| BNSF Christmas Train 2009 | ||
 |
Yearly,
BNSF runs a Christmas Train over its system. The idea is to give
disadvantaged and seriously ill children a "lift" for
Christmas. In southern CA, the train was used over several days
running in the LA area --- including one trip for children from the City
of Hope Cancer Hospital. Last Sunday (12/20/09), it made two round trips
from San Berdoo to Summit. On those trips the train ran in a 1+1
configuration. On Monday (12/21/09), the train ran a round trip from San Berdoo to Barstow - with a stop in Victorville. The power units were arraigned "elephant style". |
 |
| 12/20/09 X-Mas Train EB at WSI - 9328 | x | 12/20/09 BNSF 7256 EB X-Mas Train at WSI - 9329 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/20/09 BNSF 7236 WB from Summit - 9330 | 12/21/09 EB Train entering Summit - 9331 | 12/21/09 BNSF 7256 EB at Frost MP 38 - 9332 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/21/09 Observation Car at Frost - 9333 | 12/21/09 X-Mas Train at Victorville - 9334 | 12/21/09 East Victorville - 9335 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/21/09 WB Train at MP 40 - 9336 | 12/21/09 EB X-Mas Train at MP 59 - 9358 | 12/21/09 Soon, it will pass Hill 582 - 9359 |
| Dagget (East of Barstow) - MP 737.3 (Needles Sub) | ||
| Last Friday 12/04/09, Don, Marc and I drove up to Daggett (10 Miles East of Barstow). As many of you know, Daggett is where the UP connector track from the Yermo yard joins the BNSF to head WB. On the map I marked our photo location with X and added some info. (GGG) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 Map of Dagget, CA - 9306 | 12/04/09 UP 5196 SB coming from Yermo - 9307 | 12/04/09 Same train will join the BNSF main - 9308 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 BNSF 7294 EB MP 737.3 - 9309 | 12/04/09 BNSF 4497 WB on Needles Sub - 9310 | 12/04/09 Same train w/SF Warbonnet - 9311 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 BNSF 5521 WB same place - 9312 | 12/04/09 UP 7832 WB on BNSF main - 9313 | 12/04/09 BNSF 7431 EB Needles Sub - 9314 |
| The Barstow Flyer (photos by Gary Gray) | ||
|
Last
Saturday (10/17/09) the Pacific Railroad Society and LARail sponsored a
private car trip from LA to Barstow and return -- in conjunction with
the Western American Railroad Museums' RailFest in Barstow.
Marc and
his mom, Bob Widholm and his son Wiley rode the train while
Colin Marsden (GB) and I chased it. We
drove up to Toles Towers near Helendale at MP 19 to take the
following:
Photos
9223 - 9225: AMT 23 is approaching MP 19 - at track speed. Note
Marc waving from the rear of the second coach. Photo
9226: The train was turned on the Barstow Yard balloon track and
backed into the Barstow station. Photo
9227:
Picture of the train at the Casa del Desierto (Barstow
Station). Photo
9228: The train was late leaving Barstow. The last picture is from
Kemper Campbell Ranch. So, in the DARK, while listening to the
HUNGRY coyotes howling, the train came by WB at track speed with the
guys waving and yelling. FUN
DAY - GGG
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 AMT 23 Barstow Flyer EB MP 19 - 9223 | 10/17/09 Getting closer Cajon Sub MP 19 - 9224 | 10/17/09 Marc Fournier is waving, 2nd Coach - 9225 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 Plenty people on the platform - 9226 | 10/17/09 Special in front of depot - 9227 | 10/17/09 Coming home WB at Frost - 9228 |
|
10/17/09 - While waiting for the Barstow Flyer, there were a good number
of other trains. Photo:
9229: The newest exhibit at W.A.R.M is ATSF 1460, commonly known as
the "BEEP". It was built by Baldwin, re-engined and trucked by
EMD to GP standards and therefore the BEEP.
Check the Barstow Museum: http://www.barstowrailmuseum.org/
and the Story of the BEEP: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beep_(locomotive)
Photos: 9230 - 9231: UP 7613 is WB from W. Barstow. The
West leg of the Mojave Sub Wye can be seen under the Hwy 58 bridge.
Photos
9232 - 9233: UP 8123 (older SD-90/43) is EB at Cajon Sub MP 19 with UP
8688 (newer SD-70Ace) as the trailing DPU. - GGG
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 ATSF 1460 (BEEP) at WARM - 9229 | 10/17/09 UP 7613 WB at MP 2 - 9230 | 10/17/09 UP WB MP 2 (Barstow West) - 9231 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 UP 8123 EB MP 18 Cajon Sub - 9232 | 10/17/09 UP 8668 DPU for 8123 EB - 9233 | 10/17/09 BNSF 4725 EB MP 18 - 9234 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 BNSF 4535 EB MP 19 Cajon Sub - 9235 | 10/17/09 BNSF 5141 WB MP 20 - 9236 | 10/17/09 BNSF 7493 WB MP 20 - 9237 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/17/09 BNSF 7493 WB MP 20 - 9238 | 10/17/09 BNSF 7686 WB Mp 20 - 9239 | 10/17/09 BNSF 7686 WB getting closer - 9240 |
| Barstow West MP 2 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 11/20/09 BNSF 7526 WB leaving Barstow - 9270 | 11/20/09 BNSF WB under Hwy 58 bridge - 9271 | 11/20/09 BNSF 7752 WB from the yard - 9272 |
 |
Don and I drove up to the West end of the BNSF Barstow
yard. The area
is just RR West of the Hwy 58/Route 66 junction.
