tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46619170047304712802024-03-20T06:42:56.031-07:00Tehachapi 1950 OpsNightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-46357020375341083922018-10-25T16:01:00.000-07:002018-10-25T16:01:18.550-07:00Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 7) - Santa Fe LocalsWhile I've covered the 55/56 'Super Locals' and Valley Fruit Pickups briefly in the previous post, I wanted to devote one blog article specifically to the local operations around Bakersfield by the Santa Fe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDWvdiPXD1bOzsPm8EYI3Ptd6GP41iuB1Mqna9VXVGP2XGqKa1846s6ZU5F0lRYpAJVViv5YaI5caVUgbAkry4KNPYBqt3Br0KVRg9woWauVUnNff785ctOOhnilFSGRtOZ9CxcStwZIv/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDWvdiPXD1bOzsPm8EYI3Ptd6GP41iuB1Mqna9VXVGP2XGqKa1846s6ZU5F0lRYpAJVViv5YaI5caVUgbAkry4KNPYBqt3Br0KVRg9woWauVUnNff785ctOOhnilFSGRtOZ9CxcStwZIv/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Busy times in the Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard at LMRC, San Diego, CA.</td></tr>
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<h2>
Bakersfield Locals</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgehAx0gFtsCGw5OMWyue0jl6WVVA6Vc3GDrPSuTyia-O0PpYZA8FLTl4nv9KeMaaeAwPZm8wE_WLboSG7hjULpOR6hLJFO3hsMLu3qJWyMIlZW0MgFPtQpWxtxJ5nLW1diIVEX81GTvv/s1600/ATSF+966+Arvin+Turn+-+Magunden+7%252C35pm+Jan4-53+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgehAx0gFtsCGw5OMWyue0jl6WVVA6Vc3GDrPSuTyia-O0PpYZA8FLTl4nv9KeMaaeAwPZm8wE_WLboSG7hjULpOR6hLJFO3hsMLu3qJWyMIlZW0MgFPtQpWxtxJ5nLW1diIVEX81GTvv/s640/ATSF+966+Arvin+Turn+-+Magunden+7%252C35pm+Jan4-53+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 966 leads the Arvin Road Switcher out the branch at Algoso.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Arvin Branch</h3>
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The Arvin Branch as modeled at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club is quite compressed from the prototype, however it still boasts a robust number of car spots and operation interest during both the AM and PM shifts for up to two locals during peak season.<br />
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The modeled branch has about 100 car spots at industries in three 'stations' plus additional car 'storage' tracks and run-arounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbvJuFitrM94QUWwhX3hztrogs_PZWmcU5ABrQynBEinosoUPMARSyTuk2OUgz6l1usZoMzibT-gj_m7QI0ciF1I6qXapdfbuLqXaM8nEAL0upLLTU3rgdScN9Qoh6m5zPbD5nCXS24oA/s1600/Magunden+-+Reefers+for+loading+-+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbvJuFitrM94QUWwhX3hztrogs_PZWmcU5ABrQynBEinosoUPMARSyTuk2OUgz6l1usZoMzibT-gj_m7QI0ciF1I6qXapdfbuLqXaM8nEAL0upLLTU3rgdScN9Qoh6m5zPbD5nCXS24oA/s640/Magunden+-+Reefers+for+loading+-+Cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Magunden on the double track 'Joint Line' on the left and the branch switch leading to the Arvin Branch to the right.</td></tr>
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The junction point for the Branch is Magunden. There is an 18 car 'storage' track here where cars can be left for other trains,<i> I'll get to using this shortly</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCUL_ilvMwTUiEU4PvbYqgQCBxiO_xWHYMPCzKJyI0eVr-iBCk7V8qXng4Xuq8-sJolI_R50-Y-L3AlKnJdGs2FLvoWmgjp7Z9IQwmp-E_bVTM2PBa8mpY4-_DGu1XOIXyl8EnW6yPZdb/s1600/ARVIN+BRANCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCUL_ilvMwTUiEU4PvbYqgQCBxiO_xWHYMPCzKJyI0eVr-iBCk7V8qXng4Xuq8-sJolI_R50-Y-L3AlKnJdGs2FLvoWmgjp7Z9IQwmp-E_bVTM2PBa8mpY4-_DGu1XOIXyl8EnW6yPZdb/s640/ARVIN+BRANCH.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Arvin Branch track and industry chart.</td></tr>
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Algoso is the first station on the branch, just across the Edison Highway from Magunden. Algoso has one spur serving the Golden H Packing Shed.<br />
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The second town on the branch is DiGiorgio, which in real life was continous on the linear main track as it jogged south, east, and south again through the southern San Joaquin Valley, south of the Joint Line. DiGiorgio has a run around track, several packing sheds, and a sugar beet dump. On the LMRC model, the end of the space for the branch is reached at DiGiorgio and the branch is continued with a switchback.<br />
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Arvin is the end of the branch. Arvin has two storage tracks for the local crews to drill empties and loads. There are four potato packing sheds and a two-track Team Track. The club may eventually decide to install a folding wye, however currently no plans are in motion to build the wye.<br />
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<h4>
Kern Jct. - Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, & Sunset Rwy</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcq8LL6JDKYAmbn2EVOBRi-TSWtxgKYldBGT1T8ZzEIzT_qk4xpzVubXsHIDWWxt6h9Fk9N0PFeBG_lV87dm0oTiYhPnsf2yy3UVk35bLERXN4XJObXNtm7vQWHt5W_9yT3ijTg9VbLEv/s1600/Kern+Jct+Tower+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcq8LL6JDKYAmbn2EVOBRi-TSWtxgKYldBGT1T8ZzEIzT_qk4xpzVubXsHIDWWxt6h9Fk9N0PFeBG_lV87dm0oTiYhPnsf2yy3UVk35bLERXN4XJObXNtm7vQWHt5W_9yT3ijTg9VbLEv/s640/Kern+Jct+Tower+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe's Kern Jct Tower controls the western junction point with the Southern Pacific Joint Line over Tehachapi.</td></tr>
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With the addition in recent years of the Santa Fe's Bakersfield Yard, all operations to the Arvin Branch are now have a substantially longer main-line run and more interesting experience at the working junction with the Southern Pacific and Sunset Railway at Kern Junction. This can mean waiting for other traffic to clear and a bit of a delay to get the Clearance, check the register, etc.<br />
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<h3>
Arvin Road Switcher</h3>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsgJEzPmQVX4i0P5jcPMpXM3EhL7ubbK4WilVzYkw8JjJzAS_t2qrm7sFi0qYA8gnwzdVqH8AwqTk9K_VxdJ2NQ4nKOn1AXOpWTYEsFo6_hxayCJH8yFxaDaeT0aC4THTvg6r75HIzNKG/s1600/ATSF+Spotting+Reefer+at+Algoso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsgJEzPmQVX4i0P5jcPMpXM3EhL7ubbK4WilVzYkw8JjJzAS_t2qrm7sFi0qYA8gnwzdVqH8AwqTk9K_VxdJ2NQ4nKOn1AXOpWTYEsFo6_hxayCJH8yFxaDaeT0aC4THTvg6r75HIzNKG/s640/ATSF+Spotting+Reefer+at+Algoso.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Arvin Road Switcher, with the ATSF 2690, switches the Golden H Packing shed at Algoso\</td></tr>
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The first Arvin job I'm going to talk about is the Arvin Road Switcher. This is the 'regular' job. At LMRC we have this regular job go on-duty at about 8:30-9:01AM. This job when using diesel engines often is left at Arvin for 2-4 days of regular switching work, only returning to Bakersfield when the engine needs fuel or servicing. Steam engines are sometimes rotated with the Arvin Turn so that the fresh engine from the Arvin Turn stays on the branch to work.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZnXq00Irt7jriD3-J0s1kGPNk2CRXTtbbjZWCPTsJiqE2ImAH0-Xo1H9qTMGWklUiEQv50EOJEywgO3Xcj3aC2Cyvs9WT2KyxLyvUK9sHiiwy7hgGQzkdXNK0R4Cwkot5ogrQjugM4QI/s1600/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZnXq00Irt7jriD3-J0s1kGPNk2CRXTtbbjZWCPTsJiqE2ImAH0-Xo1H9qTMGWklUiEQv50EOJEywgO3Xcj3aC2Cyvs9WT2KyxLyvUK9sHiiwy7hgGQzkdXNK0R4Cwkot5ogrQjugM4QI/s640/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The unique Diamond Potato Packer's shed with open sides.</td></tr>
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The Arvin Road Switcher works continuously as needed until around 5:01PM, possibly as late as Midnight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeJR34x3ipR3OYqur4YLR2YFS3whFntBFxteWOCmscL0C5dFJt_7rZ1GlPuJYKk_D210Bf5H3j-P3SdOyeoI70FFrhJUznBClI4PqOQFP00jTXgSTPLNvCE_v1iv27fvJ0_BXNXCJooLR/s1600/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeJR34x3ipR3OYqur4YLR2YFS3whFntBFxteWOCmscL0C5dFJt_7rZ1GlPuJYKk_D210Bf5H3j-P3SdOyeoI70FFrhJUznBClI4PqOQFP00jTXgSTPLNvCE_v1iv27fvJ0_BXNXCJooLR/s640/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Packing sheds of Gold Ribbon Potatoes (background) and Arvin Potato Packers' Arvin Shed (foreground). The two storage tracks are in the middle.</td></tr>
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As the traffic flow fluctuates with the movement of the AT Drag's down the hill from Barstow to Bakersfield, the switching load for the Road Switcher will change. This can even effect the spotting of cars. Generally the traffic department forecasts the number of empty SFRD 40ft reefers needed on the Arvin Branch for a couple of days ahead of time. The forecast will list how many cars are needed by various useful times, usually corresponding to the peak loading hours on the branch.<br />
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The concept of 'just-in-time' logistics is still many years in the future. However the modeled railroad plant does not have the 120+ reefer cleanout and mechanical facility to absorb the next days' number of empty reefers. The result is that usually the club's pool of SFRD reefers turns about once a day or once every 18 hours. This usually means that most of the SFRD fleet will have cycled by the same time the next day and roughly should be in place to go again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0Y9f8L_rLn1YUP-93XjzQfJSBZCcKn_EO4kIgFh10cBzdCU1pcYX9joLFRjrjkfgDYWcP1Fg0euCLwSY51OF0sAeeG78N8NiY-a3ychwQnO2wUe7dA1Ebqk6OC-ju7_nNn7bwtmfLVL/s1600/ATSF+1364+WC+-+ARVIN+RD.+SW..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B0Y9f8L_rLn1YUP-93XjzQfJSBZCcKn_EO4kIgFh10cBzdCU1pcYX9joLFRjrjkfgDYWcP1Fg0euCLwSY51OF0sAeeG78N8NiY-a3ychwQnO2wUe7dA1Ebqk6OC-ju7_nNn7bwtmfLVL/s640/ATSF+1364+WC+-+ARVIN+RD.+SW..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Waycar 1364 is assigned Regular Arvin Road Switcher.</td></tr>
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The main thing to remember about the Arvin Road Switcher is that it is the 'regular job' with a regular on-duty time. Usually the crew will take about 45-60 minutes off around lunch time, this is to allow the Taft/Sunset Local crew to use the same aisle space without interfering with each other.<br />
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<h3>
Arvin Turn</h3>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKSAMcfTq9EL6XXiZcnPlQfjC_VWqihizyNlpz_0X5aHhs97t-Fu6OPKsEygtSQnnYidVTrVR6cQw_DOMfwrEp06Cn9gEZG8lxHXo5IDA-mOfOAjT7fN8QnHo9Ft9NnngaVcFb5BbUGKo/s1600/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC-B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKSAMcfTq9EL6XXiZcnPlQfjC_VWqihizyNlpz_0X5aHhs97t-Fu6OPKsEygtSQnnYidVTrVR6cQw_DOMfwrEp06Cn9gEZG8lxHXo5IDA-mOfOAjT7fN8QnHo9Ft9NnngaVcFb5BbUGKo/s640/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC-B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 3518 backs the Arvin Turn westward towards Bakersfield as the waycar of the SCX-BI blasts by on the Main Track.</td></tr>
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The Arvin Turn 'symbol' is used to shuttle empty reefers to the Arvin Branch from Bakersfield and return the loads from the branch to Bakersfield for movement over the road. The Turns do just that. They leave Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard, rumble through Kern Jct. onto the Joint Line to Magunden, then give whatever empty cars to the Arvin Road Switcher, during the 'Day' shift, after the Arvin Road Switcher's duty time the Turn will preform the needed switching work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtblL_dMiAB-gO9Znyjwr0JOIfWY7noad11-1vwDR7tORxfOXkh8gZ74fcK6jjd6vHAOm502eJ_22LdSt3RGcpVA9bjx4MKsPC_VvbvBUFIDRiIxtAOh7DhQg4jUpx6_n-h8Xfcv9sIDdK/s1600/ATSF+1941+WC+%2528RESTRICTED+ARCH-BARS%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtblL_dMiAB-gO9Znyjwr0JOIfWY7noad11-1vwDR7tORxfOXkh8gZ74fcK6jjd6vHAOm502eJ_22LdSt3RGcpVA9bjx4MKsPC_VvbvBUFIDRiIxtAOh7DhQg4jUpx6_n-h8Xfcv9sIDdK/s640/ATSF+1941+WC+%2528RESTRICTED+ARCH-BARS%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Waycar 1941 is regularly assigned to the Arvin Turn and Night Arvin jobs during LMRC operation days.</td></tr>
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The main thing to remember about the Arvin Turn job is called when needed; either traffic needing to go to Arvin or be brought back from Arvin before the regular cut-off times (5:01PM for BK-symbol, and the passenger trains for express reefers).<br />
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<h4>
Express Reefers:</h4>
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Express Reefers internally weren't that different than their 'normal' ice reefer cousins. The main difference was external, in the mechanical structure and fittings the cars have. High-speed trucks, steel wheels, steam and signal piping, and passenger UC-type brake systems made these cars suited to high-speed 90 MPH running in the premier transcontinental mail and passenger trains. Many express reefers were also painted in complex passenger schemes with lots of striping.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WWmeRp-7odk5QOxUQheqiiaiKjTosR5cyLSq1Fl-1Is2vhl3o7wLtV1AdLgdbWALZyKtH86cbzW6KlGM4n53EQkKyS8TWHKP_3yytjJ1flI9JAFyIq9TXypYNyx60t2FAZV2TsGgOSoo/s1600/REX+6158+Algoso+Jan8%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WWmeRp-7odk5QOxUQheqiiaiKjTosR5cyLSq1Fl-1Is2vhl3o7wLtV1AdLgdbWALZyKtH86cbzW6KlGM4n53EQkKyS8TWHKP_3yytjJ1flI9JAFyIq9TXypYNyx60t2FAZV2TsGgOSoo/s640/REX+6158+Algoso+Jan8%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Railway Express Agency express reefer, REX 6158 at Golden H Packing in Algoso, rated for 90 MPH passenger service.</td></tr>
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Railway Express Agency, purchased a batch of new steel reefers in 1947 with a pretty green and red stripped scheme. Being one of the largest operators of express reefers, REA soon returned many of these cars to their standard simple green scheme with fake-gold lettering before the 1953 change to the large REA red herald on the side of the car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aH9kcdL7XcCYwxr0sv3xrC9X7WpJDlDfJeVn_fJdPC8f9HKJKceYNaPLeqiDWdu1yxPjDbGDKeTMawc8eUEKDuzpGAy84R7yYfTZ4QAul8CbVzwrsDlvXl-GjirkKM_8wFC5a7QoeAiY/s1600/ATSF+Kern+Jct+Arvin+Turn+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aH9kcdL7XcCYwxr0sv3xrC9X7WpJDlDfJeVn_fJdPC8f9HKJKceYNaPLeqiDWdu1yxPjDbGDKeTMawc8eUEKDuzpGAy84R7yYfTZ4QAul8CbVzwrsDlvXl-GjirkKM_8wFC5a7QoeAiY/s640/ATSF+Kern+Jct+Arvin+Turn+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 2724 rolls through Kern Jct with an Arvin Turn and a string of express reefers for the table grape growers at Arvin.</td></tr>
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<h3>
"Night" Arvin Turn</h3>
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The largest table grape producer in the world is at Arvin and regularly ships express reefers on the passenger and mail trains out of Bakersfield. To service this traffic a 'Night Turn' is called after the empty express reefers arrive at the Santa Fe Bakersfield Ice Deck and are sent out to Trino Cold Storage and the Arvin Team Track. Occasionally, Golden H Packing at Algoso ships out a couple of express reefers with 'First Harvest' loads during the early part of the season for each crop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsEgFrrJD_VmURPMibTSXA66EgNgjzqogJxzh15ALwi857km9HQLQF_z4UR01vS-xGtkHN5Dms31ythcOUjahM_RMOjm5eFjMbqI99lBrYl-0Nm1q8Y5KuZ8yQrZtS1RWubaYdx7eTnuy/s1600/No4+and+No7+Meet+at+Bealville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsEgFrrJD_VmURPMibTSXA66EgNgjzqogJxzh15ALwi857km9HQLQF_z4UR01vS-xGtkHN5Dms31ythcOUjahM_RMOjm5eFjMbqI99lBrYl-0Nm1q8Y5KuZ8yQrZtS1RWubaYdx7eTnuy/s640/No4+and+No7+Meet+at+Bealville.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe No.7 (<i>Mail</i>) meets Santa Fe No.4 (<i>California Limited</i>) at Bealville. Note, that No.4 has five express reefers at the head-end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These cars need to be picked up around 1-3AM to make the connections with the night Santa Fe (No.24 <i>Grand Canyon</i> or No.4 <i>California Limited</i>) and SP (Nos.55/56 <i>Mail</i>, and No.59 <i>West Coast</i>) passenger trains at Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Comments about the Arvin Branch jobs</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0VGgbLjgkONXMff2xcWkO29xm2Ea5oBS9xvO3vaHnL9HaZaq0qBeM_3G2d05YNeMJrqJ5qpG1rj0xApcsntX8biDh5AuEhIzeS9qGLmZBrWPdmDO5QiYG8fyKOrfFu8FvPm8YAHpTXjo/s1600/Arvin+%2526+Taft+Branch+1-31-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0VGgbLjgkONXMff2xcWkO29xm2Ea5oBS9xvO3vaHnL9HaZaq0qBeM_3G2d05YNeMJrqJ5qpG1rj0xApcsntX8biDh5AuEhIzeS9qGLmZBrWPdmDO5QiYG8fyKOrfFu8FvPm8YAHpTXjo/s640/Arvin+%2526+Taft+Branch+1-31-2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Arvin Branch (left) and Taft "Sunset Rwy" Branch (right) at La Mesa Model Railroad Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Normally around Noon the Arvin Road Switcher crew 'goes to lunch' as the Taft Local crew leaves Bakersfield to work the branch on the opposite side of the aisle. One of the frequent comments about the Arvin District is that it's about the prefect size for many home model railroads as a stand-alone layout! The three regular jobs that work the branch are usually high on the list of operators during TT/TO sessions at the LMRC's events. The Road Switcher job varies day to day in work load and timing but is always a way to stay busy for 6-10 hours, as the Turns help feed the branch, and the "Night Job" works solo with the hot express traffic.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sunset Rwy.</h3>
<br />
During the current operating scheme, the Sunset Rwy is operated by the Southern Pacific.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Edison District</h3>
<br />
During the current operating scheme, the Edison District is operated by the Southern Pacific.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Valley "Phantom Locals"</h2>
<br />
At LMRC the majority of the Santa Fe's locals currently are 'Phantom Locals' which operate out of the modeled Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard into 'Valley Staging' at Landco and Jastro, en route to Calwa (Fresno) farther up the 'valley'. These trains don't work any real industries, only phantom industries, thus the name.<br />
<br />
These trains have been hard for me to get any photos of during the actual sessions, but the basic businesses of any small town in the US during the 1950s apply to them. In addition to the regular fuel dealer, general store, lumber yard, feed and grain, team track, etc many of these towns served the heavy agricultural growing areas of their parts of the San Joaquin Valley, both with canned goods shipments or perishable loads.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Symbol 55/56 "Super Locals" </h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMi6x6HD3UNi_rVdfSNHxKeMWpUNyGcoXZYfcNq7vOqJ2AvGsADqv96eelmRT5APEU3wQxh1d6bRFGKcgC8PTW_QlomwThghN0NlC3icgjBwmVMQmRwq6xzUbukCmutUd-kundDD4gnfP/s1600/ATSF+2655+%2526+2686+Bakersfield+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMi6x6HD3UNi_rVdfSNHxKeMWpUNyGcoXZYfcNq7vOqJ2AvGsADqv96eelmRT5APEU3wQxh1d6bRFGKcgC8PTW_QlomwThghN0NlC3icgjBwmVMQmRwq6xzUbukCmutUd-kundDD4gnfP/s640/ATSF+2655+%2526+2686+Bakersfield+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The 55/56 Local usually uses one or two GP7s or an AB set of FTs, and occasionally a small Santa Fe steam engine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This local works all the packing sheds and other industries in the towns up and down the San Joaquin Valley between Bakersfield and Calwa (Fresno) and then returns the next day. Extra 'Fruit Pickups' are run in season to deal with the extra perishable traffic generated in this area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTCJPmChuc-cYJSwXPaoR7ygVYgK6iLyqSskHA6Gb8_y6BRSAkbkvZWWbntbqufe82AT11rBoOPxcM3H0UETrWoFvxOCLHFGfYPyDfpoovxLJz4q8yKCxnnQnpAn07czUK8erBBwYkzZu/s1600/ATSF+1421+WC+-+LOCAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTCJPmChuc-cYJSwXPaoR7ygVYgK6iLyqSskHA6Gb8_y6BRSAkbkvZWWbntbqufe82AT11rBoOPxcM3H0UETrWoFvxOCLHFGfYPyDfpoovxLJz4q8yKCxnnQnpAn07czUK8erBBwYkzZu/s640/ATSF+1421+WC+-+LOCAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 1421 is the regularly assigned 55/56 "Super Local" waycar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately, during the September 2018 TT/TO session at LMRC, I wasn't able to get a shot of 55/56 being built or operating west of Bakersfield. I'll try again next time!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Valley Fruit Pickups</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sy1eQ3VItYygaH6bDesLZ-E4ov-thccJfMzHf6KgJCmU-Osiasl5hBfykUlhZPUVtH6CGu0WpXe2b4E-epvD0wQ_F4Ok-nU-r4jfv4rSCQ_43bnRL_mVKHLjD4gDOp1BkhrUVDzQQr0B/s1600/ATSF+Valley+PU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sy1eQ3VItYygaH6bDesLZ-E4ov-thccJfMzHf6KgJCmU-Osiasl5hBfykUlhZPUVtH6CGu0WpXe2b4E-epvD0wQ_F4Ok-nU-r4jfv4rSCQ_43bnRL_mVKHLjD4gDOp1BkhrUVDzQQr0B/s640/ATSF+Valley+PU.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Two Santa Fe GP7s pull a string of SFRD and foreign reefers into Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe seasonally operates 'Fruit Pickups' to deal with all the extra perishable traffic generated between Bakersfield and Calwa (Fresno) each year. This traffic may also include canned goods. Generally the Fruit Pickups are referred to by the town that they did their work in. So you have the Porterville Fruit Pickup (PFPU) - <i>we sometimes end up calling it the 'Puff Poo'</i>, Hanford Fruit Pickup (HFPU) and the Visalia Fruit Pickup (VFPU). The 1st District Local also ends up looking very similar with the mainline pickups coming off the Valley Division.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCoWD6GqIAESBJdzJ7guisO3oKEK7mLVLdqHd2upJ2dL4326SeeqOBZG0UsN-vcNTbIqOci3K-KNjZfvEMPPcxAbkeGnAHg_A_BAqPMLBSCErho8PWpu42bs2vBfRHXug85p8wtQDaifj/s1600/SFRD+34702+Golden+H+Jan8%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCoWD6GqIAESBJdzJ7guisO3oKEK7mLVLdqHd2upJ2dL4326SeeqOBZG0UsN-vcNTbIqOci3K-KNjZfvEMPPcxAbkeGnAHg_A_BAqPMLBSCErho8PWpu42bs2vBfRHXug85p8wtQDaifj/s640/SFRD+34702+Golden+H+Jan8%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SFRD 34702, a typical example of a Santa Fe Refrigerated Department reefer used through out the San Joaquin Valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Bakersfield Yard Jobs</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdk68-nsqYX-hxKAb4FgqUAcGxL4FQDc_12lbXDDHrdHbTKWqW7Tmlb0cGLnepaz0vsgsG5zFxAArb5SrhMxeoKw7Wqz_AR0umBYf-SlnUxhBftSMqL4JFubdratzVCxIrNn8Sok_cZMz/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+YM+Jan8%252C53+530am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdk68-nsqYX-hxKAb4FgqUAcGxL4FQDc_12lbXDDHrdHbTKWqW7Tmlb0cGLnepaz0vsgsG5zFxAArb5SrhMxeoKw7Wqz_AR0umBYf-SlnUxhBftSMqL4JFubdratzVCxIrNn8Sok_cZMz/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+YM+Jan8%252C53+530am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe Yard under the watchful eye of Paul Voss on January 8th, 1953 at 5:25AM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe's Bakersfield yard is fairly large, which includes a massive Ice Deck for through and originating loads. The prototype also has a huge repair and conditioning facility for SFRD reefers to the south of the ice deck and engine terminal, unfortunately the LMRC model does not have room for those extensive facilities, and cuts them off in the back-drop south of the ice deck and roundhouse.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyDm3oaP3T7jA06sgV7gPWZI2jwoyMSYzQgu7nU8exY9B3FxoHgmNcUo4ypK_PgSg98ogQSNQ4m2nQbswCNwUdNjf_B6i4YJwHqpAYqWhs6v4BNCkzar0UHXtgcz23epPQUki3_TaJVDU/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Side+View+Jan8%252C53+1am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyDm3oaP3T7jA06sgV7gPWZI2jwoyMSYzQgu7nU8exY9B3FxoHgmNcUo4ypK_PgSg98ogQSNQ4m2nQbswCNwUdNjf_B6i4YJwHqpAYqWhs6v4BNCkzar0UHXtgcz23epPQUki3_TaJVDU/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Side+View+Jan8%252C53+1am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A nice side view of the main massive SFRD ice deck at Bakersfield. BK and SCX in the foreground, roughly the same time as the shot below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One quirk of the Santa Fe Bakersfield yard is that the 'caboose track' or Waycar Track as the Santa Fe called them, was located on Track 9, just north of the fire access road. The west end of Track 9 was the scale track for the yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR2cvmT76SbJl5v_5fIqlFK2U1SVkT-swzwM41-m5gD6-q_NatYTlk1FvQ1js1mb9eV7Nh1ZozU_YKwbcLErxo5NDxgT0hocNOJcQuMswGmFefHLHg8BLDB4VxEaW7UAzm8NPYfUG8bwM/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR2cvmT76SbJl5v_5fIqlFK2U1SVkT-swzwM41-m5gD6-q_NatYTlk1FvQ1js1mb9eV7Nh1ZozU_YKwbcLErxo5NDxgT0hocNOJcQuMswGmFefHLHg8BLDB4VxEaW7UAzm8NPYfUG8bwM/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A busy time in the Santa Fe yard on January 7th, 1953 as a string of BK-symbol cars are being switched.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the photo above, a BK-symbol on Track 4 is being switched on the lead, probably the SFRD block from the ice deck is being added to the head-end and picking up several loaded lumber cars for the rear end. On Track 3 the SCX-G is getting ready to leave after the BK. On Track 5, a CWE is arriving with three GP7s on the front. The little Alco yard engine on Track 7 is switching what appears to be BTX cars. The 'Night' Arvin Turn is preparing to depart on Track 11 with a string of express reefers. Another BK-symbol section is being prepared on Track 2 behind the SCX's engines, this train will still have to get a 'turn' to move the non-reefers to the west end of the train before departure.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Bakersfield Yard</h3>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrCipPwg3EUvF_oyLZf8h2rpqHCbfUK58VohgStNg2S0nAj3ZgQv_nkj20GlOT2Z_tJ5gZVS9WllBi_UWW1UUoawIGtsCcoIwtJyay7-ZMRCW1OeJ9X_pdGEbzw129teexE9LE950CJAy/s1600/ATSF+2304+Bakersfield+Switcher-A.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrCipPwg3EUvF_oyLZf8h2rpqHCbfUK58VohgStNg2S0nAj3ZgQv_nkj20GlOT2Z_tJ5gZVS9WllBi_UWW1UUoawIGtsCcoIwtJyay7-ZMRCW1OeJ9X_pdGEbzw129teexE9LE950CJAy/s640/ATSF+2304+Bakersfield+Switcher-A.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The Santa Fe yard uses a variety of Alco S-series switchers including; S-1, S-2, and S-4s. GP7s are also used on occasion. ATSF steam switchers used range from 0-8-0s in the 860-class up through 900 and 1600-class 2-10-2s and 3160, 3200, and 4000-class 2-8-2 Mikes.<br />
<br />
The modeled yard at LMRC is usually switched from the east end, where two ladders can allow a pair of switchers to work without interfering with each other. The west end of the yard transitions to staging, and wraps around a corner as it transitions to being accessed by a different aisle. Therefore most work is done on the east end.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Passenger Switching!</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7NHCuei6msSGy0ae3yjh8QObhMXcTgM894ih_wt086n4Kz_b9g3TKokVkEwOGx86Ormmj4i9nUm4EspsalG7DYkggqJVR5CKjRCoZJ1plrQVQtywxteRCBnsesV_tt62YIU9w9KvRc7O/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Psgr+Fleet-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7NHCuei6msSGy0ae3yjh8QObhMXcTgM894ih_wt086n4Kz_b9g3TKokVkEwOGx86Ormmj4i9nUm4EspsalG7DYkggqJVR5CKjRCoZJ1plrQVQtywxteRCBnsesV_tt62YIU9w9KvRc7O/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Psgr+Fleet-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No.23 arrives as connecting Golden Gate waits for the through cars to be transferred before shooting off to Richmond.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe Yard at Bakersfield is also the home of the majority of the passenger train switching on the Tehachapi Sub-Division during the early 1950s. Usually two 6-6-4 sleepers and two or three lightweight chair cars from the <i>Grand Canyon</i>, No.23, connect with one of the two daily Bakersfield-Richmond all streamlined<i> Golden Gates</i>.<br />
<br />
The eastward mail train, No.6 arrives early and lays over while transferring mail and waiting for the arrival of the eastward connecting <i>Golden Gate</i> with the through cars for the <i>Grand Canyon</i>, No.24, which originates at Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cHXEwoNsiGAdzuMdXxn_ozBCZNRat8jj18IqwQHlXC4XBB-0DHWTyDQgSnFaqKQFbCdqBP5DqDhigAdelZVwcGNE_hrvDU6XKhkItV8S749QL-pSe8YYm3XLsYY88Aa5GyrW63lHOyLw/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+3737+%2526+2929+Second+4+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cHXEwoNsiGAdzuMdXxn_ozBCZNRat8jj18IqwQHlXC4XBB-0DHWTyDQgSnFaqKQFbCdqBP5DqDhigAdelZVwcGNE_hrvDU6XKhkItV8S749QL-pSe8YYm3XLsYY88Aa5GyrW63lHOyLw/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+3737+%2526+2929+Second+4+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Second 4's engines moving to their train at Bakersfield, which will consist mostly of loaded express reefers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Later in the day No.4, the <i>California Limited</i> cruises through Bakersfield, changing engines and picking up any extra express reefers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO7BiytdzO4LHlOdgrR4RIuMRj-n9IcprS60Bfzlf-XiGYC8VCr_bvS2kkIcU6IN4bu37aLhWsyrSf79o_xl45nYjCbqNW-E7sRDW7yM_NnacKqyj0AEqG3Xx-YBRX7pFyRtVauMdOFAI/s1600/No4+and+No7+Meet+at+Bealville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO7BiytdzO4LHlOdgrR4RIuMRj-n9IcprS60Bfzlf-XiGYC8VCr_bvS2kkIcU6IN4bu37aLhWsyrSf79o_xl45nYjCbqNW-E7sRDW7yM_NnacKqyj0AEqG3Xx-YBRX7pFyRtVauMdOFAI/s640/No4+and+No7+Meet+at+Bealville.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No.4 running about 10 minutes late holds the main track and meets No.7 at Bealville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No.7, the <i>Fast Mail</i>, arrives late in the day and usually has a block of empty express reefers for local loading along with the mail and express.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Transfer Yard - Kern Jct.</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqbcZ0Lqih9PUhBAvd8BDRkAAPhdmx4q4_ER-JLUWCvCcuy5z7tEnZzaBD5VyU__L6RU-2Wj_3Db2lWUc5im8VENoQBFlt9nV-LfyKE-cJ9e-tQE8T7-P1g2huaDS7k5SpCKo5PYCIP1A/s1600/SP-ATSF+Kern+Jct+Transfer-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqbcZ0Lqih9PUhBAvd8BDRkAAPhdmx4q4_ER-JLUWCvCcuy5z7tEnZzaBD5VyU__L6RU-2Wj_3Db2lWUc5im8VENoQBFlt9nV-LfyKE-cJ9e-tQE8T7-P1g2huaDS7k5SpCKo5PYCIP1A/s640/SP-ATSF+Kern+Jct+Transfer-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP's interchange preparing to work at Kern Jct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Research has shown that Bakersfield was the primary interchange point for Santa Fe traffic for the SP served customers in the San Fransisco Bay Area. The small three track yard prototypically crosses multiple city streets, which requires splitting up each string of interchanged cars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW1myVZx0ZkZ9j0sQY3aEWGw03m93r3WYCpW4IES2FT43lt6Fy-YYhaBGVtPR5dscI_9zje3_BKsHFLEqO_l04Aynt2Uxe-kEbswwFjFH-dFOFU1e0kyeqBvVSiRu60oMpraRgSisiKyZ/s1600/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW1myVZx0ZkZ9j0sQY3aEWGw03m93r3WYCpW4IES2FT43lt6Fy-YYhaBGVtPR5dscI_9zje3_BKsHFLEqO_l04Aynt2Uxe-kEbswwFjFH-dFOFU1e0kyeqBvVSiRu60oMpraRgSisiKyZ/s640/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bay Area autopart car traffic moving back to the east coast plants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This interchanged route is where a sizable percentage of the westward Santa Fe merchandise traffic goes, as the Santa Fe didn't want the traffic over-working the small Richmond yards, which were at capacity with the Santa Fe's own local traffic in the Bay Area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMPh19dyhp2ve25qucpqkXMus4chFjW7sfcKtyV_qEXvnFMqSAo8jOB_ljlAuuIFNStwamGnsfJFjVri-5jpAJDcM4of1orK3Q-SdS51Bj2_0Q7NUgDEJcfnbF3FhaxADFFi0AOXg6XD9/s1600/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMPh19dyhp2ve25qucpqkXMus4chFjW7sfcKtyV_qEXvnFMqSAo8jOB_ljlAuuIFNStwamGnsfJFjVri-5jpAJDcM4of1orK3Q-SdS51Bj2_0Q7NUgDEJcfnbF3FhaxADFFi0AOXg6XD9/s640/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Steel and other eastern loads interchanging to the SP for local destinations and movement to the Bay Area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4h9QXzrUKzs74b0NIIB2zfxeMLX80CMEOccvPT_1uN3gKVAgzrn2MgbZuLJt1MXrGOPjg914rpmKoNw5oITgCmtP1f1U8TYy7OUBxnk8PbKhqI_DiHEMr7fe_SlIHDoJOWsWvHq_eVIA/s1600/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4h9QXzrUKzs74b0NIIB2zfxeMLX80CMEOccvPT_1uN3gKVAgzrn2MgbZuLJt1MXrGOPjg914rpmKoNw5oITgCmtP1f1U8TYy7OUBxnk8PbKhqI_DiHEMr7fe_SlIHDoJOWsWvHq_eVIA/s640/Kern+Jct+Interchange+Yard-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A few more cars sitting in the western end of the interchange yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The interchange traffic for local SP destinations include some traffic interchange routed to the Oil City Branch and the Sunset Railway. Kern Steel Co. is a steel fabricating and foundry near Kern Jct.,<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHUdAVZ1_ehZ2gQ3dnGLEpqMtItpx5iRtsgpnPeEtrOIGTKTRaHrGZ2L8JLXuMhTBvkAFySXPY4Y3GwKKECpw8Y2-ifDham-GUvcsBV7clLWT-WtxALiZdEJi_2u6gwJsONXV68GpYkVh/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Mail+Dock+and+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHUdAVZ1_ehZ2gQ3dnGLEpqMtItpx5iRtsgpnPeEtrOIGTKTRaHrGZ2L8JLXuMhTBvkAFySXPY4Y3GwKKECpw8Y2-ifDham-GUvcsBV7clLWT-WtxALiZdEJi_2u6gwJsONXV68GpYkVh/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Mail+Dock+and+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Santa Fe's Freight House as modeled is really only big enough for the express and mail traffic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Among the largest local traffic receivers off the Santa Fe at Bakersfield is the Kern County Land Warehouse (ex-SP freight house) and the Jackson St. Team Track (shown off Tulare St on records) replace our severely compressed Santa Fe freight house next to the station.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgv1XAUoovqUH-Dw8bj-phXWNAdiHdsilGipHrawo8r1qqZUl_GNxZPYPDeVKoTIeK5n3k_ArjSKaONd8lIb6OX_g_D7q0txuJaGUgpU5KdUtyn-xKrv77FIfQs91LOR1_gDujktFricS/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pmB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgv1XAUoovqUH-Dw8bj-phXWNAdiHdsilGipHrawo8r1qqZUl_GNxZPYPDeVKoTIeK5n3k_ArjSKaONd8lIb6OX_g_D7q0txuJaGUgpU5KdUtyn-xKrv77FIfQs91LOR1_gDujktFricS/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pmB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Combined operations at LMRC's Bakersfield Freight House.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
The Kern County Land Warehouse is currently used as a combined SP/Santa Fe Freight House. Santa Fe used Western Car Loading Co. as their contracted freight forwarder at the Santa Fe Freight Houses. Eventually this whole warehouse will be used by the Santa Fe on the model, as the SP will be moving to their new Freight House facility to the west.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Oil City Switcher</h3>
<br />
The Santa Fe uses Alco S-1s when they operate the Oil City Branch, however during current LMRC operations the Oil City Branch is operated by the Southern Pacific. Currently the Oil City Branch is not connected to either the Santa Fe or the Southern Pacific, but will probably be connected to the Southern Pacific first when the new bridge is complete.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Mojave Locals</h2>
<br />
<h3>
Mojave Turn</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsu1UKb233_-ouL9H8h2XMGOxgRnSAajAO73xAqP6eT1iX_oiEYXnfFo4hBOI1iCNL0tY6HIl13hRd1-W62vwVy81tW9CpvSe_Bimk2-jjaSgditpk_VAu3KGwZolPXhSzmaEaux-D6dG/s1600/Mojave+Yard+engine+and+ATSF+2106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsu1UKb233_-ouL9H8h2XMGOxgRnSAajAO73xAqP6eT1iX_oiEYXnfFo4hBOI1iCNL0tY6HIl13hRd1-W62vwVy81tW9CpvSe_Bimk2-jjaSgditpk_VAu3KGwZolPXhSzmaEaux-D6dG/s640/Mojave+Yard+engine+and+ATSF+2106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe 2106 in the backround and Mojave Switcher SP 1310 shuffling cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Mojave Turn usually works with a Alco RSD-4, Santa Fe 2106 or a pair of GP7s. Occasionally one of the Mojave based helpers in the 3800-class will rotate to Barstow for shopping on the local.<br />
<br />
The Santa Fe 'Mojave Local' works out of Barstow and works Boron on the way to Mojave and the way back. The Santa Fe's company oil needs are also served by this train working the Consolidated Fuel Pipeline rack complex on the Santa Fe's old mainline, just east of Mojave.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
In Closing</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vyCExf54ut6pYl1p6ybUEEQ_fCfNFum-dHkx-YKTiz7IPSg1VO7sqSxvmVaK_S0H_rUOUZrH3vqaPp7H2Ejk0u6uzYpZ57SKZvrQh1iANnG5QK782y27DNgEFngmkqHsBOO7p4GPdfXB/s1600/Bakersfield+Yard+1331+Jan7%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vyCExf54ut6pYl1p6ybUEEQ_fCfNFum-dHkx-YKTiz7IPSg1VO7sqSxvmVaK_S0H_rUOUZrH3vqaPp7H2Ejk0u6uzYpZ57SKZvrQh1iANnG5QK782y27DNgEFngmkqHsBOO7p4GPdfXB/s640/Bakersfield+Yard+1331+Jan7%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Crews check their paperwork at the SP Yard in Bakersfield in January 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed the closer look at the Santa Fe's local operations on the Tehachapi Joint Line. Now that these basic train symbol and job descriptions have been covered, I'll be starting to dig into some of the other interesting operations of the traffic flows and the jobs that control those aspects of the operations in the future posts in this series.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-3.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP Eastward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-4.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP Locals & Switching</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-5.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 5) - Santa Fe Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-6.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 6) - Santa Fe Eastward</a><br />
<br /></div>
</h4>
<h4>
Additional Operations Related Articles:</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
</h4>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-86361665243554544992018-10-24T16:01:00.000-07:002018-10-24T16:01:04.223-07:00Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 6) - Santa Fe EastwardIn the previous posts in this series I've covered the <a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">SP system of freight symbols</a> and the <a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-5.html">westward Santa Fe freight symbols in use over Tehachapi Pass</a> during the early 1950s. Next we'll be looking at the Eastward symbols for the Santa Fe are messy, as most re-symbol at Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
Unlike the previous posts, where I started at the start of the traffic flow, this time I'm going to describe the symbols starting at the east end of the modeled area so that as I build on the preceding symbols, I'll have already talked about the continuing symbol.<br />
<br />
<i>Edited 10-20-2018 with corrected and added symbols</i><br />
<br />
<h2>
