading for Los Angeles.

BNSF Heritage 2 liveried 1106 (C44-9W) leads Operation Lifesaver liveried and Ex Chicargo North Watern UP 6722 (AC44CW), BNSF 7685 (ES44DC), and BNSF 1033 (C44-9W) eastbound through Frost with Spring Valley Lake on the background on the 21st April 2005.

Union Pacific 6722 (AC44CW) in Operation Lifesaver livery (but also Ex Chicargo North Western) locomotive passes Frost on the 21st April 2005 within the consist of a BNSF operated manifest.

BNSF 4776 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 1102 (C44-9W), BNSF 650 (C44-9W) westbound at Frost with a stack train heading for Los Angeles on the 21st April 2005.

Union Pacific SD70M UP 4743 stands tied down with UP 4198 (SD70M), UP 5407 (ES44AC) awaiting a crew change a Frost on the 21st April 2005 with a eastbound stack train.

Heading away from the camera, Ex Conrail NS Patch 3447 (SD40-2) powers west with NS 9548 (C44-9W), NS 9579 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5018 (C44-9W) on a Los Angeles bound stack.

BNSF 5018 (C44-9W), NS 9579 (C44-9W), NS 9548 (C44-9W), and Ex Conrail NS Patch 3447 (SD40-2) storm through Frost on the 21st April 2005 with a westbound stack.

UP 4743 (SD70M) leads UP 4198 (SD70M), UP 5407 (ES44AC) east through Bryman Road shortly after having had a crew change at Frost on the 21st April 2005.

BNSF 5166 (C44-9W), leads BNSF Warbonnt 672 (C44-9W), BNSF 822 (C40-8W), and BNSF 4057 (C44-9W) eastbound with a double stack through Bryman Road on the 21st April 2005.

BNSF 7681 (ES44-DC) leads Ex Conrail - NS 8440 (C40-8W) and faded BNSF4437 (C44-9W) westbound at Bryman Road on the 21st April 2005 heading for LA. 4437 was one of a batch of BNSF locos with faded pigment which were never repainted after leaving the factory with a faulty batch of paint applied.

22nd April 2014

The 22nd April was our first day on the Tehachapi Mountain Range, our images over this period range between Mojave and Bakersfield.

A BNSF 7 locomotive convoy passes Monolith on the 22nd April 2005 with a northbound Autorack consisting of BNSF 5055 (C44-9W) leading BNSF 4387 (C44-9W), BNSF 8613 (B40-8), BNSF 1032 (C44-9W), BNSF 2452(GP30), BNSF 2400 (GP30u), and BNSF 2431 (GP30u).

Brand New BNSF 7685 (ES44DC) stands near Monolith (Tehachapi) on the 22nd April 2005 in the consist of a northbound manifest.

Having been seen the previous afternoon in Victorville, UP 6722 (AC44CW) in Operation Lifesaver livery in pictured in the consist of the same train near Monolith, Tehachapi on the 22nd April 2005. The locomotive was built for Chicago North Western in 1994 .

BNSF 1073 (C44-9W) leads Winsconsin Central 7532 (SD45), BNSF 8713 (GP60), NREX 5062 (SD50), and BNSF 8623 (B40-8) through Woodford with a northbound Manifest on the 22nd April 2005.

Winsconsin Central No.7532 (SD45) and BNSF 8713 (GP60) are pictured at Woodford heading over the Tehachapi route on the 22nd April 2005.

BNSF 1073 (C44-9W) leads Winsconsin Central 7532 (SD45), BNSF 8713 (GP60), NREX 5062 (SD50), and BNSF 8623 (B40-8) descend from Tunnel 2 towards Caliente on the 22nd April 2005 with a northbound manifest.

BNSF 5194 (C44-9W) lead BNSF 5491 (C44-9W), BNSF 4917 (C44-9W), NREX 5076 (SD50), and BNSF 131 (GP60M) downhill from Tunnel 2 to Caliente on the Tehachapi Mountain route on the 22nd April 2005.

A pass takes place at Bena Coral on the 22nd April 2005. Heading away from the camera rear end helpers BNSF 4065 (C44-9W), BNSF 4961 (C44-9W) pass a static Union Pacific southbound Manifest formed with three units UP 5713 (AC44CWCTE), UP 5810(AC44CWCTE), UP 5217 (SD70M) waiting to proceed.

Seen approaching Sandcut from Bakersfield alongside Bena Road on the 22nd April 2005, BNSF 5066 (C44-9W), leads NS/Conrail 8358 (C40-8W), CFEX 2786(SD45) and NS 9671 (C44-9W) south with a stack train.

Taken from alonside Bena Road at Sandcut on the 22nd April 2005, BNSF 4060 (C44-9W) and NS/ Conrail 8396 (C40-8W) lead aa bare-table train south from Bakserfield to Los Angeles

Union Pacific locomotives in 2005 were not well cared for and many were operating with a filthy appearance having not been washed for months. On the 22nd April 2005, UP 5819 (AC44CWCTE), UP 5745 (AC44CW), and UP 5741 (AC44CW) haul a manifest north at Sandcut towards Bakersfield.

A fleet of BNSF Dash 9 Locomotives pass Illmon Caliente Creek on the 22nd April 2005 with a northbound manifest. BNSF 5509 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 5340 (C44-9W), BNSF 793 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5060 with the sun scared mountains in the background.

BNSF 4551 (C44-9W), BNSF 5179 (C44-9W), BNSF 7153 (SD40-2), BNSF 7934 (SD40-2), NS 5378 (GP38-2), BNSF 5390(C44-9W) all make the climb up to Tunnel 2 from Caliente on the 22nd April 2005 with a southbound stack train.

A pair of Union Pacific Locomotives wrap themselves around the Caliente curve on the 22nd April 2005 to make the climb to Tunnel 2 and Bealville. UP 4166 (SD70M), UP 9539 (C41-8W) pass the camera with a 'bare table' returning south.

BNSF 5055 (C44-9W) leads a motley selection of power around the curve at Sandcut on the 22nd Aprill 2005, in consist was BNSF 4387 (C44-9W), BNSF 8613 (B40-8), BNSF 1032 (C44-9W), BNSF 2452(GP30), BNSF 2400 (GP30u) and BNSF 2431 (GP30u).

Having viewed this train the previous day at Frost near Victorville, it had only made it to Sandcut by the next morning. BNSF 1106 (C44-9W) leads UP 6722 (AC44CW), BNSF 7685 (ES44DC), and BNSF 1033 (C44-9W) northbound at Sandcut on the 22nd April 2005.

Union Pacific locomotives UP 4166 (SD70M), UP 9539 (C41-8W) turn into the curve at Tunnel 3 in the Tehachapi Mountains on the 22nd April 2005 with a lengthy bare table in tow.

BNSF 4943 (C44-9W), BNSF 999 (C44-9W), BNSF 4803 (C44-9W) pass through Woodford on the 22nd April 2005.

A brace of locomotives passes an engineers train in the Woodford Siding on the 22nd April 2005. BNSF 4551 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 5179 (C44-9W), BNSF 7153 (SD40-2), BNSF 7934 (SD40-2), NS 5378 (GP38-2), BNSF 5390(C44-9W) passing CFEX 7117 (SD40-2) and UP 5024 (SD70M) in the Woodford Engineers siding coupled to a long welded rail train.

BNSF 4439 (C44-9W), BNSF 813 (C40-8W), BNSF 740 (C44-9W), BNSF 5414 (C44-9W) depart from Caliente to make the climb to Tunnel 2 on a rake of Autoracks on the 22nd April 2005.

Union Pacific pairing UP 5041 (SD70M) and UP 5762 (AC44CW) round the curve at Caliente on the 22nd April 2005 with a northbound manifest.

BNSF 4943 (C44-9W), BNSF 999 (C44-9W) and BNSF 4803 (C44-9W) run alongside Bena Road between Caliente Creek and Bena on the 22nd April 2005 with a northbound stack heading towards Bakersfield. This train had taken nearly two hours to get over the Tehachapi mountain pass.

One of many locomotives operated by rhe San Joaquin Valley Railroad, SJVR 3048 (GP38-3) is pictured at Kern Junction as a BNSF stack train passes on the 22nd April 2005.