Photos
9270 - 9271:
show the BNSF 7526 WB on the "wrong" main track (due
to MOW). Photos 9272 - 9273: have BNSF 7752 appearing to come off
the Mojave sub. However the train has actually come from the far RIGHT
SIDE of the pictures, traveled UNDER
the Main, traveled a short distance up the east leg of the Mojave Sub
Wye. transitioned to the West Leg of the Wye and onto the Cajon Sub
Main. Photo
9274: The edited Google map should clear-up the above mess I just
wrote ! We
are at "X". The
train is WB under the Hwy 58 bridge on track "Y" -- having
just used the tunnel under the Main at Z. (GGG)
|
 |
| 11/20/09 BNSF enters Main - 9273 | x | 11/20/09 Map w/Hwy 58 in the middle - 9274 |
| Fire in Cajon Pass (photos by Marc Fournier) | ||
|
10/03/09 - For those NOT in Sourthern
CA (and anyone interested), here are some pics of the SHEEP FIRE which
started (evidently) in Lytle Creek Canyon -- one canyon west of Cajon.
It progressed NW up the south side of Hwy138 toward Wrightwood where
they THINK they have it somewhat contained. Rail traffic was stopped for
a short while but is back to normal now.
Our FEARLESS friend, Marc, braved the terror
and took the attached.
Photos 9211 - 9212: were taken from
the Summit Curve next to the UP/SP track --- about 4.5 miles from the
fire looking SW over Hwy 138. BNSF #1 & 2 can be seen crossing under
the 138. To the right are the Mormon Rocks. Photos
9213 - 9214: are from the West
Bound Control Signal at Silverwood. Photos
9215 - 9216: He got closer for - (1.5 miles) -- CP Walker and the
Davis Ranch area. MT/GGG
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 10/03/09 Fire as seen from Summit Curve - 9211 | 10/03/09 Hwy 138 and Mormon Rocks - 9212 | 10/03/09 Fire as seen from Silverwood - 9213 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/03/09 same location - 9214 | 10/03/09 As seen from CP Walker - 9215 | 10/03/09 As seen from Davis Ranch Rd. - 9216 |
| East Victorville MP 34.1 | ||
| East Victorville with the BNSF Mojave River Bridges. The Cemex cement plant can be seen in the distance and the lower narrows of the Mojave River. | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 BNSF 7511 EB MP 34.1 - 9315 | 12/04/09 BNSF EB getting closer - 9316 | 12/04/09 Same train goes thru the bridges - 9317 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 UP 7831 WB xing the Mojave River - 9318 | 12/04/09 Same with zoom lens - 9319 | 12/04/09 Looking toward Cemex plant - 9320 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/04/09 UP meets BNSF - 9321 | 12/04/09 UP mid train DPU's for WB 7831 - 9322 | 9/30/09 BNSF 4085 WB MP 34.1 - 9338 |
| Frost MP 38 and MP 39.1 (Flyover) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 3/13/09 BNSF 4912 WB - 9049 | 3/13/09 Brand New (ES44) BNSF 7230 WB - 9050 | 6/12/09 BNSF 7572 WB - 9109 |
 |
 |
 |
| 6/12/09 UP 5506 EB from MT-2 to MT-1 - 9110 | 6/12/09 UP 8212 DPU for UP 5506 EB - 9111 | 6/12/09 BNSF 4076 MT-2 to MT-1 at Frost - 9134 |
 |
 |
 |
| 6/12/09 BNSF going from MT-2 to MT-1 - 9135 | 6/22/09 RB B&B Circus Train MP40 - 9127 | 6/22/09 RB B&B Circus Traisn MP40 - 9128 |
|
Photos 9127 - 9129: Yesterday, after
returning from a great weekend in Anaheim Ca, I was about to take a nap
and relax when I read on TO that the RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM &
BAILEY Circus Train was traveling between Vegas and Phoenix, AZ. The RB
B&/BB has two complete shows that travel the US in two year segments.
The BLUE show normally stays in the eastern US. Both travel between
venues via train -- the cars are owned by the Circus and, of course,
pulled by the RR involved.
http://www.ringling.com/
So,
after reading the TO post, I had just a few minutes to get over to the
tracks just west of our home -- even tho I was on the wrong sun side of
the train.
The
cars directly behind the power are the animal cars -- BTW, the animals
are superbly tended -- no matter what PETA says. After the animal cars
are the people cars followed by the equipment cars.