Bakersfield - Barstow</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9_3sB-V1LOuoHC-R_5lA6ypkyNiZpe45z8tIvdE0nI5mKk_kSpvNOL1nYJE9X8K2BteKRuorJvYW5xAUqeRinRpxaLir6-sd33rFleaBLd1c6bx7cZytx7-0NuS1HKgtFnT5QZRRz5hg/s1600/Kern+Jct+ATSF+Freight+WB+%2526+SP+Yard+Jan+4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9_3sB-V1LOuoHC-R_5lA6ypkyNiZpe45z8tIvdE0nI5mKk_kSpvNOL1nYJE9X8K2BteKRuorJvYW5xAUqeRinRpxaLir6-sd33rFleaBLd1c6bx7cZytx7-0NuS1HKgtFnT5QZRRz5hg/s640/Kern+Jct+ATSF+Freight+WB+%2526+SP+Yard+Jan+4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Extra ATSF 212 West approaches Kern Jct Tower and will cross over onto Santa Fe trackage to the Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Santa Fe's Bakersfield Yard was the eastern end of the First Valley Division and two miles to the east of the Santa Fe yard is Kern Jct. The Southern Pacific - Santa Fe Joint Line extends from Kern Jct. to East Mojave.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBuB15f_KYgFRzfrSC7YqUgUcJiMZgK_sERcG0j0ZkR2XpeYINK2QJgOk9y6S4xbd328pj7rX6ieABjYhyzwESYLqCHFPYCOFXVrT2ZqZ69cvDEGbT8ifbALC7w1AbWGWVe6P4ppFdAko/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+arrive+MC+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBuB15f_KYgFRzfrSC7YqUgUcJiMZgK_sERcG0j0ZkR2XpeYINK2QJgOk9y6S4xbd328pj7rX6ieABjYhyzwESYLqCHFPYCOFXVrT2ZqZ69cvDEGbT8ifbALC7w1AbWGWVe6P4ppFdAko/s640/ATSF+140LAC+arrive+MC+Yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Eastward freights lead by ATSF 140 and 239 lay over at Mojave for lunch before continuing to Barstow, as SP VME passes heading to LA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
East of Mojave Yard Joint Trackage ends and the Santa Fe heads east across the Mojave Desert via Boron and Muroc (now Edwards) AFB to Barstow and the Santa Fe "Transcon".<br />
<br />
<h3>
BK - (Bakersfield Green Fruit eXpress)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvPD2RhrqOBGkjZ1LFq7gHVG8meJmMhvxXhIMykEemp4S6ma9QuYznAp28uWMpCTMuWWw3b_nggSv017hQtP7NRL_Ng37eWc72U7XaHI-KRQr_KX201qqTcg3_ZpkbuTJozXNJImn711/s1600/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwvPD2RhrqOBGkjZ1LFq7gHVG8meJmMhvxXhIMykEemp4S6ma9QuYznAp28uWMpCTMuWWw3b_nggSv017hQtP7NRL_Ng37eWc72U7XaHI-KRQr_KX201qqTcg3_ZpkbuTJozXNJImn711/s640/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe FT-set 170LABC charges out over Mt. Vernon Ave. on the SP-ATSF Jointline with a BK-symbol with large GFX perishable block.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
'GFX (Green Fruit Express) Operates as symbol BK from Bakersfield and symbol SB from San Bernardino. BK, originating Bakersfield, handles fresh fruit and vegetables, and other loads and billed 'MTYs' destined Kansas City and points east.'<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkNdZ2G1zjdTgPJRcCFPKW5Vp2DKhKwzUwnAtLNlgxxps50LD54TeM12gbYczK-xtTaskOGUxBwDJll5KiAM9Rk2aC4DZhE3oQbZtGSow5cfv-WmshAT6B22I6IiopcMZTRP9dnnf24b7/s1600/BK+Symbol+Schedule+Times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkNdZ2G1zjdTgPJRcCFPKW5Vp2DKhKwzUwnAtLNlgxxps50LD54TeM12gbYczK-xtTaskOGUxBwDJll5KiAM9Rk2aC4DZhE3oQbZtGSow5cfv-WmshAT6B22I6IiopcMZTRP9dnnf24b7/s640/BK+Symbol+Schedule+Times.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">LMRC BK-Symbol Time - Suffix Code</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Certainly the 'hottest' symbol on the Santa Fe during the 1950s is the BK-symbol. Multiple BK symbols depart Bakersfield every day using the suffix with originating times as shown above. During rush times odd time suffixes were also used, allowing even more clarification of symbols without needing to break each one into sections. Often BK symbols departing after 3:01PM, which are BK-10, depart in two sections. There's some possibility that we'll be changing to use the expanded time suffixes, so that we don't need as many BK-10s running in sections.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0lIF0z2RmDWo3i4zJTqoptZbatnIlSmAYXZA9jpxNsfj5bL3LxFvxTo8b59Jq5up2kmEv3rB0Eb6NSLx_AmCh6HxlxTwfRgdwZ4yDdPFVKi8PZ_EhztfMJKGMD3_zYBRTgjNlXCmZ2Rx/s1600/ATSF+2-4+switching+Jan-5-53+308am+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0lIF0z2RmDWo3i4zJTqoptZbatnIlSmAYXZA9jpxNsfj5bL3LxFvxTo8b59Jq5up2kmEv3rB0Eb6NSLx_AmCh6HxlxTwfRgdwZ4yDdPFVKi8PZ_EhztfMJKGMD3_zYBRTgjNlXCmZ2Rx/s640/ATSF+2-4+switching+Jan-5-53+308am+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">At 3:08AM, a late 'Fruit Pickup' missed the 5.01 PM cutoff and is preparing to leave as a BK-0 while Second 4 is being assembled at the Depot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The cutoff time for perishables is 5:00PM. This is a scheduling guarantee to move any perishable car arriving Bakersfield (by 5:00PM) east before midnight. This allows almost seven hours for the car inspectors and servicing of the cars before they head east on the BK symbol.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubo4GhOFuBtpbVyHGdMgjI4Huc7BbzcVbzxTByy0OW8heTZj7xtsgeyYAjsPvqLUafTHncOBCl6GAYtTYRYKwssPVW9CD9bGxPZYSwOuHLYc-syZKf2Jv0rGWz4V_7Ew-QFjOCNP94CsF/s1600/PRR+61102+XAP+%252840D%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubo4GhOFuBtpbVyHGdMgjI4Huc7BbzcVbzxTByy0OW8heTZj7xtsgeyYAjsPvqLUafTHncOBCl6GAYtTYRYKwssPVW9CD9bGxPZYSwOuHLYc-syZKf2Jv0rGWz4V_7Ew-QFjOCNP94CsF/s640/PRR+61102+XAP+%252840D%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">PRR 61102 - Automobile and Parts service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One BK Symbol usually receives the Santa Fe auto-parts connection from San Fransisco/Richmond and also receives the SP auto-parts connection off the AE symbol. Often the 'Auto-Parts' BK symbol section is filled with whatever perishable traffic has arrived when the auto block is ready to go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe8l4muu5PgWE0MVFgosnwWJu20xTpXGv4F8J8pTGMMB1omUXMZKhJMBgFagoeJKKxQ6WMAyn_DcgoXMWVlgYQMxAEovFEZ0XCZCAkYeUfRG-4zw8fZmqvxvTgh76tqBvNxfCK4J-J3UB/s1600/ATSF+31564+XM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe8l4muu5PgWE0MVFgosnwWJu20xTpXGv4F8J8pTGMMB1omUXMZKhJMBgFagoeJKKxQ6WMAyn_DcgoXMWVlgYQMxAEovFEZ0XCZCAkYeUfRG-4zw8fZmqvxvTgh76tqBvNxfCK4J-J3UB/s640/ATSF+31564+XM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe XM plain boxcar used for general service and can goods loading.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Chief Dispatcher designates which BK symbol will make the connections from WGFX symbols and returning local traffic from Arvin and 56-Local. Usually any BK directed perishable traffic is routed out on the next available BK section. Any originating merchandise traffic, canned goods traffic, and 'billed empties' at Oakland/Richmond on the Santa Fe will be the 'lower' rated traffic and be filled in where possible on BK symbols, but basically anything rating a BK-symbol routing is higher than average priority.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F51Fjh_941-2J8tPRFk92L-hy5naGM2UVytvec5LOy90iQxbC33687GRqEyDcn2tUFD2KoKnR9XlNYflitmgoPDvq7Qlld9kfwL9sfb8lpEg5leF36zfmfY3zWGvKCxSbU_zfI9CbF0a/s1600/ATSF+140+BK-4-H+Cliff+Jan8%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F51Fjh_941-2J8tPRFk92L-hy5naGM2UVytvec5LOy90iQxbC33687GRqEyDcn2tUFD2KoKnR9XlNYflitmgoPDvq7Qlld9kfwL9sfb8lpEg5leF36zfmfY3zWGvKCxSbU_zfI9CbF0a/s640/ATSF+140+BK-4-H+Cliff+Jan8%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AT 140 pulls BK-4-H into Cliff in the early morning of January 8th with a string of canned goods as the last 'cleanup' train of the 7th.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Chief Dispatcher can also direct the BK symbol to make pickups of livestock cars or perishable reefers on the Tehachapi Sub. Div.<br />
<br />
<h3>
BTX - (Bakersfield-Texas Extra)</h3>
<br />
'Operates from Bakersfield with all traffic, including protected service cars and billed MTYs, destined north, south and east of Belen, NM, but to not including Kansas City, and south of Clovis to all Texas points. Handles Phoenix traffic for connection at Barstow.'<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx3OzXNXLNxMBKy3zThGjolGDn2A4llBRjmZ3QtMFXJkj1GMxaidCRw3cyVIZqS01A9dT_TfVzXVjH2jrZMeLRTH8aC_l_gOIZesZ8Axm2KG6fROOA7xqw8Rv7a35fMllplDIDq_DRhwS/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53+10%252C20pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx3OzXNXLNxMBKy3zThGjolGDn2A4llBRjmZ3QtMFXJkj1GMxaidCRw3cyVIZqS01A9dT_TfVzXVjH2jrZMeLRTH8aC_l_gOIZesZ8Axm2KG6fROOA7xqw8Rv7a35fMllplDIDq_DRhwS/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53+10%252C20pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Some of the Warren LPG cars and Texaco/Conoco tank cars point towards a BTX.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The BTX's signature block is the large number of 'Texas oil/chemical tank car traffic which is returning off the GCX westward symbol. The BTX is not a very fast connection, so perishables are generally not sent on this symbol.<br />
<br />
<h3>
N-34 - (Bakersfield-Barstow Drag)</h3>
<br />
'Operates from Bakersfield. Handles all cars destined for points west of Belen, NM.'<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvYk3Zo6d8SUkThC3cJ5nHkztYQdio2_0RVgHj0By2J5AlgxY04wX2UCLtPHjiEDz9mvmMdnhDGPSciCRvPO8YTO8QpmGW_YaVQoq6BjZaSdZfUP9nrNLcEFRu1sr8M4ZNW4_4rCrp9V8/s1600/ATSF+3900+N-34-H+Caliente+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvYk3Zo6d8SUkThC3cJ5nHkztYQdio2_0RVgHj0By2J5AlgxY04wX2UCLtPHjiEDz9mvmMdnhDGPSciCRvPO8YTO8QpmGW_YaVQoq6BjZaSdZfUP9nrNLcEFRu1sr8M4ZNW4_4rCrp9V8/s640/ATSF+3900+N-34-H+Caliente+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">AT 3900 and 3851 lead the N-34-H into Caliente on Jan 8, 1953. The SP 3765 is in town with the Mt Work Train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The N-34 is the regular symbol which is tapped by the Chief Dispatcher to work local Santa Fe traffic on the Tehachapi Sub. Div., including the cement empties, both covered hoppers and a notable number of 40ft plain boxcars) returning for loading at the Portland Cement plant at Monolith.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4ELfFNsGtHFCBt2PqF6r1zcRFt6QmtidCx2ztoq25vv1VmpfBX1apIQJ2M5uuAeLm2v3ECBEn-ZwzlrEdH8nENtqETx6TYz3mPSo3_dsSFwM4K73tOa_k_JwUql4zG8ugsLFM8ymw-Mo/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Nov2017+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4ELfFNsGtHFCBt2PqF6r1zcRFt6QmtidCx2ztoq25vv1VmpfBX1apIQJ2M5uuAeLm2v3ECBEn-ZwzlrEdH8nENtqETx6TYz3mPSo3_dsSFwM4K73tOa_k_JwUql4zG8ugsLFM8ymw-Mo/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Nov2017+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The N-34 departs Bakersfield with a large string of empty hopper cars for Boron, Saltus, and the carbon mines east of Barstow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The other large blocks operating on the N-34 are the empty salt hoppers, carbon hoppers, and borate cars for Boron on the Barstow-Mojave Local. - Basically, if you're called for the N-34, you're going to be having a long day of switching cars en route to Barstow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Through Symbols Calwa - Barstow</h2>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
GWS - (GN-WP-Santa Fe)</h3>
<br />
'Joint Great Northern - Western Pacific - Santa Fe trains operating from Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle to Los Angeles via GN Beiber, WP Stockton (Mormon Yard) and Santa Fe. Handling all loads destined for points south of Barstow. Uses numerical date symbols ranter than letter code to conform with WP and GN practice.'<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXtIIS_SMrZsyI4p8qxUaDqvqFtm1iZ71PJt7Z6jTa2jRcs1YbHKiz2qvleD1lt-yLblKq-FxsnJAk_Bi-3AkSVov6smktzArzDGnCW9sFfugH08YDxEt07OOPwLUxQItOoyFscT59IjH/s1600/Santa+Fe+Symbol+Dates+Code.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXtIIS_SMrZsyI4p8qxUaDqvqFtm1iZ71PJt7Z6jTa2jRcs1YbHKiz2qvleD1lt-yLblKq-FxsnJAk_Bi-3AkSVov6smktzArzDGnCW9sFfugH08YDxEt07OOPwLUxQItOoyFscT59IjH/s640/Santa+Fe+Symbol+Dates+Code.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe Date Letter Code</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyTyJ8g9gilL4u0jDa3QxT7QzaoWNIAecAu7C2_SWAjqfsr5i9wPXKp9O9py46fuehRfGD_Krdcn8sDohMPy8BnrNrQg7H0IAp_cNt-suoJeffnuiQcUvtuBz79BL7TW4lcgt8t6rsR7d/s1600/GN+79002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyTyJ8g9gilL4u0jDa3QxT7QzaoWNIAecAu7C2_SWAjqfsr5i9wPXKp9O9py46fuehRfGD_Krdcn8sDohMPy8BnrNrQg7H0IAp_cNt-suoJeffnuiQcUvtuBz79BL7TW4lcgt8t6rsR7d/s640/GN+79002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The GN and WP ship long piles in their big 65ft mill gons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The GWS symbol looks a lot like the SP's PSS and OCM lumber trains, except with large numbers of CN, GN and WP cars, with a good number of SP&S, and some UP cars as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwagj1MqyrEJSWLkAYi5w5kiXlz6n7oMrVXnC7LgzGQQGsP5II84H2NC967oNE4wsrVhmpapbGWUykzJ5oNl0DlSE-NqtuPcj4YcSf2EVDjkVjOIBLuartBKvuuRqBXeoGUpZF21xX7Z_C/s1600/GN+41741+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwagj1MqyrEJSWLkAYi5w5kiXlz6n7oMrVXnC7LgzGQQGsP5II84H2NC967oNE4wsrVhmpapbGWUykzJ5oNl0DlSE-NqtuPcj4YcSf2EVDjkVjOIBLuartBKvuuRqBXeoGUpZF21xX7Z_C/s640/GN+41741+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">GN 41741, an older wood-sheathed double door boxcar in finished lumber service.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Don't forget the large 50ft double door boxcars with finished lumber moving in these trains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM4Z_zxelscKfYSHH-2ZpI-RWD3zr9ovv7ZszktuL4E4ZcXbITLFpo5bPH7yPEKJ0uPbyofZuf0MIXa02phm6X-sxNkpxor0V1-dQ0_vlPUq1GlpziSPFXaFp2B1kuDBvEaEJMVcNri5K/s1600/CP+241039+XM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM4Z_zxelscKfYSHH-2ZpI-RWD3zr9ovv7ZszktuL4E4ZcXbITLFpo5bPH7yPEKJ0uPbyofZuf0MIXa02phm6X-sxNkpxor0V1-dQ0_vlPUq1GlpziSPFXaFp2B1kuDBvEaEJMVcNri5K/s640/CP+241039+XM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">High value 'newsprint' paper and some smaller finished lumber loads move in 40ft plain boxcars, often with end 'lumber doors'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Also large strings of Canadian cars with newsprint paper often show up in the GWS heading to Los Angeles printers. A few carloads might be sent to local Bakersfield destinations for the local news paper, but probably would arrive on the SCX (discussed below).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwVE_r6aFK7StFZytoMFyhyxp6jtlMeUpwIxK-oPsvdtZUGMxNhVrzqwH1lzX3DJvczFXrCwJF8168CxM5JVRCeqTPxab-DXo0ePEj5VdyeTN6i3tMv131EIry7dRdlu5pKkPC2XBVLs9/s1600/GN+73978+LO%25282%2529+-+Slag-gritblasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwVE_r6aFK7StFZytoMFyhyxp6jtlMeUpwIxK-oPsvdtZUGMxNhVrzqwH1lzX3DJvczFXrCwJF8168CxM5JVRCeqTPxab-DXo0ePEj5VdyeTN6i3tMv131EIry7dRdlu5pKkPC2XBVLs9/s640/GN+73978+LO%25282%2529+-+Slag-gritblasting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">GN covered hoppers in assigned 'grit-blast' compound service.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another signature traffic on the GWS includes a couple carloads of slag 'grit-blast' material is shipped in GN covered hoppers to the ship yards in Los Angeles and Long Beach.<br />
<br />
<h3>
SCX - (Southern California Extra)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn4baRaVxXVFb_a3f2H4nEys1cWV9z02XGxHN6tfs8xZVrHWd02dqt42-TStBDExDIWdjblq-OKMPNvWEz4EApAI-EhNMLsXfaFtAj5Cxrj0v68JBTCUTkczk8dcJW9-Mc8G0PegHRlrw/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Marcel-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn4baRaVxXVFb_a3f2H4nEys1cWV9z02XGxHN6tfs8xZVrHWd02dqt42-TStBDExDIWdjblq-OKMPNvWEz4EApAI-EhNMLsXfaFtAj5Cxrj0v68JBTCUTkczk8dcJW9-Mc8G0PegHRlrw/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Marcel-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SCX-BI climbs through Marcel. Note the blocks of perishables and lumber heading to points south of Barstow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
'Operates Richmond to Los Angeles - Handles all traffic Richmond-Stockton-Bakersfield for all Southern California points including San Bernardino, Los Angeles and beyond.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUamt153kvj6tOUi_sC9mge2i9TWVDIZ6dFfmIq8yEygWZWxc4oM6bm5RS5LDhc93Fk2NhI_lds-IQwvdwvz-wL2IoNfUfIjTwr0uUhdSPlvIm30U7u8kA3IbiTHKMiKc58WgewYpfSNj/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+rear+at+T-9-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUamt153kvj6tOUi_sC9mge2i9TWVDIZ6dFfmIq8yEygWZWxc4oM6bm5RS5LDhc93Fk2NhI_lds-IQwvdwvz-wL2IoNfUfIjTwr0uUhdSPlvIm30U7u8kA3IbiTHKMiKc58WgewYpfSNj/s640/ATSF+140LAC+rear+at+T-9-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rear of the same SCX-BI at Walong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe's SCX symbol is a rather mixed bag of traffic, but among the heavier blocks includes: SP interchanged lumber traffic, Sierra RR and NWP-interchange lumber traffic (off the Richmond car float), merchandise boxcars, canned goods, petroleum and chemical tank cars. Limited perishable traffic can also be seen from the San Joaquin Valley to Southern California.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Calwa - Bakersfield</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cbN3jMgrNS-sxkL0nEKvKkhDBCS9TqD3vUTHDCprIAUDEA_M1oRcCBOcsylxTUDGZYwC4QWdIMssqxvgx5pe6ggDE_sdy2fHfgkJ7tWo6LzRsHGHaWzg25fzEQwaLcY8jtKfk8dhO__k/s1600/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cbN3jMgrNS-sxkL0nEKvKkhDBCS9TqD3vUTHDCprIAUDEA_M1oRcCBOcsylxTUDGZYwC4QWdIMssqxvgx5pe6ggDE_sdy2fHfgkJ7tWo6LzRsHGHaWzg25fzEQwaLcY8jtKfk8dhO__k/s640/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Santa Fe gathered large amounts of perishable traffic out of the San Joaquin Valley to Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
WGFX</h3>
<br />
'Operates from Richmond to Bakersfield. Handles all traffic from San Fransisco bay area and San Joaquin Valley points to destined Bakersfield and beyond. Connects at Bakersfield with BK for traffic destined for Kansas City and points east, BTX for Belen (to Texas) traffic, N-34 for Barstow traffic and SCX for traffic destined south of Barstow.'<br />
<br />
The messy part about this symbol is that it catches literally EVERYTHING coming out of the Bay Area. Normally there are at least three or four sections of this symbol every day. <i>Some of the sections can be interposed in order, but will be still listed in chronological order as 1/WGFX-A, 2/WGFX-A, 3/WGFX-A, etc. </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxk9QIRWllWH2tf0T6HK0X2Zbmeq2PX8yIos6SxrwQMe2cqXAPW04wurs4GqLonCUuXfwb18IWkbbXVodnWgB-EXQdUMeSjkET6Bru5aHz5oI8yBfCVhqUaRv7ipW0qR2EYdtSC-XguQF/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxk9QIRWllWH2tf0T6HK0X2Zbmeq2PX8yIos6SxrwQMe2cqXAPW04wurs4GqLonCUuXfwb18IWkbbXVodnWgB-EXQdUMeSjkET6Bru5aHz5oI8yBfCVhqUaRv7ipW0qR2EYdtSC-XguQF/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here's a nice photo of a mix of 'Stuff' arriving at Santa Fe Bakersfield. - several of these could be WGFXs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
"WGFX Reefers"</h4>
<br />
The first flavor of WGFX symbol is the western most link in the GFX (Green Fruit Express) system on the Santa Fe. "W" is the station code for Richmond, so the WGFX is the Richmond originating GFX. This section leaves Richmond as a Way-Car-Light and pick up reefer traffic along the way to Stockton, then run to Bakersfield. Most of this perishable WGFX will continue out of Bakersfield on the BK symbol. A few cars might head south to San Bernardino and Los Angeles on the SCX.<br />
<br />
<h4>
"WGFX WP Connection"</h4>
<br />
Sometimes, if there's enough traffic, an additional WGFX can originate at Richmond as a Way-Car-Light and run to Mormon Yard in Stockton, picking up perishable (likely FGE pool traffic from the GN), canned goods, and other interchange from the WP before continuing to Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<h4>
"WGFX Autos"</h4>
<br />
The second flavor of WGFX symbols is the Santa Fe Auto Parts traffic connecting at Bakersfield as a guaranteed connection on the BK symbol. This is probably the fastest of the sections of WGFX to arrive at Bakersfield after leaving Richmond. This section will also handle any eastward merchandise loads from Richmond for BK connections.<br />
<br />
<h4>
"WGFX-BTX" or "WGFX Texas"</h4>
<br />
The last regular flavor of WGFX is the BTX connection from Richmond to Bakersfield, then to Belen and Texas. This section is heavy in chemical and oil car traffic. It can also be filling with empty cars being sent back to gather at Belen under Service Car Orders (SCOs). This also gives Bakersfield the chance to grab any empties needed for loading with canned goods, etc around Bakersfield. Empties can also be grabbed for N-34 distribution on the Tehachapi Sub and points short of Belen.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Making Since of WGFXs</h4>
<br />
Basically each of the above sections becomes its own symbol east of Bakersfield Yard. Often the Chief Dispatcher and Yardmasters simply refer to the WGFX symbols in the valley as "BTX Connection", "BK Reefer Connection", or "BK Auto Connection" to keep what the majority of the cars in the train will be doing at Bakersfield, and how it relates to the number of cars figuring into the various connection symbols. That way the Yardmasters and Chief DS can quickly tally up how to combine or break up the incoming blocks from Richmond, Stockton, and Calwa in addition to the cars coming from the locals to most efficiently move east on the multiple BK symbols and BTX.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"Fruit Pickups"</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF1tGQ7Y86bbjcvDjJ_UOS5FwWs7GThwTj1KWUwPqjvCslzYf8k4Escw-ZhRibw2hKXrMxIxC7AFuP_xofC3dm0cgKrLBZApIuRfK77m6ypY7HbTMB78r80MpBiHrki-ejj6u5u3eLuNw/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF1tGQ7Y86bbjcvDjJ_UOS5FwWs7GThwTj1KWUwPqjvCslzYf8k4Escw-ZhRibw2hKXrMxIxC7AFuP_xofC3dm0cgKrLBZApIuRfK77m6ypY7HbTMB78r80MpBiHrki-ejj6u5u3eLuNw/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Santa Fe's second largest icing facility is located at Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe operated 'Fruit Pick-ups' eastward in the San Joaquin Valley. Each 'Fruit Pick Up' job worked a town and proceeded to Bakersfield. Potato loads usually were not iced again at Bakersfield before being forwarded to the east. However other perishables, such as citrus, needed a topping off of the ice in the cars before heading east.<br />
<br />
<h4>
VFPU - Visalia Fruit Pick-Up</h4>
<br />
Santa Fe perishable traffic originating on the Visalia District. Most of the loaded traffic is routed onto BK-symbol GFX trains out of Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<h4>
PFPU - Porterville Fruit Pick-Up</h4>
<br />
Santa Fe perishable traffic originating on the Porterville Branch. Most of the loaded traffic is routed onto BK-symbol GFX trains out of Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<h4>
HFPU - Hanford Fruit Pick-Up</h4>
<br />
Santa Fe perishable traffic originating on the Handford District. Most of the loaded traffic is routed onto BK-symbol GFX trains out of Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<h3>
56-Local - "Super Local"</h3>
The 'flip side' of the 55-Local which is a daily local operating in a 'great circle' west from Bakersfield and then returns as 56 back to Bakersfield on the East Side line. The local works the towns and industries along the way.<br />
<br />
<h3>
CWE - Calwa East</h3>
<br />
The Calwa East symbol is a low priority freight which forwards any short traffic from Calwa to Bakersfield. Any low priority through traffic is often sent on N-34 or BTX based on destination. This traffic includes the empty cars returning for loading at Monolith, Boron, and Barstow.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Old Head's Advice</h2>
<br />
One of the things I've been pondering as I was writing this post is one of the main concerns with the arrangement of the current (August 2018) arrangement of the Santa Fe's Valley Division staging. What can best be described as "Old Head's Advice" for Santa Fe Bakersfield and Valley Div's at LMRC for the Chief Dispatcher consists mostly of "Don't let trains that are ready to move east from Santa Fe Bakersfield sit - - - Get it moving!". It's very easy for the Train Dispatcher (Train Order Dispatcher) to ignore trains sitting in yards, but the Santa Fe yard or valley staging can't be allowed to 'plug up', the mainlines east of Bakersfield really do work well as a 'safety valve' when too many Santa Fe trains are in Bakersfield or west of Bakersfield on the Santa Fe. Sometimes this comes down to too many Santa Fe trains westward landing before they can be 'digested' through the staging system.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ItkAxG8k-BOEJbmtyUFZs9SMElWxIMmlA0sDlAvh-92eRQkhBY-FBFenVlpbJ8uzKpGE1ypYIFES6wFFQknxKFOJwP9gTl5dFOhCaJ-sYtDBusnL__ThI9-VJ_hi56Mb4cLJuv6W9NK/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-ItkAxG8k-BOEJbmtyUFZs9SMElWxIMmlA0sDlAvh-92eRQkhBY-FBFenVlpbJ8uzKpGE1ypYIFES6wFFQknxKFOJwP9gTl5dFOhCaJ-sYtDBusnL__ThI9-VJ_hi56Mb4cLJuv6W9NK/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">In this photo the Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard's needing a good bit of help from the Tehachapi Dispatcher to help clear it out!<br />
Looks like BFW, NCX,SWG, a couple of BKs, and an SP interchange block are in town, plus either a large eastward reefer block arrived or is ready to leave for Arvin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is due to the fact that the Santa Fe's 'convenient' Valley Staging is limited to two 60 car tracks at Landco and 2-3 30-ish car tracks at Rosedale which currently double as the 'Roundhouse' for the Santa Fe and also sometimes storing one of the Santa Fe passenger trains. Additional staging is buried deeper in more awkward places to reach, so normally the Santa Fe trains are turned and returned to the yard for eastward movement as quickly as possible. Hopefully this will be eased soon by the addition of the proper Santa Fe 'Roundhouse' and engine servicing tracks.<br />
<br />
Also as discussed in the previous post (Westward Santa Fe Symbols), more of the Santa Fe's merchandise traffic for the Richmond/SF Bay Area will be interchanged to the Southern Pacific. The SP Famoso (Valley) Yard is about 600 cars capacity on six tracks. This should allow the Santa Fe Valley Div. to be 'throttled' better for staging management, and use the SP's very large staging area to better effect.<br />
<br />
<h2>
In Closing</h2>
<br />
In the next post I'll be looking closer at the Santa Fe's Locals around Bakersfield and Mojave.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
<h4>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-3.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP Eastward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-4.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP Locals & Switching</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-5.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 5) - Santa Fe Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
</h4>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-61302129518378253392018-10-23T16:01:00.000-07:002018-10-23T16:01:01.321-07:00Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - (Part 5) ATSF WestIn the previous posts on the topic of Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi, I laid out my history and overview of the concept of symbols for freight movement, and Southern Pacific's freight symbols and local jobs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Rm96IJg7NbX3a-eqip8f31ZeTn_vQQILgDoffc3dxV8Jzs14ZJhgAM-ocXqct-H1aHy3Pr5A7lRVniVYJu4H_fgHZn_NEuOixsNPbdcCqFc9uY8bvGFRPmZ03RVCv2WO0FeIuvQA4LWs/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Narrows-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Rm96IJg7NbX3a-eqip8f31ZeTn_vQQILgDoffc3dxV8Jzs14ZJhgAM-ocXqct-H1aHy3Pr5A7lRVniVYJu4H_fgHZn_NEuOixsNPbdcCqFc9uY8bvGFRPmZ03RVCv2WO0FeIuvQA4LWs/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Narrows-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 140 leads a freight eastward through the "Caliente Narrows"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I should point out that Santa Fe was one of the only railroads in the USA which used an alpha date system instead of a numeral date system for each day of the month. Symbols would be shown in the format "1/59-A", which would be the First Section of Symbol 59, originating on the 1st of the month out of Chicago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCboOrXZRmkzxzmzV-uR2sd6P-JkKVI-i2eA_PNyrSb69u7ed3Y1d4dGb-U4G-HBrUb6xi0vcknl-h5_elPZnw3zPB-WyJu4aOtALaV5zP7_tJsfn9wym9zcRg57V4X5K85AKs3t9eCBB/s1600/Santa+Fe+Symbol+Dates+Code.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="721" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCboOrXZRmkzxzmzV-uR2sd6P-JkKVI-i2eA_PNyrSb69u7ed3Y1d4dGb-U4G-HBrUb6xi0vcknl-h5_elPZnw3zPB-WyJu4aOtALaV5zP7_tJsfn9wym9zcRg57V4X5K85AKs3t9eCBB/s640/Santa+Fe+Symbol+Dates+Code.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe's Date Letter Code, Used on all but two of Santa Fe's freight symbols (SWG and GWS). Excerpt scanned from LMRC document.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In this post I'll be starting the posts about the Santa Fe's freight symbols with the westward symbols by priority and speed shown on the symbol schedule: <i>(Note I'll be using "AT" ahead of each symbol, as it's one of the ways we help crews on switchlist routing to know that the symbol's a Santa Fe symbol.)</i><i>Edited 10-20-2018 with corrected and added symbols</i><br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Santa Fe Symbols From Chicago</h2>
<br />
The Santa Fe was one of the main railroad connections from Chicago and the eastern 'department stores' shipping merchandise cars to the west coast. Trains 59, 49, and 99 generally are pretty similar in consist, but with subtle differences. Usually the LMRC sessions rotate the Santa Fe merchandise "Core Blocks" around between the various Train 59/49/99 symbols out of the East Staging yard, adding and removing the automobile cars makes or breaks the 59 symbol option.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AT Train 59</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a39-QglQXd1sIhuzUtZf1ZPXujwViuLmh9djHui4uRNnUdyXY_oGaXZuV_RQn_UeK8gy2QeF5yqFFI5nbVpd0XHaXEyShDXfDFCUC3nleNZXVpJq-mgrHaAxyVHpvKnKFGu0UV4TNeMK/s1600/ATSF+1963+WB+H%2526H+Market+-+Edison+Hwy+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a39-QglQXd1sIhuzUtZf1ZPXujwViuLmh9djHui4uRNnUdyXY_oGaXZuV_RQn_UeK8gy2QeF5yqFFI5nbVpd0XHaXEyShDXfDFCUC3nleNZXVpJq-mgrHaAxyVHpvKnKFGu0UV4TNeMK/s640/ATSF+1963+WB+H%2526H+Market+-+Edison+Hwy+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF's 59 symbol cruises along the Edison Hwy and pounds over the crossovers at Mt. Vernon Ave in Bakersfield with an auto-parts block on the rear end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Operates from Corwith (Chicago) to Richmond with loads and special empties (Auto-Parts traffic) destined Edison, Calif. and points north. Operates daily."<br />
<br />
The Train 59 symbol primary traffic was automobile parts (Auto-Parts) traffic and automobile cars. Some of the auto-parts and merchandise traffic was transferred to the Southern Pacific at Bakersfield for SP destinations in the greater San Fransisco Bay Area. Perhaps 30-50% of the cars in Train 59 symbol might be interchanged to the SP at Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
Meat reefer and livestock traffic also moved on 59 symbol.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AT Train 49 and A-49</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aRRbFqekadWXjvdHvbhM6hEZnkbIJ4FXTG8k0_Bc8Yui_ZqUujhCIaHT6EJrKlEGwZs7ytEBkJJC0VFL3YyL51F2EH2tu_ZrvUntHNDExgB2mRCJdU3y8zHwBCHNFz5LIoKlZPLKQuNX/s1600/ATSF+225C+99-D+Mojave+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aRRbFqekadWXjvdHvbhM6hEZnkbIJ4FXTG8k0_Bc8Yui_ZqUujhCIaHT6EJrKlEGwZs7ytEBkJJC0VFL3YyL51F2EH2tu_ZrvUntHNDExgB2mRCJdU3y8zHwBCHNFz5LIoKlZPLKQuNX/s640/ATSF+225C+99-D+Mojave+Jan8%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 225 at Mojave working 49-D with an auto block and returning reefers with lcl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Operates from Corwith (Chicago's Yard), Argentine (Kansas City) operates with loads and special empties destined to Edison, Calif. and points north. Operates daily."<br />
<br />
Often Train 49 was used for traffic which couldn't fit on the hotter Train 59 symbol train. It was primarily used for merchandise traffic and special empties, which could include auto-parts traffic and other 'boarded' empties which were moving under waybills. Again, much of the consist would be interchanged at Bakersfield to the SP for the SF Bay Area.<br />
<br />
Sections of Train 49 originating at Argentine were symboled "A-49", as opposed to "49" for the Corwith originating symbol sections.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Santa Fe Symbols from Kansas City</h2>
<br />
<h3>
AT Train 99</h3>
<br />
<br />
The Train 99 symbol was another merchandise train, but it primarily gathered east coast merchandise traffic coming in via Kansas City, not coming via Chicago. Again, much of the consist would be interchanged at Bakersfield to the SP for the SF Bay Area.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Santa Fe Symbols from Texas, via Belen, NM.</h2>
<br />
<h3>
AT GCF - Gulf Coast Forwarder</h3>
<br />
"Originates Temple, Texas with loads and special empties. Originating Temple and points south and destined for Northern California points."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiqdypwSOQIFPzLO32wXtRs1zKta7yIrXnTxbNKMTPwcvNVsy0LxE7J5S-SksOkMCP1jDT0y2IVwIj9rQ7hKDq3E5rzj12E-0gOuwkDn0qhC58Wa1bmQwPhGmd0K-dxAOyUxa8POcPGEE/s1600/AT+GCF-C+Pg1+Jan7+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiqdypwSOQIFPzLO32wXtRs1zKta7yIrXnTxbNKMTPwcvNVsy0LxE7J5S-SksOkMCP1jDT0y2IVwIj9rQ7hKDq3E5rzj12E-0gOuwkDn0qhC58Wa1bmQwPhGmd0K-dxAOyUxa8POcPGEE/s640/AT+GCF-C+Pg1+Jan7+53.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An example of a GCF which is going to be switched out at Bakersfield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The GCF has mostly Texas-Bay Area traffic, and has traffic for Bakersfield for local and SP Bay Area destinations, much of the later was petro-chem traffic to the plants along the bay between San Pablo and Antioch. Any cars for north of Bakersfield would probably be put on the NCX at Barstow or Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK6kAnO-C68rGY_2qM0-hW84EIdpAGFCiXtG6_m_y8ONDY8V7ux2tJgF_lO1kPE9USDWeRJ5pcDeFn9g-xabhFLM4Rl4-9X7aiHl946QIugqJCsMFopnZC97nKPfLv_3QVzCVwV0TmzEH/s1600/GCF+Conoco+Tankcars+Jan-7-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK6kAnO-C68rGY_2qM0-hW84EIdpAGFCiXtG6_m_y8ONDY8V7ux2tJgF_lO1kPE9USDWeRJ5pcDeFn9g-xabhFLM4Rl4-9X7aiHl946QIugqJCsMFopnZC97nKPfLv_3QVzCVwV0TmzEH/s640/GCF+Conoco+Tankcars+Jan-7-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Conoco and Texaco cars were common on the GCF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the primary traffic components is chemical and petroleum tankcars. Texas was also one of the larger LPG producing ares. Livestock would also move on the GCF, but would probably be transferred to one of the faster symbols at Belen, such as Train 59.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Symbols from San Bernardino, via Barstow</h2>
<br />
<h3>
AT SWG - Santa Fe-Western Pacific-Great Northern</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgw8EFaQpsa8S4MBaBR83KXD_xldR6y_qm1FoHVG5nQdIsjI5d8aP-DRlIsDRU5cgK13nMw5Yznd6a0Lnt7jRcySPo_WBqJXw9Kv6W_l1ulqYDpM2dQ-ljtvW8PU-DJdf9euXXTwPyLK0/s1600/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgw8EFaQpsa8S4MBaBR83KXD_xldR6y_qm1FoHVG5nQdIsjI5d8aP-DRlIsDRU5cgK13nMw5Yznd6a0Lnt7jRcySPo_WBqJXw9Kv6W_l1ulqYDpM2dQ-ljtvW8PU-DJdf9euXXTwPyLK0/s640/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 212 leads the SWG as it approaches Kern Jct. and shows its consist nicely in this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Joint Santa Fe-Western Pacific-Great Northern train operating from Los Angeles to Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle via Santa Fe, WP Stockton (Mormon Yard) and GN Beiber. From Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Barstow, Bakersfield handles loads (heavily canned goods) destined Beiber and beyond. Uses numerical date symbol rather than letter code to conform with WP and GN practice."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GWFlSjxdwXaBaCZHm4os-po5cOdz-WPnXiCUD2RtU6LNj8Qw8PtTOBtQMik1R4vN5Q3sFZpcRqDXEK938y3YqPmz56ZaUP_k5Y1VW4Y4PCOhyphenhyphend3A_2Zc5IwwX3HKHSE1pVoffofB3cB9/s1600/ATSF+SWG-7+Cable+Jan8%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GWFlSjxdwXaBaCZHm4os-po5cOdz-WPnXiCUD2RtU6LNj8Qw8PtTOBtQMik1R4vN5Q3sFZpcRqDXEK938y3YqPmz56ZaUP_k5Y1VW4Y4PCOhyphenhyphend3A_2Zc5IwwX3HKHSE1pVoffofB3cB9/s640/ATSF+SWG-7+Cable+Jan8%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SWG-7 at Cable with empty lumber cars and wine cars, and a few reefers at the head-end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SWG was the symbol for loads to points north of Stockton would be routed on this symbol, this often included some SFRD reefers would be routed north for the Pacific Northwest cities.<br />
<br />
On some slow days the SWG could combine or fill with NCX traffic.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AT NCX - North California eXtra</h3>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWNGi3PhuKkgDOiBrIJRBDAVLnQ6K9mn1b8cEqjcbAyV-dRWUew-EywkTUYq54uiXZFQFIVbqhvzSMV0JfrfmzNcOVGcwkS84aKiRK_rJBkwmdgxWL_9KQciGnIZTjS3p72VXb3B00uPk/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53+10%252C20pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWNGi3PhuKkgDOiBrIJRBDAVLnQ6K9mn1b8cEqjcbAyV-dRWUew-EywkTUYq54uiXZFQFIVbqhvzSMV0JfrfmzNcOVGcwkS84aKiRK_rJBkwmdgxWL_9KQciGnIZTjS3p72VXb3B00uPk/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53+10%252C20pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An NCX arriving Bakersfield with traffic for northern CA and interchange traffic to the SP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Originates Los Angeles and operates Los Angeles/San Bernardino to Stockton/Richmond. Handles all traffic destined Bakersfield and beyond. May be filled at intermediate terminals with north loads and empties as train length permits."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the days before the hump yard at Barstow the NCX had to change directions. During the time at Barstow yard, the NCX could pickup any cars from San Diego train (SBX).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The NCX handled lots of traffic for the huge canning operations at Empire, near Modesto.</div>
<br />
<h2>
Westward Symbol from Barstow</h2>
<br />
<h3>
AT DRAG - Reefers West to Bakersfield</h3>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNp5bAag4btLtp9sDanaA6YOzJ76tZ05xdDRytRWwjp9_dmrLnvhJS7VqvjP8iDdNpwbNPoTeA58LC96iqofHDdHSauHuqM9o9bXPpRTJ9h57U7nJGJOcAvLDEk6EPEzox-pV9PaYhDfm/s1600/Santa+Fe+Drag-BH+Caliente+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNp5bAag4btLtp9sDanaA6YOzJ76tZ05xdDRytRWwjp9_dmrLnvhJS7VqvjP8iDdNpwbNPoTeA58LC96iqofHDdHSauHuqM9o9bXPpRTJ9h57U7nJGJOcAvLDEk6EPEzox-pV9PaYhDfm/s640/Santa+Fe+Drag-BH+Caliente+Cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe 'Drag' approaches Caliente with over 90 empty SFRD reefers for Bakersfield and Calwa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
The AT DRAG symbol was usually used for empty cars of any type, often returning foreign cars before the midnight assessment of the demurge. Over Tehachapi the Santa Fe often used this symbol almost exclusively for the movement of thousands of empty SFRD reefers per month to Bakersfield for reconditioning. (San Bernardino was the other major SFRD reconditioning facility.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOLYQWo-AxuNZbKvmasrOwem6_SbYdnLgnk-QWKp7OYQ9PK3agy5cCKdtScfk4JW9JZ7tYotUkJ4WgiHHaw1fupj8vTMU4LyGNng8vXbGOqWsuDXA0e_ynfiiDpfru_lx-o4HS-KENPZ4/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOLYQWo-AxuNZbKvmasrOwem6_SbYdnLgnk-QWKp7OYQ9PK3agy5cCKdtScfk4JW9JZ7tYotUkJ4WgiHHaw1fupj8vTMU4LyGNng8vXbGOqWsuDXA0e_ynfiiDpfru_lx-o4HS-KENPZ4/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here a large string of reefers is prepared to leave town on Track 3. This string could be part of a Drag or 1st Dis. Extra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Santa Fe Drags of SFRD reefers would arrive at Bakersfield and the cars would be serviced. Once serviced cleaned cars could be iced and sent out on the locals for loading, forwarded to Calwa (Fresno) or Mormon (Stockton) yards, sent for potato loading at Arvin or be sent out for dry loading with things such as canned goods, or stored for the 'rush' of the harvest seasons to hit. During the peak of the harvest over 17,000 reefers were loaded on the Santa Fe's Valley Division in one month, and most of it moved over Tehachapi heading to the eastern markets.</div>