Having exited from the inclement weather brewing over the Tehachahpi Mountains, BNSF 4943 (C44-9W), BNSF 999 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4803 (C44-9W) approach Bakersfield running alongside the Edison Highway on the 22nd April 2005.

UPY 686 is a GP15-1 EMD-GM locomotive, and is seen parked at Bakersfield. The added attraction of this locomotive is that it's fitted with remote control, and can be driven from outside the cab for remote switching and local trip workings. Rated at 1500Hp it's seen between duties with it's Kaboose!

A BNSF 'meet' alongside Edison Road to the south of Bakersfield on the 22nd April 2005. Northbound BNSF 4943 (C44-9W), BNSF 999 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4803 (C44-9W) meet with southbound BNSF 4693 (C44-9W), CN 2605 (C44-9W) + two other UID units.

BNSF 4693 (C44-9W) leads Canadian National 2605 (C44-9W) and two other unidentified BNSF units south near Bakersfield on the 22nd April 2005.

BNSF 866 (C40-8W) , BNSF 4592 (C44-9W), and Ex Conrail NS 8456 (C40-8W) power up from a stop alongside the Edison Highway on the 22nd April 2005 hauling empty grain cars south. The Ex Conrail unit blows out an oil fire in its exhaust stack as the locomotives apply power.

BNSF 866 (C40-8W) , BNSF 4592 (C44-9W), and Ex Conrail NS 8456 (C40-8W) pass Illmon Caliente Creek on the 22nd April 2005 hauling empty grain cars south.

BNSF 866 (C40-8W) , BNSF 4592 (C44-9W), and Ex Conrail NS 8456 (C40-8W) curve into Tunnel 2 on the 22nd April 2005 hauling empty grain cars south approaching Caliente.

BNSF 866 (C40-8W) , BNSF 4592 (C44-9W) and NS 8456 (C40-8W) overtake BNSF 5066 (C44-9W), CON 8358 (C40-8W), CFEX 2786 (SD45), & NS 9671 (C44-9W). The train on the right had taken 8 hours to get from Sandcut to Bealville and had not progressed any further, in comparison the train on the left had done the same journey in 40 minutes.

BNSF 860 (C40-8W) rounds the curve in the evening sunlight at Woodford with FURX 7284 (SD40-2), SF 6317 (SD40), BNSF 8085 (SD40-2), and BNSF 4664 (C44-9W) hauling a northbound manifest.

BNSF 860 (C40-8W), FURX 7284 (SD40-2), SF 6317 (SD40), BNSF 8085 (SD40-2), and BNSF 4664 (C44-9W) pull top to a stop at Rowen on the 22nd April 2005 for a change of crew with a northbound Manifest.

Ex Santa Fe SD40 6317 operated by BNSF is pictured at Rowen on the 22nd April 2005 beneath the Three Peaks of Three Peaks Ranch.

BNSF SD20-2 in Ex Burlington Northern colours is pictured at Rowen on the 22nd April 2005 beneath the three peaks of Three Peaks Ranch.

BNSF C44-9W 4664 is pictured at Rowen on the 22nd April 2005 beneath the three peaks of Three Peaks Ranch.

23rd April 2014

The 23rd April was our second day on the Tehachapi Route, and our time was spent between Mojave in the south through to Bakersfield in the north traversing the Tehcahapi Mountain Range in-between.

BNSF 5468 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4185 (C44-9W), and Warbonet liveried BNSFF 719 (C44-9W) south towards Mojave at the I58 Bridge on the 23rd April with Monolith Cement works in the background.

A pair of warbonnets power through the Woodford Loops on the 23rd April 2005 hauling a southbound manifest. BNSF 760 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 561 (B40-8W), BNSF 7242 (SD40-2), NS 6119 (SD40-2), and BNSF 7249 (SD40-2).

BNSF 760 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 561 (B40-8W), BNSF 7242 (SD40-2), NS 6119 (SD40-2) and BNSF 7249 (SD40-2) out of Tunnel 10 passing Burtons Curve on the 23rd April 2005 with a southbound manifest.

UP5757, NS8397, UP5794, UP4422 round Tehcahapi Loop with a southbound manifest.

UP 5824 (AC44CWCTE) leads partners UP 3926 (SD70M) and UP 5696 (AC44CW) round the famous Tehachapi Loop on the 23rd April 2005 with a southbound manifest.

A battered warbonnet liveried BNSF 875 (C40-8W) leads cabless B unit BNSF 339 (GP60B), NREX 7269 (GP38-2), and BNSF 8628 (B40-8) into the Tehachapi Loop on the 23rd April 2005 with a northbound manifest.

BNSF Cabless 'B' Unit No.339 (GP60-B) is pictured in consist at the Tehachapi Loop on the 23rd April 2005.

Union Pacific pairing UP 4463 (SD70M), UP 9788 (C44-9W) roll into Bealville with a southbound intermodal on the 23rd April 2005.

Santa Fe Warbonnet BNSF 604 (C44-9W), BNSF 6729 (SD40-2), BNSF 4937 (C44-9W) and BNSF 703 (C44-9W) wait at Caliente for a northbound to desecnd from Tunnel 2 on the 23rd April 2005. In the background another warbonnet liveried locomotive BNSF 875 (C40-8W) with BNSF 339 (GP60B), NREX 7269 (GP38-2) and BNSF 8628 (B40-8) on a northbound manifest.

BNSF 4977 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4729 (C44-9W), BNSF 8638 (B40-8), BNSF 4160 (C44-9W) and BNSF 4555 (C44-9W) into the curve at Caliente having descended from Tunnel 2 with a northbound manifest on the 23rd April 2005.

A two comodity train of cement and steel coil slowly winds its way down from Tunnel 2 running on full dynamics to keep the train under control. At the lead end BNSF 4507 (C44-9W), BNSF 7278 (SD40-2), BNSF 5260 (C44-9W), BNSF 1080 (C44-9W) can be seen, while mid train helpers BNSF 1059 (C44-9W), BNSF 694 (C44-9W) are closest to the camera on the 23rd April 2005.

BNSF 4961 (C44-9W), BNSF 4065 (C44-9W), BNSF 7336 (SD40-2), BNSF 6861 (SD40-2), BNSF 8636 (B40-8) approch the first curve since leaving Bakersfield at Sandcut on the 23rd April 2005 hauling a southbound double stack.

BNSF 5131 (C44-9W) and two Norfolk Southern locomotives NS 9020 (C40-9W), NS 9388 (C40-9W) climb the grade at Sandcut into the last curve before the straight run to Bakersfield hauling a stack/ intermodal north on the 23rd April 2005.

BNSF 812 (C40-W) leads Burlington Northern green liveried BNSF 6364 (SD40-2), FURX 8113 (SD40-2), and BNSF 4035 (C44-9W) into the curve at Sandcut on the 23rd April 2005 with hauling a southbound intermodal.

BNSF 812 (C40-W), BNSF 6364 (SD40-2), FURX 8113 (SD40-2), BNSF 4035 (C44-9W) pass between the leaning poles between Bena Coral and Illmon Caliente Creek on the 23rd April 2005 with a southbound intermodal.

In one of the rarest workings I have ever witnessed over the Tehacahpi Mountain was this rare Canadian Pacific train of explosives!. On the 23rd April 2005 CP 5956 (SD40-2) and CP 5970 (SD40-2) take the final curve of the Tehachapi route before heading towards Bakserfield. It's unknown if this rare Canadian locomotive outing was working on Union Pacific or BNSF trackage after Bakserfield.

BNSF Warbonnet BNSF 664 (C44-9W) leads NS 9246 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5342 (C44-9W) north at Sandcut making the final climb up the grade from Bena Coral on the 23rd April 2005.

As an engineering work window is about to be taken Union Pacific prepare their long welded rail and ballast trains for action on the 23rd April 2005. On the left we see CFEX 7117 (SD40-2), UP 5024 (SD70M) and in the background UP 2362 (SD60M) and UP 2345 (SD60M) wait on their ballast train.

As an engineering work window is about to be taken Union Pacific prepare their long welded rail and ballast trains for action on the 23rd April 2005. CFEX 7117 (SD40-2), UP 5024 (SD70M) are pictured on the mainline at Woodford.