Here
is the info on the mile long train:
RED UNIT -- 139th Edition --
June 22 TRAIN-RUN from Las Vegas NV to Phoenix AZ. If they use the same routing as last year, we should see the train descend Cajon Pass once again, then head east on the former Southern Pacific 'Sunset Route. 2009 Red Unit Circus Train: 59 cars (38 conventional passenger-type cars; 21 TTX-[type] piggyback flats), 4,290 Tons (when fully loaded), 5,235 Feet (WITHOUT host RR's power attached; 1 mile = 5,280 feet)
Photo 9127:
is BNSF 7237 EB at Cajon Sub MP 41. Photos
9128 & 9129: are the head end
and the equipment cars.
In any number of ways, it is THE GREATEST
SHOW ON EARTH - Enjoy (GGG)
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 6/22/09 BNSF 7237 EB MP41 - 9129 | 6/22/09 BNSF 7450 WB flyover MP39.1 - 9130 | 8/01/09 BNSF 7754 WB Frost MP 38 - 9157 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/01/09 BNSF 7754 WB Frost - 9158 | 8/01/09 BNSF 7734 DPU for 7754 - 9159 | 8/01/09 UP 1983, 1996, 2002 WB - 9160 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/01/09 UP 1983 WP, 1996 SP, 2002 - 9161 | 8/01/09 UP 2002 (Olympic) - 9162 | 8/01/09 UP 8314 DPU for 1983 WB - 9163 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/11/09 UP 1983, 1996, 1995 WB - 9164 | 8/11/09 UP WB 3 Heritage units - 9165 | 8/11/09 The engines are getting closer - 9166 |
| Photos 9164 - 9170: Show time at the "natural crossover / flyover" MP 39.1 This KG1LA train was to have three of the UP Heritage units (1193 WP, 1996 SP, 1995 C&NW all 3 = SD70ACe's) leading along with the 2002 Olympic unit (SD70M) + 1 (SD70ACe) as mid-train DPU's. | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 8/11/09 Almost in front of us - 9167 | 8/11/09 UP 2002 Olympic SD70M as DPU - 9168 | 8/11/09 2ns DPU is a UO SD70ACe - 9169 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/11/09 last view of the Heritage locos - 9170 | 9/25/09 BNSF 7767 WB at MP 38 - 9199 | 9/25/09 BNSF 7767 WB at MP 38 - 9200 |
| Photos 9199 - 9202: BNSF 7767 + 5 WB through the Upper Mojave River Narrows at Cajon Sub MP 38. The two trailing GP-60M's were DiT (Dead in Tow) --- probably headed for local duties in San Berdoo or LA ? Photo 9203: UP 5625 is WB having just crossed the "natural crossovers" (flyover) at MP 39.1 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 9/25/09 BNSF 7767 WB at MP 38 - 9201 | 9/25/09 BNSF 7767 WB at MP 38 - 9202 | 9/25/09 UP 5625 WB at MP 39.1 - 9203 |
 |
 |
 |
| 9/25/09 BNSF 7673 EB Frost MP 38 - 9204 | 9/25/09 BNSF 5330 DPU's for 7673 - 9205 | 9/25/09 BNSF 4056 + 10 WB MP 39.1 - 9206 |
|
Photo 9204: BNSF 7673 leads a MONSTER
train (3+2+2) EB thru Frost and into the upper Narrows. Photo 9205: BNSF 5330 on the trailing DPUs
EB for BNSF 7673. Photos 9206 - 9207: BNSF
4056 is WB approaching "Jones Flat" and onto the bridge
of the flyover. Photos 9208 - 9209: Two
views of BNSF 4430 WB from the Narrows to Frost.
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 9/25/09 BNSF 4056 + 10 WB MP 39.1 - 9207 | 9/25/09 BNSF 4430 WB Frost MP 38 - 9208 | 9/25/09 BNSF 4430 WB Frost MP 38 - 9209 |
 |
 |
 |
| 9/25/09 BNSF 4904 EB at MP 38 - 9210 | 12/03/09 BNSF 4173 WB at Frost - 9323 | 9/30/09 BNSF 7269 EB at MP 38 - 9324 |
 |
 |
 |
| 9/30/09 BNSF 7318 WB at Frost - 9325 | 11/13/09 BNSF 7535 WB at Frost - 9326 | 8/25/09 BNSF 7673 EB at Frost MP 38 - 9327 |
| Cushenberry Branch, Hesperia to Lucerne Valley MP 45 | ||
| The Cushenberry Branch runs 29.2 miles from Hesperia East to Lucerne Valley. 90+ Coal loads are left in Hespera. The Cajon local takes half the loaded cars out to the mines, returns a few days later to bring the empties back to Hesperia and then take the remaining loads to Cushenberry. So, the whole routine requires four round trips from Hesperia to Lucerne. (GGG) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 2/20/09 BNSF 7718 heads east from the siding in Hesperia - 9017 | 2/20/09 BNSF 7718 leaving the siding in Hesperia with loaded coal cars - 9018 | 2/20/09 Crossing the Mojave river bridge and heading East (29 mls) - 9019 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/20/09 After crossing the Mojave river bridge it is heading East to the Cement plants - 9020 | 5/07/09 BNSF 4431 WB combined double stack and TOFC at Hesperia - 9096 | 11/30/09 BNSF 7574 WB Hesperia - 9304 |
 |
 |
 |
| 11/30/09 BNSF 4050 Local (worktrain) - 9305 | 12/21/09 BNSF 5216 lite WB Hesperia - 9339 | 12/21/09 UP 5320 EB at Frost MP 38 - 9341 |
| UP Palmdale cutoff. Marc lives in Oak Hills at the top of Cajon Pass. The UP/SP Palmdale cutoff runs west of his home. | ||
 |