<div>
<br />
<h4>
An Ice Break</h4>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aKfJ9Id_EtrnmLbHCkQfI4El3NKun3FjjhJOsB7d1QT5OcbwRS9dmVSUgRi9oa8fxPTd7QDqBridVWgVZewJQKD9puM0qa81vNBiytVeMVebajC4H5yzHxNGtbaGifye2JqnvNtBPlu1/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck-A.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aKfJ9Id_EtrnmLbHCkQfI4El3NKun3FjjhJOsB7d1QT5OcbwRS9dmVSUgRi9oa8fxPTd7QDqBridVWgVZewJQKD9puM0qa81vNBiytVeMVebajC4H5yzHxNGtbaGifye2JqnvNtBPlu1/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck-A.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The SFRD Icing Deck at Bakersfield was equipped in the early 1950's with a mechanical icing machine, which rode on top of the deck on rails. The manual loading of ice usually took about 2-3 men per car and about 15 minutes to slide the blocks of ice over and break them up into the bunkers of each car. The icing machines lowered the man power to one or two men to run the machine and feed ice into it from the deck, and only took 2-3 minutes per car! Two ice machines were located on the long ice deck and one on the shorter deck at Bakersfield.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
AT BAW - BArstow West</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqntGEHy7K8LtQr8mqs6TVaAr2w4GqRbQRsNOKX6Q4e4xPFyUBZIpYQqj_vnNnsgPrZYQcypfBoIy9EifGG-XU_OR0WzZ95H7D-8WfU8_tLTlQc63uoeZeVZvo7_KiDlUSA9p5tgyUghHe/s1600/ATSF+225%252C+5304%252C4137+at+Mojave+Jan7%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqntGEHy7K8LtQr8mqs6TVaAr2w4GqRbQRsNOKX6Q4e4xPFyUBZIpYQqj_vnNnsgPrZYQcypfBoIy9EifGG-XU_OR0WzZ95H7D-8WfU8_tLTlQc63uoeZeVZvo7_KiDlUSA9p5tgyUghHe/s640/ATSF+225%252C+5304%252C4137+at+Mojave+Jan7%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 225LABC prepares to depart Mojave with the BAW-G on Jan 7, 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The BAW was the Santa Fe's 'dog train' westward over Tehachapi. This train forwarded low priority traffic west from Barstow to Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFcqlfOqgo7v78NqCT8RoOGKEtJkrJ8IzjwgjvbpLFQbFs8-zgu0SkHczWxlDBsTd3wP5r3D00DhZKY5rRfZscu1icF-wWU2TrKtdlS7-SqVBGu8mvf6bGaQ2cx5H3FNjr1qp5dI32X_u/s1600/Monolith+-+5Jan%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFcqlfOqgo7v78NqCT8RoOGKEtJkrJ8IzjwgjvbpLFQbFs8-zgu0SkHczWxlDBsTd3wP5r3D00DhZKY5rRfZscu1icF-wWU2TrKtdlS7-SqVBGu8mvf6bGaQ2cx5H3FNjr1qp5dI32X_u/s640/Monolith+-+5Jan%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lots of Santa Fe cars in the plant at Monolith today. BAW regularly picks up and sets out at Monolith for the KI Local to switch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This included cars for Boron, Mojave, Monolith and Bakersfield. The empties for Monolith and Barstow would be dropped and worked by locals (SP's KI Local and Mojave-Barstow Local respectively). Through traffic was then forwarded on BFW to Calwa. Any remaining traffic went to the locals out of Bakersfield or interchanged to the SP at Kern Jct.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"Northwest Empties" (Drag) - (New 10-20-2018 addition)</h3>
<br />
<br />
The "North-west Empties" train, which took care of all the empty 'long norths' on the Santa Fe out of Southern CA and Bakerfield. This was the primary returning symbol for empty Western Pacific and Great Northern, the friendly connections for the Santa Fe to the north.<br />
<br />
This symbol gathers all record rights interchange traffic for WP, GN, CN, SP&S. This symbol is combined to form the 'lumber blocks' in the GWS at Calwa Staging Yard.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Arvin Branch</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo3dbSCF6gGAWClUW_bSYC0VtOjlgoMjWuOegPd7AJdw2Wd-mgCJDEpmySJiY2VAHekrNxY8mp2CkrewlPKe25mkARLD9GbWIwfErVV3rBeCwP1TUBcuff7eVL23Wm84XJRHCR2jKiMk1/s1600/ATSF+966+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo3dbSCF6gGAWClUW_bSYC0VtOjlgoMjWuOegPd7AJdw2Wd-mgCJDEpmySJiY2VAHekrNxY8mp2CkrewlPKe25mkARLD9GbWIwfErVV3rBeCwP1TUBcuff7eVL23Wm84XJRHCR2jKiMk1/s640/ATSF+966+Bakersfield+-+Jan+4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 966 leads an Arvin Turn out past Kern Jct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Technically the Arvin trains return westward to Bakersfield over about 3 miles of the Tehachapi Sub. However, I've covered the Arvin Branch briefly in the SP Local operations, and will write a post specifically on the Arvin Branch operations in detail.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Symbols from Bakersfield</h2>
<br />
<h3>
AT BFW - BakersField West</h3>
<br />
The BFW was the continuing symbol for the BAW 'dog train' west to the yard at Calwa, near Fresno. This train took care of cars for stations between Bakersfield and Fresno.<br />
<h3>
AT 55 "Super Local"</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvJcRe-fcoyt_LoVagRJ_jvqD_EXZAz8VHwdMJ3PYYAgIB3sFdEWjH9rLmaKWVFSSkPvh2TIuv_zpW1h08H6lFxaJDWvENkxc8ZYr5SMTeIt2X9gMLTX4NKy7E7RmqXRlvmb9-g9hPzIo/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvJcRe-fcoyt_LoVagRJ_jvqD_EXZAz8VHwdMJ3PYYAgIB3sFdEWjH9rLmaKWVFSSkPvh2TIuv_zpW1h08H6lFxaJDWvENkxc8ZYr5SMTeIt2X9gMLTX4NKy7E7RmqXRlvmb9-g9hPzIo/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I believe that's the 55-Local being assembled on Track 8, on the track in front of the Waycars, with the tank cars and reefers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The 55 Local works out of Bakersfield, up to Calwa, then around and comes back on the east side line, rejoining the Santa Fe main and returns to Bakersfield on the second day as 56 Local. This two day cycle earned this local the nickname 'Super Local'.<br />
<br />
The 55/56 Local covers local deliveries for the sheds and towns west of Bakersfield supplying empty iced reefers, merchandise, fuel oil, boxcars for canned goods, and grain service, etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_njk7jhDYXLbWxz0waBK_4009LAR9bc85tpicSKP_ODiWeo-r6s2JfKZVurKitGsl8R7NsSz3wSRoIG_vWN2OmUhV_RoPvXNBSvHTQutuaxcZf-ebrTvJWKQmVgUF3OYs8s6e9lZD9tr/s1600/ATSF+1421+WC+-+LOCAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_njk7jhDYXLbWxz0waBK_4009LAR9bc85tpicSKP_ODiWeo-r6s2JfKZVurKitGsl8R7NsSz3wSRoIG_vWN2OmUhV_RoPvXNBSvHTQutuaxcZf-ebrTvJWKQmVgUF3OYs8s6e9lZD9tr/s640/ATSF+1421+WC+-+LOCAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 1421, an older 'truss rod' 1300-class Waycar is assigned to local service on Train 55/56</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The 55/56 Local at LMRC is regularly assigned Waycar 1421 out of Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
AT 1st Dist. Extra</h3>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-522LhnohOL1n38CzyBkU4V9zWmHwptRmodqFvCFLFWvvPP6uXUJbDKdPtVHcDPXwqPIFSSOF3n-7VxelEh7QZUvPbG7GCzslSHVwEjSSyXqL5gAwWwKLASN7EYc36UHHEEhht0EbReOt/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-522LhnohOL1n38CzyBkU4V9zWmHwptRmodqFvCFLFWvvPP6uXUJbDKdPtVHcDPXwqPIFSSOF3n-7VxelEh7QZUvPbG7GCzslSHVwEjSSyXqL5gAwWwKLASN7EYc36UHHEEhht0EbReOt/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here a 1st Distict Extra prepares to depart west from Bakersfield with a string of clean and iced empty SFRD reefers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Santa Fe also used what they called the First District Extra to work additional seasonal reefer traffic and boxcars into the Valley between Bakersfield and Calwa. This was basically a train that supplied empties to the packing sheds and canneries. The huge canneries at Empire (near Fresno) received large numbers of empty boxcars for shipment east.<br />
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<h2>
In Closing</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E3RQI6Pq-xL1xg7T8fO-TDk8q6Xstm1VbQN7bf_1ibL5lkYzKjAfdqaU662wGg35DUgpCtMw-aiufrdgO1NVvMnWFzt0GzgrTT05t68h4vo1T33333iqIy8mNy6GVtk3ZdikhgOATUtl/s1600/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC-B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E3RQI6Pq-xL1xg7T8fO-TDk8q6Xstm1VbQN7bf_1ibL5lkYzKjAfdqaU662wGg35DUgpCtMw-aiufrdgO1NVvMnWFzt0GzgrTT05t68h4vo1T33333iqIy8mNy6GVtk3ZdikhgOATUtl/s640/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC-B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Arvin Turn prepares to crossover and return to Bakersfield as a freight blasts by on the Eastward Main Track at Magunden</td></tr>
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This wraps up the Santa Fe's Westward Symbols for the Tehachapi Pass. Next post I'll be talking about the Eastward Symbols for the Santa Fe.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
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<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
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<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-3.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP Eastward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-4.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP Locals & Switching</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
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<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-40094847989394444752018-10-22T16:40:00.001-07:002018-10-22T16:40:33.833-07:00Freight Symbol Over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP EastThis is the third in my series of blog posts on the operations at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club in San Diego, CA. In the last post, {<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story</a>} I covered some how I started in 'Operations' and also how the club's Operations have evolved over the last 30 years. I cover the <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">SP West Symbols in Part 2</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjk3z1dBrBr4m5y3_6sNKXzMlf_k4e-DRiIHw8qHtRJShpbg42y6_JreMv0pbhCyTOAOnKusVeLisyq4GHoV6VhbkRYSwDyrow6nUxMYXsdJGysmpHBEYyrmCZ7npT2xynLMVWWYZXlbA/s1600/AC+freight+at+Caliente-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjk3z1dBrBr4m5y3_6sNKXzMlf_k4e-DRiIHw8qHtRJShpbg42y6_JreMv0pbhCyTOAOnKusVeLisyq4GHoV6VhbkRYSwDyrow6nUxMYXsdJGysmpHBEYyrmCZ7npT2xynLMVWWYZXlbA/s640/AC+freight+at+Caliente-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4249 helps a freight upgrade into Caliente with a VXE-symbol freight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm planning to cover in this series of posts which will cover each of the symbols that operated over Tehacahpi by railroad and direction. I'll also be pointing out how they connected to the Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley and out of Mojave both to Barstow and beyond and to Los Angeles and beyond into the nation-wide system of freight movement.<br />
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<h2>
Eastward Through Symbols</h2>
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In this post at first glance, we'll be looking at many 'duplicate' symbols. However, as we looks deeper at the various eastward SP symbols over Tehachapi Pass, the different 'levels' of service show themselves. Basically, selection of the symbol (grouping of similar service traffic provided by that symbol and connections to routing getting to the destination), the published 'protecting' categories of type of car, the load, and the physical routing show what symbols do what. The SSE for example is a much faster symbol moving through yards and 100-mile inspections, compared to even trains like VXE. While most of these symbols move as 3rd Class schedules on the Timetable, or occasionally as Extras with basically the same speed limits on the road, the 'hotter' symbols make faster trips from Roseville to Los Angeles because of the shorter dwell times at the intermediate yards at Fresno and Bakersfield.<br />
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<h3>
VME - "Overnight"</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrLdNjkY2lwstTy2Je3V8oiGJzwdkwpk7qD7xBRYD9IMBMSNVpqUtnuWzZWJ4_cj2f7nVPt_eC-g8SvmRPIwtUsM7nEtJvxSyGqXPAi9-NDYPAENSCP4181nEo5t0WEqn_o1czxJG9bfv/s1600/VME-29+Overnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrLdNjkY2lwstTy2Je3V8oiGJzwdkwpk7qD7xBRYD9IMBMSNVpqUtnuWzZWJ4_cj2f7nVPt_eC-g8SvmRPIwtUsM7nEtJvxSyGqXPAi9-NDYPAENSCP4181nEo5t0WEqn_o1czxJG9bfv/s640/VME-29+Overnight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4293 leads the VME-29 up through Bealville with a large number of express reefers on the 29th of December, 1952.</td></tr>
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The VME symbol runs from Fresno to Los Angeles with express reefers loaded with perishables and mostly empty returning "Overnight" express boxcars. The VME usually runs as No.446 from Fresno to Bakersfield, but the prototype ETT's show the Second Class schedule ending there. The VME symbol would then continue either as an Extra train or be run under one of the Third Class, 800-series freights, probably a section of No.808 in the evening after a 6:00PM cutoff time. <i> I'll get more into Cutoff times in a future post.</i><br />
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<h4>
TOFC - Trailer-on-Flat-Car</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrxNSsvTWuBZaYVj1zL0A56rajTFt-tdCxt4vrdgXjfYjEAqW8KuoYEiZRl1rkcfAZv6CNL_LlhfVYKaUHq3X-6IDyGVluIaZIgGP66tFx3vFPAlUifn7Z328LTn800yTTyDGnBZqkRB7/s1600/SP+142411+F-70-7+TOFC+with+trailers+-+SP-NWP+Convention+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrxNSsvTWuBZaYVj1zL0A56rajTFt-tdCxt4vrdgXjfYjEAqW8KuoYEiZRl1rkcfAZv6CNL_LlhfVYKaUHq3X-6IDyGVluIaZIgGP66tFx3vFPAlUifn7Z328LTn800yTTyDGnBZqkRB7/s640/SP+142411+F-70-7+TOFC+with+trailers+-+SP-NWP+Convention+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 142411, TOFC equipped F-70-7 for PMT 22ft trailers. (both flatcar and trailers SPH&TS model)</td></tr>
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The symbol picks up at Bakersfield any "Overnight" cars ready to return to LA and express reefers. After March 1953 this could also include the PMT's TOFC (Trailer-on-Flatcar) traffic which supplemented the "Overnight" Service. Bakersfield was among the first group of stations to receive TOFC loading ramps in March of 1953.<br />
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<h3>
SSE - Sunset East</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cyk1gMBeiK-Z9EpzQ8yTIGs-1L1SjYQe2LDjQWRzXDupfkfSo0ISegxKPXM4wWj4bYkiWEba4Qb84ohKc-GxQ2f5l0H3-Qbnn7QxBq5g08ppNkslJ75iJXpEnMZZ9jzCemWIk9lCQ8kz/s1600/SP+4255+Caliente+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cyk1gMBeiK-Z9EpzQ8yTIGs-1L1SjYQe2LDjQWRzXDupfkfSo0ISegxKPXM4wWj4bYkiWEba4Qb84ohKc-GxQ2f5l0H3-Qbnn7QxBq5g08ppNkslJ75iJXpEnMZZ9jzCemWIk9lCQ8kz/s640/SP+4255+Caliente+Road.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4255 leads a long string of boxcars of canned goods east through Caliente.</td></tr>
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The Sunset East symbol originates in Roseville, usually as a "cab-hop", picking up priority merchandise loads, primarily canned goods out of the San Joaquin Valley heading east to El Paso and beyond to eastern cities. Sometimes VXE traffic (described below) would fill the SSE symbol.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbw6TRDMA2mpWf2-w-YZNhaxqYJdYGxSJIAiF9tnelCd6y44fAaHPT5TpsiwQEV9cc_R1JHbw2Zvk67g74ZelaEiQrAn3uJmgLnV4X3zvV934ArKdMX9iPsOmTP7y8C5X1WAKSCPzl7jC/s1600/BO+381303+side-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbw6TRDMA2mpWf2-w-YZNhaxqYJdYGxSJIAiF9tnelCd6y44fAaHPT5TpsiwQEV9cc_R1JHbw2Zvk67g74ZelaEiQrAn3uJmgLnV4X3zvV934ArKdMX9iPsOmTP7y8C5X1WAKSCPzl7jC/s640/BO+381303+side-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Eastern 'plain' boxcars, such as this 'Wagon Top' B&O car were reloaded as often as possible when returning home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Generally any empty cars returning on reverse-rights to eastern railroads would be moved where there was capacity, filling on VXE or running on BFX and other 'Shorts' trains. Traffic flow during the 1940s and 1950s generally went something like this: East Coast merchandise traffic westward to consumer cities, then the foreign cars would be reloaded with what food-stuffs (Canned goods, etc) or raw materials (lumber, paper, etc) and filled in when needed with home-road cars. So the process of having foreign empty cars returning eastward towards home on symbols which were easily accessible by the yards originating locals to the canneries and growing areas worked well. What is not desirable is to put the foreign cars that could be reloaded on symbols that would be routed directly to Los Angeles, and eastward if there was the possibility to reload them before Los Angeles.<br />
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<h3>
VXE - Valley Extra East</h3>
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The VXE is the general 'catch-all' symbol used to move eastward freight from Roseville to Los Angeles (Taylor Yard), this technically also includes perishable traffic. However, the VXE symbol is more of a family with several sub-symbols we'll be looking at next; the RV, F, and SJ-blocks. I know it's confusing, but there are several symbols that work this way. From what we've gathered the SP didn't use the VXE symbol name itself on the perishables blocks, favoring simply referred to them by the RV, F, and SJ-block designations, and the VXE was used for everything else, non-perishable. I'm a little torn on the sugar beet cars, I could see them being sent on VXE since they'll be getting switched and redirected at Taylor Yard, as opposed to Colton, which is where the SJ/F/RV blocks would be sent with minimal switching, and mostly bypassing work at Taylor Yard.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfcY3ugC43ZVf494YIP9Miu7KPvtoROvLLEL_6KOS6gps3v-iCZnPxTA0McUHmGiKWFmidtVhyoRrUmutQNVmbSVWCLGoQI7M549vW3xWrYQqEhegHLw1YfzdtFPzW30zqZ1oVUeZUr_Y/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+Crew+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53+Dennis+Kogan%252C+Kreg%252C+Mike+Bording.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfcY3ugC43ZVf494YIP9Miu7KPvtoROvLLEL_6KOS6gps3v-iCZnPxTA0McUHmGiKWFmidtVhyoRrUmutQNVmbSVWCLGoQI7M549vW3xWrYQqEhegHLw1YfzdtFPzW30zqZ1oVUeZUr_Y/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+Crew+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53+Dennis+Kogan%252C+Kreg%252C+Mike+Bording.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">M.P. Bording (YM), and his crews work the SP yard at Bakersfield making up trains per the Chief Dispatcher's directives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The general freight routed for movement on VXE could also be 'filled' on other through symbols (OCM, PSS, etc) as there was capacity, but I'll discuss that more when we get into the advanced concepts of the Chief Dispatcher and combining of symbols. For now just remember that the VXE exists to move general freight from Roseville to Los Angeles.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
RV-n - Roseville (Reefer Block)</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn6V8WnAItbfs07U4BAzelseuE94whD0NBGNV29NOuG-VkLNo-NTT-TPuRosDaaaZgbzubFNE6KzqVP26DXxrunivbCUCwinVF1qhgKerBcsh8agja9Dza7Bumavmthk7w-b50hyllvNA/s1600/Action+at+Caliente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn6V8WnAItbfs07U4BAzelseuE94whD0NBGNV29NOuG-VkLNo-NTT-TPuRosDaaaZgbzubFNE6KzqVP26DXxrunivbCUCwinVF1qhgKerBcsh8agja9Dza7Bumavmthk7w-b50hyllvNA/s640/Action+at+Caliente.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A PFE reefer block swings through the curve at Caliente, climbing eastward to Tehachapi Summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The RV-symbol was used to move loaded perishable reefer traffic from Roseville to Colton to be combined into C-blocks for movement east on the Sunset and Golden State Routes. The symbol system used for the RV, F, and SJ blocks carried a sequential number from the first day of the year, for example RV-1 would be from the first block on 1st of January. RV-2 would be used for the next block, whether or not it was on the 1st of January or any later date. The numbers would continue until December 31st, when the system would start again. This was used to keep positive track of cars and their movement all the way to the destination. In case of combinations, the newer, shorter traveled symbol would be absorbed into the older symbol.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
F-n - Fresno (Reefer Block)</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsGFqgeJEPXSQqCob6Olg8goSwEgElv1ehAdwnh8jIerkqWzUCk8RDIOm6TYEMiAQkjAADuTkqGOiEwiLQ8gAU1RhP4wQ30zFfahRQTVupuXHL9SEWD7H-M8qg-UwOsjylHpqxLFmyTPa/s1600/SP+3660+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection+-+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsGFqgeJEPXSQqCob6Olg8goSwEgElv1ehAdwnh8jIerkqWzUCk8RDIOm6TYEMiAQkjAADuTkqGOiEwiLQ8gAU1RhP4wQ30zFfahRQTVupuXHL9SEWD7H-M8qg-UwOsjylHpqxLFmyTPa/s640/SP+3660+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection+-+Cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No. 780 with SP 3660 works a block of PFEs somewhere west of Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
The F-symbol was used for Frenso originating perishable reefer traffic, similar to the RV-symbol. The traffic forming the F-symbol would have been gathered up by the haulers and locals operating out of Fresno, where as the RV-symbol traffic came through the Roseville yard 'hub'. Visually there was basically no difference between an RV and F-block.<br />
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There was usually a RV-block every day, F-blocks were a little more rare, as they could be combined and fill into RV-block symbols, and this would be a point I'll talk about in the future with planning and predicting traffic routings.</div>
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<br />
<h3>
Eastward Lumber Symbols</h3>
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The SP moves lumber eastward on three primary symbols. A "Long East" called the PSS, a train to LA called the OCM, and a "Shorts" train called the BFX to Bakersfield, which then connects to Santa Fe trains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKxuQITkqSMU3OnnCRDHGa-3YAhnFEGOno6keaUHhN7nAEn4SbsjKaTVKdQoJLoTmbEWps96YWWGf5yeg-yRoSG6mziwd0alg0ACa6zSFU_fY1GhZ5fXXLmTFSkVN-WwOyE4Wc8nMHi_A/s1600/SP+43745+SP+160172+OMM+3004+%2526+3005-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKxuQITkqSMU3OnnCRDHGa-3YAhnFEGOno6keaUHhN7nAEn4SbsjKaTVKdQoJLoTmbEWps96YWWGf5yeg-yRoSG6mziwd0alg0ACa6zSFU_fY1GhZ5fXXLmTFSkVN-WwOyE4Wc8nMHi_A/s640/SP+43745+SP+160172+OMM+3004+%2526+3005-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Typical SP lumber hauling cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's look at some of the cars used in these trains.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Flatcars</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD5V-ZmrBg1NJmHpbl6BHmlHUZVnO-lAuYfWiiRZweJpzLLt76bdz9MtZDbl8r51msQX7Lcj2PdEUyFdRqNOYsiE0v1zIfO422JmN8YgSIbz9Cl9THQyOZdPrD6HcHm213ouGbWDa78sI/s1600/NWP+4474+Ilmon-A+OMM+Lumber-A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD5V-ZmrBg1NJmHpbl6BHmlHUZVnO-lAuYfWiiRZweJpzLLt76bdz9MtZDbl8r51msQX7Lcj2PdEUyFdRqNOYsiE0v1zIfO422JmN8YgSIbz9Cl9THQyOZdPrD6HcHm213ouGbWDa78sI/s640/NWP+4474+Ilmon-A+OMM+Lumber-A1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">NWP 4474 with lumber load near Ilmon. (prototype OMM 3004 load shown)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The building boom in the post-WWII era in the central and southern states lead to the operation of Portland-LA and Portland-Sunset Route lumber symobls. These symbols could also be used to move other minor traffic, but the dominant traffic out of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) was lumber related, paper, etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfAxumT-J1IgNy0xJ3g1DchY9GYb8qVHZuegX3cC7WJ7or7SQ9sTdb7CKbG2Pv1Df38l_5iVh0-FiGTfHEUCYNZ8P-9PZ3L036xRDC_wFLCq6pKwJITS35O4KvUGA1TcHDYsRAF5tEICH/s1600/OMM+3001+KB+LMRC+Test+shot+-F2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfAxumT-J1IgNy0xJ3g1DchY9GYb8qVHZuegX3cC7WJ7or7SQ9sTdb7CKbG2Pv1Df38l_5iVh0-FiGTfHEUCYNZ8P-9PZ3L036xRDC_wFLCq6pKwJITS35O4KvUGA1TcHDYsRAF5tEICH/s640/OMM+3001+KB+LMRC+Test+shot+-F2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">New F-70-7 class car in lumber service at Caliente. (kitbashed OMM 3001 load on RC/EspeeModels flatcar)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After 1949, the 2300 new F-70-6/7 class flatcars became dominant in lumber service, replacing the F-50-series as the front line lumber flatcars.<br />
<br />
<h4>
"Automobile" - Lumber Boxcars</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKdwCURw794NpNllJXLYoiJaGAyWM-fpzLKj_DboCgFfmDLs07b24QYlFuCo2q2MbdpWLKl5hZgNKujD7wG8RRxJORvpz0SFiYE3kaRsz74SeA9wNpPfUrYhMGeOfLqJDembOtvm4HGD/s1600/SP+65301+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTKdwCURw794NpNllJXLYoiJaGAyWM-fpzLKj_DboCgFfmDLs07b24QYlFuCo2q2MbdpWLKl5hZgNKujD7wG8RRxJORvpz0SFiYE3kaRsz74SeA9wNpPfUrYhMGeOfLqJDembOtvm4HGD/s640/SP+65301+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 65301 returns to Oregon empty for another load of finished lumber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
SP was also famous for their double door 40 and 50ft boxcars (Auto-class cars) were often used for finished lumber.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Gondolas</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Av3p6SktD9soQKSpAr8sWEksOsbBhL1LnLLJEvI4p8m8C_1Z8E7k0G0vHVoju5jrHG-yRzGKVq6pql2R4y0RrRcTPh2qgNkv2dJ82LRfqEYC-JKRfj8rw-QAUX3VExoOM1tLXHtPdDZZ/s1600/SP+160172+OMM+3005-A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Av3p6SktD9soQKSpAr8sWEksOsbBhL1LnLLJEvI4p8m8C_1Z8E7k0G0vHVoju5jrHG-yRzGKVq6pql2R4y0RrRcTPh2qgNkv2dJ82LRfqEYC-JKRfj8rw-QAUX3VExoOM1tLXHtPdDZZ/s640/SP+160172+OMM+3005-A2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 160172, a G-70-12 with a load of lumber. Tangent 70-Ton ACF gondola with OwlMtModels 3005 Lumber Load.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Gondolas of both 40, 52, and 65ft lengths, supplemented the flatcars and gondolas when additional cars were needed.<br />
<br />
Ok, enough of the cars, let's see the symbols that moved all this lumber!<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
PSS - Portland-Sunset</h3>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21jx5BugxAiVhhyphenhyphenRKFIKH0cxrzpfKd6u7qtlH8bnM0bYFfuiCHEUdwYkJqv4i1nXRgDbw20Itgek_Bz6KAg-okl-TvZGUtAigm3G_2IqovoH8wj-D_flI9UTEqZ2vAIhkjoRD4lV9ixJ6/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Hussle+%2526+Bussle+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21jx5BugxAiVhhyphenhyphenRKFIKH0cxrzpfKd6u7qtlH8bnM0bYFfuiCHEUdwYkJqv4i1nXRgDbw20Itgek_Bz6KAg-okl-TvZGUtAigm3G_2IqovoH8wj-D_flI9UTEqZ2vAIhkjoRD4lV9ixJ6/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Hussle+%2526+Bussle+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A PSS arrives at Bakersfield with a full consist of lumber loads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The PSS symbol operated usually one or two sections per day and occasionally an Advance Section (Adv-PSS) if sufficient traffic was ready before the normal cutoff time. These symbols operated through Los Angeles's Taylor Yard to the east.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Foreign Cars & 'Rollers'</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRrAuO7P_cVf8CIUd4cAMZQkAeCut8lDJI210Sxx2fDK8owclpSzz0PoZkCGWz6Rg4SeACPa2pWLlWAVeHBVyOHX_LqeHcdSbyGhqBnnoTwXkQzUf1u0pTHF4gB-le5Z1L3CywbMi9kN9/s1600/BO+259798+OMM+3005-D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRrAuO7P_cVf8CIUd4cAMZQkAeCut8lDJI210Sxx2fDK8owclpSzz0PoZkCGWz6Rg4SeACPa2pWLlWAVeHBVyOHX_LqeHcdSbyGhqBnnoTwXkQzUf1u0pTHF4gB-le5Z1L3CywbMi9kN9/s640/BO+259798+OMM+3005-D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">B&O 259798 hauls a load of lumber on a return course to the East Coast. Tangent 70-Ton Bethlehem Gon with OwlMtModels 3005 Load.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Remember also that the SP and Santa Fe could use the regularly issued AAR's Service Car Orders (SCO) to 'capture' foreign owned cars of certain road names to use in local loading. They could even direct foreign empties anywhere on the west coast to get a 'Long East' load for east of the Mississippi River!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbetKCs2eantg3I70VcdnaOgavQi5JAEAagcben_XQm3Mqj3UXLCT3Zygz-dgoj9R-a_6r0Yk0X88Pce_efNeLTGhknviheqM0dNvVt9y0gfqe6g_afQcsMDbxKoYT78UmUncfMukob07o/s1600/PRR+475260+-+OMM+Lumber+Side+Magunden-D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbetKCs2eantg3I70VcdnaOgavQi5JAEAagcben_XQm3Mqj3UXLCT3Zygz-dgoj9R-a_6r0Yk0X88Pce_efNeLTGhknviheqM0dNvVt9y0gfqe6g_afQcsMDbxKoYT78UmUncfMukob07o/s640/PRR+475260+-+OMM+Lumber+Side+Magunden-D1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">PRR 475260, a Bowser F30A flatcar with a return load of lumber for the Eastern States. OwlMtModels 3001 Lumber Load.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Much of the lumber shipped in the 1950s were 'Rollers' or cars shipped east without being sold to a specific receiver. These shipments would be brokered en route and redirected at certain 'gateways' along the way. In theory some of these 'Rollers' could be sold to a customer short of the Mississippi, but would probably make it at least off the SP before being rerouted if on the PSS.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
OCM - Oregon-California Manifest</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDi85hezlMXO-GKoE0CJ-qI1kz1mQ9sFzhYfl2cnd1JqxPLFcTCjwEc_ikft6vZeyqIuIcHFo_lHz3nOabs4J9Gd8ChUO3-Hp2LLF4TOYM2Oqd9JTtpsBZNWexgtBo7gVweS4r3TPS7HJ/s1600/Bakersfield+20s+Doubled+Trains+Jan-5-53+151AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDi85hezlMXO-GKoE0CJ-qI1kz1mQ9sFzhYfl2cnd1JqxPLFcTCjwEc_ikft6vZeyqIuIcHFo_lHz3nOabs4J9Gd8ChUO3-Hp2LLF4TOYM2Oqd9JTtpsBZNWexgtBo7gVweS4r3TPS7HJ/s640/Bakersfield+20s+Doubled+Trains+Jan-5-53+151AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A OCM lumber block, with helpers cutting in at Baker St. (Notice the tank cars in the lumber block)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
The OCM was a more mixed make-up train with a majority being lumber product related shipments. The OCM symbol is shown as a strictly PNW-LA traffic, which the PSS was not supposed to handle. This resulted in a bit more general traffic in the consists. For PNW short traffic, which was going to destinations short of Los Angeles, would be handled on the BFX, described below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Eastward Bakersfield Sub. Symbols</h2>
<br />
The symbols which do not continue across both the Bakersfield, Tehachapi, and Mojave Sub-Divisions will take an even longer dwell time in the yards before moving again, therefore through cars generally should not be routed via these 'Shorts' symbols.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AE - Altamont East</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdKBCoW8VseM-9CNPCCxfY7Mc6PkWfFqKWS3U4MDztJP7R0otBQ39q8xhJ41So0626JqHFWgoL0mUeyGKpvL3W28ncNh7rJcZ5-o6mBPpnrQ_2UaUptjt7Ugas06kNQzxETup9WfPjqRn/s1600/SP+3654+AW+Near+Tracy+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdKBCoW8VseM-9CNPCCxfY7Mc6PkWfFqKWS3U4MDztJP7R0otBQ39q8xhJ41So0626JqHFWgoL0mUeyGKpvL3W28ncNh7rJcZ5-o6mBPpnrQ_2UaUptjt7Ugas06kNQzxETup9WfPjqRn/s640/SP+3654+AW+Near+Tracy+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3654 working the 'flip side' of the AE, the AW between Lathrop and Tracy. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The AE was the primary "direct" route from the Bay Area to Bakersfield, via Altamont Pass. However some lower priority or slower traffic could be directed from Oakland to Roseville via the Cal-P or over Altamont Pass on other symbols, and redirected at Tracy and Fresno, arriving at Bakersfield on the BFX.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Auto-Parts Traffic</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7S8ltNj9qZsuLIBZtOrkvpPpldrH2mM7GREmHmgUwUB4gVv7yC2CUbOtJ_uprz2IBeAYZOHLKJ0VNuG4iOSGpVbg3xF2MbEG7J29LX3b7Tdu12lwlNREVNhd3Uz0bL2pFBbOnyKK_qwK/s1600/NYC+176245+XM+%252850s%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7S8ltNj9qZsuLIBZtOrkvpPpldrH2mM7GREmHmgUwUB4gVv7yC2CUbOtJ_uprz2IBeAYZOHLKJ0VNuG4iOSGpVbg3xF2MbEG7J29LX3b7Tdu12lwlNREVNhd3Uz0bL2pFBbOnyKK_qwK/s640/NYC+176245+XM+%252850s%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">NYC 176245 operates as a pooled Auto-Parts car, returning AE to Bakersfield, then to the Santa Fe for movement to Chicago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The AE's main traffic include returning 'Boarded Empty' Auto Parts cars from the Bay Area. These cars were 'hot' whether or not they were loaded, which meant with full waybills, not on reverse-rights. Also these cars were in various 'pools' often with racks inside for particular parts. The pools were contributed to by the various RR's over which the pool operated, and the number assigned by the mileage of each RR's haul. Most of the AE's Auto-Parts traffic routed to the Santa Fe at Bakersfield. It wasn't uncommon to see traffic held for the auto-parts cars to make the connections, or if the traffic was split, to run a second train for even one straggling auto-parts car.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Santa Fe Interchange Traffic</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM642v0UsvMEoaX-d-FqMrkq0J6lPHPHIWGtnXUU0aFyDrWuGYPKDP9-alSFi1Vpp5YIXkT0eEvniIyXw6DgnPMCE4sCoqbSQn6d885ly7GitdqBuaKkpjKcfdhJpdDAm7sSF2He3lGOO/s1600/ATSF+Kern+Interchange+Move.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM642v0UsvMEoaX-d-FqMrkq0J6lPHPHIWGtnXUU0aFyDrWuGYPKDP9-alSFi1Vpp5YIXkT0eEvniIyXw6DgnPMCE4sCoqbSQn6d885ly7GitdqBuaKkpjKcfdhJpdDAm7sSF2He3lGOO/s640/ATSF+Kern+Interchange+Move.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Santa Fe Bakersfield yard crew pulls a string of interchange cars out of the three track interchange yard at Kern Jct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The rest of the AE's consists mostly of returning Santa Fe merchandise cars to interchange on reverse-rights at Bakersfield. The Santa Fe wanted to avoid congestion at their Richmond Yard, so interchanged the traffic to SP destinations in the San Fransisco Bay Area at Bakersfield. Other traffic on the AE consisted of cement empties heading back to Monolith cement plant. Other loads from the ports of Oakland and San Fransisco could be seen as well. Tank cars with petroleum and petro-chemical traffic could also be seen on the AE from the various refineries along the Cal-P.<br />
<br />
<h3>
BFX - Bakersfield Fresno Extra</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVO-K5Ev_0zIs32Kr9p7lOHK8fgdWVe7lGT50GJlfvuliTbALiHcVW6DDM-H9E79EBBsaaE-PsFwcLuVMzx0xL4yVv_21IpH18NhRCtITahmjAVoANfGQduSHoYtdTU6Kn_J6_JjBBUHk/s1600/SP+3322+-+Mk-9+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVO-K5Ev_0zIs32Kr9p7lOHK8fgdWVe7lGT50GJlfvuliTbALiHcVW6DDM-H9E79EBBsaaE-PsFwcLuVMzx0xL4yVv_21IpH18NhRCtITahmjAVoANfGQduSHoYtdTU6Kn_J6_JjBBUHk/s640/SP+3322+-+Mk-9+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"> An ex-EPSW, Mk-9 class, SP 3322, working No.780 between Fresno (possibly Roseville) and Bakersfield. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The BFX symbol operated short eastward traffic from Roseville to Fresno and Bakersfield. The BFX is the primary symbol for moving eastward cars for the locals around Bakersfield and Mojave. Much of this traffic originated and came to Roseville on the Overland route from the east and from the PNW to the north.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M8MulDTCH8Qt71ciDzU9BGlQiT4ZH_nDQLF_eHzMV9XsJXE_I_drMjplzqEfsfbufUD4_HRliRXZF9LolUb-bKm497n5dm0Q_HVe9H8-2smnvdNgwHkNA8amulcqzNcI_pz6ZNjsAoh_/s1600/SP+3696+4352+BFX-7+Jan7%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M8MulDTCH8Qt71ciDzU9BGlQiT4ZH_nDQLF_eHzMV9XsJXE_I_drMjplzqEfsfbufUD4_HRliRXZF9LolUb-bKm497n5dm0Q_HVe9H8-2smnvdNgwHkNA8amulcqzNcI_pz6ZNjsAoh_/s640/SP+3696+4352+BFX-7+Jan7%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP's BFX-7 shown in the switchlist below with 3696 and 4352 double heading into Bakersfield from Fresno.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1XMlvlnTCDl9htGnDM8aBSZu3B_1kS8r7BJWk0Vmg1NcEh3Xj_nrJa1w_HbBRNVaUGprKVL5ct1aAud6LqWEQ3nLtetNaeyK53U9BBOgpFTbUT3M-l25XUMUC7A81tiRe_HNtD7i-RXh/s1600/BFX-7+Jan7%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1XMlvlnTCDl9htGnDM8aBSZu3B_1kS8r7BJWk0Vmg1NcEh3Xj_nrJa1w_HbBRNVaUGprKVL5ct1aAud6LqWEQ3nLtetNaeyK53U9BBOgpFTbUT3M-l25XUMUC7A81tiRe_HNtD7i-RXh/s640/BFX-7+Jan7%252C53.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Page 1 of the BFX-7's switchlist showing all the routings and destinations of the cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The BFX handles the Roseville-Bakersfield traffic, also picking up cars from Tracy at Stockton heading east as well. This train today has a good mix of traffic to the Sunset East, Mojave Shorts, VXE, Local destinations, Local freights, and Santa Fe symbols and destinations. Also notice there are a couple of cars listed as BK Yard, which are going to the Agent at the SP Yard for assignment as empties to fill local loading requirements, probably on the Porterville Local or the cotton compress at Taft.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjLf_RX5IBwb4IResO7OXjD6YJ426PqHOjBKbIRMDshK4QzexcVlrC5KMYRCRzFgwt33Rv3znem4gPoakbNltUivHqaYqtf7FJlskhRoSHOxVZnvz4bgP271BDDp_R5Uq9W-CJ-MkCJJE/s1600/BFX-7+Jan7%252C53+pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjLf_RX5IBwb4IResO7OXjD6YJ426PqHOjBKbIRMDshK4QzexcVlrC5KMYRCRzFgwt33Rv3znem4gPoakbNltUivHqaYqtf7FJlskhRoSHOxVZnvz4bgP271BDDp_R5Uq9W-CJ-MkCJJE/s320/BFX-7+Jan7%252C53+pg2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The back of the switchlist continues with more cars, many heading to the Santa Fe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's look a bit closer at some of the regular traffic on the BFX.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Petroleum Tank Cars</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR9YOdqE95d2mWr9aWhI-S4nPhGzz3fStpvwpGImHZMNREtrERZAkC66BKTTQ9-i5NcBooLgkts-tyLcVmCMknWhwATdx7igJ4HwN1vSlpXiSeH-UE1Po88m2oLH26moJghH2eVX_DFLC/s1600/UOCX+8006+TM%2528III%2529+8K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR9YOdqE95d2mWr9aWhI-S4nPhGzz3fStpvwpGImHZMNREtrERZAkC66BKTTQ9-i5NcBooLgkts-tyLcVmCMknWhwATdx7igJ4HwN1vSlpXiSeH-UE1Po88m2oLH26moJghH2eVX_DFLC/s640/UOCX+8006+TM%2528III%2529+8K.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Union Oil of California was a large shipper of oil and petroleum products out of the North San Fransisco Bay refineries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Petroleum and Chemical traffic could also be seen on the BFX from the various refineries along the Cal-P.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Chemical Tank Cars</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM82HC_eXFkKRosGCiutlfvOb-gVOF3EZV3K1dh9TFMvHXjdTT-kDTNBoW9sDvR6qty8W4SS8dLEVUzzgWTxxCKDWvW3bg8ocu2buxZ_YFUTiQa6BGHk4TEyS7rL1MyPeRXUVmbM4dTm_0/s1600/SCMX+902+TM%2528ICC-103%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM82HC_eXFkKRosGCiutlfvOb-gVOF3EZV3K1dh9TFMvHXjdTT-kDTNBoW9sDvR6qty8W4SS8dLEVUzzgWTxxCKDWvW3bg8ocu2buxZ_YFUTiQa6BGHk4TEyS7rL1MyPeRXUVmbM4dTm_0/s640/SCMX+902+TM%2528ICC-103%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Shell Chemical Co. cars and Stauffer's Chemical cars could be seen also transiting Tehachapi to and from the SF Bay Area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Liquid Sugar Tank Cars</h4>