Although Union Pacific pairing UP 2362 (SD60M), UP 2345 (SD60M) had been stabled in this siding for two days it had been blocked from view by a welded rail train on the nearest track. On the 23rd April 2005 the train moved and this rare SD60M pairing was captured at Woodford.

BNSF 812 (C40-W) leads BNSF 6364 (SD40-2), FURX 8113 (SD40-2), and BNSF 4035 (C44-9W) southbound at Woodford on the 23rd April 2005 hauling an Intermodal/stack train.

A Trio of BNSF C44-9W's BNSF 5113, BNSF 4171 and BNSF 5318 head northbound through Woodford on the 23rd April 2005 hauling an intermodal.

A brace of Union Pacific Locomotives pass through Woodford on the 23rd April 2005 lead by UP 4349 (SD70M), UP 9692 (C44-9W), and UP 5831 (AC44CWCTE) with a northbound manifest.

BNSF 5491 (C44-9W) BNSF 5194 (C44-9W) and BNSF 4917 (C44-9W), pass through Bealville on the 23rd April 2005 with a southbound manifest.

Union Pacific UP 4349 (SD70M), UP 9692 (C44-9W), and UP 5831 (AC44CWCTE) roll through Bealville on the 23rd April 2005 with a northbound manifest.

BNSF 4843 (C44-9W), BNSF 966 (C44-9W), BNSF 5237 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4574 (C44-9W) climb into Bealville on the 23rd April 2005 with a southbound stack.

Rear end helpers UP 5780 (AC44CWCTE) and UP 5701 (AC44CW) pass Bealville on the 23rd April 2005 assisting a southbound manifest whos front end will have already passed through Tunnel 3 and be ready to enter Tunnel 5 on the hillside above.

UP 5024 (SD70M) and CFEX 7117 (SD40-2) are pictured in the Woodford Siding having returned from a rail drop. The pair had run around their train and were now stabled nose first into the siding at Woodford. They are pictued on the 23rd April 2005 adacnet to the columns of the former Woodford Water tower, which once replenished steam locomotives in route through the mountain.

BNSF 4988 (C44-9W), BNSF 4487 (C44-9W), BNSF 837 (C40-8W), BNSF 816 (C40-8W) ass Union Pacific UP5024 at Woodford Siding on the 23rd April 2005 while hauling a southbound intermodal.

Union Pacific UP5024 (SD70M) stands in Woodford Siding on the 23rd April 2005 have returned from a rail drop in the Tehachapi mountains.

On the way back to the hotel we called into Woodford, which had been the sight of a derailment prior to our arrival. The area had previously been inaccessible due to the clear up operation. The derailment happened at a time when BNSF were so short of power, they started to convert yard switchers (shunting locos) to provide additional power in the train. No.3403 was in the consist of a northbound train when it had a bearing failure and derailed. thankfully the locomotive somehow managed to stay on the track over the Woodford Tressel bridge, otherwise the derailment would have been far worse. The remnants of the incident can be seen above.

24th April 2014

The 24th April was our third day on the Tehachapi Route, and our time was spent between Mojave in the south through to Bakersfield in the north traversing the Tehcahapi Mountain Range in-between.

CSX 343, UP 3825, CSX 8566 are seen at Mojave & Sandcut with a northbound manifest. The service was a very important as the loco leading was an AC unit on hire from CSX. (Who at the time were desperate for these locos on their own operating patch!) 343 is instantly up ratable to 6000HP, and for an AC loco such as this from another company to lead of the Tehachapi mountains was very rare.

A pair of CSX locomotives on hire to Union Pacific prepare to make up their train at Mojave Yard on the 24th April 2005. CSX 343 (AC44CW), UP 3825 (SD70M), and CSX 8566 (SD50) are pictured just outside Mojave Yard.

Having departed Mojave in sun, CSX 343 (AC44CW), UP 3825 (SD70M) and CSX 8566 (SD50) heads into the low cloud away from the desert at Cameron Road on the 24th April 2005 with a Union Pacific northbound manifest, most likely heading for Roseville.

CSX 343 (AC44CW), UP 3825 (SD70M) and CSX 8566 (SD50) head into the gloom passing Monolith on the 24th April 2005 hauling a Union Pacific northbound manifest.

CSX 343 (AC44CW), UP 3825 (SD70M) and CSX 8566 (SD50) pass Tehachapi Depot on on the 24th April 2005 hauling a Union Pacific northbound manifest.

CSX 343 (AC44CW) headlights shine through the dull mountain weather while operating with UP 3825 (SD70M), CSX 8566 (SD50) on a northbound manifest on the 24th April 2005.

CSX 313 (AC44CW) leads UP 3825 (SD70M), CSX 8566 (SD50) the darkeness at Bealville on the 24th April 2005 hauling a northbound manifest most likely heading for Roseville Yard.

CSX 343 (AC44CW) leads UP 3825 (SD70M), CSX 8566 (SD50) take the last curve of the Tehachapi Mountain route at Sandcut on the 24th April 2005 hauling a northbound manifest most likely heading for Roseville Yard.

BNSF 4542 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4899 (C44-9W), lead Canadian National CN 5793 (SD75i) south through Woodford on the 24th April 2005 hauling a manifest complete with loaded coal wagons behind the leading locomotives.

Canadian National 5793 (SD75i) is pictured in the consist of a southbound manifest at Woodford on the 24th April 2005.

UP 4699 offered it's assistance from Caliente when BNSF 4942, BNSF 5484 announced that they were unable to get their 'Z' train moving at Rowen. The UP loco worked over the mountain, attached to the front of the BNSF train and helped the BNSF service. Running 'SLAB END' first to Tehachapi!

UP 4667 (SD70M) and UP 5170 (SD70M) pass Illmon Caliente Creeke with a southbound intermodal service on the 24th April 2005.

SJVR 107 (GP15-1) is pictured at Bakersfield on the 24th April 2005. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad are a shortline which feed wagons to and from Bakersfield for Union Pacific and BNSF. No.107 carried ex California Northern livery.

SJVR 107 (GP15-1) and SJVR 3029 (GP38-3) are pictured at Bakersfield on the 24th April 2005. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad are a shortline which feed wagons to and from Bakersfield for Union Pacific and BNSF. No.107 carried ex California Northern livery.

San Joaquin Valley Railroad locomotives SJVR 1825 (GP28), SJVR 2037 (GP20) arrive into Bakersfield on the 24th April 2005 with a manifest arriving into the Union Pacific Yard for feeding into various Union Pacific services.

Amtrak 2015 (F59PHI) is pictured at Bakersfield Amtrak Station on the 24th April 2005. To the right are the BNSF lines which have previously diverged at Kern Junction from the Union Pacific.

BNSF 8051 (SD40-2), BNSF 4600 (C44-9W), and BNSF 6793 (SD40-2) stand at Bena Coral on the 24th April 2005 waiting to head south with a Baretable train.

'Highball' a meet at Bena Croal on the 24th April 2005. BNSF crew members from lead locoBNSF 8051 (SD40-2) perform a rolling inspection of the northbound Union Pacific intermodal

BNSF 8051, BNSF 4600, BNSF 6763 haul their 'bare table' train through Caliente Creek heading for Long Beach.

BNSF 8051 (SD40-2), BNSF 4600 (C44-9W), BNSF 6793 (SD40-2) climb to Tunnel 2 under the low mountain clouds on the 24th April 2005 hauling a baretable southbound.

UP 5734 (AC44CWCTE), UP 4654 (SD70M), and UP 4979 (SD70M) climb to Tunnel 2 from Caliente on the 24th April 2005 operating a southbound Manifest.

A pair of Union Pacific SD70M locomotives 4417 and 4096 climb to Tunnel 2 on the 24th April 2005 hauling a rake of ex-works Baretable pocket wagons.

BNSF 4421 (C44-9W), leads Warbonnets BNSF 864 (C40-8W), and BNSF 573 (C40-8W) from Tunnel 3 into Bealville on the 24th April 2005 hauling a rake of Autoracks.

Under darkening skies BNSF 5414 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 7032 (SD40-2), BNSF 9228 (SD60M), and patched UP 3036 (SD40-2) - Ex Chicago North Western into Bealville on the 24th April 2005.