Southern Pacific built the Colton - Palmdale cutoff in 1967 to get a possibility running trains from the Tehachapis to Southern California's Colton Yard without squeezing thru Soledad Canyon. SP was asking Santa Fe for possible trackage rights but SF refused because their tracks were already busy with their own trains and those from UP. So, SP decided to build their own line thru Cajon Pass. After UP took over SP in 1996, UP built the Silverwood connector to get access from their own line to the BNSF with continnuation to Barstow, Dagget and Yermo (UP's line to Salt Lake). |
 |
| 4/02/09 UP 9411 NB Oak Hills Cut - 9064 | x | 4/02/09 UP 9411 NB Oak Hills Cut - 9065 |
| West Summit Island (WSI) and Silverwood Connector (SC) are just below the Summit Curve MP 56.7 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 2/21/09 BNSF 7560 WB on Main # 3 - 9021 | 2/21/09 WB getting closer while EB is on # 1 - 9022 | 2/21/09 WB going downhill seen from WSI - 9023 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/27/09 BNSF 548 JAC-BAR at WSI - 9024 | 2/27/09 The JAC-BAR has 4-axle power - 9025 | 2/27/09 Passing WSI on Main # 3 - 9026 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/27/09 BNSF 7417 EB on Main # 3 uphill - 9027 | 2/27/09 EB passing WSI toward Summit - 9028 | 2/27/09 UP 4574 EB at WSI (ballast empties) 9029 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/27/09 UP 5415 SB on Silverwood Conn. - 9030 | 2/27/09 UP SB meets UP EB (Main 1) - 9031 | 2/27/09 BNSF 4935 (Main 2) pases UP EB - 9032 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/27/09 UP 4574 proceeds on Main 1 - 9033 | 2/27/09 BNSF 4690 WB on Main 2 - 9034 | 2/27/09 BNSF 4690 WB downhill on Main 2 - 9035 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/21/09 Erosion damage on M-3 - 9040 | 2/21/09 BNSF M-3 damage - 9041 | 2/21/09 Repaired damage on M-3 - 9042 |
|
YES, Cajon and the High
Desert have received their fair share of rain this winter, however we
could always use more. And Yes, there was some damage
to the BNSF tracks in Cajon. Marc sends several photos. Photos
9040 + 9041 show the damage, 9042 the repair and 9043 hydroseeding of
the water damage to the south side of M-3 just RR East of WSIs (West
Summit Island).
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 3/04/09 UP 5424 EB at Silverwood - 9043 | 3/20/09 BNSF 4444 WB on Main 2 at WSI - 9053 | 3/20/09 TRIPLE meet at MP 57.2 by KS - 9054 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/27/09 TOFC Werner Enterprises - 9055 | 3/20/09 UP 5427 EB at WSI on Main 1 - 9056 | 3/20/09 UP EB toward Summit Curve - 9057 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/26/09 LoRam Rail Grinder at Cajon Station - 9-058 | 3/26/09 Rail Grinder in action at Silverwood - 9-059 | 3/26/09 Both photos by Paul Westover - 9-060 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/31/09 BNSF 7543 WB on M-2 looking RR East. West Summit Island (WSI) in the middle - 9063 | 4/11/09 BNSF 7202 is WB to WSI and meeting a UP moving from the UP onto the BNSF M-1 via the Silverwood Connector - 9069 | 4/11/09 BNSF WB on M-2 pass UP EB on Silverwood Connector - 9070 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/18/09 BNSF 4609 EB at MP 57 - 9066 | 4/01/09 BNSF 7255 EB on M-3 at MP 57 - 9076 | 3/19/09 UP 5343 EB on M-1 at MP 56.8 - 9082 |
 |
 |
 |
| 4/04/09 UP 5258 SB Ballast Train on SC - 9085 | 4/04/09 UP Helpers on Silverwood Connector - 9086 | 3/16/09 BNSF EB MP 57 (Hill 582 above cab) 9091 |
 |
 |
 |
| 4/04/09 BNSF 4077 WB meet w/UP - 9092 | 4/04/09 BNSF meets UP DPU's - 9093 | 5/01/09 UP 8042 WB on M-2 seen from WSI 9099 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/20/09 UP 5484 WB in early morning haze - 9097 | 4/05/09 BNSF 7250 EB MT-3 - 9136 | 4/11/09 BNSF 7770 WB - 9137 |
 |
West
Summit Island (WSI) is just below the Summit Curve. From this point, we can see the Silverwood Connector (connecting UP and BNSF). Actually we can see the UP track, BNSF MT-1 and MT-2 (on the left side) and MT-3 (on the rigt side). See also photo 8115 and 9063. |
 |
| 8/10/09 UP 5402 EB MP 57 Silverwood - 9182 | x | 12/21/09 BNSF 7624 WB MT-3 at WSI - 9342 |
| BNSF Track Renewal Main Track # 3 (between Summit and Hill 582) | ||
|
11/02/09: Today, Keith and I witnessed something new (for us anyway). We
were told that the BNSF P 811 Track Renewal Machine would be working on
Main # 3 at the crossings and curves near MP 57.2 and down near Hill
582. Well this Multi-Million dollar machine is something to watch.
The P 811 unclips the old rails, spreads them, picks up the old concrete
ties, places the new concrete ties, places the new rail(s) and moves on
- at about two MPH.