<br />
Also the SP's distinctive 'Liquid Sugar' tankcars with the "Diamond S" on the domes operated from the cane sugar plant at Crockett.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicudpbpG4UPkQerqAmvEDxjaWNAz78xTWHtPXnuK8BYL6fOLUrc8EAXDJrTkOng2F5rn0_FEo74z2KlfgC5Yg7q5wBVCQsm197Ye9P2W3TgHnw0zqWWl1IHTyBlr8MzjHiDPzanqOUBnl/s1600/SP+58712+TM%2528III%2529+12.5K+%2528Diamond+S%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicudpbpG4UPkQerqAmvEDxjaWNAz78xTWHtPXnuK8BYL6fOLUrc8EAXDJrTkOng2F5rn0_FEo74z2KlfgC5Yg7q5wBVCQsm197Ye9P2W3TgHnw0zqWWl1IHTyBlr8MzjHiDPzanqOUBnl/s640/SP+58712+TM%2528III%2529+12.5K+%2528Diamond+S%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP's liquid sugar equipped tankcars with the "Diamond S" on the domes operated out of Crockett.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Interchanged Lumber Traffic</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ii2D-eOY_TL-1Ey3pVm1U08sSnDN4C3V-oQXB6V0Vl0A7BHKnR-Z3WvjCknaHmD0Mcp49wHrqa-PD6H9XUf4yGE_SXAlnRr2gOExQIWxnRvtbsXwegsrk_tyiRnzJRER0tJRZyqYV6MX/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ii2D-eOY_TL-1Ey3pVm1U08sSnDN4C3V-oQXB6V0Vl0A7BHKnR-Z3WvjCknaHmD0Mcp49wHrqa-PD6H9XUf4yGE_SXAlnRr2gOExQIWxnRvtbsXwegsrk_tyiRnzJRER0tJRZyqYV6MX/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+Jan8%252C1953+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">In the Santa Fe Yard, SCX is the train second from the right with an open lumber load and BK is filling with some open lumber loads on the next track to the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The BFX symbols also moved lumber down from Roseville for local destinations and interchange to the Santa Fe for destinations in Southern California (SCX) and east of Barstow (BK or N-34).<br />
<br />
<h3>
'Haulers' (Pixley, Porterville, Earlimart, Goshen, etc)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzikajxynFTB-7CBjJDtZGyHTUZxayEq3iY-zXf7appebiRhI6cKx-YFkB1b5CVNtgBxox4FNnYbAjOa7AWFtBdoo1P2iIkWlrcaRWtJVWUUwT4PpjdgeDQdaDNEDK6Crej2_zf4OVeIzZ/s1600/SP+2349+w-100-C-tender+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzikajxynFTB-7CBjJDtZGyHTUZxayEq3iY-zXf7appebiRhI6cKx-YFkB1b5CVNtgBxox4FNnYbAjOa7AWFtBdoo1P2iIkWlrcaRWtJVWUUwT4PpjdgeDQdaDNEDK6Crej2_zf4OVeIzZ/s640/SP+2349+w-100-C-tender+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2349 probably working in the San Joaquin Valley on Local, Switching, or seasonal Hauler jobs. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While these seasonal 'Haulers' might come very close to crossing the line into 'Locals', however they did not replace the symbols and locals which 'regularly' worked the towns. As such, I'm going to list them here, as they're symbols that picked up and set out blocks, generally for the locals and switch engines to work within a town, while the Hauler moved on to the next town.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy4Kvekw_Kw-FeZ2tLqoNuvBmjTnQVFkLSg_tcRheXVvTvHF-1yj-4kHbyB-jqsTX8dEDFj92OlaCwgqeMqGQusUkc42RWX3q83Kc9merKbuN4DsIHiH33TIa4YdeF0KSNzmA5XiFaeTc/s1600/Coalinga+Local+Jan7%252C53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy4Kvekw_Kw-FeZ2tLqoNuvBmjTnQVFkLSg_tcRheXVvTvHF-1yj-4kHbyB-jqsTX8dEDFj92OlaCwgqeMqGQusUkc42RWX3q83Kc9merKbuN4DsIHiH33TIa4YdeF0KSNzmA5XiFaeTc/s640/Coalinga+Local+Jan7%252C53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coalinga Local departing Bakersfield with a mix of cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Wine Service Tank Cars & Reefers</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K8zvoVamg3tjazLR2dFGn6BZmWqYgxFBET_YJM7VuD7Vd-5iGFh_irKNhI-Lc3Myw9rib06rIrAqXcuU6PbFNl1SvEnAlAAj8QfK6elvv8ZBcjfDcPN8WnppmkA70xY7TBCm_NU54s2k/s1600/CDLX+1077+TM%2528103W%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K8zvoVamg3tjazLR2dFGn6BZmWqYgxFBET_YJM7VuD7Vd-5iGFh_irKNhI-Lc3Myw9rib06rIrAqXcuU6PbFNl1SvEnAlAAj8QfK6elvv8ZBcjfDcPN8WnppmkA70xY7TBCm_NU54s2k/s640/CDLX+1077+TM%2528103W%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">California Dispatch Lines (CDLX) operated a fleet of tank cars, with a large number of bulk wine-stock cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Fresno, like Bakersfield, would have these additional trains called to work certain towns in the valley in addition to the BFX 'Shorts' trains working towards Bakersfield, picking up loads and distributing empties of 'normal traffic' levels to the local towns. The 'Haulers' traffic was dominated by extra produce reefers, sugar beets, canned goods, wine cars (inbound supplies in boxcars, and outbound in reefers, and bulk wine-stock in tank cars), box shook (for the packing sheds), and various other 'generic' merchandise traffic, commonly consumed by small towns (merchandise - lcl, lumber, building material yards, fuel distributors, etc.).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRe7fdXTyZf2Tlb0Z7gu50LlWcbzvzfSFGXPZFYD7KVWYwB4X06dBOcDT-wAoAucwobOu0gMVCvlcFFHVJes-bCytNnAetouDcpkAxQhHVUcdf8kkyet8YnEBmqAPflSrcavRqSFi9CIT/s1600/TNO+910+%2526+SP+2850+at+Bakersfield-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRe7fdXTyZf2Tlb0Z7gu50LlWcbzvzfSFGXPZFYD7KVWYwB4X06dBOcDT-wAoAucwobOu0gMVCvlcFFHVJes-bCytNnAetouDcpkAxQhHVUcdf8kkyet8YnEBmqAPflSrcavRqSFi9CIT/s640/TNO+910+%2526+SP+2850+at+Bakersfield-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2850 and T&NO 910 working 'Haulers' and TMW, BFX, VXW, etc. in and out of Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The engines used on 'Haulers' vary as the traffic levels require, anything from a 'Deck' (2-10-2), down to a 2-6-0 or 2-8-0 were commonly seen.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Eastward Tehachapi Sub. Symbols</h2>
<br />
<h3>
SJ-n - San Joaquin (Reefer Block)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn18i1W0bewYJ1t-F-zNA34R0Go_0CqqJjBdkKCIrxqMCNHnL-1QNPDXHnuqC6s533vzfO3huaw3tFCWDf_Tnu3LSudcdIORtan6Zuul7EQ7TYM9pWBQks8WoxtjQhU8mQLyPPeFloJTIl/s1600/SP+6461+with+SJ+block+at+Bakersfield+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn18i1W0bewYJ1t-F-zNA34R0Go_0CqqJjBdkKCIrxqMCNHnL-1QNPDXHnuqC6s533vzfO3huaw3tFCWDf_Tnu3LSudcdIORtan6Zuul7EQ7TYM9pWBQks8WoxtjQhU8mQLyPPeFloJTIl/s640/SP+6461+with+SJ+block+at+Bakersfield+Yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6461, with dual-service F-units prepare to leave Bakersfield with a SJ-block of reefers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SJ-blocks originated from locally gathered perishable reefers at Bakersfield. Like the RV and F blocks moved from the San Joaquin Valley to Colton, via Los Angeles.<br />
<br />
<h3>
MSE - Mojave Shorts (East)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWW-zRMrDZR2-Du-YXpZs-6miGyLfSoqslff9TcpZ-QtMNn8oP9SkL76RD-KP_dR5PYsyU2-WEg3dee3F2sRIWzCD2J0_Pkto8D5Gj7Mxzbd2KJAlUHc8O7pdHL65szID6vW6ajfZbQS8/s1600/SP+3701+%2526+3712+Mojave+SHorts+East+-+Jan+4-53+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWW-zRMrDZR2-Du-YXpZs-6miGyLfSoqslff9TcpZ-QtMNn8oP9SkL76RD-KP_dR5PYsyU2-WEg3dee3F2sRIWzCD2J0_Pkto8D5Gj7Mxzbd2KJAlUHc8O7pdHL65szID6vW6ajfZbQS8/s640/SP+3701+%2526+3712+Mojave+SHorts+East+-+Jan+4-53+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rare double heading Decks, SP 3701 & 3712, prepare to depart with a MSE symbol from Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Mojave Shorts" operates eastward out of Bakersfield to Mojave. The cars in the symbol area worked between Bena and Mojave, then the consist is dropped off at Mojave to be switched. The cars arriving at Mojave from local originations (Trona, Jawbone Branch, Blitz Local, and KI Locals) loads or empties forward on a new block out of Mojave. Any through traffic from Bakersfield to points short of LA, but past Mojave will take an extra day to be reclassified at Mojave before continuing.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Company Materials - MoW Supply Cars</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jrxqxgdjQ5zq-vbghui2ifnBQ9iUYq3GNapOiobF7-tf0FY4p9K8awk3ZbWdE9lcHKgpbsKFEy26q164URzONtNEgxA7r0ujjRdDBxiiWwPKR8YQmDZECE9cpnOfzURZTns02lWWnlG/s1600/SPMW+560+Left-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="1600" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4jrxqxgdjQ5zq-vbghui2ifnBQ9iUYq3GNapOiobF7-tf0FY4p9K8awk3ZbWdE9lcHKgpbsKFEy26q164URzONtNEgxA7r0ujjRdDBxiiWwPKR8YQmDZECE9cpnOfzURZTns02lWWnlG/s640/SPMW+560+Left-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SPMW 560, assigned to Supply service, often working out of Los Angeles or Sacramento General Shops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Traffic on the MSE commonly includes: local company service cars (MW cars out of Sacramento and/or Bakersfield), merchandise cars for points short of Los Angeles, traffic to the towns of Caliente and Tehachapi supporting local business. The cement traffic for Monolith and Trona Rwy dominate the tonnage.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Other Symbols</h2>
<br />
<h3>
Livestock Specials</h3>
<br />
Livestock Specials are operated as needed on any subdivision in either direction. Livestock movements fall into two main categories: Pasture movement which is seasonal and Slaughter movements of the livestock moving to market.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLgn6kWfYlQ3X77JdWT-LrTIv-pPF4zAbkF4Dynje8857YYL8zuD5ij_LZGFWnXaNSxvnrFhTNQpm6X8NioqoXKClaLMCg_MNwOfdFlnnGztZK9_3vBwB70-L1gP-LXX5Gck2L3U1Xf-L/s1600/SP+Stock+Cars+Rowen+Jan7%252C53+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLgn6kWfYlQ3X77JdWT-LrTIv-pPF4zAbkF4Dynje8857YYL8zuD5ij_LZGFWnXaNSxvnrFhTNQpm6X8NioqoXKClaLMCg_MNwOfdFlnnGztZK9_3vBwB70-L1gP-LXX5Gck2L3U1Xf-L/s640/SP+Stock+Cars+Rowen+Jan7%252C53+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SSE-6 with a livestock block at the headend rolls through Rowen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Over Tehachapi on the SP, through livestock generally moved on the faster symbols: Westward - NCP, VXW and Eastward on VXE, or SSE<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTy4aqRR_tYe9PdRuAvo6l3s2qho2MQUck3llM6Pf9kkJ2QpFemFb4SNdhYv4LWDrL5ZpyYM2z3nIIX2aD1qoPGDrT20YkqqrvYPGwx9URwe0LaGIgXy_a6cXvXeBckJINnfUNZf0eNAN/s1600/SP+2850+-+Edison+with+Stock+Train-B2+B%2526W1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTy4aqRR_tYe9PdRuAvo6l3s2qho2MQUck3llM6Pf9kkJ2QpFemFb4SNdhYv4LWDrL5ZpyYM2z3nIIX2aD1qoPGDrT20YkqqrvYPGwx9URwe0LaGIgXy_a6cXvXeBckJINnfUNZf0eNAN/s640/SP+2850+-+Edison+with+Stock+Train-B2+B%2526W1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2850 leads a Livestock Special, often with a 'Drover's' car, which on the SP is usually an older coach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Legal record of keep track of the 24 or 36 hour law compliance for keeping the livestock in the cars before being allowed out to rest and water. This record was kept Dispatchers wrote down the 24 and 36 hour times and which symbol the livestock is moving on.<br />
<br />
<h2>
SP Local & Switching Jobs</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjMmMQABAqdO-Wfn7mflS5_FYJkNQMUgZOh7J6K88Thn7YwZtQ_ks86eg0PibeC0xs7EXmQm5hiVokfvLVkyYeVxwZGnrXQx-tQfi5PrKO_I3PVX2RvCVjg9DQA4DOVtVsvYkEgUWK8lq/s1600/SP+2587+working+backing+sheds+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjMmMQABAqdO-Wfn7mflS5_FYJkNQMUgZOh7J6K88Thn7YwZtQ_ks86eg0PibeC0xs7EXmQm5hiVokfvLVkyYeVxwZGnrXQx-tQfi5PrKO_I3PVX2RvCVjg9DQA4DOVtVsvYkEgUWK8lq/s640/SP+2587+working+backing+sheds+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2587 works some PFE reefers at a packing shed, a sight repeated in dozens of towns in the San Joaquin Valley - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SP Local & Switching Jobs will be covered in Part 4.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-4.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP Locals & Switching</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
</div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-11759246684857463512018-08-06T23:58:00.000-07:002018-10-22T17:21:46.511-07:00Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP LocalsWhile Tehachapi is generally considered to be a 'Bridge Route', as we've see with the last two posts (<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Part 2 - SP Westward</a> and <a href="http://freight%20symbols%20over%20tehachapi%20%28part%203%29%20-%20sp%20eastward/">Part 3 - SP Eastward</a>), there was a sizable amount of local traffic working out of both the SP Bakersfield and combined SP/ATSF Mojave yards.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Locals Out of SP Bakersfield</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3ZSBnsl9u6jUQxT0yLQRkr4nTdnwAITLeMc13ujEugn44MhRo2uAsjXc_cBGbWzcxtnAGHphO7LKxxs0mMZM9x4d15T1SZ6cKfuCs4QmKFLZ4emyMTRgRdO9CUOlOJskIY9YyECOOwoQ/s1600/SP+2587+working+backing+sheds+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3ZSBnsl9u6jUQxT0yLQRkr4nTdnwAITLeMc13ujEugn44MhRo2uAsjXc_cBGbWzcxtnAGHphO7LKxxs0mMZM9x4d15T1SZ6cKfuCs4QmKFLZ4emyMTRgRdO9CUOlOJskIY9YyECOOwoQ/s640/SP+2587+working+backing+sheds+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2587 works a packing shed complex somewhere with a large string of PFE reefers, a similar scene would have happened at Edison. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Most of SP's locals working out of Bakersfield went west towards Fresno, with a hand full working radially out from Bakersfield. For the purposes of these blogs, I'm defining a 'Local' as a job which used road crews (with Conductors and Brakemen), not yard crews (with Foremen and Switchmen), and regularly worked all or most industries in towns along their route, and all 'regular' business. Many of the towns along the Southern Pacific's San Joaquin Valley Division had a booming harvest season and then would drop back to a 'normal' rate during the 'off season' with only the regular supporting industries and businesses in the town receiving or generating lower traffic levels.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Porterville Local (PVL)</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtVIgPzsDDJY8xYsk3UnEY8sEHDGqDgNX5aKaJs5F2YG9w5vkV_h0wMEX1JbpUuizsNb4RB3mITWkLHeao_ElXwr10JQB5n2qOtmbcaS5u2NBhPveL0wbYrZld-wo5fWl7ejJPWJ9TUo1/s1600/5306_COMPLETE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtVIgPzsDDJY8xYsk3UnEY8sEHDGqDgNX5aKaJs5F2YG9w5vkV_h0wMEX1JbpUuizsNb4RB3mITWkLHeao_ElXwr10JQB5n2qOtmbcaS5u2NBhPveL0wbYrZld-wo5fWl7ejJPWJ9TUo1/s640/5306_COMPLETE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 5306, a dual-ended RSD-5 road switcher, delivered in March 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Porterville Local usually leaves Bakersfield about 6 PM with various cars for the valley and Porterville. The PVL then returns by mid morning before the crew expires on the 16 hour law. In March 1953 the new RSD-5s arrived, including three with dual controls for operation on stub branches. The Porterville Branch often used one of these engines. Before March of 1953, various other engines could be used, anything from M or C-class light steam to F-class 'Decks'.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sunset Rwy Local (Taft Local)</h3>
<br />
The Sunset Rwy was owned jointly by the SP and the Santa Fe, and swapped operationally every five years. The branch split at Gosford, a few miles south of Bakersfield. The Taft/McKittrick Branch was built to support the earliest oil fields in California, the Sunset Oil Fields, which gave the railway its name. Pipelines took away most of the outbound oil traffic, but the railway continued to bring in construction materials and machinery for the oil fields and towns. The other branch at Gosford was the Buttonwillow Branch, to the west, which served more of the open agricultural area of the Southern San Joaquin Valley, as the irrigation projects expanded.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SbmwEq3UBUMW3nInEe7FceD6pQxx5RhwbPsjfzr8wdjc3YDO7QC9Cs_l_u7rBJYV72snvlGhFOpfgksv9Da50eJS9PImPlvbBoV1Au4yiHB8A0H3Kk6o8-mLDL530o4AH-11pceLNKkd/s1600/SP+2915+%2526+2374+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SbmwEq3UBUMW3nInEe7FceD6pQxx5RhwbPsjfzr8wdjc3YDO7QC9Cs_l_u7rBJYV72snvlGhFOpfgksv9Da50eJS9PImPlvbBoV1Au4yiHB8A0H3Kk6o8-mLDL530o4AH-11pceLNKkd/s640/SP+2915+%2526+2374+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Apologies, I don't have a photo of SP 2914 currently that I can share here, so this one of sister 2915 will have to do. - Eddie Sims Collection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SP used the 2914 for many years as the regular engine on the Buttonwillow Branch and the Taft Branch when the SP was operating the latter. The SP considered their C-class engines to be too heavy for the branch, thus the only engines allowed on the branches were M-6/8/9 class 2-6-0s or the TW-8 class 4-8-0s of the low 2900-series. The Santa Fe used small steam or GP7s after they're delivered.<br />
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<h2>
Switchers At Bakersfield</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZBHFnUB_QKRJ-OOj2p339HXOBdwnaCQhY1Wq-3Lds_WNuUhz7z64I_APGQpPaNTdffQWeO0uQjrzc9zzJ5EPYieDk4A_HjZ4GkzKE_EL9WHniDsavbs58TOQztkCfSH1WOyU16mmMRyx/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZBHFnUB_QKRJ-OOj2p339HXOBdwnaCQhY1Wq-3Lds_WNuUhz7z64I_APGQpPaNTdffQWeO0uQjrzc9zzJ5EPYieDk4A_HjZ4GkzKE_EL9WHniDsavbs58TOQztkCfSH1WOyU16mmMRyx/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Yard crews work at Mt. Vernon Ave. as a BK-VXE beet train prepares to leave and a Santa Fe Arvin Turn rumbles past Kern Jct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The switching jobs at Bakersfield formed a general pool of switchers jobs which could work any of the geographically separated assignments. I'll be listing the jobs based on the maximum number of engines. On lower traffic days some of the crews can be 'cut off' and only run on selected shifts. If one of the main jobs was getting short on work, then they could be directed to make a turn out to Edison or Oil City to work and then return. This also covers the night passenger operations, when only one or two jobs would cover the main freight yard, and a crew would be sent over to West Bakersfield to work the baggage/mail cars for a couple of hours instead of calling a "City" job for only a few hours.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_NjxKPzgGtpCqmcIviNX2iNDgcyHDV-Yf76VQhxxVO9FcYG0i-kyvzBHP1ueNyMaVUzDPvpIfL8_FEzRKmtJ8IhgCAdAeD5_2gvcDa1T4Lvs695vaseiIDpcgj8cSybO29w_hPsiJXcN/s1600/BAKERSFIELD+YARDMASTER+INVERTED-Plain+Rev+D+low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_NjxKPzgGtpCqmcIviNX2iNDgcyHDV-Yf76VQhxxVO9FcYG0i-kyvzBHP1ueNyMaVUzDPvpIfL8_FEzRKmtJ8IhgCAdAeD5_2gvcDa1T4Lvs695vaseiIDpcgj8cSybO29w_hPsiJXcN/s640/BAKERSFIELD+YARDMASTER+INVERTED-Plain+Rev+D+low+res.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bakersfield Yard diagram for the Yardmaster.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
"Mt. Vernon" Switcher</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgwTugbqj2MnS5-pPRKnD4LZkvE2qCLpjgT66tSPxAaXpszSLb0YFxOcSapnAmrBk3gfAYnyWYGkBlW10h0u8vT0oIyKv12Pyxjw4mOHMy8MmX9ZJ6d8S-185CHfQH-0GmcfQu50_9bLM/s1600/SP+1486+switching+Bakersfield+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgwTugbqj2MnS5-pPRKnD4LZkvE2qCLpjgT66tSPxAaXpszSLb0YFxOcSapnAmrBk3gfAYnyWYGkBlW10h0u8vT0oIyKv12Pyxjw4mOHMy8MmX9ZJ6d8S-185CHfQH-0GmcfQu50_9bLM/s640/SP+1486+switching+Bakersfield+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 1486 works the heavy switching job at Mt. Vernon Ave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
The Mt. Vernon Ave. switcher is the primary 'heavy classification' job in Bakersfield Yard, usually working all three shifts. This job has access to the longest lead in the yard at the east end, and can pull large strings of cars for classifying. Then the Mt. Vernon Switcher is in the perfect position to use the east end of Track 7 as a short lead while classifying cars onto Tracks 7-16 and the Ice Decks from the east end.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMBsQ0M8NsB5MoN2Qf-kgAnMmGCGraJleGXpRkEBOf7LdVCDuPrMldYx7wCgKfjru1PlhRiy6Sreg2stP30GjbeR3mxNAJSlFgjusnJQY2d31U1zTJ-CCpQWfOTcl93Os90wZa3b-cf3/s1600/SP+4508+right+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="800" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMBsQ0M8NsB5MoN2Qf-kgAnMmGCGraJleGXpRkEBOf7LdVCDuPrMldYx7wCgKfjru1PlhRiy6Sreg2stP30GjbeR3mxNAJSlFgjusnJQY2d31U1zTJ-CCpQWfOTcl93Os90wZa3b-cf3/s640/SP+4508+right+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4508, an 0-8-0, during the 1950's at least one photo shows three of these in the Bakersfield roundhouse. - Eddie Sims collection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Mt. Vernon Switcher is assigned the heaviest available switch engine because this job works the largest cuts of cars during heavy classification. Generally this means a big FM switcher, S12, or Mk-2/4, C-class, or SE-4 class steam switcher.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"Haley St." Switcher</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OzGy8Cei3-d3O8eB12RwQDo8Ks2PD-IYTdSfXG5HNnQqH4vOQ0_M_yQ4co47kK2kl98cAGO11mH2LRUQQfszQ2gSJBnfl9PqcAYsxFhdcUj555RtgOx2XWKEREQfZaxC2zhI3rM921TW/s1600/SP+2850+Bakersfield+CarpShed-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OzGy8Cei3-d3O8eB12RwQDo8Ks2PD-IYTdSfXG5HNnQqH4vOQ0_M_yQ4co47kK2kl98cAGO11mH2LRUQQfszQ2gSJBnfl9PqcAYsxFhdcUj555RtgOx2XWKEREQfZaxC2zhI3rM921TW/s640/SP+2850+Bakersfield+CarpShed-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 2850 today works the Haley St. job.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Haley St. job usually works at least two shifts a day primarily pulling the rear parts of eastward freights off and pulling them back into the 20's yard for helpers to be cut in. In addition this job changed the cabooses on eastward trains, and moving cabooses back and forth across the main track to the caboose servicing tracks in the PI Yard.<br />
<br />
The Haley St. Switcher usually was assigned a medium size engine: an Alco S2, C-class 2-8-0, SE-class 0-8-0, M-class 2-6-0, or S-class 0-6-0 switcher.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"City" Switcher</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CnYHQ9YNTvquKLOWp2MApmbAkmbdm4yC0oBiIL6Z3HGfnzpYiLmakomNK_pPz9_wCrfCnyIgyS-NUoTaX7MIenCVWbL5dWfQpenQga3KDr3zcrrlW9cot7EoTN1k-1vjn-LLeCyKqhT8/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1159mA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CnYHQ9YNTvquKLOWp2MApmbAkmbdm4yC0oBiIL6Z3HGfnzpYiLmakomNK_pPz9_wCrfCnyIgyS-NUoTaX7MIenCVWbL5dWfQpenQga3KDr3zcrrlW9cot7EoTN1k-1vjn-LLeCyKqhT8/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1159mA.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The City crew works out of the 70's Yard in West Bakersfield.</td></tr>
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The Bakersfield "City" Switcher works all the industries around Bakersfield Yard. Operations of the 'City' Switcher, 'Oil City' Switcher, and often the Sunset Rwy/Taft Local, and Buttonwillow Local often work out of the 70's Yard in West Bakersfield.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm7USC0QzFlYfKplfjgV8H9pvjM85MDkkdBQempPldEsrmb3bKSxniv8BkCJ3_6ca5Dqp9jzaGa0vPYsM_Miap1ABN_8HRIOTigrYTFADPkTFpMNP3Fxzeta1ZMgfLecQeuUrLNlyykrM/s1600/SP+4627+%2526+SP+6011+bg+Bakerfield+-+Jan-5-52+12%252C21am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm7USC0QzFlYfKplfjgV8H9pvjM85MDkkdBQempPldEsrmb3bKSxniv8BkCJ3_6ca5Dqp9jzaGa0vPYsM_Miap1ABN_8HRIOTigrYTFADPkTFpMNP3Fxzeta1ZMgfLecQeuUrLNlyykrM/s640/SP+4627+%2526+SP+6011+bg+Bakerfield+-+Jan-5-52+12%252C21am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4627 switching SP 6011 baggage at Bakersfield.</td></tr>
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The "City" Switcher usually also works the passenger and freight house switching when it is on duty. The "City" Switcher usually works the day shift for the industry spotting work. Most of the Passenger switching is done at night, sometimes by the Haley St. job or the Mt. Vernon crew as directed by the Yard Master.<br />
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The City Switcher usually was assigned one of the lighter engines. Usually this was; an Alco S1, M-class 2-6-0, S-class 0-6-0, or EMD SW1 or SW900. The Alco switchers were more common in Southern California and the SW900s didn't arrive until 1954.<br />
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<h3>
"Oil City" Switcher</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sl-snEbG9ucfOSNi_NpDwdxts-Q-F4STb9TqsD8crnZBgnjIj7pW_unKbRyTjR5JPQU0lY0jDF6sIbditwGdt0Svh8Fea_W0RpeX4Q2Oaw7tQTSFO5YQoW9kTnOBAW2Jw4m_3RH7-b9L/s1600/SP+1247+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sl-snEbG9ucfOSNi_NpDwdxts-Q-F4STb9TqsD8crnZBgnjIj7pW_unKbRyTjR5JPQU0lY0jDF6sIbditwGdt0Svh8Fea_W0RpeX4Q2Oaw7tQTSFO5YQoW9kTnOBAW2Jw4m_3RH7-b9L/s640/SP+1247+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1247 at Bakersfield commonly used on the Oil City, City Switchers and occasionally Edison Switcher. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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The Oil City Branch is North (RR West) of Bakersfield and is only seven miles long. On those seven miles, are hundreds of oil wells. While most of the oil is shipped out by pipeline, rail service still moved smaller quantities of oil and inbound construction and machinery shipments. The branch was limited to only the smallest switch engines, such as 0-6-0s and Alco S-1 diesel switchers due to the light track on the branch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5pQMAD-lo1_Dg4qTLH7oFaOUJ6zx9DtMH0iIHMbWqKcJ5UQcbN1RGQYJINyFBX5R_UF9ngZ1web25znenOC87K5Y6wZ5P-pM-kOZQ7WgULEklgm5ief09CwYnXRMfnj9EGxUeGR-5QDy/s1600/SP+973+Caboose-Right-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5pQMAD-lo1_Dg4qTLH7oFaOUJ6zx9DtMH0iIHMbWqKcJ5UQcbN1RGQYJINyFBX5R_UF9ngZ1web25znenOC87K5Y6wZ5P-pM-kOZQ7WgULEklgm5ief09CwYnXRMfnj9EGxUeGR-5QDy/s640/SP+973+Caboose-Right-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 973 'Caboose' converted at Bakersfield in 1954 from an old 60-C class coach, primarily used on the Oil City Switcher.</td></tr>
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The Oil City Branch was co-owned by the SP and the Santa Fe. During our era, we're having the SP run the branch. Also at the current time (2018), we're expecting to have the SP connection done before the Santa Fe connection complete.<br />
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<h3>
"Edison" Switcher</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8VrWH1CDxx5dxmMcVv05yHKDx_7k9K5S7up-OvkLHKV0jgDqJAG8L2KjJEAA44_bm2505iNvxCBi6ty4enmo379wWdoMxSWs6IkxZmT3096X8dcdJzssECGj2OjgoL5f98ypcHKN6LP1/s1600/Edison+-+June+8+2018-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8VrWH1CDxx5dxmMcVv05yHKDx_7k9K5S7up-OvkLHKV0jgDqJAG8L2KjJEAA44_bm2505iNvxCBi6ty4enmo379wWdoMxSWs6IkxZmT3096X8dcdJzssECGj2OjgoL5f98ypcHKN6LP1/s640/Edison+-+June+8+2018-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Edison will soon have about 80-car spots of packing sheds and a winery in the foreground.</td></tr>
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The Edison Switcher worked out of Bakersfield Yard to work about eight fruit packing sheds, and a winery about 6-7 miles east of the main yards. Edison was within was was known as 'Switching Limits', which meant that 'yard crews' would do the work, not 'road crews'. These yard crews would be sent over as needed by the Yardmaster at Bakersfield when the customers needed empty cars delivered or picked up ready for shipment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8KiFq5rpWBf6-oMLAQQuEbnah4RCAspuIJWQGt0xg1OeaVbDMeNBQJpvQbZAE-ZiExVTJIlu4eReUZ4hn9la6cP4I8lrauSXn-aT56Q5rEAD3UbJ1CVIdDsfPGzUO_XnLb6V5bKGEZf/s1600/SP+23486+3-4+Bakersfield-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8KiFq5rpWBf6-oMLAQQuEbnah4RCAspuIJWQGt0xg1OeaVbDMeNBQJpvQbZAE-ZiExVTJIlu4eReUZ4hn9la6cP4I8lrauSXn-aT56Q5rEAD3UbJ1CVIdDsfPGzUO_XnLb6V5bKGEZf/s640/SP+23486+3-4+Bakersfield-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 23486, one of the B-50-6 class boxcar "cabooses", which were only allowed in switching service by union agreement.</td></tr>
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Because the Edison job was worked by yard crews, they were not subject to the same union agreements for certain specifications for their 'caboose'. The SP's 'War Emergency' cabooses from the late 1930s and WWII conversions of B-50-6 class boxcars did not meet the post-war union agreements for appliances and safety equipment. Several however remained in service into at least the late 1940s on yard jobs such as this where the 5-7 man crews (Engineer, Fireman, Foreman, and two or four Switchmen) would be crammed onto the switch engine. Instead, use of a suitable riding car for the Foreman and extra Switchmen was very useful. The plan at LMRC's 1950-era session will be to use one of these beautiful Westerfield Models 'Boxcar Cabooses" in this service.<br />
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The Photos show the usual engine run out to Edison on this job was any medium or light steam engines, including; C-class 2-8-0s, T-class 4-6-0, M-class 2-6-0, S-class 0-6-0 switcher. There's no reason that some of the other diesel switchers could run out. These could include the regular Alco S-2 switcher.<br />
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Edison was on a rotating agreement with the Santa Fe to swap operations between the two Railroads every couple of years. Currently the plan is to operate Edison with SP crews and PFE reefers.<br />
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<h3>
Arvin Branch Operations</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCGvSxcvy82yz8xHfE40LXorVrKQUBNo2AF5iTfl3gJZeOXbArNRTvUJ-UWrtB1XwxAkuA7vrlzL2oliBpEpL_P54fx4jNYsnleoLDfDglagEkMAezAB0ovfii3ofTZkuHvUo6_p_G0cc/s1600/ATSF+966+crossing+Edison+Hwy+Algoso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCGvSxcvy82yz8xHfE40LXorVrKQUBNo2AF5iTfl3gJZeOXbArNRTvUJ-UWrtB1XwxAkuA7vrlzL2oliBpEpL_P54fx4jNYsnleoLDfDglagEkMAezAB0ovfii3ofTZkuHvUo6_p_G0cc/s640/ATSF+966+crossing+Edison+Hwy+Algoso.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 966 leads an Arvin Turn across the Edison Hwy at Magunden, entering Algoso with a string of express reefers for loading.</td></tr>
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The Arvin Branch during LMRC 1950's operation sessions is run by the Santa Fe, therefore I'll be covering it in the Santa Fe yard and local operations. The Arvin Branch did trade between the SP and the Santa Fe, but because the Edison District is going to be SP operated, we're trying to balance the demand on the PFE and SFRD fleets of cars, so that each will eventually have an 'on-layout' destination for switching, in addition to sending unused excess cars on west into the staging yards to come back as cars loaded west of Bakersfield in the 'Valley'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpI5oJP2cP8qO9ao64QzROqzTaFcxtKiOzWlxQjr7QeW4vXHLPnCkypqQsXBBxhQw35fWAxxlXQ38hJSdAiOtvNLIinVPBCtmhWZX_qWicM29v8Kja84te6RiDybsgvcqpfVPGNutYB4M/s1600/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpI5oJP2cP8qO9ao64QzROqzTaFcxtKiOzWlxQjr7QeW4vXHLPnCkypqQsXBBxhQw35fWAxxlXQ38hJSdAiOtvNLIinVPBCtmhWZX_qWicM29v8Kja84te6RiDybsgvcqpfVPGNutYB4M/s640/SFRD+Reefers+at+Arvin+-+Photo+Shed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SFRD's loading at the potato sheds in Arvin. A few express reefers are in the foreground on a storage track.</td></tr>
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There is some discussion and planning for the LMRC operations to trade operating companies on the Arvin and Edison Districts. However, instead of trading every year or two, perhaps the train will happen every 7-14 operating days, which will take about 1-2 years in real 2018 time. This should achieve the 'feel' of a major change when one day all the SP crews pull the PFE cars off the branch and ATSF crews take the SFRD reefers out to the branch.<br />
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<h2>
Locals Out of Mojave </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGQXI2-sFNKBH3gsZfA1j7bHplWuKU8xcPYG9FFqm-qv_kbhY82oycN77OJcqdflZAfl2-b3S8o7SQuPmNHSlr6bB_5RUF17UKe57uXBMCt4e9i2pSt_lxsyeCEQCw0B3hJOMg7_Zrt8X/s1600/SP+3208+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="780" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGQXI2-sFNKBH3gsZfA1j7bHplWuKU8xcPYG9FFqm-qv_kbhY82oycN77OJcqdflZAfl2-b3S8o7SQuPmNHSlr6bB_5RUF17UKe57uXBMCt4e9i2pSt_lxsyeCEQCw0B3hJOMg7_Zrt8X/s640/SP+3208+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mk-2/4 class 2-8-2s formed the main Mojave local engine pool. Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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The Locals out of Mojave were worked by a pool of engines, generally three or four smaller Mk-2/4 class 2-8-2s. This basic pool was protected by one or two heavy Mk-5/6 class 2-8-2s (such as SP 3266, the only Mk-5/6 rated to Owenyo) or C-class 2-8-0s off the Tehachapi helper pool out of Bakersfield. Mojave was also the base for two or three AC-class 4-8-8-2 'cab forwards' or "Malleys" and before 1949, at least one early AC-3 class 2-8-8-2 "Mudhen" on its final regular assignment, as I discuss below.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglhQ6CHtDYK3E-d4v2HToYaAROmO4lEdbS4PapkIMk2Ho7mar1POy06VT4FGOkDxChME43DJJJBhAOqzhkQXPTcDnQO7njBGspbsweEja22Genf-TaMKE_20PVslaGkjUDgCoeq-2egjU/s1600/SP+4255+%2526+4230+Mojave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglhQ6CHtDYK3E-d4v2HToYaAROmO4lEdbS4PapkIMk2Ho7mar1POy06VT4FGOkDxChME43DJJJBhAOqzhkQXPTcDnQO7njBGspbsweEja22Genf-TaMKE_20PVslaGkjUDgCoeq-2egjU/s640/SP+4255+%2526+4230+Mojave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4255 and 4230 prepare for a trip over Tehachapi</td></tr>
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These larger AC-class engines rotated and were cycled through out of Bakersfield. A Palmdale helper was also filled with an engine, often an AC-class, and sometimes other smaller classes. The Palmdale job were hated by the crews because it involved living out of a dug-out tent "bunker", which was built to provide some level of relief from the 110+F temperatures, for three days of 16 hour shifts.<br />
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<h3>
KI Local (Tehachapi)</h3>
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The KI Local goes on-duty out of Mojave around 8-9 AM and can work up to 15:59 hours during their six day a week trips over the Tehachapi Sub. One of the main customers the KI job serves is the Portland Cement Co. Plant at Monolith. The KI's usual operations at Monolith were focused around moving cars for by the SP and Santa Fe 'Shorts' symbols. This meant moving the cars into the plant and spotting them and pulling the outbound cars from the plant, reclassifying them and blocking for pickup the next day by the 'Shorts'. This could take a couple of hours. The SP KI Local works pulling and spotting the Santa Fe cars because of a reciprocal agreement with the Santa Fe, where any work outside of Switching Limits at Bakersfield or Mojave is handled by the SP's Local, (not counting limited simple pickups and setouts as directed by through trains).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhj1xWsYJIXlx4ZhC-t8SA89XW5CIGM1cHWuBUCtVJ6qE4mZYOuEgTe6CbfdXmYDwRV0wBI8SX2TLoGk85RnjKWkFkbAjlwdPZnvwTU5W7yDGaR7uWvsytymZoQB3Mj8HZtRbPYHQ84aM/s1600/Monolith+-+5Jan%252C53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhj1xWsYJIXlx4ZhC-t8SA89XW5CIGM1cHWuBUCtVJ6qE4mZYOuEgTe6CbfdXmYDwRV0wBI8SX2TLoGk85RnjKWkFkbAjlwdPZnvwTU5W7yDGaR7uWvsytymZoQB3Mj8HZtRbPYHQ84aM/s640/Monolith+-+5Jan%252C53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Monolith's complex of bag loading into boxcars and bulk loading into covered hoppers, with the center setout-siding in the back round.</td></tr>
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Next the KI would move to the town of Tehachapi and work any of the local industries there; fuel dealers, grain and feed dealers, general store, lumber yard, and seasonally several apple packing sheds. The cars for Tehachapi generally were also dropped off and picked up by the SP 'Shorts' trains or the Santa Fe's N-34 or BAW. The PFE reefers would be dropped by the "Shorts East for the SP. SFRD's from Bakersfield would arrive on any suitable freight for the Santa Fe, probably the SCX or BAW, which were the lower class symbols which could be delayed.<br />
<br />
The KI Local would pull the reefers if possible and spot them for easy pickup by eastward trains. The PFE cars would be picked up for movement east by any of the perishable blocks (RV, F, or SJ-blocks) and the SFRDs would usually be picked up by the BK-symbol for Kansas City or Chicago or the SCX for San Bernadino, Los Angeles, and San Diego.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTr4QjxBegNdu4v4wr28AZ44zv53trBvr1KdXt6D82PVgf2j7g7VMxgJlrcl9gKk-mHeX28KsnWcR2UqhxlDifB6kfLAkon4IOI6aankIZNDUvcI06be_pocUfaosXpdxde-ylih99GQM/s1600/SP+3259+West+at+Walong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTr4QjxBegNdu4v4wr28AZ44zv53trBvr1KdXt6D82PVgf2j7g7VMxgJlrcl9gKk-mHeX28KsnWcR2UqhxlDifB6kfLAkon4IOI6aankIZNDUvcI06be_pocUfaosXpdxde-ylih99GQM/s640/SP+3259+West+at+Walong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3259 running west with the KI Local at Walong</td></tr>
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The KI Local was also shown to continue westward as far as Caliente, if traffic required. This would include seasonal hay service for the ranches near Woodford, Bealville, and Caliente. Company service and materials cars (MOW) traffic might also need to be moved in support of the Mountain Work Train.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOqYqffqxJHtNtDU4Z8B26OFp2MoWAfQE6PP2JSMBGX79W5rhETATvp1qHdgZR6BuxTOb2zU0OkcBZ6T0ZnPU-cPjkbGx8zQxA7upuPv7uN-fstOWkYFpl2nN8U12JUaV5d73zFbOZDG_/s1600/SP+73317+S-40-5+Right-A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOqYqffqxJHtNtDU4Z8B26OFp2MoWAfQE6PP2JSMBGX79W5rhETATvp1qHdgZR6BuxTOb2zU0OkcBZ6T0ZnPU-cPjkbGx8zQxA7upuPv7uN-fstOWkYFpl2nN8U12JUaV5d73zFbOZDG_/s640/SP+73317+S-40-5+Right-A2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 73317, one of SP's most common S-40-series stock cars. (based on RedCaboose/IMRC model)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Livestock traffic for both SP and Santa Fe could also need to be worked at Woodford, Bealville, Caliente, or Bena, and coordinated with other through trains for expedited handling on the 24 or 36 hour Rules toward their destinations.<br />
<br />
The SP 'Shorts' symbols and the Santa Fe's N-34 and BAW usually did their pickups and setouts for the KI Local at Monolith, Tehachapi, and Caliente, where there was space to leave cars out of the way of normal train movements.<br />
<br />