BNSF 9228 (SD60M), UP 3036 (SD40-2) in consist of a northbound double stack train at Bealville on the 24th April 2005.

25th April 2005

The morning period of the 25th April was spent on the Tehachapi Mountains. The traffic for the morning period was quite slow due to 'work windows' being taken on the mountain. Around mid day, we then set off on a four hour drive to San Fransisco.

A nice mix of Union Pacific power is pictured at the I58 overpass between Monolith and Cameron Road on the 25th April 2005. UP 9553 (C41-8W) leads UP 3627 (SD40-2), and UP 9635 (C44-9W) on a southbound intermodal.

With the backdrop of the Tehachapi Mountains in the background UP 9553 (C41-8W) leads UP 3627 (SD40-2) and UP 9635 (C44-9W) into Mojave on a southbound intermodal/ stack service on the 25th April 2005.

BNSF 5099 (C44-9W) leads battered warbonnet BNSF 870 (C40-8W) and BNSF 4822 (C44-9W) into Mojave on the 25th April 2005 hauling an empty grain train south.

Staple motive power in the Union Pacific Yard at Mojave on the 25th April 2005. UP 2287 (SD60M) , UP 2348 (SD60M) are pictured at the head end of 'The Mojave Flyer' cement.

Union Pacific SD60M 2287 is pictured with the famous Mojave Desert/Tehachapi windmills on the 25th April 2005 in Mojave Yard.

UP 4669 (SD70M), 5024(SD70M), CFEX 7119 (SD40-2) are pictured stabled in Summit Siding on the 25th April 2005 coupled with a long welded rail train alongside East Tehachapi Blvd.

26th April 2005

Having arrived in San Fransisco our first visit was to Jack London Square in Oakland. This is the location where 'street' running can be witnessed. The afternoon period was then spent photographing the San Fransisco 'Cal Train' network.

Amtrak driving trailer No.8305 leads out of Jack London Square station on the 26th April 2005 with General Electric P42 No.142 pushing the 09:15 Jack London Square - Sacremento service.

A trio of Union Pacific SD40 locomotives UP 8605 (SD40-2), UP 2850 (SD40-2T), UP 2680 (SD40-2) pass through the centre of Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005 hauling a rake of Autorack out of the Port of Oakland.

AM 2007 (F59PH) arrives into Jack London Sqaure through the street running section on the 26th April 2005. The locomotive was operating 06:35 Auburn - Jack London Square.

Amtrak 2020 (F59H) pushes the 10:05 Jack London Square (Oakland) - Bakersfield through the street running section on the 26th April 2005.

Amtrak 2007 (F59PH) pushes out of Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005 operating the 10:45 Oakland - Sacramento service.

AM 145 (GE P42DC) arrives through Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005 operating the 04:55 Bakersfield - Jack London Square (Oakland) service.

Having previous arrived from Bakersfield, driving trailer 8305 leads out of Jack London Square passing the Jack London Inn taking the empty stock to the storage sidings on the 26th April 2005.

Three Ex Southern Pacific Locomotives UP 8788 (SD40T-2), UP 2745 (SD45), and UP 8805 (SD40T-2) pass through Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005 hauling three baretable wagons from the port of Oakland.

A pair of former Santa Fe locomotives BNSF 2575 (GP35), BNSF 2576 (GP38) pass light loco through Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005.

Amtrak 2006 (F59PH) heads out of Jack London Square operating the 12:15 Oakland Sacramento passenger service on the 26th April 2005.

A delivery driver unloads Pespi delivering to a local shop while Amtrak F59PH 2008 arrives into Jack London Square on the 26th April 2005 operating the 10:40 Sacramento - Oakland passenger service.

Amtrak F59PH 2001 stands at its destination station of Jack London Square having arrived on the 26th April 2005 with the 09:55 from Sacramento. Upon arrival the train then reversed out to the stowage sidings located to the west of JLS.

The San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company began passenger rail service on the Peninsula in 1863. The system we know today as Caltrain had its start in 1992. Caltrain operated between San Fransisco through intermediate stations to San Jose using 'push pull' double deck stock. Locomotives on the route vary from F40PH-2 through to the newer MP36PH-3C.

CAL 916 (F40PH) powers through Mill Brae with a San Francisco bound service on the 26th April 2005

Train 56 heads north at Mill Brae on the 26th April 2005 with F40PH 906 pushing towards San Francisco.

Caltrain service 56 heads for San Francisco on the 26th April 2005 pushing train service 56 north at Mill Brae.

Known as a 'baby bullet' MP36PH-3C No.925 rounds the curve near Mill Brae passing the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) on he 26th April 2006 operating service 258 to San Jose.

Caltrain 'Baby Bullet' No.925 leans into the curve near Mill Brae on the 26th April 2005 operating Caltrain service 160 from San Francisco to San Jose.

Caltrain F40PH No.911 stands at Broadway on the 26th April 2005 as passengers board the service to San Francisco.

Caltrain 'Baby Bullet' No.928 (MP36PH-3C) powers through Burlingame on the 26th April 2005 heading for San Jose.

Caltrain MP36PH03C No.928 stands at Broadway Station on the 26th April 2005 with service 928 to San Francisco from San Jose.

Caltrain service 19 arrives into Broadway Station on the 26th April 2005 with Baby Bullet No.928 pushing its train towards San Francisco.

Caltrain 'Baby Bullet' MP39PH No.926 arrives into Broadway Station on the 26th April 2005 operating a San Jose bound service from San Francisco.

27th April 2005

The 27th April was spent in San Fransisco, leaving the hire car at the motel we spent the day in the city looking at the sights and also gave us a chance to records the superb heritage streetcars which operate between Fishermans Wharf and Castro.

San Francisco PCC Streetcar No.1052 is pictured at Beach and Jones wearing Los Angeles two tone yellow livery on the 27th April 2005

San Francisco PCC Streetcar No.1059 is pictured at Beach and Jones on the 27th April 2005. The Streetcar was built in 1948s and the Boston livery.

Cable Cars No.57 and No.51 are pictured at California Street in San Francisco ready to head over Nob Hill to Market street on the 27th April 2005.

Cable Car No.27 is pictured at Taylor Street with the hillside route in the background on the Powell and Mason route on the 27th April 2005.

Cable Car No.4 climbs away from Hyde Street on route to Powell and Market on the 27th April 2005.Cable Car No.4 climbs away from Hyde Street on route to Powell and Market on the 27th April 2005.

A Trio fo Cable Cars is pictured on the Powell and Mason Street Route in the rain on the 27th April 2005.

Cable Car No.4 leaves Hyde Street to climb the hill as Cable Car No.8 waits to unload its passengers at the turning point on the 27th April 2005.

Cable Car No.11 departs from the famous Hyde Street (Fishermans Wharf) terminus on the 27th April 2005 heading for Powell & Market.

Cable Car No.8 arrives at Hyde Street from Powell and Market on the 27th April 2008.

Cable Car No.19 is pictured at Hyde Street having arrived from the other side of the San Francisco on the 27th April 2005.

A Trio of Cable Cars is pictured at Taylor Street on the 27th April 2005 on the Powell and Manson Cable Car route.

Cable Car No.19 is pictured at Hyde Street (Fisherman's Wharf) on the 27th April 2005 with Alcatraz in the background.

Cable Car No.11 departs from the famous Hyde Street (Fishermans Wharf) terminus on the 27th April 2005 heading for Powell & Market.

Cable Car No.8 arrives at Hyde Street from Powell and Market on the 27th April 2008.

Cable Car No.4 climbs away from Hyde Street on route to Powell and Market on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco MUNI Streetcar, Milan Tram 1807 (Built 1928) stands at Jones Street ready to heat to Castro on the 27th April 2005.

A pair of San Francisco MUNI PCC streetcars No.1050 and No.1058 stand at Jones Street on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco PCC Streetcar No.1058 in Chicago livery is pictured at the Jones Street stop on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco Streetcar No.1053 in Brooklyn New York livery stands at Beach and Jones on the 27th April 2005 having arrived at Castro.

Heritage Streetcar No.952 is from New Orleans, Louisiana built in 1923, and is pictured on the 27th April 2005 at Beach and Jones.

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1811 passes Fisherman's Wharf on the 27th April 2005 heading for Beach & Jones. The tram was built in 1928 and carries it's original yellow and white livery.