Photo 9241: On the way to MP 57.2, I stopped at Summit to watch UP 7740 move from Main # 3 to # 2. Following photos are taken from Pipeline Hill MP 57.2:
Photos 9242 - 9243: BNSF 7744 leads the P811 and tie cars on Main
# 3. Photo 9244: BNSF 7562 on Main # 2 passes to P 811. Photo
9245: The machine actually has three straddle buggies to move the
new and old ties. The front most Buggy brings new ties from the
front of the train to the middle and then moves the old ties back toward
the front cars. The rearmost buggy grabs the new ties from the
middle of the train and takes them back to the P 811. It then
picks up the old ties and moves them back to the middle---MAKE ANY
SENSE? It takes two of the machines to keep the P 811 supplied with new
ties and stack the old ties. Photo 9246: The buggy has delivered
new ties to the upper level and is positioned to pickup the old ties. Photo
9249: Following the P 811, is the clipper and two surfacing machines
??. The last machine is an electromagnet picking up all of the old clips
etc. GGG
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 11/02/09 UP 7740 move from MT # 3 to # 2 - 9241 | 11/02/09 BNSF 7744 on # 3 & BNSF WB # 2 9242 | 11/02/09 BNSF 7744 leads P 811 & Tie Cars - 9243 |
 |
 |
 |
| 11/02/09 BNSF 7562 # 2 above P 811 - 9244 | 11/02/09 See description above - 9245 | 11/02/09 New ties are ready - 9246 |
 |
 |
 |
| 11/02/09 Close up of P 811 - 9247 | 11/02/09 The machine at work - 9248 | 11/02/09 Behind the P 811 is more equip. - 9249 |
 |
 |
 |
| 11/12/09 Kershow undercutter - 9284 | 11/12/09 Detail, ballast removed between ties 9285 | 11/12/09 Detail, ballast removal shovel - 9286 |
 |
Photos 9284 - 9288: Last month we sent pictures of the P811S replacing concrete ties and rail along certain areas of Main # 3. In the areas not replaced, the ballast needed renewing which means undercutting -- a dirty job for sure. I will not even try to explain this machine except to say it takes the top layer of ballast off, cleans some of it and disposes of the rest. Next will be new ballast, track "dressing" and rail grinding. |
 |
| 11/12/09 Work under I-15 bridge - 9287 | x | 11/12/09 Dusty action - 9288 |
| Hill 582 = MP 58.2X This is the "Oasis" for the Railfans (See also - The History of Hill 582 - click here) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 1/12/09 - BNSF 8738 EB JAC-BAR Hill 582 - 9001 | 1/12/09 - EB JAC-BAR all 4 axle power - 9002 | 1/12/09 BNSF 5083 WB "baretables" (empty) 9003 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1/12/09 BNSF 4030 EB "baretables" - 9004 | 1/23/09 Above BNSF busy UP workers - 9005 | 1/23/09 BNSF EB JAC-BAR 8738 leading - 9006 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/11/09 Amtrak # 3 WB near Hill 582 - 9013 | 2/11/09 Amtrak WB train is 5 hours late - 9014 | 2/16/09 BNSF 7687 WB in heavy snow - 9015 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2/16/09 Same WB train seen from the Hill - 9016 | 3/13/09 BNSF 548 JAC-BAR EB on M-1 - 9046 | 3/13/09 BNSF 4870 WB on M-2 - 9047 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/13/09 UP 7715 WB (Werner Trailer) on M-3 - 9048 | 3/20/09 BNSF 155 EB JAC-BAR on Main 3 - 9051 | 3/20/09 JAC-BAR going uphill on Main 3 - 9052 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/11/09 BNSF 7774 EB on M-2 seen from new MP 58 w/Hill 582 just above the diesels - 9061 | 4/01/09 BNSF 107 JAC-BAR EB on M-3 at MP 57 just RR East of Hill 582 (is top, center right) - 9062 | 3/23/09 BNSF 4737 WB at MP 58.4 just west of Hill 582 on M-3 - 9067 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/27/09 BNSF-UP all GE meet at Hill 582 - 9068 | 4/18/09 BNSF 7599 EB on M-3 below Hill 582 9071 | 2/20/09 BNSF 10 units EB on M-3 at Hill 582 - 9083 |
 |
 |
 |
| 4/18/09 UP 8167/BNSF EB and UP above - 9084 | 5/07/09 UP 8172 EB (SD90/43) - 9088 | 5/07/09 UP 4487 WB MT-3 past Hill 582 - 9089 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/24/09 BNSF WB on MT-3 MP 58.4 - 9090 | 5/07/09 Rattler on Hill 582 - 9087 | 5/22/09 BNSF 109 EB JACBAR on M-3 - 9106 |
|
Photo 9087: I have just read
that you cannot tell the age of a rattler by the number of rattles.