Once the KI Local had worked as far west as needed to cover the service, the KI would return east towards Mojave, working any back hauling and dropping off anything en route.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGfAKulLmZ1K8X0-H2bpAJ6_b9yzIf1RFRb903TlGCd7dVznjKEXSeGwr3WAlELRz_x76EuGoiSJ_SaGHHyXG3Ij9S1qs2yuGhw8sD13LgZS2GDnOmdJp-XCPJ4UgH3y_ivbqk18S3r1x/s1600/SP+3259+with+KI+Local+at+Allard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGfAKulLmZ1K8X0-H2bpAJ6_b9yzIf1RFRb903TlGCd7dVznjKEXSeGwr3WAlELRz_x76EuGoiSJ_SaGHHyXG3Ij9S1qs2yuGhw8sD13LgZS2GDnOmdJp-XCPJ4UgH3y_ivbqk18S3r1x/s640/SP+3259+with+KI+Local+at+Allard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">KI Local with the SP 3259 works eastward at Allard, while making a runaround move for spotting at Bealville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Caliente was the farthest west the KI would go, so most westward cars would simply be left there for the MSW or BAW. Eastward tonnage was more limited on the Local, so cars not requiring work between Caliente and Mojave would be left for the MSE or N-34 to pick up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjdILEcmmTBQafXQ66B_NOwM70cZTyTczjQNJmP2CWtn7zCH_q6LRqDoEmx2T1N9UVVgKksZyUSysIZ6AsLknBfD28_8LR8PfS4U52VWPEUnhS9M8BNJ9sqBJHB2iiiX-OlBp-a-YG1Br/s1600/Bena+Village+-+2nd-4+-+Jan4-5-53B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjdILEcmmTBQafXQ66B_NOwM70cZTyTczjQNJmP2CWtn7zCH_q6LRqDoEmx2T1N9UVVgKksZyUSysIZ6AsLknBfD28_8LR8PfS4U52VWPEUnhS9M8BNJ9sqBJHB2iiiX-OlBp-a-YG1Br/s640/Bena+Village+-+2nd-4+-+Jan4-5-53B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 5304 and 5301 pause at Bena, west of Caliente, on a return trip from the 'shops' at Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Occasionally the KI Local would be used to rotate the engines back to Bakersfield for inspection, shopping, and repairs. Occasionally at LMRC the Dispatcher will send the KI Local down to Bena. Often the work at Bena's simple enough that the Mojave Shorts West can handle the moves with trailing point moves.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mountain Work Train</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JuiwUqkXTFsZpOQrksl69QQRwKL4vxsp2gUzC8BWLthyphenhyphenhFbBQb6Vta-Q5jGpwsGXXzfrrq7_rachx8l7AdFv2vg4dJLQjYafqOGDAmXB2VqKkOo82-gMloACVOlEOLsNy6IWvsxqfasm/s1600/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+at+Bena+-+Jan4-53B+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JuiwUqkXTFsZpOQrksl69QQRwKL4vxsp2gUzC8BWLthyphenhyphenhFbBQb6Vta-Q5jGpwsGXXzfrrq7_rachx8l7AdFv2vg4dJLQjYafqOGDAmXB2VqKkOo82-gMloACVOlEOLsNy6IWvsxqfasm/s640/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+at+Bena+-+Jan4-53B+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3765 leads a Ballast Outfit out of Bena, heading to work farther up on Tehachapi Pass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Mountain Work Train generally was used to directly support the local MW Section Gangs and specialized Mobile Gangs. The mobile gangs generally consisted of ballasting operations, bridge replacement, etc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH-wzck15kdovezFNquDzBXZ5woedOuebVvFWcpuGQJUhesc5YTfVx0PC8iHW8ZSlPCAFgzy9SoHDUFVYcc37dEYsUxrA1oksTM0oR2ondI9wGy9vntnNg_8gdSegOHvq8BOwZ5FDYYbF/s1600/Mt+Work+Train-A+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH-wzck15kdovezFNquDzBXZ5woedOuebVvFWcpuGQJUhesc5YTfVx0PC8iHW8ZSlPCAFgzy9SoHDUFVYcc37dEYsUxrA1oksTM0oR2ondI9wGy9vntnNg_8gdSegOHvq8BOwZ5FDYYbF/s640/Mt+Work+Train-A+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mt. Work Train's work list for Jan 6th, 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQN6P6SKTtLXTVgj8msogUQbJuaKVoS2LYjBXhOuY0mQWWcndD7TWwgML2MqY46DHwmnDZKn922NsdgX0m6YrKLvuqqcNjMAyoR8YlOa2h2hIwTOdMEQ6Dt0S5DhtLiSSLv8N7DhkDhLn/s1600/Mt+Work+Train-B+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQN6P6SKTtLXTVgj8msogUQbJuaKVoS2LYjBXhOuY0mQWWcndD7TWwgML2MqY46DHwmnDZKn922NsdgX0m6YrKLvuqqcNjMAyoR8YlOa2h2hIwTOdMEQ6Dt0S5DhtLiSSLv8N7DhkDhLn/s400/Mt+Work+Train-B+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Continued reverse side of the switchlist for the Mt. Work Train's work list for Jan 6th, 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Mt. Work Train was supported by the MSE and MSW dropping off and picking up blocks at Monolith, Tehachapi, and Caliente. The KI Local then moves the cars to the closest spur to where the Mt. Work Train and work crews need them. The lists (above and below) give an idea of the regular work which is done on Tehachapi Pass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1CXz0E6DOmbzitff9pp2WunjhB2oFyerbWIC-xpztdYwl89po96oTVq4Io_N63i7ZCFntaRappIYAD2DEJ9QIZNBvXdbUPCeUKrE8SbOs30q3dkFIctyj-CsSaL-KMkR9kr5-p_FZvtK/s1600/Caliente+with+Work+train+2012+vintage+controls-B+-+JRHill+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1CXz0E6DOmbzitff9pp2WunjhB2oFyerbWIC-xpztdYwl89po96oTVq4Io_N63i7ZCFntaRappIYAD2DEJ9QIZNBvXdbUPCeUKrE8SbOs30q3dkFIctyj-CsSaL-KMkR9kr5-p_FZvtK/s640/Caliente+with+Work+train+2012+vintage+controls-B+-+JRHill+Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP had a Mt. Work Train which worked all MW duties between Bakersfield and Mojave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
The "Jawbone" Branch</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz_hNf53KbVGoZeK7dWR3wUS1z4LruO4rnlguGAdmBbIys0xDer__SkuQ75hJ3MmI28GVCNqX4MY75AnOctzHMg-XlCNxVo1BT_Yy0dhmRPVI_m-bdRXRWVO9kICEjzeXWYonWF7bzKh_/s1600/Mojave+Depot++-+2018-1-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz_hNf53KbVGoZeK7dWR3wUS1z4LruO4rnlguGAdmBbIys0xDer__SkuQ75hJ3MmI28GVCNqX4MY75AnOctzHMg-XlCNxVo1BT_Yy0dhmRPVI_m-bdRXRWVO9kICEjzeXWYonWF7bzKh_/s640/Mojave+Depot++-+2018-1-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mojave, the west end and junction of the 'Jawbone Branch' with the mainlines of the Tehachapi and Mojave Sub's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Owenyo Branch, or as it was commonly called, the "Jawbone" Branch was worked by two symbols out of Mojave, the Owenyo Local and the Searles Turn. Both trains operated at night, mostly to minimize the heat in the high desert. Searles Valley and Owens Valley are only one or two valleys away from Death Valley, where temperatures easily reach 120+F during the day. Add that air temp to the additional 130F in the cab of a steam engine, which is painted black... and you'll have a couple of broiled enginemen before too long!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Owenyo Local ("Long Haul")</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG6w5M7YeRW-VCrs3bBAuAZydmb0lc5xt1Q46y_YA9CgjtPDi0aesFPuTxLylaH7cnfQRnQ0rWzz98FUFHDsx2edS4aJVZkDmWx-mqHkLcf3H-7LUUPOOOBVdAzOZO7Uq2f-IdCu3IFdQ/s1600/SP+3203+Owenyo+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG6w5M7YeRW-VCrs3bBAuAZydmb0lc5xt1Q46y_YA9CgjtPDi0aesFPuTxLylaH7cnfQRnQ0rWzz98FUFHDsx2edS4aJVZkDmWx-mqHkLcf3H-7LUUPOOOBVdAzOZO7Uq2f-IdCu3IFdQ/s640/SP+3203+Owenyo+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3203, one of the regular Mk-2/4s to work the Owenyo Local, here seen at Owenyo. Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Owenyo Local usually drew a Mk-2/4 class 'small' 2-8-2s, if that failed a C-class 2-8-0 would protect the assignment. This job worked the 143 mile long branch. Traveling up one day for 15:59, then laying over for the night at Owenyo before returning.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_mLIHB4kX50VzogUaqU3_awqEvrYo7VJXrqUSMlZw17spyTVtZyM4waH2Oz4dAusd0ITZi787j15hjSyl9euLSdT2cJwSKZbi18BA4lYvvlAL9oWUJ1ycvlrQ59mkTmx0ULxKrgQ6UFB/s1600/SP+MW7838+-MW+WATER+%2526+ENGINE+SERVICE-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_mLIHB4kX50VzogUaqU3_awqEvrYo7VJXrqUSMlZw17spyTVtZyM4waH2Oz4dAusd0ITZi787j15hjSyl9euLSdT2cJwSKZbi18BA4lYvvlAL9oWUJ1ycvlrQ59mkTmx0ULxKrgQ6UFB/s640/SP+MW7838+-MW+WATER+%2526+ENGINE+SERVICE-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP CS-25A class ex-fuel oil tank car, turned 'Canteen' for extending the range of steam engines in dry and desert conditions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Owenyo Local while using steam engines, often carried a water 'canteen' car behind the tender, as there was no water for the engines laying over at Owenyo, and only 2-3 water stops on the whole branch!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYsDTfaC6nXq3r22KO_lHOvi-h0m2Oc37ZH-WMTqMECuI0iznaIosLfGJ7pO4vTB96kM_d_YfPF8hIjRJaABeeKt0-T_TSjDjd_ykzZ35F8HWie9BIFghLyv4u_8DT-eOr8wyadYq3G5U/s1600/SPNG+18+meets+SPNG+9+at+Laws+-+9-23-2017+-+JRHill+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYsDTfaC6nXq3r22KO_lHOvi-h0m2Oc37ZH-WMTqMECuI0iznaIosLfGJ7pO4vTB96kM_d_YfPF8hIjRJaABeeKt0-T_TSjDjd_ykzZ35F8HWie9BIFghLyv4u_8DT-eOr8wyadYq3G5U/s640/SPNG+18+meets+SPNG+9+at+Laws+-+9-23-2017+-+JRHill+Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SPNG 9 and 18 at Laws Museum in Sept 2017. - Jason Hill photograph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Most of the industries along the branch were various mining operations by the 1940s and 1950s. harvesting dried salt-cake from the desert lake beds. Owenyo was the northern end point, connecting with the Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge operations, which still extended about 70 miles north to Laws and 13 miles south to Keeler. Ores and minerals produced off the narrow gauge include: talc, tungsten (a "strategic material" for machine tools, lighting, and military ammunition) from west of Laws, and various other ores and salt.<br />
<br />
Back on the standard gauge, the station of Lennie also shipped out a few carloads of timber (and possibly logs) from the cutting operations around Kennedy Meadows, which continued into the late 1970s.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At Inyokern, the "Jawbone" branch interchanged with the US Navy, in servicing the China Lake Test Range. The early 1950s saw the early development of air-to-air guided missiles, which within 10-15 years would be seeing combat on Navy aircraft. Before the Interstate Highways, the railroad was really the only way to move materials to the test range. Even after the abandonment of the branch north of Searles Station, the US Navy ordered a new trans-loading facility built on the Trona Rwy to keep a rail connection to the China Lake base.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Searles Turn</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwbPxIMJXIjfIYpC4R0IXwH6or-HhmqlUOde8-yceKwLlWgC6r_4sA0Fzd1UxWlM-Nyr6qV8aOckdh9weY2qHX5R3fmHePRBMtLMRyPNnq8VeVgB5ZQdmSEcuTMETMHF0nLFNNHUHgmHD/s1600/SP+3237+%2526+3266+at+Searles+Station+-+5-30-52+-+Carl+Blaubach+photo+-+Brian+Black+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwbPxIMJXIjfIYpC4R0IXwH6or-HhmqlUOde8-yceKwLlWgC6r_4sA0Fzd1UxWlM-Nyr6qV8aOckdh9weY2qHX5R3fmHePRBMtLMRyPNnq8VeVgB5ZQdmSEcuTMETMHF0nLFNNHUHgmHD/s640/SP+3237+%2526+3266+at+Searles+Station+-+5-30-52+-+Carl+Blaubach+photo+-+Brian+Black+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Excursion Train time lead by SP 3237 & 3266 at Searles Station - 5-30-52 - Carl Blaubach photo - Brian Black Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Searles Turn was a 40-odd mile transfer run up 2.2% grades to interchange 40-50 cars six nights a week with the Trona Rwy at Searles Station. This symbol averaged 12-13 carloads of fuel oil from Mojave or Bakersfield for the drying plants at Trona and West End at Searles Lake. Most of the rest of the traffic was empty boxcars and covered hoppers for the soda ash, potash, and borax that was mined from the "dry" Searles Lake, or new machinery going to the plant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbKW0g6G7LNKCyEimoJ_wt7gN5BjqYOsLRmwvK2jPrd8dk6T0UC-vBXwEC519ifK37okuds40bxaxyaLDoXuG6n2yBKRSXO_u_6dWAjBWFDox72t0-Y7-Lfn6x_QVvMYqJ6rVYXYbAqPp/s1600/SP+AC-3+WSM+Brass+-+Left+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbKW0g6G7LNKCyEimoJ_wt7gN5BjqYOsLRmwvK2jPrd8dk6T0UC-vBXwEC519ifK37okuds40bxaxyaLDoXuG6n2yBKRSXO_u_6dWAjBWFDox72t0-Y7-Lfn6x_QVvMYqJ6rVYXYbAqPp/s640/SP+AC-3+WSM+Brass+-+Left+Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An AC-3 model by WSM, which will be assigned to Mojave as a helper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Searles Turn usually operated with a later AC-class "Malley" as road engine, with an older AC-3 class 2-8-8-2 helper eastward to Searles until the last one was scrapped in 1949. After which time a second regular AC-class would be used as a helper.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vRpnzFer7ZCXpBU1eMcMrt-IctjWKWn1p-3T-Z7UwLz4y9Bl6FHpj0Hq_uFPS3_CEXE0rNbvucpHoEHvrgxEW4JNNwYyGs4pEebhydTNljBcmKeZefswEQDfDcHkleSxsNhQPS_j2zCY/s1600/SP+5477+SD9+at+Vincent+1-801+-+Brian+Black+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vRpnzFer7ZCXpBU1eMcMrt-IctjWKWn1p-3T-Z7UwLz4y9Bl6FHpj0Hq_uFPS3_CEXE0rNbvucpHoEHvrgxEW4JNNwYyGs4pEebhydTNljBcmKeZefswEQDfDcHkleSxsNhQPS_j2zCY/s640/SP+5477+SD9+at+Vincent+1-801+-+Brian+Black+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 5477 leads the First 801 at Vincent (summit), on the Mojave Sub in the early 1960s. - Brian Black Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's a little unclear after most of the freights on Tehachapi were dieselized what happened to the road engines on the Searles Turn, while it's possible that 4-unit F-units were used until the 44 new SD9s were assigned to Tehachapi in 1954.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"Blitz" Local (Palmdale Local)</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUvOFbtVq4M_Y81VQaqZc6FxqA9tpIav6eSFw2tKcURLq74uh1iN6MiDDlCoJaKuzGCul6scj2FHv68RnYhBStgwhvDUCPKbluabK86PIwNBGXSMPR-bPzqHhTDH7gKoJ3qmO13WzMO3b/s1600/SP+3259+3-4+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUvOFbtVq4M_Y81VQaqZc6FxqA9tpIav6eSFw2tKcURLq74uh1iN6MiDDlCoJaKuzGCul6scj2FHv68RnYhBStgwhvDUCPKbluabK86PIwNBGXSMPR-bPzqHhTDH7gKoJ3qmO13WzMO3b/s640/SP+3259+3-4+right.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3259 leads the 'Blitz' out of Mojave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The "Blitz" as it was called, worked south (RR east) from Mojave as far as Saugus if needed, working all industries. Normally the 'Blitz' was worked by a heavy Mk-5/6-class 2-8-2, one of the pool of Mk-2/4s, or if all else failed a C-class 2-8-0.<br />
<br />
The MSW and MSE would be able to drop and pickup blocks at the larger towns, such as Lancaster, Palmdale, and Saugus, as needed. The 'Blitz' goes on-duty about the same time as the KI Local, in the mid-morning and returned in the evenings.<br />
<br />
Among the traffic on the Mojave Sub. Div. the station of Fleta, a few miles south of Mojave had a scrap dealer, probably due to the 'low property costs!' Just south of the Ansel Hill, was the station of Rosamond, where a sugar beet dump was located to load beet racks and GS composite gondolas.<br />
<br />
Moving farther south (RR east) was the aircraft assembly complex known as Plant No.42 north of Lancaster. The plant was built out of the municipal airport during WWII. The aircraft parts arrived in auto-boxcars, standard boxcars, flatcars, and tankcars of aviation gasoline and jet fuel would have also been needed.<br />
<br />
The largest 'towns' along the Mojave Sub, was Lancaster and Palmdale, which had the usual compliment of a bulk fuel distributor or two, a general store - which would have supplied construction materials and animal feed, the station with a team track, l.c.l., and freight forwarder services, and probably a lumber yard.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Switcher at Mojave</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA-LpwgZppKKtPII00P9W9B3On17MYoeN17Rjop_rkckZvSOwhLArXhYzfvWeuUdJjLbNdBxXR_VmD_y2aoe1j6IQTMXsUI6lkMDFLW5B_Wtazef93qbrE_FvNlKjcjf-0Jn9ZZr9_5JB/s1600/SP+1310+at+Mojave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA-LpwgZppKKtPII00P9W9B3On17MYoeN17Rjop_rkckZvSOwhLArXhYzfvWeuUdJjLbNdBxXR_VmD_y2aoe1j6IQTMXsUI6lkMDFLW5B_Wtazef93qbrE_FvNlKjcjf-0Jn9ZZr9_5JB/s640/SP+1310+at+Mojave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1310 switches tank cars at Mojave Yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mojave's regular switcher for many years was the SP 1310, an NW2. When the 1310 was in the shops, the switching crew would use just about any engine laying over at Mojave. The time books of one engineer at Mojave, shows the SP 4287, an AC-12 class "Malley" being used as the switcher! The 4287 was probably laying over between assignments as either a short helper or Searles Turn engine.<br />
<br />
The Mojave Switcher at LMRC is a 'foot-board yardmaster' position, where the rolls of YM and switching crew is combined into one person. The Car (traffic) Clerk (East End Staging-Master) assists in keeping track of marking lists for car routing and paperwork in Mojave Yard, but does not give direct instructions to the Mojave 'foot-board' YM as to how to do the job.<br />
<br />
<h2>
In Closing</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij27unfqCAhGfBR8Qm9HaPt4CNVA5Bckg4Ql1rBuz-eSp4bv6QPrHX6Aew02SlSiT6vdzVBNkeBrs7AiXXUHijlSebxjzTZYGRL7JbWFnFY7Sb6Z96NGyjj2Qxadi8yqtmsBQM1wukEzcL/s1600/SP+1785+with+caboose+70+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="951" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij27unfqCAhGfBR8Qm9HaPt4CNVA5Bckg4Ql1rBuz-eSp4bv6QPrHX6Aew02SlSiT6vdzVBNkeBrs7AiXXUHijlSebxjzTZYGRL7JbWFnFY7Sb6Z96NGyjj2Qxadi8yqtmsBQM1wukEzcL/s640/SP+1785+with+caboose+70+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1765 with a 1955-56 era painted wooden C-30-1 caboose, probably in local service. - Eddie Sims Collection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That does it for this post about the SP's Symbols for Locals and Switching on the LMRC layout. At some point in the future, I may come back and address each of the jobs that I've covered in this post, in more detail with its own post. At that time I'll talk more about the traffic flows and patterns unique to that particular job. For now this should cover the basics of these jobs. Next time on the topic of Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi, I'll be getting into the Westward Santa Fe Symbols.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-2.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP Westward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-3.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP Eastward</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
</div>
</div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-46778388062805639072018-08-06T23:54:00.001-07:002018-08-06T23:54:03.034-07:00Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 2) - SP WestThis is the second in a new series of blog posts on the operations at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club in San Diego, CA. In the last post, {<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story</a>} I covered some how I started in 'Operations' and also how the club's Operations have evolved over the last 30 years.<br />
<br />
I'm planning to cover in this series of posts which will cover each of the symbols that operated over Tehacahpi by railroad and direction. I'll also be pointing out how they connected to the Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley and out of Mojave both to Barstow and beyond and to Los Angeles and beyond into the nation-wide system of freight movement.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Uhg40UMbYv2TSqIBQEXpAauyIaC8UwUp-hfzav46h2B72Auzyz8K8MhaNZts-h4BXuu2TplrB0gjMtyoBxuGl3WigkkeJPzprNhpYlPfuskf9MKF_z_vVTyz_FF_YdaPbsEdpA9IgDie/s1600/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Uhg40UMbYv2TSqIBQEXpAauyIaC8UwUp-hfzav46h2B72Auzyz8K8MhaNZts-h4BXuu2TplrB0gjMtyoBxuGl3WigkkeJPzprNhpYlPfuskf9MKF_z_vVTyz_FF_YdaPbsEdpA9IgDie/s640/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF SWG arrives at Kern Jct. in Bakersfield. Many SP symbols are spread across the SP Yard. - How many symbols can you recognize? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"The cars become like drops of water. When they're put into an operating fleet, it's like putting your drop of water into a swimming pool. --- But each drop has a story, a reason for being where it is, and for what it is doing there." Many years ago, in discussions with other friends at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club this quote came out. The railroads developed 'rivers', if you will, paths that moved individual cars en mass from one place to another. Like the drops of water in a river, a train passing by doesn't seem to be made of single cars, it is one massive thing. But what is the story of each of the cars or drops? Did it come from a mountain spring or was it a great cloud burst? Has it seen only the open fields or has it jumped down steep mountain slopes? Did it linger a while as a snow flake and then in a massive snow pack before melting and getting moving again?<br />
<br />
So how did the real railroads move their cars? How can we simulate that in model form?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Symbols and Schedules</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8iiXeDZqi6nhVfcx5hUbAzxoHnW2kCcb8MqqSkJ4E1C3m3D6vDeHkFe5ummQMMzgnYiIy7TFQK0moUDN0v6LgG89kpNBsfVPbB19mpQQHiLc-diasOQEJlSX_aYxnStsnVWCjelzYfwb/s1600/SP+4279+Tunnel+1-2+Sept+1+2007-A+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8iiXeDZqi6nhVfcx5hUbAzxoHnW2kCcb8MqqSkJ4E1C3m3D6vDeHkFe5ummQMMzgnYiIy7TFQK0moUDN0v6LgG89kpNBsfVPbB19mpQQHiLc-diasOQEJlSX_aYxnStsnVWCjelzYfwb/s640/SP+4279+Tunnel+1-2+Sept+1+2007-A+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4279 leads a VXE freight eastward over Tehacahpi Pass in 2007 at LMRC, San Diego, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the interesting things about the railroads that I learned was how the railroads set up "Symbols" to move or 'protect' certain traffic under agreement with the shippers on certain 'schedules'. I should stop and rephrase that. These 'schedules' were actually a series of 'cutoff' times by which the traffic would have to reach the next major yard in time to continue to move on the 'guaranteed movement' provided by that 'schedule' for that 'symbol.' I talked about how I started learning about operations in my previous post (<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/two-years-of-blogging-reflections.html">Two Years of Blogging</a>) the basic books on the subject from the 1980 era, which were still about all there was in the 1990s.<br />
<br />
<h2>
General SP Symbol Format</h2>
<br />
The Southern Pacific used date suffixes after the Symbol to denote which day of the month they originated. If multiple sections of the same symbol depart or are planned (forecast) to operate they will show section numbers before the date as follows: "1/5" for the First section of the 5th day, followed by "2/5" for the second section of the symbol, etc. A prefix will be added if the symbol is originating at an intermediate point, and not the 'normal' origination point.<br />
<br />
Most PFE perishable loading was governed by the Ogden Gateway Agreement, which directed that all traffic solicited for destinations east of the Mississippi River by the SP north of roughly Fresno would be routed via Ogden and the UP transcon to Omaha. Only "Long East" traffic from south of Fresno could be routed via the SP through Los Angeles and the Sunset and Golden State Routes to the east. An important note is that the short traffic for points west of the Mississppi River could be routed which ever was the shortest route, so there would be southward traffic from north of Fresno heading to So. Cal. and traffic from Los Angeles heading north to the San Fransisco Bay Area or east of Roseville on VXW or 'Long North' on NCP to Oregon, Portland and beyond.<br />
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It should also be noted that the PFE cars could also be used in canned goods service basically in what is now considered insulated boxcar (RBL) service. Cars in this service were not specially handled at the headend for icing like perishable-service reefers.<br />
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The SP Symbols that operated over the Tehachapi Pass during the 1950s were as follows:<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Tehachapi Sub.</h2>
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<h3>
VMW - "Overnight"</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7GZMdkf7PuJB8ZW5TMMVYy6rMBr8CVRUdy1T8aLTUg3ZywuKd8ibzPpP3iayhcIWvpLMgxP6b-A6WAE8szlY_3kMHTQ5z15fqVySQ5AEbnua8jQWJo562D72cZUsLdftPA-awpzUgOfZ/s1600/SP+4185+No447+Illmon-Bena-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7GZMdkf7PuJB8ZW5TMMVYy6rMBr8CVRUdy1T8aLTUg3ZywuKd8ibzPpP3iayhcIWvpLMgxP6b-A6WAE8szlY_3kMHTQ5z15fqVySQ5AEbnua8jQWJo562D72cZUsLdftPA-awpzUgOfZ/s640/SP+4185+No447+Illmon-Bena-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">VMW running as No.447 with SP 4185 leading blasts westward between Ilmon and Bena.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SP's 'hottest freight' over Tehachapi would technically be the "Overnight" from Los Angeles to Fresno. Calling it a 'freight' is somewhat questionable, as the VMW symbol usually runs as Second Class schedule No.447 from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, then runs as No.445 to Fresno. The VMW symbol usually consisted of SP's famous black "Overnight" l.c.l. service cars distributing express merchandise from LA and eastern companies to the San Joaquin Valley. The VMW also moved express reefers, both loaded and empty west out of LA. The loads could be perishable or other high priority loads, such as news print, news papers, etc. The empty cars would be loaded in Bakersfield and Fresno, often returning east on the VME or other routings on passenger or mail trains.<br />
<br />
<h4>
TOFC - Trailer-on-Flat-Car</h4>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM-TjTAK7Q9mqFtnZv0MegPHjrgJUcBwJPjU3pyAdAg-2s1k1FZsJXCP2ZP8Ya-UpazV_5JfAGo0dqWn6K2UM7SRve5qEgMctNlCru1RuMGUEPy0TFwYnHpipIBB8LzHMDzetaseSEZnE/s1600/SP+142411+F-70-7+TOFC+with+trailers+-+SP-NWP+Convention+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM-TjTAK7Q9mqFtnZv0MegPHjrgJUcBwJPjU3pyAdAg-2s1k1FZsJXCP2ZP8Ya-UpazV_5JfAGo0dqWn6K2UM7SRve5qEgMctNlCru1RuMGUEPy0TFwYnHpipIBB8LzHMDzetaseSEZnE/s640/SP+142411+F-70-7+TOFC+with+trailers+-+SP-NWP+Convention+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Of special interest is in March 1953 the SP started using re-equipped F-70-7 flatcars with tie-downs for 22ft PMT trailers. Both of these models have been produced by the SPH&TS under the Espee Models name.<br />
<br />
<h3>
NCP - North Coast Perishable</h3>
<br />
The NCP was the 'hottest' train between Los Angeles (Taylor Yard) and Portland (Brooklyn Yard) protecting perishable traffic and other higher priority loads on the 3rd day delivery. The NCP arrives at Bakersfield 4:15pm. The NCP does not normally work at points short of Roseville, at Roseville it may fill with traffic from East and West.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Advance-NCP - "Bananas" (Mondays)</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgLtHZKGkN_M6Z8PcsrBcDyUO7NVag-p8XuH63kE9RqkU61Xk5cadjESSrudcccNKjKYxo39LLiVYfHhM5u7NlK7Yq7FbDmlLBjwlgMMowRpRwrikWA_iHj9SrBSRaQ4DR3bavJamVLX9/s1600/PE+Banana+PFE+reefer+Derail+1958-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgLtHZKGkN_M6Z8PcsrBcDyUO7NVag-p8XuH63kE9RqkU61Xk5cadjESSrudcccNKjKYxo39LLiVYfHhM5u7NlK7Yq7FbDmlLBjwlgMMowRpRwrikWA_iHj9SrBSRaQ4DR3bavJamVLX9/s640/PE+Banana+PFE+reefer+Derail+1958-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Derailed PFE "Banana Loading Only - PE Rails. - Return to Los Angeles Harbor when Empty" - Unknown Photographer (Sorry, if someone knows, I'm happy to credit - too good a photo of Banana cars not to show)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It should be noted that the NCP symbol on Mondays usually had an Advance-NCP which operated with 20-25 carloads of Bananas, originating on the PE from the Port of San Pedro (South of Los Angeles). These special banana trains dropped a few cars at a time over the way to Roseville. Other Banana trains operated out of the San Fransisco Bay area out to Roseville, then north and east. The Banana ship fleets was decimated by the US Government requisitioning the temperature controlled ships in later WWII to function as morgue ships bringing soldier's bodies home. Even into the early 1950-era the ship service was not fully restored all the way to the north pacific coast ports of Portland and Seattle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LLrMv_so-DrcEgnqPUVysoZpqye4LDHek2leI3ilkF-31DyD-KKFuZqcvObuvr3unUUyjJ-qS5_q8zwEnSL5aOLLK19-ik-veJo1ClnS6jXuxsTu6z6-yLLTwLXBXQ6X1sJr4S5dc0eu/s1600/SP+Rider+Coaches+awaiting+their+next+call+-+Bakersfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LLrMv_so-DrcEgnqPUVysoZpqye4LDHek2leI3ilkF-31DyD-KKFuZqcvObuvr3unUUyjJ-qS5_q8zwEnSL5aOLLK19-ik-veJo1ClnS6jXuxsTu6z6-yLLTwLXBXQ6X1sJr4S5dc0eu/s640/SP+Rider+Coaches+awaiting+their+next+call+-+Bakersfield.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rider Coaches rest between trips at Bakersfield, CA - commonly seen in photos from the 1940-50s.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These trains used a rider coach for the 'Banana Messenger' (Agent) who was charged with ensuring that the loads were kept in the proper temperature ranges. The cars used on the Banana trains probably continued for the whole route of the train, unlike the cabooses that were swapped at the end of each Division. - <i>Bakersfield usually seems to have 2-4 coaches assigned for use on perishable trains originating from the Valley.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
VXW - Valley eXtra West</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM5kLB7K-h-nY7PqFlPgUKsnCSfAs3LZYLQvXqjl2Yp-meGHUh_URNn_cBNZDVUowau6dEL4PaH2fTmyXZmFI8RRUUqChQHpaav6eMdRlObulqJZnkwFlEYSBIGsDfWIiVvApxTdJLcLg/s1600/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbM5kLB7K-h-nY7PqFlPgUKsnCSfAs3LZYLQvXqjl2Yp-meGHUh_URNn_cBNZDVUowau6dEL4PaH2fTmyXZmFI8RRUUqChQHpaav6eMdRlObulqJZnkwFlEYSBIGsDfWIiVvApxTdJLcLg/s640/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">T&NO 910 prepares to leave Bakersfield with a VXW to Roseville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Valley Extra West symbol, SP LA to Roseville train that runs out of LA early in the morning, ahead of the NCP, and arrives at Bakersfield at about 6 or 7am. Like most of the westward symbols I describe here, originates in Los Angeles's Taylor Yard and runs to Roseville Yard. The VXW's primary use was protecting perishable and livestock traffic from LA and Bakersfield to Roseville, which then would be forwarded east or west. The VXW also handled normal merchandise traffic and could be filled or combined with the TMW symbol between LA and Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
The VXW symbol could be directed to pick up reefers at Tehachapi and Caliente for movement west.<br />
<br />
<h3>
XMUG - Empty Lumber Cars</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDRHMOBQHR96d2D7QlKB8dnFjOIPDPvb_bPdd079pFouxfJkXzamCO3vKqb8i4mFf8KAkbL4ojwapQBNPkix7Y7HKzNVr1bHkozmek7log8IA4MEk914ui63klzqEeE-ARA6nef7db8uL/s1600/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDRHMOBQHR96d2D7QlKB8dnFjOIPDPvb_bPdd079pFouxfJkXzamCO3vKqb8i4mFf8KAkbL4ojwapQBNPkix7Y7HKzNVr1bHkozmek7log8IA4MEk914ui63klzqEeE-ARA6nef7db8uL/s640/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A SP F-unit set pulls into Bakersfield with the XMUG heading to Roseville, while Santa Fe FT-set pulls a BK-symbol eastward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The XMUG or "Empty Eugene" symbols were the primary symbols used to return all of the SP's lumber cars used in the Pacific North West - Los Angeles and Southern CA building boom of the post-WWII era. Of course this traffic was also sent to the San Fransisco Bay Area as well. These trains would consist of SP, WP, NP, GN, SP&S, and other smaller northwest railroads that interchanged with the SP. LA-XMUG starts at Los Angeles (Taylor Yard) and picks up additional cars at Roseville (from the Bay Area). Some XMUG cars could be cut out at Roseville and sent to the NWP interchange at Schellville or back to the WP/SN in Sacramento or Oakland.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegpz5BGGooIDz6AEPjXcHVPNeayhJvEsBpX2yn6mSC0p9gTw6DXSKDwngOJ4oC0NawTEstZxJYAno3SemM3ukjFgt2Em76-E8yd0Bs0p2H0W7A0Paoqw_U-uOjBrmVAwwLn-ECqyUnDHh/s1600/SP+F-50-series+7-8th+View+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegpz5BGGooIDz6AEPjXcHVPNeayhJvEsBpX2yn6mSC0p9gTw6DXSKDwngOJ4oC0NawTEstZxJYAno3SemM3ukjFgt2Em76-E8yd0Bs0p2H0W7A0Paoqw_U-uOjBrmVAwwLn-ECqyUnDHh/s640/SP+F-50-series+7-8th+View+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP F-50, F-70, and lumber boxcars make up most of the regular XMUG consists.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Returning empty lumber cars from local industries in the Southern San Joaquin Valley and points short of Los Angeles (Saugus) returned to Bakersfield and were forwarded west to Roseville on the TMW or filling VXW symbols.<br />
<br />
The Santa Fe also returned SP lumber empties interchanged to them at Bakersfield on reverse-rights routing. This traffic was also forwarded westward towards Roseville on the TMW or VXW symbols.<br />
<br />
<i>At LMRC we try to combine the lumber-type cars into a TMW-block before leaving Bakersfield. This makes the Valley Staging Crew's time much easier to turn the traffic and swap whole blocks instead of reclassifying the trains for their eastward trips.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
BK-OK-R - PFE Reefer Drag</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEua9z6VWHvOSrB46kXuazEPqr5Q_nktdkVoK3si9UFYyKsNqs_eBmekpSsDH28LO8hzvhcIb193Q31SNzB0rsssJscGkXJVPRqaCFOhwSS_2VRZcLThYS_bLIJ4hHigY8Ab9L75qV4FfK/s1600/BK-OK-R+Nov+2004+-+137+cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEua9z6VWHvOSrB46kXuazEPqr5Q_nktdkVoK3si9UFYyKsNqs_eBmekpSsDH28LO8hzvhcIb193Q31SNzB0rsssJscGkXJVPRqaCFOhwSS_2VRZcLThYS_bLIJ4hHigY8Ab9L75qV4FfK/s640/BK-OK-R+Nov+2004+-+137+cars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A monster river of reefers, a BK-OK-R snakes its way down through Bealville and Allard in November 2004 at LMRC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Westward Empty Reefer (PFE) drag of "OK" cars for loading coming out of the Colton PFE shops for distribution in Bakersfield and points short if Fresno. The BK-OK-R symbol operates from Los Angeles Yard (Taylor Yard) to Bakersfield. The 'OK-R' symbols over Tehachapi could easily exceed 100 cars per train and sometimes up to 120-135 cars. Cars not needed at Bakersfield continue west to Fresno as FN-OK-R symbol.<br />
<br />
<h3>
FN-OK-R - PFE Reefer Drag</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXgc8FkzFKmOo3MY8rnKxxkFIbNp5fqsdGep44xzESlkYXZoL2RAdDhJEOGm2Q85MV1Oecn546MYHXZMqulY8_owo2lZVd_-j4g41hNi02Tex9qZo1RJu1agBtrC_rytMQf2HNkeu7xXI/s1600/SP+6151+arrives+at+the+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck+-+2005-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXgc8FkzFKmOo3MY8rnKxxkFIbNp5fqsdGep44xzESlkYXZoL2RAdDhJEOGm2Q85MV1Oecn546MYHXZMqulY8_owo2lZVd_-j4g41hNi02Tex9qZo1RJu1agBtrC_rytMQf2HNkeu7xXI/s640/SP+6151+arrives+at+the+Bakersfield+Ice+Deck+-+2005-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6151 leads the BK-OK-R as it arrives on Ice Deck 2, Bakersfield, Calif. at LMRC in 2005.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Westward Empty Reefer (PFE) drag of "OK" cars for loading coming out of the Colton PFE shops for distribution points at Fresno and short of Roseville. The FN-OK-R symbol operates from Bakersfield to Fresno Yard. Cars not needed at Fresno can continue west to Roseville or to the Bay Area over Altamont Pass, via Tracy. <i>At LMRC, the "Valley OK's" usually are limited to about 60 cars, and use double-headed "10-coupled" steam engines due to the scaling factors of engines pulling trains on flat grades. Often these trains are cut up and rearranged in the Valley Staging Yard.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
TMW - Tehachapi Manifest West</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RFm-mN-ExtGVkGTe87yAiNnuwvY3oUAhhVCpiI396h75D7wFdesLVtFxiykEDgUrISjf_J-VA7hwW5iVSfu6LPa-qOVRwFjWyVFVWVwPQx0F_yP8RjSBZhzE0pSTLqqaOYtrcrMM4Ag6/s1600/SP+4255+West+T1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RFm-mN-ExtGVkGTe87yAiNnuwvY3oUAhhVCpiI396h75D7wFdesLVtFxiykEDgUrISjf_J-VA7hwW5iVSfu6LPa-qOVRwFjWyVFVWVwPQx0F_yP8RjSBZhzE0pSTLqqaOYtrcrMM4Ag6/s640/SP+4255+West+T1-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4255 leads a TMW west at the upper signals between Tunnels 1 and 2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Tehachapi Manifest West handled the local merchandise traffic gathered at Los Angeles for points short of Fresno, radiating out of Bakersfield. The TMW is basically the westward train symbol that runs to Bakersfield, is completely torn apart, and is scattered to the various locals in the area.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
MSW - "Mojave Shorts" West </h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnQLi4rDArZzWkQmq6RD5XLsdz50gQhuXds7FFFcGlf0wDu9baad3RvlGG81c7bLAgZPlgNE2Ag2G9Kt6auLGabrt1z30wyQMnsa_i9zwuSdBxKcWOvV5hKp3g4H0KVmcSJ6JcWu8ATeu/s1600/SP+MSW+Cliff-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnQLi4rDArZzWkQmq6RD5XLsdz50gQhuXds7FFFcGlf0wDu9baad3RvlGG81c7bLAgZPlgNE2Ag2G9Kt6auLGabrt1z30wyQMnsa_i9zwuSdBxKcWOvV5hKp3g4H0KVmcSJ6JcWu8ATeu/s640/SP+MSW+Cliff-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The MSW led by a bunch of RSD's, probably going in for inspection at Bakersfield photographed at Cliff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The train simply referred to by most railroad employees we've interviewed called this symbol the "Mojave Shorts". We've developed the MSW abbreviation to delineate that we're talking about the westward from the eastward "Mojave Shorts" train, which I'm sure the railroads back in the day would have easily understood from the context of the conversation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC9XvjHpnx1v6RKgzFZUkdgxdh8frpt1sYuLr82DwPxz530ZvFXbaUCCkqVvL3W3nPhEpOKx0B9PyWvIym9fOX-IM_4mXUCZVNnHJESWAp2KBir285X12Dw9TNeK5yMvkV7nyxY_H4thy/s1600/SP+3800+%2526+1310+at+Mojave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC9XvjHpnx1v6RKgzFZUkdgxdh8frpt1sYuLr82DwPxz530ZvFXbaUCCkqVvL3W3nPhEpOKx0B9PyWvIym9fOX-IM_4mXUCZVNnHJESWAp2KBir285X12Dw9TNeK5yMvkV7nyxY_H4thy/s640/SP+3800+%2526+1310+at+Mojave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of the SP's rare AC-9s is captured on its way to the Modoc Line at Mojave next to the regular switcher (#1310).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Mojave Shorts trains on the surface appear to be a duplicate of the TMW, but the "Shorts" term on the SP meant that the symbol would work blocks picking up and setting out en route. Basically no cars would be conveyed between terminals. All cars that would be dropped off before the terminus or picked up en route. The Mojave Shorts West would come out of Taylor Yard and drop its entire consist at Mojave, bound for local destinations and interchange to the Trona Rwy. The engines and caboose then would be moved over one track and the same crew would depart with a new consist of westward cars originating at Mojave from the local trains working from there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbomnMkuqf3cwMB2ZqO7AUFAxavEKlvYc3BONE2j0Z4A06V39Cx4EpdXIhy2AcWf51hZdjSle4ja1DlVmC-O-891DmfIb_Ue0G-XgkKmPhgPOYfEshbjy92f3Xi-fw4m7c-4zJsR9Vciq9/s1600/SP+58215+Tank+on+C-O+Sump+June+8+2018-D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbomnMkuqf3cwMB2ZqO7AUFAxavEKlvYc3BONE2j0Z4A06V39Cx4EpdXIhy2AcWf51hZdjSle4ja1DlVmC-O-891DmfIb_Ue0G-XgkKmPhgPOYfEshbjy92f3Xi-fw4m7c-4zJsR9Vciq9/s640/SP+58215+Tank+on+C-O+Sump+June+8+2018-D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A typical example of one of SP's fuel oil tank cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Basically, if a through car was sent via MSW, then it would take an entire extra day en route because of the way the cars were set out and completely switched out in Mojave. The MSW usually handled the empty potash, trona (mineral) and soda ash cars from the Port of Long Beach back to Trona, via Mojave. Likewise the MSW would pick up the same loaded traffic cars heading towards the San Fransisco Bay area, which would forward from Bakersfield on the AW symbol to Oakland via Tracy. The Mojave-Bakersfield section of the run also often handled SP fuel oil tank cars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAtczg7HoV59y8eqB-GeF-qxlqS6QdjLG-C14SQCsaz4Ss0KjwR1P0xe9Q7uf6YBhfWnOLp5MUvn6mV7glQegBcWTYQmn82e4kB-iztxlVTrlb7RqDwp4tVfdReJaeUc1e3GUixZ-HHkC/s1600/SP+90642+LO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAtczg7HoV59y8eqB-GeF-qxlqS6QdjLG-C14SQCsaz4Ss0KjwR1P0xe9Q7uf6YBhfWnOLp5MUvn6mV7glQegBcWTYQmn82e4kB-iztxlVTrlb7RqDwp4tVfdReJaeUc1e3GUixZ-HHkC/s640/SP+90642+LO2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">During the early 1950s the Covered Hoppers were still a new and specialized service car. First used at Trona, and then Monolith.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Empty cars for the Monolith Cement Plant from Los Angeles were sent to storage at Mojave Yard or straight to the plant at Monolith. The cars for the plant would be dropped off at the center track at Monolith for spotting by the "KI Local" operating out of Mojave. The MSW would then pick up loaded cement cars for the San Joaquin Valley and the Bay Area from the center siding at Monolith, arranged by the KI Local for movement to Bakersfield and then forwarding to Fresno and Tracy on the AW symbol to the Bay Area. A few cars of cement could be routed to other Short destinations of Fresno in the Valley or around Bakersfield. <i>I currently believe (2018) that the Kern Rock Co. Ltd. could not receive shipments in covered hoppers, but probably was still receiving their cement in boxcars.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqM7cD7xlwZfbrSnws73r0LNBbxOuUFjg7RoV2U1vzY2mWVGSa83EcC33wW-4dU7BdSozmxo7RD48vg_5CmWmEB5WIoZbDdelTIt84LewSGM5ujuEjjqZl1XfR8gpUc0k7VHr4sslvs03/s1600/SP+MSW+Cliff-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqM7cD7xlwZfbrSnws73r0LNBbxOuUFjg7RoV2U1vzY2mWVGSa83EcC33wW-4dU7BdSozmxo7RD48vg_5CmWmEB5WIoZbDdelTIt84LewSGM5ujuEjjqZl1XfR8gpUc0k7VHr4sslvs03/s640/SP+MSW+Cliff-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This MSW is handling some of the other boxcar traffic which could be in either cement or hay service among other things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Mojave Shorts trains also could handle seasonal (Nov-March) hay shipments for horses in plain boxcars to the ranches on the north slope of the Tehachapi Pass from the greater Los Angeles area, although some shipments would have also come from the San Joaquin Valley on the MSE.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"Valley Shorts" West</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnrlyhJD596aE5RGdWYlSu2PsmGm2in8qW0MwBZBkmXcazJ7twemoiH4OC753-765W-_OXzc2tPK_wDFjHEPvVyZYCJwaNwlPyt9pRr1-JROl-ucPWuQmFPxfpoLQ4UtvvlcRosb-g4jI/s1600/SP+3696+%2526+3701+-+Bakersfield+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnrlyhJD596aE5RGdWYlSu2PsmGm2in8qW0MwBZBkmXcazJ7twemoiH4OC753-765W-_OXzc2tPK_wDFjHEPvVyZYCJwaNwlPyt9pRr1-JROl-ucPWuQmFPxfpoLQ4UtvvlcRosb-g4jI/s640/SP+3696+%2526+3701+-+Bakersfield+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here a heavy "Valley Shorts" prepares to leave Bakersfield behind 3696 and 3701. Note the mixed up consist of freight cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This train handles distribution of the PFE and local destination cars west of Bakersfield short of Fresno. Basically the next step in the system of 'Shorts' trains west of the TMW and MSW. On some RR's this train could have been known as a 'Peddler' but on the SP they're known as 'Shorts'. Often at Bakersfield this train is made up of iced empty PFE reefers and a spattering of XM (plain) boxcars, composite GS gondolas (for beet loading), and a few petroleum or fuel oil tank cars for local fuel distributors, and even a couple carloads of cement - these would probably in boxcars, but possibly covered hoppers as well.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AW - Altamont West</h3>