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1807 passes in front of the Trans America Building in San Francisco on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco PCC Streetcar No.1007 carries Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Co. livery. The car is pictured at Beach and Jones, Fisherman's Wharf on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco PCC Streetcar in San Francisco Muni livery stands at Broadway on the Embarcadero on the 27th April 2007 working the F Line Castro.

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1856 trundles along the Embarcadero heading for Fisherman's Wharf (Jones & Beach) on the 27th April 2005.

San Francisco PCC Streetcar No.1062 runs along the Embarcadero heading for Castro on the F Line. The unit is pictured in Louisville livery on the 27th April 2005.

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1983 is pictured departing Beach and Jones in Fisherman's Wharf on the 27th April 2005 heading for Castro.

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1807 passes Pier 39 on route to Jones and Beach on the 27th April 2005

Peter Witt Milan Tram No.1856 trundles along the Embarcadero heading for Fisherman's Wharf (Jones & Beach) on the 27th April 2005.

28th April 2005

On the 28th April we made an early departure from San Fransisco driving back to Bakersfield arriving around mid day. Our first port of call on the way back to Tehacahpi was Sandcut before a drive through the mountains see capture freights which were operating in the area.

CSX 608 (AC60CW), and CSX 682 (AC60CW) round the curve at Sandcut on the 28th April 2005 hauling a northbound stack train. The CSX locomotives providing power by hour payback for either Union Pacific or BNSF.

A filty Union Pacific UP 5809 (AC44CWCTE) leads UP 5119 (SD70M), and Norfolk Southern NS 2532 (SD70) south at Sandcut on a manifest on the 28th April 2005

A view from Sandcut looking down towards Bena Croal with two Union Pacific Locos on the rear of a southbound manifest. UP9384 and UP5815.

Filthy dirty UP 5809 (AC44CWCTE), leads UP 5119 (SD70M), and NS 2532 (SD70) through Bealville having made the climb up from Caliente on the 28th April 2005.

BNSF 4968 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 4953 (C44-9W), BNSF 5367 (C44-9W), BNSF 5477 (C44-9W) round the final curve into Bealville from the Bealville Crossovers on the 28th April 2005 hauling Train 199 North Bay - Willow Springs 'Z' service.

BNSF 4968 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 4953 (C44-9W), BNSF 5367 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5477 (C44-9W) up to Tunnel 2 from Caliente on the 28th April 2005 with a southbound intermodal (most likely the North Bay to Willow Springs Train 199)

A Single Union Pacific SD70M No.4669 stands in the Woodford siding with a single wagon from the rail delivery train on the 28th April 2005

Light Engine movements are very rare in the USA. On the 28th April 2005, BNSF 5126 (C44-9W), BNSF and 6875 (SD40-2) pass Woodford operating light engine, in the adjacent siding is Union Pacific 4669 (SD70M) stabled with part of a rail delivery train.

A crew member checks inside the engine room of UP9550 as UP5747 leads a southbound manifest through Woodford on the 28th April 2005 under darkening rainclouds.

BNSF 4596 (C44-9W) leads Canadian National 5421 (SD60), and BNSF 4669 (C44-9W) north through Woodford on the 28th April 2005 hauling an intermodal.

29th April 2005

We spent the 29th April back on the Tehachapi mountain range between Mojave and Bakersfield.

UP 4465 (SD70M) leads UP 4017 (SD70M), UP 9397 (C41-8W), and UP 9720 (C44-9W) down from Tunnel 2 to Caliente in the morning sun on the 29th April 2005 hauling a northbound intermodal.

Union Pacific SD70M No.4669 drifts down from Tunnel 2 to Caliente with part of a rail delivery train on the 29th April 2005 heading to Caliente to collect the rest of the set.

UP 4669 (SD70M) , UP 9638 (C44-9W) make a rare reverse move pushing a long welded rail train backwards onto Tunnel 2 from Caliente on the 29th April 2005.

BNSF 4404 (C44-9W), BNSF 4380 (C44-9W), BNSF 4026 (C44-9W), BNSF 5396 (C44-9W) haul a southbound intermodal into the first curve at Sandcut arriving from Bakersifeld into the Tehachapi Mountains on the 29th April 2005.

BNSF 4939 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4768 (C44-9W), BNSF 9247 (SD60M), and NS 9398 (C44-9W) down the 3% grade from Tunnel 2 to Caliente on the 29th April 2005 hauling a northbound double stack.

BNSF Warbonnet Dash 9 Warbonnet 729 leads SF BNSF 4313 (C44-9W), BNSF 5120 (C44-9W), BNSF and 4521 (C44-9W) along the cliff edge between Tunnel 5 and Tunnel 3 on the 29th April 2005 with a northbound intermodal.

Union Pacific 4105 (SD70M) leads UP 5793 (AC44CWCTE), and UP 4745 (SD70M) under the former Southern Pacific signal gantry at Magunden on the 29th April 2005 hauling a northbound manifest towards Bakersfield.

UP 686 (GP38-2) and Ex Rio Grande 'patched UP 1356 (GP40-2) are pictrued on a local Bakersfield trip working to Edison to collect wagons for switching into other Union Paciifi trains. The pair worked south from Bakersfield Yard with a Union Pacific Police Caboose, and are pictured on the 29th April 2005.

Ex Rio Grande (GP40-2) patched Union Pacific 1356 is picutred near Edison on the 29th April 2005 coupled with a Union Pacific Police Kaboose.

Warbonnet BNSF 729 (C44-9W) is pictrued with partners BNSF 4313 (C44-9W), BNSF 5120 (C44-9W) and BNSF 4521 (C44-9W) paused at Magunden near Bakersfield on the 29th April 2005

BNSF 4404 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4380 (C44-9W), BNSF 4026 (C44-9W), BNSF 5396 (C44-9W) approaching the Caliente Rail Fan Tree on the 29th April 2005 hauling a southbound intermodal.

BNSF 5123 (C44-9W), BNSF 986 (C44-9W), BNSF 8613 (B40-8), BNSF 6951 (SD40-2), BNSF (GP60-M) all descend from Tunnel 2 to Caliente on the 28th April 2005 with a northbound gain service.

Having decended from Tunnel 2, rounded the curve at Caliente, BNSF 5123 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 986 (C44-9W), BNSF 8613 (B40-8), BNSF 6951 (SD40-2), and BNSF (GP60-M) past the Caliente Railfan Tree heading for Illmon on the 29th April 2005.

A Trio of Union Pacific SD70 Macs pass the Caliente Railfan Tree with a northbound manifest on the 29th April 2005. UP 3881 leads partners UP 4104 and UP 5030 away from the Tehachapi Mountain Range.

BNSF 781 (C44-9W), CN 5796 (SD75i), BNSF 4855 (C44-9W) pass a Union Pacific 'High Rail' at the Caliente Railfan Tree on the 29th April 2005 while hauling a northbound manifest.

Riding on the rear of a northbound manifest passing the Caliente Railfan Tree NS 8732 (C40-8) and BNSF 4010 (C44-9W) provide power as the northbound Manifest heads towards Bakersfield on the 29th April 2005

The powerful lights of BNSF 4055 (C44-9W) shine as it works with partners BNSF 637 (C44-9W) and BNSF 884 (C40-8W). The threesome power a southbound manifest into Caliente on the 29th April 2005.

BNSF 517 (B40-8W) and BNSF 5014 (C44-9W) push on the rear of the southbound manifest passing the Caliente Railfan Tree on the 29th April 2005 before making the climb up to Tunnel 2.

A random collection of Dash 9's and GP's passes the Caliente Railfan Tree on the 29th April 2005. BNSF 5135 (C44-9W) leads SF 2868 (GP39-2), SF 2438 (GP30), SF 2566 (GP35), BNSF 2958 (GP39-2), BNSF 4960 (C44-9W), BNSF 1104 (C44-9W) on a northbound manifest.

UP 5760 (AC44CW), UP 4928 (SD70M), UP 3942 (SD70M) rounds the curve at Caliente on the 29th March 2005 passing the Caliente Railfan Tree with a northbound Manifest.