Evidently, "they" can shed their skin up to four times a year
and each shedding exposes a new rattle. The point, I guess, is that this
is probably a young snake who was just laying there warming in the sun
--- until I hit him/her/it with a small pebble. Suffice it to say
that he/she/it was NOT Happy. A 300 mm lens helps. GGG
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 5/22/09 UP 7732 WB on M-2 - 9103 | 5/22/09 UP WB, manned BNSF Helpers EB - 9104 | 5/22/09 UP WB DPU SD90/43 - 9105 |
 |
 |
 |
| 5/22/09 BNSF 1027 EB w/framed trees - 9102 | 5/22/09 Werner Enterprises TOFC - 9100 | 5/22/09 Total of 9 WE Trailers on this train - 9101 |
 |
 |
 |
| 6/12/09 UP 5476 WB (1 front + 1 rear) - 9107 | 6/12/09 UP 8244 DPU for UP 5476 WB - 9108 | 6/16/09 BNSF 5202 WB on M-2 - 9123 |
 |
 |
 |
| 6/16/09 BNSF 7255 EB (10 units lash-up) - 9121 | 6/16/09 Same train with 10 units (1 x NS) - 9122 | 6/16/09 UP 5411 EB (w/UPY 1115) - 9124 |
 |
 |
 |
| 6/16/09 Close up of UPY 1115 - 9125 | 6/16/09 UP 5411 EB meets UP 7860 WB - 9126 | 7/04/09 Another Rattler on the Hill - 9138 |
| Photo
9138 - 7/04/09: While visiting Hill 582 yesterday morning and one of
the gentleman who tends the garden, the subject of those unwelcome guests
came up and Hill Tender let on that they have killed three Southern
Pacific Rattlesnakes so far this season. As we were getting ready to
depart, number 4 was discovered right where we were walking and he was not
talking. That was the part that bothered all of us, that he was keeping
quiet. Normally, the wildlife on Cajon is safe from molestation, but Hill
582 is a noted exception simply because of the high number of folks who
come to see it. Theres no assurance by any means this was the last one, so for those stopping by, pay very close attention. Text & photo by espee4ever (thank you for this important information - it is greatly appreciated - WM) |
||
 |
 |
 |
| 7/31/09 UP 7418 NB on UP tracks - 9151 | 7/31/09 BNSF 4914 EB - 9152 | 7/31/09 BNSF 7517 WB - 9153 |
|
SUPER morning on Hill 582 last Friday (7/31/09) with Don, Marc and
Jerry.
Photo 9151: UP 7418 is slowly NB on the UP/SP -- creeping up to
the Silverwood connector--just to be held for. Photo
9152: BNSF 4941 EB with a 3 + 2 + 2 configuration pulling 9,000 feet
of stacks. Photo
9153: BNSF 7517 is WB with the Ethanol "BOMB" train. Photo
9154: BNSF 7517 lead units pass the mid-train units of BNSF 4941.
Photo
9155: BNSF 5508 rear DPU's for 4941. Photo
9156: BNSF 4108 trailing DPU's for "da BOMB".
Actually, at the same time, BNSF MT # 3 had a WB ---- all Cajon tracks
were busy. (GGG)
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 7/31/09 BNSF 7517 WB - 9154 | 7/31/09 BNSF 5508 DPU for 4941 EB - 9155 | 7/31/09 BNSF 4108 DPU for 7517 WB - 9156 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/14/09 New plaques finally installed - 9171 | 8/14/09 Close up of the plaques - 9172 | 8/14/09 Gary Gray, Marc Fournier, Don Toles - 9173 |
| Photos 9171-9173: Thanks to the generosity and High-Tech expertise of Ruedi (Switzerland), Hill 582 has two new plaques explaining the origins of the artifacts. Also, the 582 locals have new 582 T-Shirts (GGG) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 8/14/09 UP 5435 EB on Main # 1 - 9174 | 8/14/09 BNSF 5442 WB pass UP EB - 9175 | 8/21/09 BNSF 792 EB "Z" Train - 9176 |
 |
 |
 |
| 8/21/09 BNSF 5519 EB - 9177 | 8/21/09 BNSF EB Mid Train Helpers - 9178 | 8/21/09 BNSF EB Rear End Helpers - 9179 |
| Photos 9177-9179: BNSF 5519 (leading), 2 Mid-Train DPU's, & 2 Trailing DPU's of a 12,000 foot - 11,000 ton BNSF monster train EB at Hill 582. | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 8/21/09 ATSF 543 FM H12-44TS on the move - 9180 | 8/19/09 BNSF 710 EB w/trees of Hill 582 - 9181 | 7/31/09 BNSF 1003 WB on MT-3 - 9185 |
| Photo 9180: ATSF 543 (a Fairbanks Morse H12-44TS) is on the move from the CSRM in Sacramento. It is loaded on flat car QTTX 131391 and is currently moving south on the QRVWCB 20 heading towards West Colton, CA. The eventual destination is the Illinois Railway Museum at Union, IL | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 8/14/09 BNSF 4107 EB on MT-1 - 9184 | 8/14/09 BNSF 4398 EB on MT-1 - 9186 | 8/14/09 BNSF 7610 EB on MT-1 - 9187 |
 |
 |
 |
| 9/11/09 Gary Gray, Alice Hall, Don Toles - 9188 | 9/11/09 The Group (see below) - 9189 | 9/11/09 UP 7634 WB on Main 2 - 9190 |
|
Photos 9188 - 9189: Several months
ago, Alice Hall (an author from Devore, CA) contacted Don and me
concerning using a few of our Cajon Pictures in a book which would trace
the history of Cajon Pass. Last Friday, Alice and husband Roger joined
the Westovers (Tehachapi), Bobby Deren (Nashville), Don, Marc and me on
Hill 582.