<br />
The Altamont West handled all the interchange traffic for the Bay Area from the Santa Fe and any from the SP as well. Basically the Santa Fe's yard at Richmond was not very large, so the cars for SP destinations in the Bay Area would be interchanged to the SP at Bakersfield. We believe that the Santa Fe preferred to accept this 'short haul' of the traffic over the added congestion to the yards at Mormon (Stockton) or Richmond.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Automobile and Auto-Parts</h4>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHEa_c_oifXMnRITYcaBIQWGDl36ofCdO0CNNwLGPuIw9lrv5RBlruJOaGoZQOe0v-HldAeSeLbi0pzj6sSv4xBqasGaeipB30sPi_6xj7meCw1OAzpvBeZLoT1LZO6LrmBMFpFhy09e1/s1600/KCS+20808+XAP%252850D%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHEa_c_oifXMnRITYcaBIQWGDl36ofCdO0CNNwLGPuIw9lrv5RBlruJOaGoZQOe0v-HldAeSeLbi0pzj6sSv4xBqasGaeipB30sPi_6xj7meCw1OAzpvBeZLoT1LZO6LrmBMFpFhy09e1/s640/KCS+20808+XAP%252850D%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An example of a 50ft Automobile boxcar with Evans Auto Loader (indicated by the white stripe on the door)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The hottest of this traffic included Auto-Parts cars (both boxcars and gonds/flats with autoframes) and empty Automobile boxcars (with auto-loading racks). These cars were a guaranteed connection off the Santa Fe's 59 and 99 symbol trains from Chicago.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Cement Covered Hoppers</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRswNErFqv-K6_hJ8dsfJ4oToNylteK_YFsn3pz5g905ZCl12pUAzY7_Jit13bwPNLjrhATxtQ3e8RI7Gzw2RnFgl1eY7kSohGS2AeqKdrkNdP3-OZHRdmdBSc95prTfSA0kRKLCms2DZ/s1600/SP+90605+LO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRswNErFqv-K6_hJ8dsfJ4oToNylteK_YFsn3pz5g905ZCl12pUAzY7_Jit13bwPNLjrhATxtQ3e8RI7Gzw2RnFgl1eY7kSohGS2AeqKdrkNdP3-OZHRdmdBSc95prTfSA0kRKLCms2DZ/s640/SP+90605+LO2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP H-70-series covered hopper built in the late 1940s for cement service and other special assignments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The AW also could handle the cement traffic to the bay area, although some days that traffic could be sent on TMW via Fresno to Tracy and over that way on a lower priority symbol.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Westward Locals & Switching</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkxMoNzJcS-zWTzOV39a_Ei3E8IemWGLDix4Xe9oH8K3_IV3S1JOp47Os3GJ4TRDdhLdxdP1TY4C0g92CpIw-dToQY8QZ2otWcjAdjF_8Sg2RlHMFojYNaMysixSOyZSlPJAwe5S30YFX/s1600/SP+3259+with+KI+Local+at+Allard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkxMoNzJcS-zWTzOV39a_Ei3E8IemWGLDix4Xe9oH8K3_IV3S1JOp47Os3GJ4TRDdhLdxdP1TY4C0g92CpIw-dToQY8QZ2otWcjAdjF_8Sg2RlHMFojYNaMysixSOyZSlPJAwe5S30YFX/s640/SP+3259+with+KI+Local+at+Allard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 3259 works the KI Local at Bealville, Calif. with a couple of stock cars, boxcars and gondolas of company material.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The other SP symbols that work on the Tehachapi Sub are primarily locals, other branch line trains, and switchers, which I'll cover separately as they usually operate in both directions while preforming their duties.<br />
<br />
<h2>
In Closing </h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpqqdAg6ihSMXIr6I3vKArlZCSM1zHJe0F6rFypwcXes58Pgc2KbISDE25SqL-6Y1CjDYJAZ-VvB-rvAOjJJ730scdiBoY2FV4olj_N_vOH-pOfkwnRiPhnUcY8iLyAtDpQXIsMJiOjOj/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Full-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpqqdAg6ihSMXIr6I3vKArlZCSM1zHJe0F6rFypwcXes58Pgc2KbISDE25SqL-6Y1CjDYJAZ-VvB-rvAOjJJ730scdiBoY2FV4olj_N_vOH-pOfkwnRiPhnUcY8iLyAtDpQXIsMJiOjOj/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Full-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP Bakersfield Yard after landing trains off the road at the end of a TT/TO 1950s Session, resulting in the "Overloaded" condition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Due to the size and scope of this topic, I'll be setting up one of the fixed pages to act as an Index for this series of posts and that should allow easier access to the various symbols and information.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Articles:</h4>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/p/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-pass.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - Index Page</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/08/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-3.html">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 3) - SP Eastward</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration-line: underline;">Freight Symbols over Tehachapi (Part 4) - SP Locals & Switching</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/07/freight-symbols-over-tehachapi-part-1.html">Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi (Part 1) - My Story Learning Operations</a> - Overview of LMRC growth in operations and my 20 years learning about prototype historical operations.</div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-76832953208700974662018-07-30T23:24:00.001-07:002018-07-30T23:24:42.269-07:00Triple Trouble Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the HillOperations on the Railroad always lead to interesting and unexpected situations and dynamic solutions. Over the years, railroads learn and put out standing instructions relating to bad ideas which have been found to make those situations worse, so as to prevent employees from trying them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBglixJ8ru-bQvjzBMlt47hIzZ56BJ8dKfH40EQyRMZHnFY8oep7idl-1cwrh-gZpszB146ioxmJ9WwQhylcnj3Op6ZS5WSumn45wG2aWZoCej_NuwhwpuY7NgAqxlWpFVO9R7Bxy1ozB/s1600/SP+4255+Caliente+Water+no2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBglixJ8ru-bQvjzBMlt47hIzZ56BJ8dKfH40EQyRMZHnFY8oep7idl-1cwrh-gZpszB146ioxmJ9WwQhylcnj3Op6ZS5WSumn45wG2aWZoCej_NuwhwpuY7NgAqxlWpFVO9R7Bxy1ozB/s640/SP+4255+Caliente+Water+no2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4255 works a freight into Caliente, with helpers coupled farther back in the train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In a recent discussion, there was a question about double heading AC-class engines on SP freights. The conversation turned to the SP's general standing orders were to NOT double-head AC-4-12 class engines on freight trains. This was because of the high likelihood of breaking the couplers near the front of the train.<br />
<br />
The topics then moved to showing a few examples where things didn't go as planned, and obviously the SP men "bent" the rules, and of course someone was there to record it... This is one such story.<br />
<br />
<h2>
A "Normal End" to an "Everyday" Day?</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfhD60bI07prFHMviFtEzN2uP3SobQTM_h9dh_zptxmxuOGpU7AnALJnS4-rqRk-evY4jHWsfBqBeFxyuic_yzF6TKIEiUPRv5H5JlfzzElpc8sHvgubsKcUqCd50bmKum_-xcp5KBooD/s1600/SP+Freight+-+Caliente+-+Nov%252713+LMRC-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfhD60bI07prFHMviFtEzN2uP3SobQTM_h9dh_zptxmxuOGpU7AnALJnS4-rqRk-evY4jHWsfBqBeFxyuic_yzF6TKIEiUPRv5H5JlfzzElpc8sHvgubsKcUqCd50bmKum_-xcp5KBooD/s640/SP+Freight+-+Caliente+-+Nov%252713+LMRC-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Normal SP freight operations in the early 1950's with four F7s on the front and ACs helping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Heavy freights and passenger trains were being handled in the normal way over the pass in early January 1953.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmwzxJebGzgpj-KwZa-q1goK7J8C4fkZp81d08v-qD0DWMy6ha3RvtxDJPNreopnKWh0Nnsihyphenhyphena-1PmDoKnE_N6stC4Z4e-Ld1FNqV_OQbrHcO0E8w_7ov9pJWALvbC4M1wwvAXhnzj-0/s1600/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+at+Bena+-+Jan4-53B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmwzxJebGzgpj-KwZa-q1goK7J8C4fkZp81d08v-qD0DWMy6ha3RvtxDJPNreopnKWh0Nnsihyphenhyphena-1PmDoKnE_N6stC4Z4e-Ld1FNqV_OQbrHcO0E8w_7ov9pJWALvbC4M1wwvAXhnzj-0/s640/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+at+Bena+-+Jan4-53B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">On January 4th, 1953, freshly serviced SP 3765 was assigned to the Mountain Work Train, and departed Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few track related issues required operation of a work train starting around January 4th. Ballasting operations continued on the 5th as the SP 3765 was turned at Summit at the end of the day for a planned trip back to Caliente with a full day's work. The 3765 works for several days away from the engine house until it needs fuel and servicing. Watering of the engine is not an issue with the regular water columns available at Caliente, Woodford, and Tehachapi.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDMlr80csYINnXQCTR_fV0g98fI2YUfIgNsR9zjvk17Oqj5BBLufNVmSrbbXUiYF_4kvLZTRFhjub-gmVEqrFYXOVrLPbaS1RuCJ4ilp7D3MqOw1yO6pLgdYTQduDzfUcdpLnX4xpySag/s1600/Mt+Work+Train-A+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDMlr80csYINnXQCTR_fV0g98fI2YUfIgNsR9zjvk17Oqj5BBLufNVmSrbbXUiYF_4kvLZTRFhjub-gmVEqrFYXOVrLPbaS1RuCJ4ilp7D3MqOw1yO6pLgdYTQduDzfUcdpLnX4xpySag/s640/Mt+Work+Train-A+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hand written instructions for the Mt. Work Train for ballasting and staging materials.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The KI Local working from Mojave is used to stage carloads of material near-by for the Mt Work Train to actually do the work with the Maintenance-of-Way crews.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmO1nnx8veefh_IzbQIuwrvF1GjTQsC59XLx-85aO5a1J8wmwd1lwY5VkCjKRdcSSi1zWAwisYVkgDof6AlaIGYXrzz1NASoGBd0NFb7YB6NZYuwfjo3qcrWvGg70BYMCdgiATbeL3O-m/s1600/Mt+Work+Train-B+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmO1nnx8veefh_IzbQIuwrvF1GjTQsC59XLx-85aO5a1J8wmwd1lwY5VkCjKRdcSSi1zWAwisYVkgDof6AlaIGYXrzz1NASoGBd0NFb7YB6NZYuwfjo3qcrWvGg70BYMCdgiATbeL3O-m/s320/Mt+Work+Train-B+-+Jan+6%252C+1953+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Consist for Extra 3765 departing Tehacahai and instructions for unloading ties.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
The Mt Work Train works during daylight hours, which means shorter work periods during the winter months.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGoX_hgUd26s_nJD_iQW5i7i84Y3BA0v8rhWX2eVphRhLpi2bbCeGYqCsYQCBGdUPa-9WSWWm6PF_A_S0sjREHrDoYwz93KVYcY4fljf5uoGpB_QEbRQdxmeUDkLUv28FUxDxdQmi4TQg/s1600/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+Walong-B+-+Jan+6+1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGoX_hgUd26s_nJD_iQW5i7i84Y3BA0v8rhWX2eVphRhLpi2bbCeGYqCsYQCBGdUPa-9WSWWm6PF_A_S0sjREHrDoYwz93KVYcY4fljf5uoGpB_QEbRQdxmeUDkLUv28FUxDxdQmi4TQg/s640/SP+3765+-+Work+Train+Walong-B+-+Jan+6+1953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Extra SP 3765 drifts out of Tunnel 10 at Walong on January 6th, 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As the sun set on the Tehacahapi mountains, Extra 3765 arrived at Caliente and spent another couple of hours arranging the empty ballast hoppers and other cars at Caliente for the local and the Mojave Shorts West to pick up on the 7th. By 8:01PM the Mt. Work Train had tied up for the night.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Trouble Afoot</h2>
<br />
<br />
It's late in the evening of January 6th, 1953 as the First 808, a third class train pounds through Caliente and resumes the climb up Tehachapi Pass. A powerful AC-7 class cab-forward, SP 4171 leads First 808 tonight with the VME-6 symbol hauling express reefers and returning "Overnight" boxcars to Los Angeles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUecuuqXaVtvIyeS2COOOEcbmsqG8e6fSeSJHAFQhBrtcefRm3lgJuvJBL-QVJPiQ9qG6j3eLXf_VJ18BbxPntFm48KN0wCSbdHoSNRMH8VQ7O1-d0JhEmlwPWge15QWYP_Vwe9NhRLKN/s1600/SP+4171+Allard+First+808+Stalled-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUecuuqXaVtvIyeS2COOOEcbmsqG8e6fSeSJHAFQhBrtcefRm3lgJuvJBL-QVJPiQ9qG6j3eLXf_VJ18BbxPntFm48KN0wCSbdHoSNRMH8VQ7O1-d0JhEmlwPWge15QWYP_Vwe9NhRLKN/s640/SP+4171+Allard+First+808+Stalled-+LMRC+Jan+6+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">First 808 with SP 4171 pulling the express VME "Overnight" train at Allard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first sign of trouble comes with a call to the Dispatcher by the head brakeman of First 808 at Bealville. The 4171 is having trouble and can't pull the 16 car train out of Caliente. This is strange, as the 4171 is rated for 17 cars out of Caliente to Tehachapi Summit. They inform the Dispatcher that they're flagging backwards down into Allard siding and will wait for rescue.<br />
<br />
The Dispatcher contacts the Chief Dispatcher to arrange a helper for First 808. The Chief knows the Work Train's engine, 3765, is still at Caliente and suggests that the Dispatcher hold No.56, the Mail, and have SP 3765 coupled to the front to get to Allard where First 808 will be waiting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-HW_KB4grf1-QNrbtpObuB_-sJGLq1yS_5Fc2uTJL0nMSarUIzG1kNMMA2ChKqI9QsOZGQ7XVVU2-fmLBd8clkNlwoha62vHNfYTxA2GECFy7HetKNH9acU3vuyeReE63MivaGcctTnJ/s1600/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-HW_KB4grf1-QNrbtpObuB_-sJGLq1yS_5Fc2uTJL0nMSarUIzG1kNMMA2ChKqI9QsOZGQ7XVVU2-fmLBd8clkNlwoha62vHNfYTxA2GECFy7HetKNH9acU3vuyeReE63MivaGcctTnJ/s640/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The action really kicks off at Caliente as No.56 arrives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Dispatcher gets back to his desk just as speaker announces "Caliente, coming East." That's No.56 approaching. The Dispatcher orders No.56 to be held and to get the crew back from beans and on the 3765.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYErzy6FilSBPB17lbbmFtSLb7kIX9rk43cTIlzTPHRb_ZscXDqF7AQ4z-Hpzhc6JioVu7qhpNc2amLDbFt2N9hahRMDOU2b9xceADHq6eIvUbqAdSoRtI93pg3a9WyLeGx8vI9lVoMMD/s1600/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYErzy6FilSBPB17lbbmFtSLb7kIX9rk43cTIlzTPHRb_ZscXDqF7AQ4z-Hpzhc6JioVu7qhpNc2amLDbFt2N9hahRMDOU2b9xceADHq6eIvUbqAdSoRtI93pg3a9WyLeGx8vI9lVoMMD/s640/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The crew on 3765 backs out and onto the main track.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Train No.56 already has an AC-class and GS-6 helper 4462 on the point. The 3765 will make it a "Triple Header"! You know there's got to be some rules being bent at this point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-xdOb1_pqoLg1IJ3xt3bTOAFj4phlohqoWocRRTSr4yRkISPsGWXNC6k9ydUKTJzMS9zisfBWyjASN8qaIy1Wr5YdAlFe0HioqNawNzeGXOjhU2YGXcySmuuXljJ6gsq0IL1gmyi3XWe/s1600/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-xdOb1_pqoLg1IJ3xt3bTOAFj4phlohqoWocRRTSr4yRkISPsGWXNC6k9ydUKTJzMS9zisfBWyjASN8qaIy1Wr5YdAlFe0HioqNawNzeGXOjhU2YGXcySmuuXljJ6gsq0IL1gmyi3XWe/s640/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coupling up nose-to-nose - A triple header!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There's no wye at Caliente to turn the 3765 for the eastward movement. It will have to back up the hill, coupled on the front of No.56. The F-5 class "Decks" have a speed restriction of 30MPH while running in reverse. Thankfully, the whole run from Caliente to Summit will be made at less than 30MPH.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZb6h8ketj7TV3ataYx9a8FV5FYSUVPq_kdcPMHnkRVc9-Mhjwng9OZzZ77wLUhuEO4NQ8YNJeJrGlrpAlrMax_W5f7tnbA_pe-DyujmK1YlYaPkA98WNOc0YXQuseuDHfjB5kiyvedmS/s1600/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZb6h8ketj7TV3ataYx9a8FV5FYSUVPq_kdcPMHnkRVc9-Mhjwng9OZzZ77wLUhuEO4NQ8YNJeJrGlrpAlrMax_W5f7tnbA_pe-DyujmK1YlYaPkA98WNOc0YXQuseuDHfjB5kiyvedmS/s640/No56+Caliente+%2526+SP+3765+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-E.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Clear Board! Ready to go, like a heard of elephants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The crew of 3765 works a light throttle leading the Mail train up the hill. I was able to get a video clip as the triple-header rounded the curve at Caliente.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-D7YJkyk2Ak/0.jpg" src="?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Meanwhile up at Allard, the 4171 is back in the siding. After a few minutes the triple-headed No.56 pulls up beside the 4171.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MreWHXbHxYT6O4m4NY3OEljnDMJUY21dLITJMhvfhyhxXrHw3YLil_4fxqlDcCynQB3El1SWqBtcyAmZ0VpZK0_EPwygVenJBp8vXeCBuk-JZDaW_7CqVFkmi3cr-iUit81EWrJbENCu/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MreWHXbHxYT6O4m4NY3OEljnDMJUY21dLITJMhvfhyhxXrHw3YLil_4fxqlDcCynQB3El1SWqBtcyAmZ0VpZK0_EPwygVenJBp8vXeCBuk-JZDaW_7CqVFkmi3cr-iUit81EWrJbENCu/s640/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3765 cuts away...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLp5mNiEJdfEYEQN4aDyjSvfTHHDU8aYOl0M5vOHd4_FmeTSdeGJ-g_bTwhZaJ4f7JxerzlAvZ4ta7jyEA4bk9I-aZftiFZ2eUEQL0zBN4UnMjMWlb5DR8RaL5dkFmYwzaFXI8ugtfJ8M/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLp5mNiEJdfEYEQN4aDyjSvfTHHDU8aYOl0M5vOHd4_FmeTSdeGJ-g_bTwhZaJ4f7JxerzlAvZ4ta7jyEA4bk9I-aZftiFZ2eUEQL0zBN4UnMjMWlb5DR8RaL5dkFmYwzaFXI8ugtfJ8M/s640/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">... and moves east of the cross-over.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjElN6k7GlkrR5Vw7TTLujRKb4CEYR78Gw0x45_uWoyJzMbEX-b56nk7Jng8YZqmuqeHjp2QO-vF0_dD0k97YiHsktgwM5YXpDHmkB6udgOZm0iUiZ3xhVmIBOtql55eioge0hyseguMxM/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjElN6k7GlkrR5Vw7TTLujRKb4CEYR78Gw0x45_uWoyJzMbEX-b56nk7Jng8YZqmuqeHjp2QO-vF0_dD0k97YiHsktgwM5YXpDHmkB6udgOZm0iUiZ3xhVmIBOtql55eioge0hyseguMxM/s640/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No.56 waits a few minutes next to 4171</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB882nffP5PPltNpucL_YDceZx_WQGO19_TqrwZzKw26B1jVZIkhc3vSQBUyke1iAG4GYUYk6PPLKRm6QG0zour2jINg1lTBN5JCY_dHXWNYdtU91Kd7zCm_nm_Q9rPFR6wlI2w-6HUjJ/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB882nffP5PPltNpucL_YDceZx_WQGO19_TqrwZzKw26B1jVZIkhc3vSQBUyke1iAG4GYUYk6PPLKRm6QG0zour2jINg1lTBN5JCY_dHXWNYdtU91Kd7zCm_nm_Q9rPFR6wlI2w-6HUjJ/s640/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-E.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A close quarters 3-way meet at Allard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjElN6k7GlkrR5Vw7TTLujRKb4CEYR78Gw0x45_uWoyJzMbEX-b56nk7Jng8YZqmuqeHjp2QO-vF0_dD0k97YiHsktgwM5YXpDHmkB6udgOZm0iUiZ3xhVmIBOtql55eioge0hyseguMxM/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-D.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<br />
<h2>
On The Move Again</h2>
<br />
<br />
First 808's head brakeman 'lines the crossover back to the main track and No.56 blasts out of Allard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Nrh7kkJBsnMQORiNorQMigImYRDW9JlCfJy5_6P-hO0TjiCIdofvm04GY2RecrF-WTyMxijMJ-0RJTlVm8J5QkMU4o0iroEwZCV-gdsutZ1yob-ngDoQDMULdTGasRgadBq7AHZPHkg/s1600/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Nrh7kkJBsnMQORiNorQMigImYRDW9JlCfJy5_6P-hO0TjiCIdofvm04GY2RecrF-WTyMxijMJ-0RJTlVm8J5QkMU4o0iroEwZCV-gdsutZ1yob-ngDoQDMULdTGasRgadBq7AHZPHkg/s640/SP+No56+Allard+with+3765+%2526+First+808+-+LMRC+Jan+6+53-F.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coupled and ready to go again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once the 3765 and 4171 are coupled up and ready to go, they resume the trip to Summit. Second 808 is just reaching Caliente as the First section gets underway again, still several miles ahead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r-mYmuesxkNnU-CTXDDFfB-gQ3II7e1jDX1eJNeaQpVzwBCEnp067xqAkoCJfPROtHL-04u0DmGLwl5n2MZW614mKUQFQmmre6wHq_raad10VS-cq6pKMBnHQ536TmqdNE08urilSxe3/s1600/SP+213+Rear+Left-A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r-mYmuesxkNnU-CTXDDFfB-gQ3II7e1jDX1eJNeaQpVzwBCEnp067xqAkoCJfPROtHL-04u0DmGLwl5n2MZW614mKUQFQmmre6wHq_raad10VS-cq6pKMBnHQ536TmqdNE08urilSxe3/s640/SP+213+Rear+Left-A2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">High ball!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No problems here. --- Just another day on the railroad. --- The weird stuff started later... but that's not a operations related story.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<h2>
P.S.</h2>
<br />
<i>This is an example of how operating sessions have their own problems that aren't planned, and the various people in the positions normally ignored in operating scheme planning are actually some of the more challenging jobs. Why be a layout owner, when you could be the Chief Dispatcher? The 'behind the scenes' people are the ones that solve the problems and keep the action on the railroad realistic. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>The SP 4171 is rated to handle the train, the Chief had a sneaking suspicion that he should have 'helped it' with another engine. It turns out that the cause of the stalling was that one of the cars is a track cleaning car, which should rate at about three standard car tonnages, not one, which put the train over tonnage. This drama wasn't planned, but it makes a great story to tell. And sometimes those are the best kinds!</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Related Articles</h3>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a>NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-20868342850127529922018-07-30T23:02:00.002-07:002018-07-30T23:02:38.403-07:00Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi - (Part 1) My Story Learning OperationsThis week, I thought I'd start the series of blog posts about operations and the use of Freight Symbols Over Tehachapi with an overview of the history of operations at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club. The operational roots of the club dates back to the late 1960s and the formation of the club. During those days, the real railroads still moved under Time Table authority and Train Orders were still being written on a daily basis!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj89cdu5T-26zbbyitHd00KMn6J9h6IuwyYXvvYb6cnY8gIaRm8-IOp4-Wf1a9P3gtRznHAjT5MbISVvL8htvMHGQnrNP47YhxsJu0LudzC8bbe9b1tG6s8Zy0dZVzhOnhqvYaWZ9XWIb/s1600/Kern+Jct+Tower+DFW+with+ATSF+on+the+crossovers+-+06-07-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj89cdu5T-26zbbyitHd00KMn6J9h6IuwyYXvvYb6cnY8gIaRm8-IOp4-Wf1a9P3gtRznHAjT5MbISVvL8htvMHGQnrNP47YhxsJu0LudzC8bbe9b1tG6s8Zy0dZVzhOnhqvYaWZ9XWIb/s640/Kern+Jct+Tower+DFW+with+ATSF+on+the+crossovers+-+06-07-2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Operations at Kern Jct. with a Santa Fe freight heading over to the Santa Fe Yard. While an SP 5000-class ready to leave the SP Bakersfield Yard taking a 'Valley Shorts" to packing sheds short of Fresno. June 7, 2015 Operator D.F. Willoughby</td></tr>
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<br />
I think one of the most interesting philosophies of the La Mesa Model Railroad Club is the fact that it's been under nearly constant construction for about 38 years now, but has remained operational over that entire time to keep interest up and comply with the requirements for keeping the space open to the public. During most of this time the prototype recreation sessions have continued with only minimal disruption! This was made possible by a system of progressive 'phased' expansion with hidden reversing loops and even 'portable staging yards' to keep most or at least some portion of the mainline functional for the operations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1b1oimdo3MtFjHXboEjyE29cXYq2XneD_X39fskHNcNODWSYUvKyawSY5eK066A4n0vA0TTJqysxopv0qGMDeWYQZx6XDGQbqca3EebdiBiod5OsBejQYx2Pux75g3yW6gk0Ya8aioJ/s1600/No59+Caliente+2-18-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1b1oimdo3MtFjHXboEjyE29cXYq2XneD_X39fskHNcNODWSYUvKyawSY5eK066A4n0vA0TTJqysxopv0qGMDeWYQZx6XDGQbqca3EebdiBiod5OsBejQYx2Pux75g3yW6gk0Ya8aioJ/s640/No59+Caliente+2-18-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP's West Coast descends into Caliente, while a westward freight waits to be passed in the siding. - Feb 2001</td></tr>
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<br />
My involvement started in 1996 and joining the club quickly pushed the limits of my abilities to get research materials in the areas of prototypical operations, outside of a few out-dated books on 'general operation'. What followed was 4-6 years of intense learning from senior club members about the railroad and historic operations in California. A study which continues to this day with regular research trips to various museums, talking with various 'old heads' who worked on the railroad in the areas and related areas of interest (which is actually quite large). As my involvement continued it has been very interesting to see and experience how the layout and operations has also grown to fit the progress of the railroad construction.<br />
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<h2>
My Pre-LMRC Operation Resources</h2>
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This is one of the things that sometimes is intimidating is prototypical operations. I know in the early days of my experience reading about "Prototype Operations" in various books such as:<br />
<i><br />How to Operate Your Model Railroad</i>, by Bruce Chubb, 1977 Kalmback..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ECOIgi6bL._SX363_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="365" height="640" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ECOIgi6bL._SX363_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="467" /></a></div>
<br />
Or another classic:<br />
<i><br />Track Planning for Reakistic Operation</i>, by John H. Armstrong, 1979 Kalmback,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z2aLiVGfL._SX356_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="358" height="640" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z2aLiVGfL._SX356_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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These books were certainly helpful in my early experience with 'prototype operation' and the various levels and aspects of it. However as I joined the La Meas Model Railroad Club, I felt woefully unprepared for the 'complexities' of what was being recreated. One of the things that became my favorite aspects in the club's recreations was the movement of freight over the Tehachapi Pass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTFO0UNl_HDdkIXQRn9LDm2i0wa9DQWdt90bhjGmFmud30FFOoQiUiMfDlK1W2z0pRgCY88kEW_I3iewk4vrb8AV2F6_tf9rvydagEUEmqpDbekdP4CVGtQGcMD7XCw1hXZg5ktonwP2i/s1600/Bakersfield+Yard+LMRC+1-31-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTFO0UNl_HDdkIXQRn9LDm2i0wa9DQWdt90bhjGmFmud30FFOoQiUiMfDlK1W2z0pRgCY88kEW_I3iewk4vrb8AV2F6_tf9rvydagEUEmqpDbekdP4CVGtQGcMD7XCw1hXZg5ktonwP2i/s640/Bakersfield+Yard+LMRC+1-31-2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A pretty full SP Bakersfield Yard on January 31, 2013, where's all those cars going? - There's a process to learning.</td></tr>
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<br />
Unfortunately, the books and most magazines being published in the mid-1990s that I owned didn't talk about southwestern US prototype railroading, but instead focused most often on east coast and coal railroading! Over the years, I learned the flow of traffic in the South and Western US States. Hopefully, I can likewise shed some light into some of these areas and encourage more of you to take the plunge... or at least to learn about what really happened so you can 'tweak' your railroad to make it 'fit in' to the rest of the larger unmodeled operational world!<br />
<br />
<h2>
LMRC - An Educational Experience</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhfzKu4DK28om9xgq6EVNHz6VZ9hBfI7pAwbpgdTkrv5TXhNEY0YnsobocBFhRFREjC9OamwAwG9s8s_sXriqWI1GOUbtHG3zZpTQF2t-nywKBldEh0nzhVOEY4vJ8EMovfl-OdOJL9vX/s1600/HillJ30-R1-043-20+-+Roundhouse+10-24-2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhfzKu4DK28om9xgq6EVNHz6VZ9hBfI7pAwbpgdTkrv5TXhNEY0YnsobocBFhRFREjC9OamwAwG9s8s_sXriqWI1GOUbtHG3zZpTQF2t-nywKBldEh0nzhVOEY4vJ8EMovfl-OdOJL9vX/s640/HillJ30-R1-043-20+-+Roundhouse+10-24-2006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Growth of the SP Roundhouse facilities at Bakersfield - Oct 24, 2006</td></tr>
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<br />
One of the interesting aspects of the club was also the 'self-motivating' aspect of "If you want to be involved, then you need to ask to be and take the time to learn." For someone who was rather shy at the time, it did require a bit of work on the interpersonal side to show interest and become involved, but I'm so happy that I did put in that effort 20+ years ago. I feel I should mention a couple of the people that have helped me over the years become more integrated into the club: Ted Haas, John Cathcart, Tony Andersen, G. Luiz, Dennis Kogan, D.F. Willoughby and many more, too numerous to mention. Being involved with an organization such as LMRC has led to meeting so many interesting people and learning so much over the years. I would encourage anyone reading to get more acquainted with prototype operations modeling and historic research.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Phased Growth & Expansion</h2>
<br />
The Operations Department, which is responsible for the steam era prototype operation sessions' setup, has expanded over the years becoming a tome of researched material for both SP and ATSF freight and passenger operations in the late 1940s and early 1950s in Southern California. In 1996 when I joined the club, the scale of the operations were rather limited to about 450 freight cars and sessions lasted 6 hours. This meant about nine 50 car trains was all we could field, which was comfortable for the railroad to handle. Some of those trains would be worked with pre-written switchlists at the SP Bakersfield yard. Often these trains were also built as the 'pick of the litter' before the sessions car by car to give 'play value' for the yard crews to feel like they're sending cars out to the locals for industry spotting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQSJ3UKXtMx0Q_jxPld8S5B8fojEltFg92Gb2u-UG8QVF9O4BtA0nb86Kz6nejFpP5uhKPnzS8mdjooXNUQd7MjTHgfCnI4rmktSJxUZC1VQd8havr-9MRlnvnKC6Jz37KwKNGWgdfp2Y/s1600/Sho-fly+at+Edison+-+8-27-2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQSJ3UKXtMx0Q_jxPld8S5B8fojEltFg92Gb2u-UG8QVF9O4BtA0nb86Kz6nejFpP5uhKPnzS8mdjooXNUQd7MjTHgfCnI4rmktSJxUZC1VQd8havr-9MRlnvnKC6Jz37KwKNGWgdfp2Y/s640/Sho-fly+at+Edison+-+8-27-2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The long-time "Sho-fly" at Edison connecting to Ilmon before Bena and Sandcut were built. - 8-27-2004</td></tr>
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<br />
I think many people today forget how small the LMRC railroad was at the time. There was no West Bakersfield, nothing between Edison and Ilmon, and the entire second level of the layout did not exist, even the floor wasn't there! There was no Mojave Yard, other than a six-track "portable staging yard" with a small number of secondary tracks for a few helper engines to layover after being cut out.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rlXSeY4i3IDSKmNiHczuFqkspOI4Oc8YVNIL_J136ogDNSCnP4GlLX8X02WHeXmSF12CpJ57PR4JbU_0Eeu5x5UpWwfGhVx5YQkufrsUmgH5VBN9GImspoTcE6KRWeNt8C92GRrzLY08/s1600/Alvarez+A-Yard+-+Final+portable+yard+-+12-25-2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rlXSeY4i3IDSKmNiHczuFqkspOI4Oc8YVNIL_J136ogDNSCnP4GlLX8X02WHeXmSF12CpJ57PR4JbU_0Eeu5x5UpWwfGhVx5YQkufrsUmgH5VBN9GImspoTcE6KRWeNt8C92GRrzLY08/s640/Alvarez+A-Yard+-+Final+portable+yard+-+12-25-2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">"Porta-Mojave Yard" aka Bena-field, aka Mojave-ford, lands after 20 years in its final location as an East Staging Yard "support yard" - 12-25-2004</td></tr>
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<br />
<i>Originally this "portable yard" was used at the west end of the railroad where Bena is today... and it was called Bena-field. This was before my time. When I joined Bena-field was moved to about the floor level of what is now Woodford, and called "Mojave". The story for that yard continues as it was eventually placed in a 40ft storage container behind the museum for several years as the mezzanine was built, and then used again as a "Temporary Mojave Yard" while the final Mojave Yard was built in 2008-or so. Eventually it stayed where it was, with the reversing 6-track loop being dismantled and scrapped and became a storage yard.</i><br />
<br />
But back to the story, at that time in 1996-1998, no real effort was made to ensure that the cars switched were recycled into other trains after exiting to staging yards. Some of the through trains would be recycled and run the opposite direction as another symbol, which had been researched to be similar in consist. <i>- Basically the prototypical 'reciprocal' train that the prototype used to return the cars to the shippers.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oAFG-7Xe2R6H2XQ6uVvzLKLT4TcA_YaGdKupkWBK3DID5YzO7ephOnw025TgMUayBaqV2v-qodlCmzsIuwhcsEsrsM3JeL8_8FOZhRTcz1VSZLlO5WTwHBsraPgvC1kwmN8PyNM-z0iM/s1600/No59+Caliente+Narrows+2-18-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oAFG-7Xe2R6H2XQ6uVvzLKLT4TcA_YaGdKupkWBK3DID5YzO7ephOnw025TgMUayBaqV2v-qodlCmzsIuwhcsEsrsM3JeL8_8FOZhRTcz1VSZLlO5WTwHBsraPgvC1kwmN8PyNM-z0iM/s640/No59+Caliente+Narrows+2-18-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4464 leads No.59, the West Coast, through the Caliente Narrows during a session in Feb 2001.</td></tr>
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<br />
In 1998, we expanded the operations scheme and started regularly 'turning' trains in staging. This involved working out the scheme of what the returning symbols were. This eventually became a system of 'core blocks' of cars that stand out when you know what they are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AoxUZ-5tA7PE2z0dd1OQep14XLPsA-AQ8bZSCYR0JQT30YvZV8sernCIApw9GyfucL9ddNrz-Pgl4ZbR9TZi_WB5fqkheDtMkmK08aM8XuMa2gb-qNgvNQhdLlFk0NP3-Jc0FGXolByo/s1600/TCX+4593+TM%2528III%2529+12K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AoxUZ-5tA7PE2z0dd1OQep14XLPsA-AQ8bZSCYR0JQT30YvZV8sernCIApw9GyfucL9ddNrz-Pgl4ZbR9TZi_WB5fqkheDtMkmK08aM8XuMa2gb-qNgvNQhdLlFk0NP3-Jc0FGXolByo/s640/TCX+4593+TM%2528III%2529+12K.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Texaco's TCX 4593 is regularly assigned to the GCF-BTX cycle. Find this car between Bakersfield and Mojave, and you've probably found the GCF or BTX depending which way it's going!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few examples might be the Texaco and other Texas-based petroleum cars, which usually arrived in CA on the Santa Fe's GCF (Gulf Coast Forwarder) and returned on the BTX (Bakersfield-Texas Extra/Expediter) which handled a lot of petroleum traffic along with all the other California-Texas traffic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccZb5F1rFlKPHzAqW7dHS4nlIS_mq-MDx4tAjonQUuPEVnAtlhKEYYBQg8GUyxZudD319Yg1LaeuhZcPZOeV6Jd0qA0Gjx2pO1eCs6hWB4P6tTs6RRe-pVt2Lv_xojiHzZiN8udCFQwFg/s1600/GN+41741+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccZb5F1rFlKPHzAqW7dHS4nlIS_mq-MDx4tAjonQUuPEVnAtlhKEYYBQg8GUyxZudD319Yg1LaeuhZcPZOeV6Jd0qA0Gjx2pO1eCs6hWB4P6tTs6RRe-pVt2Lv_xojiHzZiN8udCFQwFg/s640/GN+41741+XM%252850D%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Generally cars like the GN 41741, often operates north of Bakersfield on the GWS-SWG or NCX/SCX symbols.</td></tr>
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<br />
Another would be the Santa Fe's GWS (Great Northern-Western Pacific-Santa Fe) and SWG (Santa Fe-Western Pacific-Great Northern) which you guessed it... ran over those three railroads in that order, these two symbols often had mixes of WP and GN cars in them, with some Santa Fe cars as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHPx4-UQ3iqvnPFCQANeL0vT5pr7hf2Q958DYNK_wg3TAGiUbSDVIhSxe4MJOlEkzYPnVdYqDdn9ZIspnFrXylEOykatO50rPoIJCBTb4nP8g4-fU5QCbAjpmyKVj02ser4oC3RkB8Ozb/s1600/AC+freight+at+Caliente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHPx4-UQ3iqvnPFCQANeL0vT5pr7hf2Q958DYNK_wg3TAGiUbSDVIhSxe4MJOlEkzYPnVdYqDdn9ZIspnFrXylEOykatO50rPoIJCBTb4nP8g4-fU5QCbAjpmyKVj02ser4oC3RkB8Ozb/s640/AC+freight+at+Caliente.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">An AC-10 helps a Valley Extra East (VXE) as it climbs the grade and enters Caliente.</td></tr>
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<br />