UP 5775 (AC44CWCTE), UP 2945 (Sd40-2), and UP 4680 (SD70M) begin the long climb up to Tunnel 2 from Caliente on the 29th April 2005 with a southbound manifest.

BNSF 4989 (C44-9W). BNSF 4489 (C44-9W), BNSF 4889 (C44-9W), 4002 (C44-9W) make the climb from Caliente to Tunnel 2 on the 29th April 2005 with a southbound stack train.

30th April 2005

We spent the 29th April back on the Tehachapi mountain range between Mojave and Bakersfield.

UP SD70-MAC No.4566 leads No.5020 and No.4355 through Cable on the 30th April 2005 with a northbound Manifest.

UP No.5835 No.5788 and Patched Southern Pacific No.9751 round the curves at Cable on the 30th April 2005 hauling a Northbound Manifest.

Ex Southern Pacific, patch Union Pacific UP9571 is seen in the consist of a northbound manifest at Cable on the 30th April 2005.

UP 5835 (AC44CWCTE) waits and performs a roll by on a southbound intermodal at Cable on the 30th April 2005. UP 4141 (SD70M), UP 4037 (SD70M), UP 5170 (SD70M) approach the camera from the north.

Viewed from one of the rarest locations within the Tehacahpi Mountain Range, at the invite of Three Peaks Ranch. UP 5835 (AC44CWCTE), UP 5788 (AC44CWCTE), and UP 9571 (C44-9W) head a northbound manifest into Tunnel 7 on the 30th April 2005.

Rear end helpers BNSF 4545 (C44-9W), BNSF 4525 (C44-9W) push a southbound manifest through Three Peaks Range on the 30th April 2005.

BNSF 4029 (C44-9W), BNSF 5215 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5217 (C44-9W) traverse the elevated section within Three Peaks Ranch at Tunnel 7 hauling a southbound manifest on the 30th April 2005.

BNSF 5197 (C44-9W) and BNSF 1117 (C44-9W) lead a train of baretables south through La Paz on Three Peaks Ranch on the 30th April 2005.

BNSF 4047 (C44-9W), BNSF 6793 (SD40-2), and BNSF 7319 (SD40-2) lead a rake of empty coal hoppers south at Rowen on the 30th April 2005.

Having worked north two days previously and CSX 682 (AC60W), CSX 608 (AC60W) had now teamed up with NS 8687 (C39-8E), BNSF 6860 (SD40-2) and are pictured at Rowen on the 30th April heading south with an intermodal in tow.

UP 4061 (SD70M), leads UP 4692 (SD70M), UP 4466 (SD70M), and UP1828 (B39-8E) haul a block ethanol train northbound through Rowen on the 30th April 2005.

BNSF 4669, leads NS2617 and BNSF 690 into Tunnel 2 with the south bound 'Grain Train'.

UP 5792 (AC44CWCTE) leads UP 5833 (AC44CWCTE), and UP 9414 (C41-8W) south through Woodford on the 30th April 2005 haulin a manifest passing a long welded rail delivery train located in the siding adjacent.

UP 4523 (SD70M) and UP 4158 (SD70M) round the Tehachapi Loop on the 30th April 2005 hauling a southbound stack train.

BNSF 4669 (C44-9W), NS 2617 (SD70M), BNSF 690 (C44-9W) all exit Tunnel 10 at Burtons Curve on the 30th April 2005 operating a southbound empty grain train.

1st May 2005

We spent the 1st May on the Tehachapi mountain range between Mojave and Bakersfield.

UP 4141 (SD70M), UP 4037 (SD70M), and UP 5170 (SD70M) power away from Moajve towards Tehachapi on the 1st May 2005 operating a northbound stack train.

BNSF 5518 (C44-9W) leads executive liveried BNSF 9824 (SD70M), BNSF 1052 (C44-9W), and BNSF XXXX south at Mojave on the 1st May 2005 with an intermodal.

BNSF 5518 (C44-9W), BNSF 9824 (SD70M) are pictured at Mojave on the 1st May 2005 with a southbound intermodal.

BNSF 9824 carrying executive livery is pictured in the consist of a southbound manifest service on the 1st May 2005 at Mojave.

BNSF 5215 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6871 (SD40-2), BNSF 7671 (ES44DC), and BNSF 891 (C40-8W) northbound out of Mojave on the 1st May 2005 hauling a manifest.

Riding on the rear of a northbound manifest service at Mojave, BNSF 5266 (C44-9W) and BNSF 896 (C40-8W) at pictured on the 1st May 2005.

BNSF 5215 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6871 (SD40-2), BNSF 7671 (ES44DC), and BNSF 891 (C40-8W) round the curve into Monolith on 1st May 2005 hauling a manifest.

Riding on the rear of a northbound manifest passing Monolith Cement Works BNSF 5266 (C44-9W), and BNSF 896 (C40-8W), on the 1st May 2005.

BNSF 5215 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6871 (SD40-2), BNSF 7671 (ES44DC), and BNSF 891 (C40-8W) cross the Woodford Trestle Bridge on the 1st May 2005 hauling a northbound manifest.

BNSF 5266 (C44-9W) and BNSF 896 (C40-8W) ride on the rear of a northbound manifest through the Woodford Loop on the 1st May 2005, passing the site of the recent derailment repairs.

UP 9414 (C41-8W) leads UP 5833 (AC44CWCTE), UP 5792 (AC44CWCTE), UP 5808 (AC44CWCTE), and UP 5783 (AC44CWCTE) over the Woodford Trestle Bridge on the 1st May 2005 operating a northbound manifest.

BNSF 4097 (C44-9W), SF 680 (C44-9W), AND BNSF 675 (C44-9W) pass a Union Pacific manifest at Bealville on the 1st May 2005 while hauling a northbound Intermodal.

Exiting from the Bealville Crosscovers UP 5747 (AC60CW) leads UP 9338 (C40-8), UP 5763 (AC44CWCTE) UP 4480 (SD70M), and UP 5709 (AC44CWCTE) into Bealville on the 1st May 2005 with a southbound manifest.

BNSF Warbonnet 770 (C44-9W), leads NS 9531 (C44-9W), BNSF 4483 (C44-9W), BNSF 4377 (C44-9W), and BNSF 6751 (SD40-2) around the final curve into Bealville on the 1st May 2005 hauling a southbound stack.

BNSF 5184 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 717 (C44-9W), NREX 5453 (SD50), and NS 8797 (C40-9) over the summit of Tehachapi heading towards Mojave on the 1st May 2005 with southbound manifest.

BNSF 770 (C44-9W), leads NS 9531 (C44-9W), BNSF 4483 (C44-9W), BNSF 4377 (C44-9W), and BNSF 6751 (SD40-2) over Summit between Tehachapi and Monolith on the 1st May 2005 hauling a southbound stack/ intermodal.

BNSF 4525 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 4545 (C44-9W), BNSF 5074 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4964 (C44-9W) northbound passing Monolith Cement Works on the 1st May 2005 hauling a manifest service.

A BNSF and Union Pacific 'meet' happens at Summit in the low evening light on the 1st May 2005. BNSF 4525 (C44-9W), BNSF 4545 (C44-9W), BNSF 5074 (C44-9W), BNSF 4964 (C44-9W) head away from the camera witha northbound manifest. Passing southbound UP 5747 (AC60CW), UP 9338 (C40-8), UP 5763 (AC44CWCTE) UP 4480 (SD70M), UP 5709 (AC44CWCTE).

2nd April 2005

We spent the 2nd May on the Tehachapi mountain range between Mojave and Bakersfield, but due to a 'work window' taken by Union Pacific to make repairs to the track, we ventured onto the BNSF line to the north of Tehachapi as far as Sandrini, where train after train had been tied down waiting for the mountain pass to reopen.

UP 5820 (AC44CWCTE) leads UP 5210 (SD70M), and UP 5188 (SD70M) pulls through Woodford Loop on the 2nd May 2005 operating a southbound manifest in the morning light.

UP 5820 (AC44CWE) haul around the famous Tehachapi Loop on the 2nd May 2005 operating a southbound manifest.

A brace of Dash 9 locomotives, BNSF 4606 (C44-9W), BNSF 5011 (C44-9W), and BNSF 960 (C44-9W) pass Sandcut with a northbound double stack on the 2nd May 2005.