THE CAJON PASS is a
superb pictorial history of 127 pages and 250+ photographs.
Do you want a copy of this book? Click here: The Cajon Pass - Arcadia Publishing
Don and I are honored to have four
pictures included in the railroading section. THANKS
ALICE (GGG)
Photos 9190 - 9193: UP 7634 is WB with about 8,000 feet of freight. BTW, the third unit behind 7634 is a newly painted GP 40-2. The meet was just west of Hill 582. The last picture is of the two DPU's helping UP 7634. |
||
 |
 |
 |
| 9/11/09 UP WB meet w/UP EB - 9191 | 9/11/09 UP 7634 WB - 9192 | 9/11/09 UP WB DPU's - 9193 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/02/09 BNSF 4547 EB - 9281 | 10/02/09 4 units C44-9W 4400 HP - 9282 | 10/02/09 Elephant style Dash 9's - 9283 |
| Photos 9281 - 9283: BNSF 4547 is EB to Hill 582 --- notable only because all four units are identical in Heritage II scheme and are arranged "elephant style". All 4 locos are of a 698 unit order (Nos. 4300 - 4999) and were built during 1997, 1998 and 1999. | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 11/30/09 UP 8546 WB w/Werner Trailers - 9299 | 11/30/09 BNSF 7762 WB (paint is fading) - 9300 | 11/30/09 DPU's for 7762 w/faded paint ! ! - 9301 |
 |
 |
 |
| 11/30/09 BNSF 7561 WB on Main 2 - 9302 | 6/16/09 - Don Toles, the "Hilltender" - 9119 | 11/30/09 DPU's for 7561 WB dbl stack - 9303 |
 |
Photo 9344:
Our famous Hill 582 is just visible above the first engine. This photo was
taken from the former Tunnel 1 East portal Area. Actually all other photos above have been taken from Hill 582. Did you read the History of Hill 582 written by Don E. Toles? Take a look - click here |
 |
| 12/18/09 UP 8134 EB - 9343 | x | 12/21/09 UP 5526 EB toward Hill 582 - 9344 |
| Alray - Area between Interstate 15 and former Tunnel 2 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 3/09/09 BNSF 5384 WB Ethanol train - 9036 | 3/09/09 It is rolling downhill on Main 2 - 9037 | 3/09/09 Almost endless tank cars - 9038 |
|
Marc sends a great series of BNSF 5384, WB near the old T-2 WP area (AlRay)
leading the ethanol train. Locally, the ethanol train is known as "the
bomb".
BTW, FRA/BNSF rules require and "idler" car between the power
and the "loads".
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 3/09/09 DPU's at the end of train - 9039 | 2/21/09 Erosion former T-2 area - 9044 | 3/09/09 UP 5385 WB pass repaired damage - 9045 |
 |
 |
 |
| 3/10/09 BNSF 7434 EB old T-1 area - 9075 | 4/03/09 BNSF 7261 M-3 MP59 under I-15 - 9079 | 4/03/09 Same EB towards old Tunnel area - 9080 |
 |
Photo 9294: An interesting view toward former Tunnel 2 area. Interstate 15 WB (direction San Bernardino) in front and EB lanes behind (going uphill to Hesperia and Barstow). We can see a BNSF EB TOFC train (which passed under I-15) and the front is already passing the former Tunnel 2 area (with high retaining wall) continuing to former Tunnel 1 area. This scene has really changed thru the construction of the 3rd Main Track because of daylighting of the 2 Tunnels and the addition of a track. So we have now MT-1 and MT-2. This BNSF train is actually on MT-1 going uphill. |
 |
| 10/07/09 BNSF EB to old Tunnel 2 area - 9294 | x | 12/23/09 BNSF 7530 WB Alray - 9348 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/23/09 UP 5448 WB in front - 9362 | 12/28/09 BNSF 7739 WB from T-2 area - 9346 | 12/28/09 BNSF 7739 WB getting closer - 9347 |
 |
In late December,
Don Toles took some more great photos of the Alray area. He was standing
above Interstate 15 and is looking eastward. On photo 9362, a UP WB train is coming downhill on UP's Palmdale cutoff line. Photo 9361 shows also a train on the UP line plus a BNSF WB on BNSF MT-2 Did anyone notice the top of the trailer on photo 9348? It is not on a Flat Car, but going uphill on I-15. The initials of Don are DET and the Truck in front is marked DET Transportation ! ! |
 |