During 1998 the operation days extended to 8 hours for a 'regular session' and we started having 12+12 sessions over a weekend for large events like ProRail. The 12+12s required guesstimating the time required at Bakersfield to switch symbols that needed work, or just the regular times to get helpers and engine changes done. We found that this only worked reliably about 6 hours out. Any farther out that 6-8 hours (which is how far a 'solid' lineup on the prototype was) would be conjecture as "Sometime after 6pm this symbol will be run."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OLIB2Jm1HE9pFRMks7Sv6Fp9WGKEMc5eGIFEznGMXKbwUY3FK8gOIe0ZxLOljIiQsRIVGNTCrBJSgnYplAMbJDxRIHDM9GJG0qEe7FLdbRmuXbZJ_83czQ9De03zvU1D_sJ6ZLgKNiVj/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OLIB2Jm1HE9pFRMks7Sv6Fp9WGKEMc5eGIFEznGMXKbwUY3FK8gOIe0ZxLOljIiQsRIVGNTCrBJSgnYplAMbJDxRIHDM9GJG0qEe7FLdbRmuXbZJ_83czQ9De03zvU1D_sJ6ZLgKNiVj/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Now think about where ALL of those cars to keep track of.... and remember, each one has a place it's going and a path to get there.</td></tr>
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<br />
It was during the planning phases and setup for the 1998 ProRail that I seriously started getting into learning the freight train symbols and the 'feel' of the various symbols. Each of the cars going one way actually had different stories to tell, even though on the modeled section of the railroad they might appear to be going the same place. Even if they're going to the same place, there is a big difference between; a perishable-loaded PFE reefer, a boxcar load of newsprint, an empty cement service boxcar, and an empty automobile parts car, even though they're all heading from Bakersfield to Mojave, each will probably be routed to a different train symbol. This is some of the stuff I learned early on, and one of the main topics of future posts in this series.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Expansions Abound!</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxWojybobbbhsARZPcUR15ptt1kXNYjctbBQoiCQTGsihaDyg140wVXDt9yihpgqRQcW5Iyf09ELrIHXEJcwJWqPtB7THHDDRab_uKeBQlLDn6e3l_1mB8a3VvJOTaLC4oknoLXc6Guv/s1600/LMRC+Hand+made+switch+8-30-2004-B+City+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxWojybobbbhsARZPcUR15ptt1kXNYjctbBQoiCQTGsihaDyg140wVXDt9yihpgqRQcW5Iyf09ELrIHXEJcwJWqPtB7THHDDRab_uKeBQlLDn6e3l_1mB8a3VvJOTaLC4oknoLXc6Guv/s640/LMRC+Hand+made+switch+8-30-2004-B+City+Yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bakersfield "City Yard" under construction in 2004 in West Bakersfield.</td></tr>
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<br />
In the early 2000's the layout began expanding in both the 'Valley Staging Yard' (2003) and up the hill through Cliff and a new east end staging yard (2002). Around 2003-2004 Edison and Bena extension was put into service.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZjr3unnGCKNDRPjRtt6K1P7VsCX9QCClnUsZpAWdgBB5YUJEzx2stKav_BqS94N8fP_i3_gctWVEbm7A6yF6xUQ2JeXIs_e4UOIk9a4SFAleRzJ78j43F2KbRoCqmZv5-Vq_VcKsN_jD/s1600/LMRC+loop3+-+11-3-2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZjr3unnGCKNDRPjRtt6K1P7VsCX9QCClnUsZpAWdgBB5YUJEzx2stKav_BqS94N8fP_i3_gctWVEbm7A6yF6xUQ2JeXIs_e4UOIk9a4SFAleRzJ78j43F2KbRoCqmZv5-Vq_VcKsN_jD/s640/LMRC+loop3+-+11-3-2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">New construction of the Loop at Tunnel 9 about six months before being put into service. Nov 3, 2004.</td></tr>
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<br />
Then in 2005 the new mainline from Tunnel 8 (east of Cliff) to Tunnel 10 (Walong "Loop") entered service. This addition also put into play the Train Order station at Woodford and four new sidings.<br />
<br />
<h2>
New Operating Schemes</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbh9FoebaNQLJ3ypPM11wTMwAublqQKp3cvxjJyc-bk71JOVj61Q60uon6w5WdtsQtbaMaRCWVEp4dJKOdH2u25xyjqxbruJtPHxtkf5b26J8g6WMiw5qIDGY9TuyFe7wvhSA8q8K1Y8L/s1600/Walong+June+8+2018-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbh9FoebaNQLJ3ypPM11wTMwAublqQKp3cvxjJyc-bk71JOVj61Q60uon6w5WdtsQtbaMaRCWVEp4dJKOdH2u25xyjqxbruJtPHxtkf5b26J8g6WMiw5qIDGY9TuyFe7wvhSA8q8K1Y8L/s640/Walong+June+8+2018-C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Completed Walong "Loop" with Tunnel 9 and Tunnel 10 to the far left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The changes to the railroad from doubling the number of single track sidings was evident. Freights now often took 1-2 hours to negotiate the railroad from Bakersfield to the Mojave Yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fTwbDJjpAVs5vQ_EZW1QPPKdY3t2SNT70PCigicI_1U_c7pENQukcw1gu1oK5ujVYSK9s7zGs5pJR7glx9CfSjhHIjNEU4vvovSrcMpxlHQFfxF375aZfQ3_gy_2GzwUfaZQYScUnpqf/s1600/Mojave+Yard+Plugged+-+11-29-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fTwbDJjpAVs5vQ_EZW1QPPKdY3t2SNT70PCigicI_1U_c7pENQukcw1gu1oK5ujVYSK9s7zGs5pJR7glx9CfSjhHIjNEU4vvovSrcMpxlHQFfxF375aZfQ3_gy_2GzwUfaZQYScUnpqf/s640/Mojave+Yard+Plugged+-+11-29-2009.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A nearly plugged Mojave Yard doubling as East Staging Yard on Nov 29, 2009 between operating sessions. The new East Yard under construction at Right about 18" lower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By about 2006 we had the final Mojave Yard under final construction and back in operations. Further east expansion happened in 2009 or so as a new East Staging Yard was built, and Mojave calmed down to the 450-car mid-division railroad yard that it historically was.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eoV9iLytXprd7er7-RqqRfu9gwipXLaPDcUlTwQaQAIO3Z_yZfW5f8Z8Ttca9vXR11LdxsePlmTFab7T5y7JHEtHi5oKoW8ByorvlXt7EfOo85LEiZggXQ4WsupmBpH22iqRqh7qlYSj/s1600/LMRC+paperwork11-3-2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eoV9iLytXprd7er7-RqqRfu9gwipXLaPDcUlTwQaQAIO3Z_yZfW5f8Z8Ttca9vXR11LdxsePlmTFab7T5y7JHEtHi5oKoW8ByorvlXt7EfOo85LEiZggXQ4WsupmBpH22iqRqh7qlYSj/s640/LMRC+paperwork11-3-2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Dispatchers desk during the days before an operating session with dozens of switchlists being prepared. - Nov-2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the photo below is a great example of how the La Mesa Club's gradually expanded the operation of the layout and kept it working while major construction continued. This photo was taken about a year before we opened the new ATSF Bakersfield Yard, which is visible behind Matt Menker (wearing black) with drawings, etc on top of it. During this short period of time the ATSF trains were operated through the SP Valley and were minimally worked at West Bakersfield (70's yard). There's a westbound Santa Fe passenger train at the depot. Also several sets of ATSF 'Red Nose' passenger diesels and ATSF way cars (cabooses) are also seen in the 70's yard, laying over between trips.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamuUhcshu0naM8WYYxEExB5CVtDZKEN2Wjjn0C0Dfx7GBOr8hSJ6YDeyzBO3ZOE0v7Dk-w4i3aRJkGSwxHxG8cHYjN5YOZXFmZl-rnwESa8iZAizh1VYOsV-yNDy40aUXMbW88ZamcDj7/s1600/West+Bakersfield+JRH+SMM+-+Robert+Bowdidge+Photo+June+2012+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamuUhcshu0naM8WYYxEExB5CVtDZKEN2Wjjn0C0Dfx7GBOr8hSJ6YDeyzBO3ZOE0v7Dk-w4i3aRJkGSwxHxG8cHYjN5YOZXFmZl-rnwESa8iZAizh1VYOsV-yNDy40aUXMbW88ZamcDj7/s640/West+Bakersfield+JRH+SMM+-+Robert+Bowdidge+Photo+June+2012+cropped.jpg" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jason Hill, Steve Miller, and Matt Menker busy at West Bakersfield in June 2012. Robert Bowdidge Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In addition, a westbound AW-symbol freight with double-headed F and SP-class heavy steam under the watchful eye of Steve Miller (Valley Div. Staging Guru) heading for Tracy, Altamont Pass and Oakland. It looks like I'm consulting with Steve, probably as Chief Dispatcher with lineups and crew call sheets, about the next trains which will be moving to or from 'The Valley'. Matt Menker, who often works as one of the Yardmasters (probably 'General YM' during this construction phase), looks on from the Santa Fe aisle with a switchlist next to the 'City Switch' engine. In the photo we can also see the dark gray 'pavement' of Sacramento St. on each side of the yard and many of the spurs on the painted top of the layout. No buildings and only vague names written on the top of the layout suggest what industries will eventually be there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD4xQwXQmkFZ7JhXMOKTObxozvHjYAbznWs0NzTi09NzZEr1Wxss-WkMlWWEaK0kR0xr1wjvKAa-WahzkFGF-7eWDQr_byhzKPi-vfD_PbUvymq68fTp7yoDgPN29fMqfZ92MBpdjUvpa/s1600/Bakersfield+-+ATSF+train+ready+for+the+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD4xQwXQmkFZ7JhXMOKTObxozvHjYAbznWs0NzTi09NzZEr1Wxss-WkMlWWEaK0kR0xr1wjvKAa-WahzkFGF-7eWDQr_byhzKPi-vfD_PbUvymq68fTp7yoDgPN29fMqfZ92MBpdjUvpa/s640/Bakersfield+-+ATSF+train+ready+for+the+Hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Two ATSF 2-10-2s prepare to leave while Car Clerk Matt Menker works car-card experiment on Dec 14, 2012.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Operations since the 1996 era, when Bakersfield SP Yard was built, had always required that the Santa Fe trains use the yard as well. By 2012 this era was coming to a close with the construction of the new ATSF Bakersfield Yard across the aisle and west of Kern Jct.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb5s2TsonQhjz9X7EcYzeejsVmrug4va6IgDKIKVpuUNyYZovifh3cEg4YhDJ6Z2GQgopSImRNAl08DOoP7-85AEbzxWIms5wDkY34E2UCCW9nXCliaWJokP6qxlzYEuHKvwuf8dVIXzf/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+11-29-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb5s2TsonQhjz9X7EcYzeejsVmrug4va6IgDKIKVpuUNyYZovifh3cEg4YhDJ6Z2GQgopSImRNAl08DOoP7-85AEbzxWIms5wDkY34E2UCCW9nXCliaWJokP6qxlzYEuHKvwuf8dVIXzf/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard+11-29-2009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The new Santa Fe Bakersfield Yard, seen on Nov 29, 2009, under construction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Total freight car count during this period pushed towards 800-1200+ cars, and the numbers of trains expanded as well. During 2012 we can see that we're about to open the new Bakersfield Santa Fe Yard, which reduced the severely overloaded SP Yard operations. Which we figure as operating at about 130-150%, with switching crews working both ends of the classification tracks with different symbols.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmXdj_bbPBr4TmaMyIa9AApXkj7ECbfjRD-Idg0SylPYzlxiBNbjF-PFitE31XVC7FemfUni23qLmns9rOXSw96EW_bXIAp8AY6muPIwfEQ4pzTtHOxPuFjhdf0OWSBD9tkbR9r4Yth8z/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Roundhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmXdj_bbPBr4TmaMyIa9AApXkj7ECbfjRD-Idg0SylPYzlxiBNbjF-PFitE31XVC7FemfUni23qLmns9rOXSw96EW_bXIAp8AY6muPIwfEQ4pzTtHOxPuFjhdf0OWSBD9tkbR9r4Yth8z/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Roundhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Combined roundhouse facilities during January 2012.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Towards 2012, we tried for a few sessions moving minimal Santa Fe classification operations to the SP's 70's Yard west of Baker St. - However even then the SP's roundhouse then became the limiting factor.<br />
<br />
<h2>
But Car Cards! -- NO!</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xHboWs4P-mtth7iv7hymj0fycknPu8c7yPEYvK-Ej9KZUXsjHst7acLEPqdQ24Nx9mGRb5lDHga2scrvplmyOvGaajR6_-2pelx-9z9YzQT8APZkaFhpe6jbeTaR5kyKe4wRMgLCdM5_/s1600/Can+Car+Forwarding+be+taught.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xHboWs4P-mtth7iv7hymj0fycknPu8c7yPEYvK-Ej9KZUXsjHst7acLEPqdQ24Nx9mGRb5lDHga2scrvplmyOvGaajR6_-2pelx-9z9YzQT8APZkaFhpe6jbeTaR5kyKe4wRMgLCdM5_/s640/Can+Car+Forwarding+be+taught.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Car Forwarding can be taught! Matt Menker working with Bryn Ekroot at the Bakersfield car-card experimental "Tower"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In late 2012 the system of pre-handwritten switchlists was becoming too much. So with many operations folks from around the country suggesting, we tried two or three sessions using multi-cycle carcards and two "Car Clerks", one at each end of the RR to make lists for switching and keep track of where 1400 cars were supposed to be going.... It FAILED epically resulting in a forced march of about 8-10 people after a Saturday 12+12 weekend to get 1400 carcards put back with their cars at the right end of the railroad in the right place so we could do the second half of the weekend... (sigh)<br />
<br />
The verdict was in. Back to hand written switchlists we go. However we decided to keep the two Car Clerk positions. The East Clerk is usually combined with the East Staging Yardmaster, who both reblocks the freight trains and works out the routings for all the cars on the Eastern end of the railroad and down the Hill as far as Caliente or Bena. The West Clerk works a 'roving' job out of Bakersfield covering the Arvin and Taft Branches, Bakersfield SP and Santa Fe Yards and the Valley Staging yards.<br />
<br />
The new system seems to work well, and we're working to expand the number of people that are trained as Car Clerks for the "Traffic Dept." These two positions feed information about trains entering the railroad and help the Chief Dispatcher formulate the 'Line Up' for the next 6-8 hours in real-time. In a way the Chief and the two Clerks end up being the people controlling all of the operations 'down stream' of them. Their choices and judgments effect everyone else's experience 4-8 hours later in the session. I'm sure I'll be talking much more about all of the real-time operations and planning that goes on during a session.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Driving the Golden Spike</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuUK58vfrNYbTyDfqrxh2kj2TEG-wIY3UxFAA4qKlg-Yu4GogSedVGpHOZF5C3AhEhbpnN8anti0mYd29T-gMh6PfbxwvWNMV7_c0A56qXJRIF5JIjZrPK3YUpmel7BLOmyiDsxvnpw03/s1600/ATSF+3892+%2526+21+on+Golden+Spike+Special+8-29-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuUK58vfrNYbTyDfqrxh2kj2TEG-wIY3UxFAA4qKlg-Yu4GogSedVGpHOZF5C3AhEhbpnN8anti0mYd29T-gMh6PfbxwvWNMV7_c0A56qXJRIF5JIjZrPK3YUpmel7BLOmyiDsxvnpw03/s640/ATSF+3892+%2526+21+on+Golden+Spike+Special+8-29-2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 3892 and 21LABC charge through the east end of Summit for the Golden Spike Ceremony at Summit Switch - Aug 29, 2015..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In August 2015 the mainline was completed over its final alignment which created a 38% increase in mainline run over the Division. Continuing construction on secondary trackage and scenery will still continue for many years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi-Lc-YghH6EpZ5M8ZWsZiAO47sxJdFlcffk5X6hjz5A2HRQLwYq7fE-8twhbhBMQY9NkXLTmNJQe5UPXTrurLcT7FABvD9bwQvJhDxK6pUWpTZgkPfZSst_M9NHQrXVQuJJdfAG7C9Ha/s1600/Golden+Spike+Train+Meet+at+LMRC+8-29-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi-Lc-YghH6EpZ5M8ZWsZiAO47sxJdFlcffk5X6hjz5A2HRQLwYq7fE-8twhbhBMQY9NkXLTmNJQe5UPXTrurLcT7FABvD9bwQvJhDxK6pUWpTZgkPfZSst_M9NHQrXVQuJJdfAG7C9Ha/s640/Golden+Spike+Train+Meet+at+LMRC+8-29-2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Golden Spike meeting of ATSF 3892 and SP 6461 (iirc) at Summit - Aug 29, 2015.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The new wye at Summit finally allows prototypical operations for the helpers to turn and be sent back west to Bakersfield if ordered to do so by the Chief Dispatcher, and additional planning required for the 'Trick' Dispatcher to work in the light engines to come back down the Hill. The addition of Tehachapi and Monolith added several more opportunities for freight symbol operation, and messages from the Traffic Dept, Yardmasters, and the Dispatcher to coordinate which trains will stop to make pickup and setouts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadR3v4EfkuP8FPhSd0egjDqt83ODsXIQ1copZHcPofF2dIxCEeZUIiykHj7cYw-QLf_oOc-gXyG9WWf1kFPsnthXNUGIrpFiiJABwV5pQq1ie7MgzgPFK-ji6Zfm6MdxEQ983AY13v6Dn/s1600/KI+Local+Switchlist+Dec+22-52-A%2526B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadR3v4EfkuP8FPhSd0egjDqt83ODsXIQ1copZHcPofF2dIxCEeZUIiykHj7cYw-QLf_oOc-gXyG9WWf1kFPsnthXNUGIrpFiiJABwV5pQq1ie7MgzgPFK-ji6Zfm6MdxEQ983AY13v6Dn/s640/KI+Local+Switchlist+Dec+22-52-A%2526B.jpg" width="627" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Switchlist for the KI Local departing Mojave on the 22nd of Dec, 1952 with a full day's work ahead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The physical addition of Monolith now allows much more work for the KI (Tehachapi) Local and Mojave Shorts trains to work the cement plant. Also the apple sheds at Tehachapi can be served. During the last few sessions the KI Local crew often spends 10-14 real hours on duty. No fast clocks are used!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
In Closing</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtG5DEzlzidi6OmHvHgGXOtZ4I23VY0zLysmDw7gF-aQHmhvsNf6nLGfAYH3pmZN2IHrdu8k6ubAbNQpyApGPTXUE-2FqWCG_KWaWAUnxRwgZp5oGwj1tJi8mbn2wfIZP8kDol3vV-4X8/s1600/Magunden+-+Reefers+for+loading-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtG5DEzlzidi6OmHvHgGXOtZ4I23VY0zLysmDw7gF-aQHmhvsNf6nLGfAYH3pmZN2IHrdu8k6ubAbNQpyApGPTXUE-2FqWCG_KWaWAUnxRwgZp5oGwj1tJi8mbn2wfIZP8kDol3vV-4X8/s640/Magunden+-+Reefers+for+loading-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Reefers stored at Magunden and a pair loading at the Golden H packing shed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the end of the day, the scale of the La Mesa Club is daunting, however each car movement is very simple and straight forward. We'll be looking next time at the SP's Westward Freight Symbols, what makes each special and what purpose each serves in the grand scheme of the historical operations. We'll eventually work our way through to SP's Eastward Freight Symbols, the SP's Locals and Switch Jobs and routings. Then in following posts I'll be turning the Santa Fe's Freight Symbols West and Eastward, and their Local and Switch Job Routings.<br />
<br />
For now, I'm hopeful that this post gives some insights into Prototype Operations and will provide a good foundation for my future posts on the Freight Symbols used over Tehachapi Pass. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jason Hill</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Related Articles:</h3>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1)</a> - SP Roundhouse Operations<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/02/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-2-sp.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 2)</a> - SP Yard Overview<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BI</a> - A rather 'normal' trip over the Tehachapi Pass during a 1950's TT/TO session.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/06/triple-trouble-tehachapi-weird-day-on.html">Triple Trouble on Tehachapi - A Weird Day on the Hill</a> - Exceptions to and bending the rules</div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-57662614077244590052018-02-02T11:14:00.002-08:002018-02-02T11:14:18.037-08:00Busy Times in Bakersfield (Part 2) SP Yard OverviewLast time (<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times in Bakersfield - Part 1</a>) we looked at the busy engine movements around the Bakersfield Roundhouse and engine changes on the trains. This time we'll be looking at the switchers which worked in side the yard sorting cars and spotting them at industries in town.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzUBGyaoRB3gWD59W9rcqbI3fZqnJGT9SwwyzK8xx4Ab1ZrplHcRTwx1R5bbQs-DGy0vU089jR8oshqD6ViwpWSsDjfalmpxcdHzqdKXPWfgH0GrGOQ08cJuZPkRHPzZjQpR-yoKN46kM/s1600/SP+6386+Engine+change+No57+Bakersfield+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzUBGyaoRB3gWD59W9rcqbI3fZqnJGT9SwwyzK8xx4Ab1ZrplHcRTwx1R5bbQs-DGy0vU089jR8oshqD6ViwpWSsDjfalmpxcdHzqdKXPWfgH0GrGOQ08cJuZPkRHPzZjQpR-yoKN46kM/s640/SP+6386+Engine+change+No57+Bakersfield+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 6386 set cut away from No.57, the <i>Owl</i>, preparing to move to the engine servicing track as a VXW-4 departs via Track 22, 70, and the Sacramento St. crossover west of town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bakersfield Yard track plan below: Mt. Vernon Switcher in blue, Haley St. Switcher in orange, and City Switcher in purple.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Qgzsq1hwVd5Fs4Y6gTZ9NV_QXWOlF9ZTU9fcYyu1CLLyYyogHBO6ZbQI8dFXLaBLKZPvIheWvU9Bag4Do_hnhZI8KMf_r0iuOidxkeXpiwwsG7pUziEC3MTtxBsFFAcwP4cqCqkH8Ru/s1600/CITY+SWITCHER+GRAPHIC+1+-+REV-A+%2528dec-21-1952%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Qgzsq1hwVd5Fs4Y6gTZ9NV_QXWOlF9ZTU9fcYyu1CLLyYyogHBO6ZbQI8dFXLaBLKZPvIheWvU9Bag4Do_hnhZI8KMf_r0iuOidxkeXpiwwsG7pUziEC3MTtxBsFFAcwP4cqCqkH8Ru/s640/CITY+SWITCHER+GRAPHIC+1+-+REV-A+%2528dec-21-1952%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">City Yard, 70's Yard and main SP yard at Bakersfield during the 1950s as modeled at La Mesa Model Railroad Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
John "Pappy" Pappasurgia, a retired switchman who hired out to the SP in 1952 at Bakersfield, during an interview in 2005 recounted the regular assignments of the tracks in the main yard as follows:<br />
Tracks 2-6: arriving and departing trains - <i>yellow on the drawing above</i><br />
Track 7: Valley shorts (TMW for Roseville) - <i>also yellow on drawing above</i><br />
===<br />
Track 8: East Shorts (VXE for LA)<br />
Track 9: Cars for Mojave (This is the track for the "Mojave Shorts" cars)<br />
Track 10: ?<br />
Track 11: Cleanout track (Bakersfield supplied PFE reefers and boxcars for local loading)<br />
Track 12: Cleanout track (Bakersfield supplied PFE reefers and boxcars for local loading)<br />
===<br />
Track 13: Cars for the Santa Fe interchange at Kern Jct.<br />
Track 14: Bad Orders<br />
Track 15: Oil City cars<br />
Track 16: City loads<br />
===<br />
Track 17: Scale<br />
Ice Deck 1 & 2: - Icing of PFE and private cars, obviously.<br />
<div>
Track 21 was the designation used for the 'Tail' track for the shops</div>
<br />
It's also interesting to note that between Track 7 and 8 there was a line of lockers and work tables for the carmen to make running repairs to cars in the yard, which didn't need full RIP track work in the Car Shops west of the roundhouse.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Mt. Vernon Ave. Switcher</h2>
<br />
The SP Bakersfield Yard's large 600-car main body tracks are flat switched by a crew working from the East End at Mt. Vernon Avenue. The Mt. Vernon Switcher draws the heaviest switcher of the three main assignments at Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLEw83e9_J9Ye0pSjoIODezQGLRN6smyPXd7LNdRXyQ3CemEfRDUmyxfQdzM_bNTBcDQ4Cx7fnFY8pcUpO8oBZqhRQ9JKX5TJykz9KY5pEjFJuxSr96oZGY5nPpiW_dEJhtw2dGhOrcOC/s1600/SP+1486+%2526+6461+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan+4-+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLEw83e9_J9Ye0pSjoIODezQGLRN6smyPXd7LNdRXyQ3CemEfRDUmyxfQdzM_bNTBcDQ4Cx7fnFY8pcUpO8oBZqhRQ9JKX5TJykz9KY5pEjFJuxSr96oZGY5nPpiW_dEJhtw2dGhOrcOC/s640/SP+1486+%2526+6461+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan+4-+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1486 switching an inbound freight and the SP 6461 making a brake test on a departing 800-series eastward freight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmbJ_Wn_X-mea0jXoHjT16VrWAWuyFCXj6ehpiy0VcPrer0Lw2D7PtI2Ao_o8_mY7WhYTwDNGS2OqgwtjN3dSpXaBEugJSwTbptVWOZwdnqiDoTqzqHOMKzWP8E-dZFZHzbQEbXaP7k6b/s1600/MT+VERNON+GRAPHICS+REV-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmbJ_Wn_X-mea0jXoHjT16VrWAWuyFCXj6ehpiy0VcPrer0Lw2D7PtI2Ao_o8_mY7WhYTwDNGS2OqgwtjN3dSpXaBEugJSwTbptVWOZwdnqiDoTqzqHOMKzWP8E-dZFZHzbQEbXaP7k6b/s640/MT+VERNON+GRAPHICS+REV-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mt Vernon yard chart drawing for crews to get familiar with the track arrangements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The East Lead is about 34 cars long and can handle long cuts from Tracks 2-6 which serve as the primary arrival and departure tracks in the yard. The ATSF trains continue on the West Main to Kern Junction without stopping at Mt. Vernon Ave.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuKJlxjw05BdXNbrPWOCai3u-O3jSAAthRnfeZpbt_0jHxTNJ1Dln6H8c_EYkGPZ9D7DlIpHAPYHVqECbGaugEJ1ie9wrA008XsVO3-sIFKbRjlvoWfENM4u8qWagbfeAqNNLaJeXpRyD/s1600/SP+3712+%2526+3701+backing+through+6-7+Crossover+-+Jan4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuKJlxjw05BdXNbrPWOCai3u-O3jSAAthRnfeZpbt_0jHxTNJ1Dln6H8c_EYkGPZ9D7DlIpHAPYHVqECbGaugEJ1ie9wrA008XsVO3-sIFKbRjlvoWfENM4u8qWagbfeAqNNLaJeXpRyD/s640/SP+3712+%2526+3701+backing+through+6-7+Crossover+-+Jan4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Crossing over from 6 to 7, SP 3701 and 3712 backing down onto the Mojave Shorts East train on Track 9.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Access to Ice Deck 1 & 2 is made east of the ladders to 7-12 and 13-16 off of Track 7, which can double as a separate yard lead. There is also a crossover from Track 6 to Track 7, allowing Track 6 to work as a switching lead for Track 7-16 if needed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2nqEjGyuiFhkqJ3AfHicgczVAKTe_k-tMRiXkBoZHKQNMEbQu-SqkoL68jhrAHwNRX9Cz9idO_6VgC_yhxT1HFXVS49fIANxEYBsTR1mqE2zL-goGJGJAXj7DoQspgTb0J7YJw7kEV_n/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+SP+6461+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2nqEjGyuiFhkqJ3AfHicgczVAKTe_k-tMRiXkBoZHKQNMEbQu-SqkoL68jhrAHwNRX9Cz9idO_6VgC_yhxT1HFXVS49fIANxEYBsTR1mqE2zL-goGJGJAXj7DoQspgTb0J7YJw7kEV_n/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+SP+6461+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6461 ready to leave town with a reefer block to Colton on Track 6, the Porterville Local prepares to depart from Track 7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Heavy 4-unit sets of F-units prepare to depart Bakersfield with R-3 symbol freight (3rd Roseville reefer block of the year) around 7PM on Jan 4, 1953. The cut-off time for reefer traffic collected around Bakersfield was 5:01PM, which was guaranteed to move out of Bakersfield before midnight, seven hours later. This allowed for any topping off of the ice bunkers, ventilation adjustments to the hatches and fans as well as a quick final checking over by the carmen before the cars headed for Colton and points east.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighvZ5XZjYthH7lVh03KQ9QoB8lT_ky7MEvDjgp6KFfd3ZrOSF8QkUwhWl8DKL3AS1aJU_t_bZYjxtSkeLH4Vjh8RNoBipFSJ4i0XfyMU4ydyndSjJXeyBnzmCuaXq6QKgtSHbvHEhC6yG/s1600/SP+1486+switching+Bakersfield+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighvZ5XZjYthH7lVh03KQ9QoB8lT_ky7MEvDjgp6KFfd3ZrOSF8QkUwhWl8DKL3AS1aJU_t_bZYjxtSkeLH4Vjh8RNoBipFSJ4i0XfyMU4ydyndSjJXeyBnzmCuaXq6QKgtSHbvHEhC6yG/s640/SP+1486+switching+Bakersfield+Mt+Vernon+Ave+-+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1486, a heavy FM switcher pulls several cars out on the main east end lead to switch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here the Mt. Vernon Ave. Switcher works a short string of boxcars and a tank car which will be heading to Tracy and west over the Altamont Pass to Oakland. Notice the new "DF" 50ft boxcar in auto-parts service, one of the signature cars heading for the assembly plants around Oakland.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEVF6sh6kF26_qqVbw-ur6Kwal_Yz33POVJTtZykayco2y_fhm3b7COqZvjLMXy2ULKUf9XwvLpwk8841-55Amnno288t_QzpnSMD0cfl2MCc5k4DMVowES2AZshCqXkK_EWkvL7aLtT-/s1600/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEVF6sh6kF26_qqVbw-ur6Kwal_Yz33POVJTtZykayco2y_fhm3b7COqZvjLMXy2ULKUf9XwvLpwk8841-55Amnno288t_QzpnSMD0cfl2MCc5k4DMVowES2AZshCqXkK_EWkvL7aLtT-/s640/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3701 and 3712 prepare to depart with the Mojave Shorts East. The Mt Vernon engine on Trk 7 working the Porterville cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Above the Extra ATSF 212 West arrives at Kern Junction with a SWG-symbol freight and diverges off to the Santa Fe yard two miles to the west.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile in the SP yard we can see a long string of reefers on Track 7 ready to head west. This is either a "Valley Shorts" block of empty iced cars to be distributed to the sheds short of Fresno or a Porterville Local with reefers for the sheds and canneries on the branch. The reefers on Track 6 are the R-3 cars which just arrived from Roseville. The valley engine has cut away and the SP 6461 hasn't moved over to the train yet.<br />
<br />
On Track 9 the Mojave Shorts train is coupled together and is preparing to depart. Notice the covered hoppers in assigned cement service to be loaded at Monolith, beyond that are boxcars for Monolith and some PFE reefers for the apple sheds at Tehachapi. At the headend are some GS gondolas heading for Bealville, via Caliente for the Mt. Work Train. The cars towards the rear are general merchandise cars heading for Mojave, Searles, the high desert around Palmdale and the Owenyo Branch.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Haley St. Switcher</h2>
<br />
Bakersfield Yard's West End Switcher is called the Haley St Switcher. The Haley St. job trims the departing eastward trains, switches cabooses, and generally works between Haley St and Baker St.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReVcm946kNcuwfIYwUmwq3DzgqM2Nedjr99FkinbiathuGNVPwIXIR600g0RSzyfeNwQA7OeAd_ldk_0YYgzPGvSu63eiajMrOsc3PHLSRYDijhsG2cEdXrL9GlqrkLDwOGgzLRE68Hed/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Hussle+%2526+Bussle+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReVcm946kNcuwfIYwUmwq3DzgqM2Nedjr99FkinbiathuGNVPwIXIR600g0RSzyfeNwQA7OeAd_ldk_0YYgzPGvSu63eiajMrOsc3PHLSRYDijhsG2cEdXrL9GlqrkLDwOGgzLRE68Hed/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Yard+-+Hussle+%2526+Bussle+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Busy times in Bakersfield with a PSS freight arriving from Fresno and heading into the yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9QaTVkCXM9EzhkqoxtZnqfpc9WIVyyhpnomwXH0AGnpHqE-ZHkAmzz1XoFdpd0X1iMfDU4jYJg5G9CT0hs81K-ngx6n1q8AjSYp7lZYnhkJ6ia_AdbYrImRmGK3Ux4lqlYjzPpJw57aI/s1600/HALEY+ST+3C+jpeg+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9QaTVkCXM9EzhkqoxtZnqfpc9WIVyyhpnomwXH0AGnpHqE-ZHkAmzz1XoFdpd0X1iMfDU4jYJg5G9CT0hs81K-ngx6n1q8AjSYp7lZYnhkJ6ia_AdbYrImRmGK3Ux4lqlYjzPpJw57aI/s640/HALEY+ST+3C+jpeg+-+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Haley St Switcher yard chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All arriving freights from Mojave and the Valley head into the SP yard for work, at least having the engines changed and helpers added for the climb to Tehachapi Pass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7jM5TqJe4F9amtmgmZI0mTxrEmBhAa5RUMEBnzuyUoYerSQILPJBW1OyvbSbsjvAtsvJDn5irBe09k0_7ZjNaNiP_fPZVrL6IWj2wtLq4-E1083hLTyysMEMj5bN-1IaQtjFOCsVoK0D/s1600/Bakersfield+Yard+-+Jan+4+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7jM5TqJe4F9amtmgmZI0mTxrEmBhAa5RUMEBnzuyUoYerSQILPJBW1OyvbSbsjvAtsvJDn5irBe09k0_7ZjNaNiP_fPZVrL6IWj2wtLq4-E1083hLTyysMEMj5bN-1IaQtjFOCsVoK0D/s640/Bakersfield+Yard+-+Jan+4+53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2718 preparing to take a TMW block to Fresno and the 5203 behind it with a block for the 20's yard with Oil City cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here we see a couple of locals and a short TMW-symbol train preparing to depart westward from Tracks 10 and 11. Another time we catch T&NO 910 freshly transferred back from Texas ready to depart westward from Track 2.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHKHNS2BmAJLYY-ZJJRZ9C4oHjBABdFKQIxMYtOkB_6_cP9AcNhDWsux0VKQ75pVPlDkK575SfeN6iWaOfZORWTO-yNqJmlPR9wkEtfIaAkrSunM5_cyudpSpDthsMVMo3Y8uU3KQpOnQ/s1600/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHKHNS2BmAJLYY-ZJJRZ9C4oHjBABdFKQIxMYtOkB_6_cP9AcNhDWsux0VKQ75pVPlDkK575SfeN6iWaOfZORWTO-yNqJmlPR9wkEtfIaAkrSunM5_cyudpSpDthsMVMo3Y8uU3KQpOnQ/s640/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">T&NO 910, an F-5 class engine, ready to depart westward with a livestock block for Fresno and Roseville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Cutting In Helpers at Haley St.</h3>
<br />
One of the main jobs for the Haley St. Switcher is to trim and pull the rear of eastward freights apart so the helpers can be cut into the trains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPprw6hTrKP0afUvZ9KfqQZuzPVYNcoUJpf2UYxTIhNCm5tgEe535bhEdqRqHgux_U1gJX68WYx00YkmwvDDK8cAki5e0pp-ymFa-5WSR7YrixnpPLmAVGQ1NxZ8W3lVfCLMN2Ysj7wR3/s1600/Bakersfield+Instructions+-+Helpers+Combined+Pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPprw6hTrKP0afUvZ9KfqQZuzPVYNcoUJpf2UYxTIhNCm5tgEe535bhEdqRqHgux_U1gJX68WYx00YkmwvDDK8cAki5e0pp-ymFa-5WSR7YrixnpPLmAVGQ1NxZ8W3lVfCLMN2Ysj7wR3/s640/Bakersfield+Instructions+-+Helpers+Combined+Pg1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here's a graphical diagram showing the process of cutting in helpers at Bakersfield, Page 1. (Drawings by Jason Hill)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The process really isn't that complicated, but given that the yard shown in the diagram is over 60 feet long, sometimes it is difficult to wrap one's head around the larger scope of what's going on with the maze of switches between Haley St. and the 20's Yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j51fNM1eScWsoubGxOD8Cs7cZ7ZN7QCGNFjq8Eb0zax3nKWM0OYutMApmuABRd0d3Sb13qP4eRQ1W00UNqnaYxQXl3GqPPe0O-k5TCq9fXueWz6jt-I9PX7djB3kYhXDdEmAc7yLEj5_/s1600/Bakersfield+Instructions+-+Helpers+Combined+Pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j51fNM1eScWsoubGxOD8Cs7cZ7ZN7QCGNFjq8Eb0zax3nKWM0OYutMApmuABRd0d3Sb13qP4eRQ1W00UNqnaYxQXl3GqPPe0O-k5TCq9fXueWz6jt-I9PX7djB3kYhXDdEmAc7yLEj5_/s640/Bakersfield+Instructions+-+Helpers+Combined+Pg2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Recombining eastward train with helpers using the 20's Yard, Page 2. (Drawings by Jason Hill)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's see a few photos of the 20's Yard while this process is being carried out. Below we see that the yard crew has doubled over the train into both Tracks 23 and 24, allowing the helpers to more easily couple to each cut respectively. <i>The cars sitting on Track 25 are not related and were left there by the City Switcher or the Haley St. Switcher for local service.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW0_xZe-YLev3pRomv78dAHVxCk06WubLO4osuB0-ljOVJa57RhS8ric_n85rQw8npTU92ZV-kj5Er2ZjmI9Hvb6bbbr2EFHL339WC5Wisvyc5XUyrE9Tkjg4ntjbtkpG8_3S5X80nJCM/s1600/Bakersfield+20s+Doubled+Trains+Jan-5-53+151AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW0_xZe-YLev3pRomv78dAHVxCk06WubLO4osuB0-ljOVJa57RhS8ric_n85rQw8npTU92ZV-kj5Er2ZjmI9Hvb6bbbr2EFHL339WC5Wisvyc5XUyrE9Tkjg4ntjbtkpG8_3S5X80nJCM/s640/Bakersfield+20s+Doubled+Trains+Jan-5-53+151AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The rear of this eastward OCM-symbol freight is pulled back into Tracks 23 & 24 ready for helpers to be added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At 12:51AM on Jan 5th 1953, we see the rear of the OCM pulled back into Track 23 and doubled over for the second helper into Track 24. By 1:02AM, the two AC-class helpers have pulled out of the Ready Tracks and backed down onto their cuts. Ready A & B are stuffed with F-units in the photo below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tJbDZBPdHM4jGzSwNl0jd8OXOk4rI52tzPgSZXbL5Oe2ml4uNqrJnNrKf7i-DFjdk589bXqce5m3DEMh87L7HQrX1vnTNi0HD8_x6bES2QHHf_qWPNe349xbMalMjVZxaYB02ZPMMJYX/s1600/Bakersfield+20s+Helpers+%2526+Roundhouse+-+Jan-5-53+202am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tJbDZBPdHM4jGzSwNl0jd8OXOk4rI52tzPgSZXbL5Oe2ml4uNqrJnNrKf7i-DFjdk589bXqce5m3DEMh87L7HQrX1vnTNi0HD8_x6bES2QHHf_qWPNe349xbMalMjVZxaYB02ZPMMJYX/s640/Bakersfield+20s+Helpers+%2526+Roundhouse+-+Jan-5-53+202am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Helpers cut in and ready to pull forward and couple to the front of the train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At this point, it's an easy operation to have the helpers pull their cuts forward into the departure track, couple to the headend and get the brake test before leaving town.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Caboose Shuffling?</h3>
<br />
The cabooses in the years before 'pool caboose' agreements they would lay over between trips. One other thing the Haley St. Switcher crews need to keep track of are the local cabooses are assigned as shown below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXngAZCWffkfRDLNNEuXLidrvBCW0jADCwvtgPqWPJexfHaMZykYw_pKUrCSIrdC6-AON8yh8Z6gIdOlBfqnXXus121Bs3qqzLblMdbNh6blo6C9x5XRqPFxHW9wA2UTJ7WNIOTvs-q-B/s1600/Bakersfield+Caboose+Track-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXngAZCWffkfRDLNNEuXLidrvBCW0jADCwvtgPqWPJexfHaMZykYw_pKUrCSIrdC6-AON8yh8Z6gIdOlBfqnXXus121Bs3qqzLblMdbNh6blo6C9x5XRqPFxHW9wA2UTJ7WNIOTvs-q-B/s640/Bakersfield+Caboose+Track-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cabooses being serviced at Bakersfield, notice the SP 23486 (above the 3rd caboose from the left) on the top of the Wrecker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Showing nicely in the right side of the photo above is the caboose tracks on the south side of the main in the PI Yard. The caboose servicing area was located there until about 1954 when the SP shifted to pooled cabooses for road jobs, at which time two new pool caboose tracks were added off the Haley St. lead between the Scale Track and the Ice Deck.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK-alnj57sWafvzl3jBJqnc-Ig_mXFIkj6LdWZdHbeqNwcgKAZ7CuqHm3xnDsAtsLGkTjmdW5y1xAmgenyZfudEtjCsHQEV6oPHPTyVd4hPM1soukXxKLI8vlcT4Q-OoNZlgx3RQXSnT6/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Caboose+Track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK-alnj57sWafvzl3jBJqnc-Ig_mXFIkj6LdWZdHbeqNwcgKAZ7CuqHm3xnDsAtsLGkTjmdW5y1xAmgenyZfudEtjCsHQEV6oPHPTyVd4hPM1soukXxKLI8vlcT4Q-OoNZlgx3RQXSnT6/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Caboose+Track.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here's a photo with three rider cars receiving servicing - the single caboose is one of the local service cars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Often the SP cabooses are shown in photos over the 4th and 5th track south of the Main in the PI Yard. There was also often photos of passenger coaches laying over at Bakersfield as well. The SP regularly assigned coaches as express riders and high-speed cabooses. Bakersfield originated high priority express traffic, so it follows that the coaches would be stationed here as well.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Express Rider Cars:</h3>
<br />