A pair of BNSF GP39-2 locomotives are pictured at Kern Junction on the 2nd May with a local trip working reversing (with the aid off a Caboose) to Edison. SF 2952 (GP39-2), SF 2953 (GP39-2)

With the Tehacahpi Route closed down for schedule work windows and Bakersfield Yard already full, trains on the BNSF route to the north of Bakersfield were found tied down waiting their turn to head south. BNSF 4967 (C44-9W), BNSF 987 (C44-9W), BNSF 7892 (SD40-2), BNSF 4040 (C44-9W), BNSF 4124 (C44-9W), BNSF 4892 (C44-9W), BNSF 3118 (GP39-2) are pictured at West Una with a southbound manifest.

Amtrak 2008 (F59PH) speeds bas BNNSF 4967 at West Una while operating the 06:35 Sacramento - Bakersfield service.

BNSF 521 (B40-8W), and BNSF 514 (B40-8W) are pictured at Wasco on the 2nd May 2005 with a small local working heading for Bakersfield Yard.

BNSF 4800 (C44-9W), BNSF 5357 (C44-9W), and BNSF 8638 (B40-8) at pictured at Sandrini on thre 2nd May 2005 tied down waiting for the Tehachapi work window to open and allow trains to proceed south.

BNSF 723 (C44-9W), BNSF 5156 (C44-9W) haul a rake of baretables south at Waco on the 2nd May 2005 heading towards Bakersfield.

Amtrak 2015 (F59HP) speeds south at Wasco on the 2nd May 2005 operating 07:30 Oakland - Bakersfield passenger service.

Amtrak 2014 (FH59) passes Pond on the 2nd May 2005 operating the 11:15 Bakersfield - Oakland passenger service.

BNSF 5010 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 621(C44-9W), BNSF 843 (C40-8W), BNSF 804 (C40-8W) past the Caliente Railfan Tree on the 2nd April 2005 hauling a southbound manifest.

BNSF 4849 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 7240 (SD40-2), CSX 316 (AC44CW), & CSX 473 (AC44CW) past the Caliente Railfan Tree on the 2nd May 2005 with a northbound manifest.

CSX 316 (AC44CW) with partner CSX473 is pictured in the consist of a northbound manifest at Caliente on the 2nd May 2005.

BNSF 5393 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 815 (C40-8W), BNSF 6729 (ES44C4), and BNSF 1091 (C44-9W) into Tunnel 2 snaking it's way through from Bealville on the 2nd May 2005 hauling a northbound manifest.

BNSF 5393 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 815 (C40-8W), BNSF 6729 (ES44C4), and BNSF 1091 (C44-9W) pass Caliente Creek on the 2nd May 2005 with a northbound manifest.

3rd May 2005

The 3rd May was out final full day on the Tehachapi Mountain Range, it provided cloudless skies a couple of brand new locomotives and a good level of freights moving over the pass.

BNSF 5153 (C44-9W), BNSF 4030 (C44-9W), and BNSF 842 (C40-8W) wrap around the Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005 operating a northbound manifest.

BNSF 4412 (C44-9W), NS 9207 (C40-9W), BNSF 970 (C44-9W) lead a northbound manifest around the Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005.

Rear end helpers BNSF 927 (C41-8W) and BNSF 4658 (C44-9W) assist a northbound manifest around the Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005.

Union Pacific pairing UP 9720 (C44-9W and UP 9397 (C41-8W) haul a southbound intermodal through the Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005.

Union Pacific threesome UP 9743 (C44-9W), UP 9134 (C40-8), and UP 3933 (SD70M) haul a northbound manifest around the famous Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005.

BNSF 7684 (ES44DC), BNSF 5292 (C44-9W), BNSF 4482 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5331 (C44-9W) wait at Caliente as BNSF 4172 (C44-9W), BNSF 727 (C44-9W), BNSF 4101 (C44-9W) descend from Tunnel 2 to pass at Caliente on the 3rd May 2005.

A surprise during the morning period was the appearance of the BNSF Managers Train working over the mountain, it's seen coming out of Marcel heading North towards Bakersfield. The train was being operated for 'shippers' who use BNSF as a haulier. The train was operated from Barstow Intermodal Terminal to Swanson (close to Modesto in Northern California). A brand new ES44 DC was provided by BNSF No.7693.

BNSF 4172 (C44-9W), BNSF 727 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4101 (C44-9W) arrive into Caliente having dropped down from Tunnel 2 hauling a northbound double stack on the 3rd May 2005.

BNSF 4172, BNSF 727, BNSF 4101 passes BNSF 7684, BNSF 5292, BNSF 4482, BNSF 5331 at Caliente

Having made the climb up from Caliente through the Bealville Crossovers, BNSF 7684 (ES44DC) leads BNSF 5292 (C44-9W), BNSF 4482 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5331 (C44-9W) into Tunnel 3 hauling a southbound stacker on the 3rd May 2005.

BNSF 7684 (ES44DC), BNSF 5292 (C44-9W), BNSF 4482 (C44-9W), and BNSF 5331 (C44-9W) roll slowly though Woodford on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a southbound stack train.

A pair of Union Pacific SD70M locomotives No.3862 and No.4017 pass through Woodford on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a southbound bare table.

Union Pacific Trio UP 5814 (AC44CWCTE), UP 4677 (SD70M), and UP 5825 (AC44CWCTE) pass over the Woodford Trestle on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a northbound manifest.

A filthy UP 5775 (AC44CWCTE) stands in the loop at Woodford with partners UP 2945 (SD40T-2) , UP 4680 (SD70M) while operating a southbound manifest on the 3rd May 2005.

BNSF 4451 (C44-9W), BNSF 4747 (C44-9W), BNSF 4125 (C44-9W), and NS 9351 (C44-9W) apply the power and haul Train199 North Bay - Willow Springs out of Bealville on the 3rd May 2005.

A fleet of BNSF locomotives lead by BNSF 5280 (C44-9W) with BNSF 5034 (C44-9W), BNSF 1089 (C44-9W), BNSF 608 (C44-9W), BNSF 4773 (C44-9W), and BNSF 2408 (GP30) round the horseshoe curve at Caliente to begin the climb up to Tunnel 2 on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a southbound manifest.

What may have been the RICBAR (Richmond - Barstow) manifest on the 3rd June 2005, BNSF 1043 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 6932 (SD40-2), BNSF 7024 (SD40-2), and BNSF 6348 (SD40-2) at the Caliente Railfan Tree.

BNSF 4760 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 960 (C44-9W), BNSF 5011 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4606 (C44-9W) through Caliente on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a southbound Intermodal.

BNSF 4908 (C44-9W), BNSF 5340 (C44-9W), and BNSF???? round the Tehachapi Loop on the 3rd May 2005 hauling a southbound double stack.

4th May 2005

On the 4th May we drove to Mojave before following the BNSF tracks to Barstow before returning via Helendale.

BNSF5059, BNSF1099, BNSF4596 arrive into Mojave with a south bound manifest.

BNSF 5059 (C44-9W), BNSF 1099 (C44-9W), BNSF and 4596 (C44-9W) approach Mojave on the 4th May 2005 hauling a southbound manifest.

A Union Pacific SD40T-2 and Ex Southern Pacific ('Patch') SD45 are pictured on switching duties in Mojave Yard on the 4th May 2005. No.2930 and No.2690 were preparing consists onward transit.

BNSF 5059 (C44-9W), BNSF 1099 (C44-9W), BNSF and 4596 (C44-9W) arrive into Mojave under the north end road bridge on the 4th May 2005 hauling a southbound manifest.

Having left the Tehachapi Mountains behind BNSF 5059 (C44-9W), BNSF 1099 (C44-9W), BNSF 4596 (C44-9W) storm east at Boron picking up speed on route towards Barstow on the 4th May 2005.

Union Pacific pairing UP 4086 (SD70M), UP 9565 (C44-9W) pass eastbound through Barstow on the 4th May 2005 with a double stack.

Santa Fe liveried locomotive No.6213 (SD39) and SLUG 3977 pull down to the east end of Barstow Yard switching cars into various consists on the 4th May 2005.

Union Pacific SD40-2 No.9950 stands in the collection at the Barstow Harvey House Museum on the 4th May 2005.