| 12/28/09 BNSF 5130 EB at Alray - 9360 | x | 12/28/09 BNSF WB and UP in front - 9361 |
| Area between Hwy 138 and I-15 incl. Mormon Rocks, Stein's Hill, Davis Ranch Rd., CP Walker | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 4/18/09 BNSF 7276 EB Davis Ranch Rd - 9077 | 4/18/09 BNSF 7668 WB Davis Ranch Rd. 9078 | 4/16/09 UP 5553 WB Davis Ranch Rd. - 9133 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/17/09 BNSF 7569 EB Davis Ranch - 9349 | 12/31/09 BNSF 7403 EB Mormon Rocks - 9350 | 12/23/09 BNSF 7524 WB Davis R x-ing - 9351 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/21/09 BNSF 7486 EB west of DR Rd. - 9352 | 12/23/09 BNSF 7331 EB approaching DR - 9353 | 12/23/09 BNSF 7747 EB west of DR Rd. - 9354 |
 |
 |
 |
| 12/23/09 BNSF 7747 EB west of DR Rd. - 9355 | 12/21/09 UP 8178 NB above CP Walker - 9363 | 12/29/07 BNSF 7604 EB at CP Walker - 9345 |
 |
What
has Werner Enterprises to do with us? WE is a big trucking company founded in 1956 and based in Omaha, NE. With 7'200 Trucks (Tractors), 25'000 Trailers and 14'000 employees, WE is one of the five largest truck carriers in the U.S. WE is using the railroads for TOFC service, which can be seen over Cajon Pass. Last but not least, the host of this website, Werner Meer, feels somehow familiar with WE because his first name is Werner. So, on his HO layout (under construction) there is also a WE facility with WE trucks - take a look: click here Direct link to Werner Enerprises: click here |
 |
| 12/28/09 Werner TOFC at CP Walker by JW - 9356 | 12//28/09 Werner Trailer close up by JW - 9357 | |
| Sullivan's Curve MP 63.7X | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 4/18/09 BNSF 7213 WB on Main 2 - 9072 | 4/18/09 BNSF 4060 EB on M-1 meet w/WB - 9073 | 4/18/09 BNSF EB train pass end of WB - 9074 |
 |
 |
 |
| 5/03/09 UP 7768 WB on M-2 - 9098 | 7/06/09 UP 8667 WB on BNSF track 2 - 9139 | 7/06/09 UP 4884 DPU for same train - 9140 |
|
Last week, Marc and I drove down to Sullivan's to photograph the RB
B&B Circus train traveling SB from Fresno to LA. We arrived early,
but in time to see one of the new UP MONSTER trains WB through the
Curve-on the BNSF. So, pics 9139-9140 are the lead and mid-train
helpers for an 11,700+ ton, 10,600+ foot Super Train. Thanks to Andy
Goodson for the train info. The
late afternoon light was less than ideal but we did see some traffic
while waiting. (GGG)
|
||
 |
 |
 |
| 7/06/09 BNSF 7774 WB on track 2 - 9141 | 7/06/09 BNSF 7608 WB on track 1 - 9142 | 7/06/09 BNSF WB under Hwy 138 bridge - 9143 |
 |
 |
 |
| 7/06/09 UP 5432 WB Circus Train - 9144 | 7/06/09 WB RB B&B Circus Train - 9145 | 7/06/09 WB RB B&B Circus Train - 9146 |
|
As mentioned, the RB B&B Circus Train was SB thru Sullivan's Curve
on UP tracks last Monday. At almost 6:00 PM,
the light was fading but it is still worth to see.
Photos 9144 - 9150: Here
are the specs on the train:
2009 Red Unit Circus Train: -- 59 cars (38 conventional
passenger-type cars; 21 TTX-[type] piggyback flats)
-- 4,290 Tons (when fully loaded) -- 5,235 Feet (WITHOUT host RR's power attached; 1 mile = 5,280 feet) (GGG/MF) |
||
 |
 |
 |
| 7/06/09 WB RB B&B Circus Train - 9147 | 7/06/09 Circus Train flat cars - 9148 | 7/06/09 Circus Train Trailers - 9149 |
 |
 |
 |
| 7/06/09 End of Circus Train - 9150 | 8/19/09 UP meet at Sullivan's Curve - 9183 | 10/07/09 UP 7859 EB on BNSF Main 1 - 9289 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/07/09 UP 7732-4914 DPU for 7859 EB - 9290 | 10/07/09 Same DPU's end of train - 9291 | 10/07/09 UP 5460 EB on UP tracks - 9292 |
 |
 |
 |
| 10/07/09 UP 5427 EB on UP track - 9293 | 10/07/09 BNSF 6624 EB on BNSF Main 2 - 9295 | 10/23/09 BNSF 7569 EB on Main 2 - 9296 |
| Swarthout Canyon Road (SWC) - Blue Cut and Lower Canyon | ||
 |
 |
 |
| 3/31/09 BNSF 7776 WB M-3 SWC MP 64.8 - 9095 | 3/06/09 BNSF 4975 EB on M-1 at MP 66 - 9094 | 4/16/09 BNSF Track Geometry Train Blue Cut 9132 |