Former Santa Fe No.95 (FP45) is pictured on display at the Barstow Harvey House Museum on the 4th May 2005.

An Industrial Shunter is pictured at Barstow Harvey House Museum on the 4th May 2005.

BNSF 4733 (C44-9W), BNSF 4626 (C44-9W), NS 9579 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4961 (C44-9W) storm through Dagget to the east of Barstow on the 4th May 2005 with a westbound manifest arriving from the Trans Continental route.

BNSF 4827 (C44-9W), BNSF 872 (C40-8), and BNSF 741 (C44-9W) roll through Dagget on the 5th May 2005 heading west from the Transcon route with an intermodal in tow.

With UP 5094 (SD70M) and UP 2498 (SD60M) out of sight leading a loaded ballast train westwards, rear end helpers UP 2362 (SD60M) and UP 6247 (SD60M) clear the road crossing at Dagget on the 4th May 2005.

BNSF 4968 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 4953 (C44-9W), BNSF 5367 (C44-9W), BNSF 5477 (C44-9W), and BNSF 715 (C44-9W) eastbound at Dagget with a 'Z' Train Intermodal on the 4th May 2005.

A fleet of Union Pacific Locomotives stand in Yermo Yard on the 4th May 2005. UP 5702 (AC44CWCTE), UP 2256 (SD60M), UP 2441 (SD60M), UP 2477 (SD60M), UP 6188 (AC44CW) are pictured facing east ready to head across the desert towards Kelso and Las Vegas.

A rare three generations of American diesel locomotives in the shape of SD50, SD60 and SD70 stand at the yard entrance to Yermo on the 4th May 2005. UP 2387 (SD60M), UP 4294 (SD70M), and UP 9844 (SD50) were coupled to a rake of westbound autoracks.

UP 5231 (SD70M), UP 4882 (SD70M), and CSX 9031 (C44-9W) are pictured in Yermo Yard facing east with a rake of Autoracks on the 4th May 2005. The lead SD70 has a revised trial cab differing from the normal SD70M cabs.

Union Pacific locomotives UP 4115 (SD70M) , UP 9856 (SD50), UP 3872 (SD70M), and UP 9554 (C41-8W) head east at Victory Outreach Ranch just off the National Trails Highway (Route 66)

BNSF 5486 (C44-9W), BNSF 752 (C44-9W), BNSF 4060 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4079 (C44-9W) round the curve at Helendale on the 4th May 2005 operating a northbound intermodal. The lead locomotive having been fitted with a cab door from an BNSF Heritage 2 locomotive.

A motley selection of BNSF and NS locomotives BNSF 4672 (C44-9W), BNSF 4366 (C44-9W), NS 8938 (C40-9W), BNSF 7312 (SD40-2), NS 8681 (C39-8E), and NS 8909 (C40-9W) round the curve at Helendale on the 4th May 2005 hauling an eastbound intermodal towards Barstow.

As the Santa Ana winds whip up the loose sand BNSF 4111 (C44-9W), BNSF 4952 (C44-9W), BNSF 906 (C44-8W), and BNSF 4178 (C44-9W) head westbound at Helendale on the 4th May 2005 hauling a double stack.

BNSF 4731 (C44-9W) leads a motley selection of power westbound at Helendale on the 4th May 2005. The locomotive is pictured leaving BNSF 7851 (SD40-2), Montana Rail Link 322 (SD45), NREX 5080 (SD50), and NREX 5453 (SD50). NREX 5080 is also notable as being Ex Union Pacific and Ex Chicago North Western.

BNSF 7851 (SD40-2) and Montana Rail Link 322 (SD45) are pictured in the consist of a westbound stack train on the 4th May 2005.

Montana Rail Links 322 (SD45) is pictured in the consist of a westbound stack train at Helendale on the 4th May 2005.

Ex Chicgo North Western, Ex Union Pacifc SD50 NREX 5080 is pictured in the consist of a westbound double stack on the 4th May 2005 at Helendale.

Ex Conrail SD50 (NREX 5453) is pictured in the consist of a westbound double stack at Helendale on the 4th May 2005.

BNSF 4311 (C44-9W), leads BNSF 1012 (C44-9W), BNSF 5348 (C44-9W), and BNSF 4318 (C44-9W) westbound at Helendale on the 4th May 2005 hauling a heavily loaded steel coil train.

UP 4907 (SD70M), and UP 9679 (C44-9W) haul a westbound intermodal at Vister Road near Helendale on the 4th May 2005.

A trio of Union Pacific locomotives UP 6247 (SD60M), UP 2352 (SD60M), and UP 6579 (AC44CW) pass westbound through Turner Road near Helendale on the 4th May 2005.

A pair of BNSF Dash 9's head west at Bryman Road near Helendale. BNSF 4420 (C44-9W), BNSF 5489 (C44-9W) are pictured on the 4th May 2005 hauling a double stack.

A pair of Norfolk Southern locomotives leads a BNSF double stack westbound at Bryman Road, Helendale. NS 9616 (C40-9W), NS 9442 (C40-9W), and BNSF 5384 (C44-9W) are pictured on the 4th May 2005.

In the low evening light BNSF 5171 (C44-9W) leads BNSF 804 (C40-8W), BNSF 621 (C44-9W), BNSF 843 (C40-8W) make a meet at Bryman Road, near Helendale on the 4th May 2005.

5th May 2005

The 5th May was our final day in California, upon returning to Los Angeles we called off at Hinda and El Casco before returning to LAX for our flight home.

UP2475 (SD60M), leads UP3308 (SD40-2), UP2942 (SD40-2), UP6208 (SD60M) south at El Caso on the Union Pacific line between Colton and Yuma on the 5th May 2005.

UP4518 (SD70M) leads UP5116 (SD70M), UP3906 (SD70M), UP4569 (SD70M) north at El Casco on the 5th May 2005 with a manifest towards Colton Yard.

In the overcast and gloomy conditions UP2462 (SD60M) leads former Southern Pacific SD45 UP and, UP3160 (SD40-2) through El Casco on the 5th May 2005 hauling a northbound manifest.

UP2283 (SD60M), UP2231 (SD60), UP2224 (SD60), UP2380 (SD60M) are pictrued at El Casco on the 5th May 2005 hauling a northbound manifest towards West Colton Yard.

UP4498 (SD70M) leads former Southern Pacific UP 8799 (SD40-2), and UP1823 (B39-8E) pass El Casco with a northbound double stack heading towards West Colton Yard.

Union Pacific UP4113 (SD70M), leads BNSF 7088 (SD40-2), NS8968 (C40-9W), and NS9613 (C40-9W) north at El Casco on the 5th May 2005 heading for West Colton Yard with a mixed manifest in tow.

Working at full tilt with heat haze pouring from the hard working locomotive engines. UP4472 (SD70M) leads, UP3987 (SD70M), UP1808 (SD40-2) on a northbound intermodal service from the El Casco on the 5th May 2005.

A brace of SD60M locomotives passes through El Casco on the 5th May 2005. UP2437 (SD60M) leads, UP2491 (SD60M), UP6238 (AC44CW) , UP6248 (SD60M), UP2281 (SD60M), and UP2452 (SD60M).

A brace of brand new ES44AC locomotives passes through El Casco on the 5th May 2005 hauling a northbound double stack towards West Colton Yard. UP5368 (ES44AC), UP5402 (ES44AC), UP5363 (ES44AC), and UP5391 (AC45CCTE) pictured.

UP4078 (SD70M), leads UP2254 (SD60M) and CSX7905 (C40-8W) north through El Casco on the 5th May 2005 hauling a lengthy double stack towards West Colton Yard.

UP4914 (SD70M), UP5008 (SD70M), UP4482 (SD70M), UP9590 (C44-9W) pass Hinda on the 5th May 2005 hauling a northbound double stack towards Colton West Yard.

Ex Burlington Northern SD40-2 (now CEFX 3181) is pictured in consist at El Casco on the 5th May 2005.

UP5721 (AC44CWCTE) is pictured at Hinda on the 5th May 2005 working a loaded ballast/ engineers train in top and tail formation with partner locomotive UP5743.

Union Pacific UP5743 (AC44CWCTE) powers on the rear of a northbound loaded ballast train on the 5th May 2005, leading out site was UP5721