The 2800-series of coaches were modified for rider and high-speed caboose service on express trains. The cars downgraded to the 2800-series would usually last no more than two years before being retired to SPMW service.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNQRcllKmPcMUaZlVbeafSs7evXsVRjXm_iA3sohR19r2KjrA6B8_ZbekhvtdnPJM1cb1UUdP7gwCn0g5ZLMJXWdSoH_308lUgL05RPFJkdKKVG9LnKY8HhoP1GrdvYBWbSfbzk7LeNT7/s1600/SP+2810+60-C-1+Right1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNQRcllKmPcMUaZlVbeafSs7evXsVRjXm_iA3sohR19r2KjrA6B8_ZbekhvtdnPJM1cb1UUdP7gwCn0g5ZLMJXWdSoH_308lUgL05RPFJkdKKVG9LnKY8HhoP1GrdvYBWbSfbzk7LeNT7/s640/SP+2810+60-C-1+Right1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2810, ex-SP 1806, the solo car in 60-C-1 class, the first all-steel passenger car on the SP built in 1906.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before the SP started the special 2800-series of cars in the late 1940s, regular coaches would be used in express rider service. The 2800-series eventually totaled 28 cars, with the last being assigned in 1954.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2EwBcX23hPHXGpXQ2ylxmqeFA04oJWNRtKaQIsm-Wk5Ngb8q1w_H_IRBINJxWy8g883ICYwowtd9AnJR1A59BOALE8y5jvp4gfX1MuvO29l5syWn3Fhdo07krT91SAMw1RK15rZyttem/s1600/SP+1190+Rear+of+No56+Caliente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2EwBcX23hPHXGpXQ2ylxmqeFA04oJWNRtKaQIsm-Wk5Ngb8q1w_H_IRBINJxWy8g883ICYwowtd9AnJR1A59BOALE8y5jvp4gfX1MuvO29l5syWn3Fhdo07krT91SAMw1RK15rZyttem/s640/SP+1190+Rear+of+No56+Caliente.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1190, coach bringing up the rear on No.56 at Caliente.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Local Cabooses:</h3>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj0X391xBK3QaDTKL767PXE-GMsDmxuQ7YuSPXhnyfL8X8DtUBCV8xCuB0NGGGg_wKP4XYo0pmrWF-m90rd4D4IqZ3PPCLgGfFB9HUIrEkXxEmRkmIpJF6-5gwaXQstoS7wi360zPE-lL/s1600/SP+684+WC+%2528Sunset+Rwy%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj0X391xBK3QaDTKL767PXE-GMsDmxuQ7YuSPXhnyfL8X8DtUBCV8xCuB0NGGGg_wKP4XYo0pmrWF-m90rd4D4IqZ3PPCLgGfFB9HUIrEkXxEmRkmIpJF6-5gwaXQstoS7wi360zPE-lL/s640/SP+684+WC+%2528Sunset+Rwy%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SP 684 - Taft Local (Sunset Rwy)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrkhwCSWwddHtJPBAa6F4__PxO-l1YZ6GlO8WLEqgnwd6HQ187UMshlyGLmQIfSNv2OvgyVSbte5AOUQzqJzcfW32n-d8SZmlAMMTZEbLSXnn6AsmT8j9JQPUsGDuTo3fUyF0-mq39VXY/s1600/SP+789+WC+-+PORTERVILLE+LOCAL.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrkhwCSWwddHtJPBAa6F4__PxO-l1YZ6GlO8WLEqgnwd6HQ187UMshlyGLmQIfSNv2OvgyVSbte5AOUQzqJzcfW32n-d8SZmlAMMTZEbLSXnn6AsmT8j9JQPUsGDuTo3fUyF0-mq39VXY/s640/SP+789+WC+-+PORTERVILLE+LOCAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SP 789 - Porterville Local<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStc2PftR20Lw6xGj1bH2RUjm7_2iGjwCXgYlZPeCdLqj8crEjdy0atuQC95pkdAnopw68ACb38xAtc2JDjVxe13BiIwV1tUxZkEt5rd9u33C_K_4FnaadcMawhpOjv_li8qo3OUcX1Aar/s1600/SP+69+Caboose.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStc2PftR20Lw6xGj1bH2RUjm7_2iGjwCXgYlZPeCdLqj8crEjdy0atuQC95pkdAnopw68ACb38xAtc2JDjVxe13BiIwV1tUxZkEt5rd9u33C_K_4FnaadcMawhpOjv_li8qo3OUcX1Aar/s640/SP+69+Caboose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SP 69 - Mountain Local (Based in Mojave)<br />
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<h3>
Yard Service "Cabooses":</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yard service 'cabooses' didn't need to meet the Union Agreements for fittings and equipment since these cars basically were used to give the switchmen and foreman on a job a safe place to ride. Three or four switchmen and a foreman couldn't all ride in the cab of a steam switcher along with the engineer and fireman!</div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN0prQ-J-uiK_tOt3SIOO-HmU3PrgwTRXen1d-vHfRSzT6tvcgUxGg96qHs2ACO02BnoCJXOPOGv2NAmoNySjMMKTGCZFlOM3kjYjtaEsdvWOSbIFXqlNHnL6zpYYE-M4wguMkHPeGN6z/s1600/SP+973+Caboose-B.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN0prQ-J-uiK_tOt3SIOO-HmU3PrgwTRXen1d-vHfRSzT6tvcgUxGg96qHs2ACO02BnoCJXOPOGv2NAmoNySjMMKTGCZFlOM3kjYjtaEsdvWOSbIFXqlNHnL6zpYYE-M4wguMkHPeGN6z/s640/SP+973+Caboose-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SP 973 - Oil City Switcher<br />
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The SP 973 was converted to 'caboose' service for the Oil City Switcher crew in 1953. It would appear from photos that the car was used around Bakersfield for a few years before that date in local freight service.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxVAkD2XVPtXnhodFOCFxQuY5gpmKMvyPMLweSZdkLuVS8AWFN5axzDsCtObPDyU5e7nMtszJjMAg_az3dEqTDu9aF0uSKEaRewRKDwglANH-DqJ908ok-55Fw_m1QasdvCbFbyspBipE/s1600/SP+23486+Bakersfield-B.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxVAkD2XVPtXnhodFOCFxQuY5gpmKMvyPMLweSZdkLuVS8AWFN5axzDsCtObPDyU5e7nMtszJjMAg_az3dEqTDu9aF0uSKEaRewRKDwglANH-DqJ908ok-55Fw_m1QasdvCbFbyspBipE/s640/SP+23486+Bakersfield-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SP 23486 - Edison Switcher (used as needed as a riding car in the yard)<br />
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The boxcars converted from retired B-50-6 class boxcars into cabooses did not meet the Union Agreements for caboose fittings, so were not used after WWII by road crews (conductors and brakemen) and were used in yard service by foremen and switchmen for several more years.<br />
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<h2>
Kern Junction - The Santa Fe</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjMZscYzdcWKqY9FBgfSbRMi3xP37fugYpVDY9IQ4kc5UDnNUBMxFJl7Y-LOI4FKdxT6KDnYPQKyQ8LxwBt3Lq-qpQKdToN24-znuUbqE5LBHR0nB0Zb0iHHyVaicVjJ-PWXN11VyROUt/s1600/Kern+Jct+Jan-5-53+1235am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjMZscYzdcWKqY9FBgfSbRMi3xP37fugYpVDY9IQ4kc5UDnNUBMxFJl7Y-LOI4FKdxT6KDnYPQKyQ8LxwBt3Lq-qpQKdToN24-znuUbqE5LBHR0nB0Zb0iHHyVaicVjJ-PWXN11VyROUt/s640/Kern+Jct+Jan-5-53+1235am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Kern Junction during a quiet time in the SP yard.</td></tr>
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Per the 1899 Joint Line Agreement between the SP and the ATSF (Santa Fe) allows ATSF trains to operate between Kern Jct and Mojave (East Mojave after 1943). This creates a hot spot of traffic having an interlocking plant in the middle of the SP's Division Point yard at Bakersfield to the north of the main track.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6wGYpzcJsooizAI-OUcuqag6BRU6FzJGsLKN-GzCOXFm8UyFgNQeeZSmXANXOMINNxzehUsldcvjGs1BEek3rZ1IkPtvxMA9BgYyAuifGGiXg6ynA7Vb46Ww8y0aqHpETQumzSqYglR4/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard-2a+Kern-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6wGYpzcJsooizAI-OUcuqag6BRU6FzJGsLKN-GzCOXFm8UyFgNQeeZSmXANXOMINNxzehUsldcvjGs1BEek3rZ1IkPtvxMA9BgYyAuifGGiXg6ynA7Vb46Ww8y0aqHpETQumzSqYglR4/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard-2a+Kern-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here two 'Decks' bring a train into the SP yard past Kern Jct. - Notice the PI Main crossing the ATSF in front of the Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A three track interchange yard is located between the two ATSF main tracks and the SP yard. The P.I. main track, named for the Pacific Improvement company which built the Sunset Railway to Taft, crosses the ATSF at Kern Juction directly in front of the Tower as well using two diamonds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsrKDgMQpbyS12m9oaem5eDjsW5iBo84Tg48_cW2NuFbD1wF4j9lg-NonFoTChMhFf_zG75lfkiHizHvTOdPAgUPCOI-zUNZnoddw34N5kAt4ewRQIfNy-r9oGRxqUerZ3_AormEFE8pi/s1600/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsrKDgMQpbyS12m9oaem5eDjsW5iBo84Tg48_cW2NuFbD1wF4j9lg-NonFoTChMhFf_zG75lfkiHizHvTOdPAgUPCOI-zUNZnoddw34N5kAt4ewRQIfNy-r9oGRxqUerZ3_AormEFE8pi/s640/ATSF+Freight+WB+SP+Bakersfield+Kern+Jct+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 212 waits for a proceed signal from the Towerman at Kern Jct. with the SWG-4, Jan'53.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here we see the San Joaquin Daylight, No.52, blasting out of town crossing Haley St. and past Kern Jct. Tower.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yemHNZrNH74wSIdxSse49EYxAkb9eXC5O2DG-m95fWVsIALwYiT_rYSrb1GwvTp0fuFBnftxkW_MnuVGYq4SUeVVnaj8TJKaf2AtraE11JxDuJ7YA_oFgFPDgzfsSunyJOZzp4ZaA3z4/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+No52+Departing+Kern+Jct-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yemHNZrNH74wSIdxSse49EYxAkb9eXC5O2DG-m95fWVsIALwYiT_rYSrb1GwvTp0fuFBnftxkW_MnuVGYq4SUeVVnaj8TJKaf2AtraE11JxDuJ7YA_oFgFPDgzfsSunyJOZzp4ZaA3z4/s640/SP+Bakersfield+No52+Departing+Kern+Jct-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3:08PM Jan 4th, 1953, Kern Jct as No.52 departs town, Haley St engine deep on Track 4 with a freight helper on Track 3.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Action is intense east of Kern Juction with Double Track (East and West Main Tracks) allowing ATSF trains to continue west from Mt. Vernon Ave. without stopping to the Santa Fe yards west of Kern Jct., and eastward trains to head straight out of town while SP trains head into the yard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxCiowfaz2FGcfzWOtqotEyHnqs5waOlREkRsboKgk_BGCriEaHIefgMbX-KDCkFXHQPefBWgoG4w4-2h5jZUN2yPOm2B6NvVkJV3VeEpbM5EleEGL342Piy5W-5KFBFfKuuSmIiFedCc/s1600/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxCiowfaz2FGcfzWOtqotEyHnqs5waOlREkRsboKgk_BGCriEaHIefgMbX-KDCkFXHQPefBWgoG4w4-2h5jZUN2yPOm2B6NvVkJV3VeEpbM5EleEGL342Piy5W-5KFBFfKuuSmIiFedCc/s640/ATSF+170+East+meets+SP+6249+West+at+Mt+Vernon+Ave+Bakersfield%252C+Jan-4-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Plenty of action at Mt. Vernon today as ATSF 170 with a BK-block blasts out of town as SP 6248 brings in the XMUG from Los Angeles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SP Yardmaster (foreground) and Kern Operator (sitting in front of the scissor phone) oversee the operations in the SP yard and movements at Kern Junction respectively.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8joLlqyyeryXDnE4rFwy7Lx7Em3xXepkTKaXFI205EmH3SLQvn5HLBTPEin1RaLiTy_dwa4T5OZqJ84UplPJMFLz8-UAxBNsWli8NAvQ24RxvfgJGT73q4-cbB6_ow969m1y57UDX6dB/s1600/ATSF+225+%2526+3737+at+Kern+departing+-+Jan-5-53+1235AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8joLlqyyeryXDnE4rFwy7Lx7Em3xXepkTKaXFI205EmH3SLQvn5HLBTPEin1RaLiTy_dwa4T5OZqJ84UplPJMFLz8-UAxBNsWli8NAvQ24RxvfgJGT73q4-cbB6_ow969m1y57UDX6dB/s640/ATSF+225+%2526+3737+at+Kern+departing+-+Jan-5-53+1235AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 225 down a unit with a GP7 cut in behind and ATSF 3737 heading out to Bena to cut in as a rear helper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Kern Operator also communicates with the Dispatcher and relays information about approaching trains and information to the Dispatcher about the status of trains preparing to depart. The phone to the Yardmaster's left is for communicating with the Cheif Dispatcher, who plans 4-6 hours ahead and plans the train tonnages, engine assignments, and crew calls before handing off the authorization of those plans to the 'Trick' Train Order Dispatcher who writes the Train Orders and issues the Clearances.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ZrtJrSkai17WppNM_OQaRKuyqAI6n9glriPZxC8bTA6ZH3VyHi8kAHqG5_2bRHHNsbc_jjgf3YhE1l4wdQOAlEhgRNkiTdt2N_tL38TKzw0t4DOzjSpXMnKIZiRpAIAst-nrO6W0EoP/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ZrtJrSkai17WppNM_OQaRKuyqAI6n9glriPZxC8bTA6ZH3VyHi8kAHqG5_2bRHHNsbc_jjgf3YhE1l4wdQOAlEhgRNkiTdt2N_tL38TKzw0t4DOzjSpXMnKIZiRpAIAst-nrO6W0EoP/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Jan-5-53+151AM-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The "Tide is in" during a busy time in the ATSF Bakersfield Yard! Jan 4, 1953.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll cover the operations of the SP-ATSF interchange in the future when I write about the ATSF Bakersfield Yard.<br />
<br />
<h2>
City Switcher</h2>
<br />
The Bakersfield Yard's City Switcher works the various industries with general freight, company shop and store houses, and also the express and freight houses. The east end of the yard is worked by the Mt.Vernon Ave Switcher, the west end by the Haley St. Switcher. The packing sheds at Edison, seven miles east of the yard, and the Oil City Branch to the north of Bakersfield are also worked by the yard switcher crews as needed. I'll discuss these other jobs in future posts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_1nN9PJauDX2YKCh4qwlpOt4BcXVn1u2_PNjprkQk4CqVRZDZ_FNLduLZU4CT7Y5mnB-SZXOqfeLHk9vr0bQM8uJTtS1fpR2ci9ge5fJRxdr17QCQBkWA7FM_lZrCqZrXE80UGL_3XxR/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pmB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_1nN9PJauDX2YKCh4qwlpOt4BcXVn1u2_PNjprkQk4CqVRZDZ_FNLduLZU4CT7Y5mnB-SZXOqfeLHk9vr0bQM8uJTtS1fpR2ci9ge5fJRxdr17QCQBkWA7FM_lZrCqZrXE80UGL_3XxR/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pmB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here we see the City Switcher working the 70's yard. The Kern Land Warehouse has a full double spot in the foreground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's look at the City Switchers territory in detail, marked in purple highlights in the drawing below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Qgzsq1hwVd5Fs4Y6gTZ9NV_QXWOlF9ZTU9fcYyu1CLLyYyogHBO6ZbQI8dFXLaBLKZPvIheWvU9Bag4Do_hnhZI8KMf_r0iuOidxkeXpiwwsG7pUziEC3MTtxBsFFAcwP4cqCqkH8Ru/s1600/CITY+SWITCHER+GRAPHIC+1+-+REV-A+%2528dec-21-1952%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_Qgzsq1hwVd5Fs4Y6gTZ9NV_QXWOlF9ZTU9fcYyu1CLLyYyogHBO6ZbQI8dFXLaBLKZPvIheWvU9Bag4Do_hnhZI8KMf_r0iuOidxkeXpiwwsG7pUziEC3MTtxBsFFAcwP4cqCqkH8Ru/s640/CITY+SWITCHER+GRAPHIC+1+-+REV-A+%2528dec-21-1952%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">City Yard, 70's Yard and main SP yard at Bakersfield during the 1950s as modeled at La Mesa Model Railroad Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The City Switcher works out of the "70's Yard", which is a sub-yard which forms the hub of the local switching operations around Bakersfield. The main classification flat-switching yard has a track for "City" traffic which is a basic 'sluff' track for all traffic for the Oil City, Sunset Rwy (Taft Branch), P.I. Yard, Company Car Shops, Freight Houses, and local industries.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Passenger & Express Switching</h3>
<br />
The Switchers within the Bakersfield Switching Limits (Not related to Rule 93, but to Union Agreements) allow any switcher on duty to be directed to work as needed within the yard switching limits. This can mean that one crew could be directed to do all the work in the yard if no other crews are on-duty. Usually two crews are on-duty in the main yard during the day with extra crews put on as needed for Oil City Switcher and Edison Switcher if needed. The regular City engine works overnight between 8:01PM and 8:01AM.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB2JyFV4d27bQr9kbj47NHZdpY_ObesTJMAz8b1QB7MLSinUxI70yb5E9j3Y7-dLkCJ8GGi9ZArQ6o7P4uJZqLvP35HhBmS1TbSBpr-LdaWzxfofUtauqaKeJiKVho9JVUOX1p6JKP5T5/s1600/SP+6233+in+City+Yard-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB2JyFV4d27bQr9kbj47NHZdpY_ObesTJMAz8b1QB7MLSinUxI70yb5E9j3Y7-dLkCJ8GGi9ZArQ6o7P4uJZqLvP35HhBmS1TbSBpr-LdaWzxfofUtauqaKeJiKVho9JVUOX1p6JKP5T5/s640/SP+6233+in+City+Yard-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6236 in the City Yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Usually the opening move of the City Switcher is pulling any express cars for the VME (<i>Overnight</i>) returning to Los Angeles after 6PM. If the separate City Switcher isn't on duty yet, the Haley St. Switcher will come over to preform these duties. Often they 'Go for the Quit' early once No.447, the VMW (<i>Overnight</i>), arrives and they spot the express cars at the Bakersfield freight house.<br />
<br />
During the middle of the shift the <i>Owl</i> (Nos. 57 & 58) pick up and set out sealed mail cars from Oakland and the <i>Mail</i> (Nos. 55 & 56) does the same for cars from Los Angeles. Below we see No.57 receiving its sealed mail pickup car in the evening during the engine change. <i>The HO scale car models are heavier and require two GS or Mt class engines to take the Owl into the San Joaquin Valley, in real life only one was plenty for the 17 car train.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLIGdW4ZBrAu4RoMJisMwkVJCLzy8GXIQqrUv1p_cD72BBEHTJi8F88jt1iyhtoYx1r6sSQCMdTxf1LehOu6GVr5iFQwy6y4CF1kM3P4hCK4LsLl-IsT4MgzMhk2ApD8dP1ivyUTU1PQ-/s1600/SP+no57+switching+Bakersfield+-+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLIGdW4ZBrAu4RoMJisMwkVJCLzy8GXIQqrUv1p_cD72BBEHTJi8F88jt1iyhtoYx1r6sSQCMdTxf1LehOu6GVr5iFQwy6y4CF1kM3P4hCK4LsLl-IsT4MgzMhk2ApD8dP1ivyUTU1PQ-/s640/SP+no57+switching+Bakersfield+-+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Earlier in the evening the City Switcher shuffled the pickup car for No57 out to the platform.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The City Switcher's hottest moves in the evening is working the sealed mail cars for the various night passenger trains. Tonight's rather light, SP baggage car 6011 is coupled into the consist of No.57, the <i>Owl</i>, during the engine change.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UDAZ47admtuUqsS0wETzDguzOPIUuoKc5XpEkfo6Q5zCkzDknF0YQUHN9xsUKWx2Itsfq4tUf4eGlqzA_R0l5YQpfZFIAJnAR4NVoa0bxn4kwF0exXRMeZbp2R1-piXgg4G9LYTHHW17/s1600/SP+4352+engine+change+No57+%2526+Switching+Bakersfield+-+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UDAZ47admtuUqsS0wETzDguzOPIUuoKc5XpEkfo6Q5zCkzDknF0YQUHN9xsUKWx2Itsfq4tUf4eGlqzA_R0l5YQpfZFIAJnAR4NVoa0bxn4kwF0exXRMeZbp2R1-piXgg4G9LYTHHW17/s640/SP+4352+engine+change+No57+%2526+Switching+Bakersfield+-+Jan-4-53+1133pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coming down to the joint with the <i>Owl </i>at the platform while passengers and mail are being worked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Industrial Switching</h3>
<br />
The City Switcher's work can be divided into five areas:<br />
- City Yard (South of main, between Bakers St. and Kern River)<br />
- SP Freight House (West of Kern River - not in service as of Jan 2018)<br />
- North Side (Industries along the 70's Yard, between Baker St. and Kern River)<br />
- SP Shops (including Carpenters Shop, "Malley Shed" Car Shop, Co Storehouse, and Backshops)<br />
- Kern Wye and PI Yard (South side of main, between Depot and the east leg of the Kern Wye)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ypkLUr6SukF7YNngJ57zOr5I-WHQToW7UQ6hsUSDSMoUQW8Vpot5Fo4TNUhSarMIw5RLIPtlIGWtzNGIhtWnkgYdbe8jEL8ioeCZKSqZmSfCpd85OW4jAYQNxsr0Rt1oadrGOl2JWasf/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ypkLUr6SukF7YNngJ57zOr5I-WHQToW7UQ6hsUSDSMoUQW8Vpot5Fo4TNUhSarMIw5RLIPtlIGWtzNGIhtWnkgYdbe8jEL8ioeCZKSqZmSfCpd85OW4jAYQNxsr0Rt1oadrGOl2JWasf/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1148pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">11:49PM Jan 4, 1953 we see a string of tank cars and box cars being drilled on the west 70's ladder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Operations in the City Yard are governed by switchlists marked up by the Yardmaster and car movements are issued on the original wheel report lists as the cars enter the railroad from staging by Clerks from the Traffic Dept. The Clerks also preform the Freight Agent positions, update routings and assignments of empty cars at the three major yards in Bakersfield, Mojave, and the larger industrial stations at Monolith and Tehachapi.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi856fjZGDZoqI4u4adZ1AFkhnfw36BSodjnLR0_gEmIjJdqi1U4nDI9k6ZpoACaeN-ZEyodEoV6W5GJfjuRNAof3xIiz7Jf3OyP3433YQOQUlxfm6QP9OYAfGxzjhVr7y3UEAXfvIlf-jQ/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1149pmA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi856fjZGDZoqI4u4adZ1AFkhnfw36BSodjnLR0_gEmIjJdqi1U4nDI9k6ZpoACaeN-ZEyodEoV6W5GJfjuRNAof3xIiz7Jf3OyP3433YQOQUlxfm6QP9OYAfGxzjhVr7y3UEAXfvIlf-jQ/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1149pmA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hard at work reading switch lists and throwing switches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The City crew's getting started on another block of cars from the main yard. They'll sort them by rough destinations into one of the five tracks in the 70's yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv9Dml2rejDbPJ7cz6zGlc6ZZE5pbC4sYSD_ZOSROYSBLwsn7XvsdBD3nbUi4ba0dTUJaw2i_Jaggvk9UeAAJhtahjoxfMlBDCNwEJdNdYr26nSRX5gcetE2ixE3isy25FJ4Nk0UsyZtY/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1159mA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv9Dml2rejDbPJ7cz6zGlc6ZZE5pbC4sYSD_ZOSROYSBLwsn7XvsdBD3nbUi4ba0dTUJaw2i_Jaggvk9UeAAJhtahjoxfMlBDCNwEJdNdYr26nSRX5gcetE2ixE3isy25FJ4Nk0UsyZtY/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-4-53+1159mA.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">11:59PM John B. works the City Switcher on the night of the 4-5th of January 1953 session.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBtVNd6WmP6bmrLh06aLztO1O7VkzC_D3g7YMOCjHrblC0p86W8_0Rn-MmLC2CnJsHurf1qQbAut46od1yWvJblBxwExAipdGT7-gs5_0TLf_-kBhltrpnTxJEU0tGEabJBzFbKwKJMeJ/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+151am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBtVNd6WmP6bmrLh06aLztO1O7VkzC_D3g7YMOCjHrblC0p86W8_0Rn-MmLC2CnJsHurf1qQbAut46od1yWvJblBxwExAipdGT7-gs5_0TLf_-kBhltrpnTxJEU0tGEabJBzFbKwKJMeJ/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+151am.jpg" width="610" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">By 1:51AM the 70's yard is well in order. The north side industries have been spotted and the switcher's working on the south side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxnw8saZZ8V5L6k_Wa4sTv6PI3nrkXT9ePWMk28WxLLtA5aEGj3ND4_G2MsdwrrZXfGGfM1h4wqWZpAGdax4BVEDzJjq759lBlsvfoVR4bKeWMssnJVdp4voBPydwOB4TjMgFO5dwLEBC/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+151amB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxnw8saZZ8V5L6k_Wa4sTv6PI3nrkXT9ePWMk28WxLLtA5aEGj3ND4_G2MsdwrrZXfGGfM1h4wqWZpAGdax4BVEDzJjq759lBlsvfoVR4bKeWMssnJVdp4voBPydwOB4TjMgFO5dwLEBC/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+151amB.jpg" width="590" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Looking east at 1:51AM there's large strings of boxcars in the City Yard being worked and prepared to be spotted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Kg_LqVRDcOtUjAg9uRIr5u2mqKftn0V3Em4cbex1P9VWgWwPWPDxfuA9idlRYF1MmS1xgB2Y4PojP6tSMmjmP-IYHPqA8tCdQyxOduE3Q3Ldjh6UwRR6ARU3Sio8p1znCjVJJy6c-uMN/s1600/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+202am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Kg_LqVRDcOtUjAg9uRIr5u2mqKftn0V3Em4cbex1P9VWgWwPWPDxfuA9idlRYF1MmS1xgB2Y4PojP6tSMmjmP-IYHPqA8tCdQyxOduE3Q3Ldjh6UwRR6ARU3Sio8p1znCjVJJy6c-uMN/s640/Bakersfield+City+Switcher+-+Jan-5-53+202am.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">By 2:02AM the City Switcher's running back up the main track to the main freight yard with the pulls for outbound sorting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Several times a day the City Switcher returns to the main yard to drop off cars for movement out of Bakersfield, be it to the Santa Fe interchange or to SP freights.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-HhIQua3R1RdM6gn8sVkc3BwTVPsj9MjfrcPXo5rr360pj84hppWLPyOO78Zq49XuzqOk1oqPXjTz1o-cLSyeIdUZ93j_eXRRewkdoZP62lUP6gQcKlio4nDOBmibV_jqPQpv7VpFUdh/s1600/Bakersfield+Freight+House+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-HhIQua3R1RdM6gn8sVkc3BwTVPsj9MjfrcPXo5rr360pj84hppWLPyOO78Zq49XuzqOk1oqPXjTz1o-cLSyeIdUZ93j_eXRRewkdoZP62lUP6gQcKlio4nDOBmibV_jqPQpv7VpFUdh/s640/Bakersfield+Freight+House+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF boxcars at the Kern Land Warehouse - leased for additional ATSF freight house space.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately one of the considerations of getting such a massive amount of prototype railroad into a limited space is that some concessions have to be made. In the ATSF Bakersfield yard, there simply wasn't enough room for the 1400ft long freight house used to unload all the inbound merchandise and freight forwarder shipments at Bakersfield. At the same time, as far as our records can tell, the Kern Land Warehouse was vacant for many years during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Kern Land Warehouse has seven doors on the south side of the SP's City Yard.<br />
<br />
So in a slight bending of history, we're saying that the ATSF Freight House is operating at reduced capacity because of earthquake damage from the August quake of 1952 and the ATSF is leasing the Kern Land Warehouse for their freight forwarder operations. This change also allows more traffic through the Kern Junction interchange between the two RR's as SP's City Switcher does the work at the Kern Land Warehouse.<br />
<br />
In the future as the industrial trackage around the SP Bakersfield and Oil Junction areas get finished the SP's Freight House operations will be moved "across the river" to the correct facilities near Oil Junction.<br />
<br />
<h2>
In Closing</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoEArj7UZkIx8Zv5kqVF7Sqr5p99t8wdHJqciiiUUo5GrhQwBxK8IKf7b4MqqQt0cAEExgpNrfxI3JnhboGjYwngAgf5B8Fi_QT0OVEy6B4K9gyYcJRJH1nIzlxh7JBPepnIL74x9N3ta/s1600/Bena+TO+-+Mt+Local+Jan4-53+B%2526W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoEArj7UZkIx8Zv5kqVF7Sqr5p99t8wdHJqciiiUUo5GrhQwBxK8IKf7b4MqqQt0cAEExgpNrfxI3JnhboGjYwngAgf5B8Fi_QT0OVEy6B4K9gyYcJRJH1nIzlxh7JBPepnIL74x9N3ta/s640/Bena+TO+-+Mt+Local+Jan4-53+B%2526W.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 5301 & 5304 recouple to the KI Local at Bena for the returning Eastward trip to Mojave.</td></tr>
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<br />
That will wrap up our Overview of the SP Yard at Bakersfield (Part2). In future posts I'll be looking at Mojave Yard and more closely at other trains of interest on the Tehachapi Subdivision.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
<h4>
Related Links:</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/09/overview-of-1950s-time-table-operation_15.html">Overview of 1950s Time Table & Train Order Operations on Tehachapi Pass</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times in Bakersfield - (Part 1</a>)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehachapi on SCX-BI</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/10/modeling-mail-trains-55-56-tehachapi.html">Modeling Mail Trains 55 & 56 - <i>Tehachapi Mail</i></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/11/modeling-mow-supply-train-part-1.html">Modeling an MOW Supply Train (Part 1)</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-20059558815253285422018-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:002018-01-08T12:57:29.434-08:00Busy Times in Bakersfield (Part 1)Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully 2018 will be another good year for rail-fanning and also finding out more history about how things worked 75-80 years ago on the railroads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WDX5ukX1ZlXhGb07gglVa0VSvbXAglgyZgR_c9PZdGdSkySx-jCZlzz81VpbO9Z8iYE9UxXfPItfDrOK2wpxpDrq9LSs_r8hQrZhyphenhyphenLOsnKjJjC7hhYBhA-QDs3iJ_08rRkP19GYkMVQI/s1600/Happy+New+Year+2018+-+SPNG+18+meets+SPNG+9+at+Laws+-+9-23-2017+-+JRHill+Photo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WDX5ukX1ZlXhGb07gglVa0VSvbXAglgyZgR_c9PZdGdSkySx-jCZlzz81VpbO9Z8iYE9UxXfPItfDrOK2wpxpDrq9LSs_r8hQrZhyphenhyphenLOsnKjJjC7hhYBhA-QDs3iJ_08rRkP19GYkMVQI/s640/Happy+New+Year+2018+-+SPNG+18+meets+SPNG+9+at+Laws+-+9-23-2017+-+JRHill+Photo+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">For the first time in 58 years, SPNG 18 under steam meets SPNG 9 at Laws, CA, Sept 23, 2017. - Jason Hill Photo</td></tr>
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I thought I'd branch out in a slightly different direction than most of my other blog posts and hit on some thoughts about operations again. Two months ago, I was in San Diego for the November on Tehachapi 2017 at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club's 1950's Operating Session. Most of the following model photos are from that 24 hours of 1:1 time operation. The last blog post I made about the operations at LMRC was almost a year ago and can be read at this link - <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehacahpi on the SCX-BI</a>. I also did a blog on <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/11/modeling-mow-supply-train-part-1.html">Modeling an SPMW Supply Train</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2rtore7LUG1OM_-6eNvrm9UPQJV6sCU8u2zQ59qDuP9bfqGNKQXnYfOcxPU-YmGOGe_FwoRuF-r19srnJmTlXl1kLiue2pAoDJyPS9p1g-XRA8hlzukllGgY5U5OSb1Eyk2hvlu_ABCO/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard-2+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2rtore7LUG1OM_-6eNvrm9UPQJV6sCU8u2zQ59qDuP9bfqGNKQXnYfOcxPU-YmGOGe_FwoRuF-r19srnJmTlXl1kLiue2pAoDJyPS9p1g-XRA8hlzukllGgY5U5OSb1Eyk2hvlu_ABCO/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard-2+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A busy Kern Junction Operator copies orders during the November Session on Tehachapi. - Photos by Jason Hill unless noted.</td></tr>
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I've been thinking about putting some tid-bits of information about how some of the 'regular operations' are done, which are based on prototype photos taken during the 1950s and interviews with former switchmen who worked the Bakersfield Yard during the 1950s.<br />
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<h2>
Roundhouse Operations at Bakersfield</h2>
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During the average day there were eight passenger trains doing engine changes and at least eight freights changing engines between the valley and mountain. The freights often ran in multiple sections and eastward freights usually needed one or two helpers. Some helpers were through and others were instructed to cut off at Summit and return to Bakersfield. In addition there were three regular switchers and anywhere from two to six or more locals working out of the terminal at Bakersfield. All of this traffic makes for a busy time at the Bakersfield Roundhouse!<br />
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<h3>
Changing Engines for Eastward 1st Class Trains</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYAt0zU6kI-MUXRf3OLk2GIWY9c-JXFQhI4Rc-oTrfG1krDde9DxzEuKx_LASourrYoUxkIhp9HtcNiZglYTeytyfpFD0Kqi1Vvh8jDKwU_EgaSqfhNAp8z0bzATw4nkpmTCCNrZgeaIY/s1600/SP+6244+%2526+SP+4185+at+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYAt0zU6kI-MUXRf3OLk2GIWY9c-JXFQhI4Rc-oTrfG1krDde9DxzEuKx_LASourrYoUxkIhp9HtcNiZglYTeytyfpFD0Kqi1Vvh8jDKwU_EgaSqfhNAp8z0bzATw4nkpmTCCNrZgeaIY/s640/SP+6244+%2526+SP+4185+at+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6244 and another set of F-units wait for their next call. The 4185 is on the Outbound Leads ready to move to her train.</td></tr>
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The SP did not have any water plugs at the Bakersfield Station Platform, so all steam engines arriving on scheduled passenger trains were swapped out here. The <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> only spent seven minutes at the platform, just enough time to disconnect the steam lines and cut away the arriving engine(s) and couple up the fresh departing engine(s), connect the steam and air hoses and do a brake test.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbb_gIiJcZln-Crr4-O0QPGviPZGKCZFJoJvl-tEYGOWsT9RdM2Gel8gG3q1e1KlCLoSZgMm7EhcG7_m3hSpjltuH5DdVHZo323ZxYpGZar_2hpfEvlBqWMRUku_zpsGfzxw-COjysi8Y/s1600/Bakersfield+West+Station+Plan+-+1950+LMRC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbb_gIiJcZln-Crr4-O0QPGviPZGKCZFJoJvl-tEYGOWsT9RdM2Gel8gG3q1e1KlCLoSZgMm7EhcG7_m3hSpjltuH5DdVHZo323ZxYpGZar_2hpfEvlBqWMRUku_zpsGfzxw-COjysi8Y/s640/Bakersfield+West+Station+Plan+-+1950+LMRC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">LMRC's West Bakersfield Yard Plan, Not showing is the main 600-car yard body to the east. - Jason Hill drawing 2017</td></tr>
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While it might not be obvious to the untrained eye, the experienced crews working Bakersfield use the track work here to the maximum potential. The preparation for the arriving First Class train and engine change can start as much as 90 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the train.<br />
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The basic flow through the roundhouse complex is from west to east. Engines arrive via the "Back Track" from the yard and no switchman is required next to the "Pullman Shed" where a spring switch (marked "S/S" on the drawing above) routes the engines when moving eastward down the lead to the "Inbound Engine" track. Once the engines have been serviced and inspected, they're topped off with water and fuel on the "Outbound Leads" which dump out on a third lead which leads into the west end of the Ice Deck. Steam engines generally wait either on the "Outbound Leads" and the diesels in "Ready A" or "Ready B" until the crews pick them up.<br />
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Eastward engine changes for passenger trains happen with the train arriving on the Main Track in front of the station. This can get tricky as freight trains often are split between the main yard and Track 23 and 24 while cutting in helpers mid-train. Sometimes this process can really tie the throat trackage and leads up beside "Ready A" for 15-20 minutes. It's always good to keep the First Class train's engines - first.<br />
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<b>Time: 30-45 Minutes Before Departure</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsNtt3EgheNDrTfka-vPlW4Pxl0IRGJAiVfRPDsUaIL5yUrxaKCeYLHGssFqJsXkak6gsC1H-1xZJ5UVW6mXraa8tncdNGF5qpLRDpubV4GXjb6XyWEPi2XOfJgosIYuZRIhuuKb908vO/s1600/SP+4450+Bakersfield+Rdy+East+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsNtt3EgheNDrTfka-vPlW4Pxl0IRGJAiVfRPDsUaIL5yUrxaKCeYLHGssFqJsXkak6gsC1H-1xZJ5UVW6mXraa8tncdNGF5qpLRDpubV4GXjb6XyWEPi2XOfJgosIYuZRIhuuKb908vO/s640/SP+4450+Bakersfield+Rdy+East+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4450 waiting on the "Outbound Lead" for the second engine to come off the turntable and couple up. - November 2017</td></tr>
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As soon as the engines are ready on the Outbound Leads, they are 'herded' over to the East "Main Pocket" shown on the drawing above. In this example, a pair of 4400-series GS-4s are being coupled together to take the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> (No.52) on the last leg of the schedule from Bakersfield to Los Angeles.<br />
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Remember that engines may move freely within the Yard Limits (Rule 93) as long as they are not on the time of a First Class Train. In this case, the arriving first class train is becoming the engines that are sitting on the main. Protection of the engines is provided by lining the cross over to their west to cross over to Track 22 to Track 1. Any arriving freights coming in (running like crazy ahead of the First Class Train) will be heading into the yard at that cross over anyway, as all freights arriving in Bakersfield do. Any westward light engines cleared through Kern Jct. will cruise down the "Old" Track 1 and then crossover to the east end of the 20's Yard ladder heading to the "Back Track" to the Roundhouse's Inbound Lead. No westward freight trains would be trying to leave (hopefully not anyway) in the face of an opposing First Class Train's arrival.<br />
<br />
<b>Time: 8-20 Minutes Before Departure</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENdcg68qMVjrp2-LKyTzDlbKuhn7BORq8UeHl9fwWVjMqlJBu18e5FjS0wrvMLe5jnm2QtB9XWAY8_pCFe9CNV2INEGoS3HEydxJJSi-66IBEsNTWqFttpvux7tbXhiH2Yk5b9-5EbIks/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Passenger+Engine+East+Change-B+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENdcg68qMVjrp2-LKyTzDlbKuhn7BORq8UeHl9fwWVjMqlJBu18e5FjS0wrvMLe5jnm2QtB9XWAY8_pCFe9CNV2INEGoS3HEydxJJSi-66IBEsNTWqFttpvux7tbXhiH2Yk5b9-5EbIks/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Passenger+Engine+East+Change-B+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4450 and one of her black-painted sisters prepare for the arrival of No.52, the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i>.</td></tr>
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At this point, the Bakersfield Yardmaster has the departing engines ready in the East "Pocket" on the Main Track. The Left-hand crossover east of the station is set to 'reverse' directing the arriving eastward engines over on to Track 22/Track 1, this also serves to 'protect' the waiting engines in the "Pocket" from the arriving train if it overruns the platform stop. On the model this is also done so the train can be pulled clear of Baker St., which can be a problem for 17 car passenger trains like the <i>Owl</i> and some special trains because of the selective compression of the platform trackage.<br />
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<i>Notice that in the photo above the set of F-units on Ready A are gone? They were called for a freight train with the 4185 as the helper. Because the engines for No.52 were out of the way and sitting on the Main Track, there was no probable or delay to putting the freight train together. The freight will be ready to leave as soon as No.52's block clears at the east end of the yard in a few minutes!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Time: 7 Minutes Before Departure</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At this point the arriving No.52 pulls into the station. The arriving engine cuts off, leaving the train at the platform and crosses over to Track 1. The crossover is lined back for the Main Track and the new engines back down onto the train standing at the platform.<br />
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<b>Time: 2 Minutes After Arrival, 5 Minutes Before Departure</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VZAVqxPzbaC6-a-og9YGeCCVIXWvsR391Q7YN04jBM9N7H4lGtgBZAiedPaYOqsR5VjEtH5tQq4qcUhE8fuhsZl7FHivNv4jTtQ6LyfdSpAEv2_a396q5HPi76oatNACAYDVnntgL4Hl/s1600/SP+4466+1-52+cutting+off+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VZAVqxPzbaC6-a-og9YGeCCVIXWvsR391Q7YN04jBM9N7H4lGtgBZAiedPaYOqsR5VjEtH5tQq4qcUhE8fuhsZl7FHivNv4jTtQ6LyfdSpAEv2_a396q5HPi76oatNACAYDVnntgL4Hl/s640/SP+4466+1-52+cutting+off+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4466 pulled the First 52 into Bakersfield and is ready to back down to the "Back Track" and head to the Roundhouse - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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Here we see SP 4466 backing down Track 1 Lead and about crossover to the 20's Ladder heading for the Roundhouse via the "Back Track" next to the Carpenter's Shop at the left of the photo above. The train that SP 4466 just pulled into Bakersfield should be just out of frame to the left in this photo.<br />
<i><br /></i><i>Also of interest is the dirt-asphalt walkway seen at left crossing the P.I. Yard tracks between the crew Yard Office building (out of frame to the far left) and the Crew Lockers and Washrooms at right where the road crews go on-duty.</i><br />
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<b>Time: 5 Minutes After Arrival, 2 Minutes Before Departure</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow_8vY4xvAeCMmE03dq9I_Q_TWSonTZ2CN0ni98mwh2BUwC_V2zJinckYhdKPHmYkKBlPB16nKB4fwd5S3u15AIoZiY6NDFeUhAhvyIb029Xf8o8aszgPutrEWH8aMP1CQkk7ij2dbWfd/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Passenger+Engine+East+Change-C+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow_8vY4xvAeCMmE03dq9I_Q_TWSonTZ2CN0ni98mwh2BUwC_V2zJinckYhdKPHmYkKBlPB16nKB4fwd5S3u15AIoZiY6NDFeUhAhvyIb029Xf8o8aszgPutrEWH8aMP1CQkk7ij2dbWfd/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Passenger+Engine+East+Change-C+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4450 and 4434 are ready for departure. SP 4438 (in 'half-Daylight' scheme) is on the inbound servicing track top-right.</td></tr>
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<br />
The arriving engine (SP 4438) cuts away from the standing train at the depot and pulls through the crossover. The two new engines (SP 4450 & 4434) back down onto the train, connect the steam and air hose connections, make a quick brake test, and then wait for the Conductor's highball, signaling that all the passengers and headend work are done.<br />
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The arriving engine (SP 4438), after moving through the crossovers backs down the 20's ladder and onto the "Back Track" moving westward along the south side of the Carpentry Shops and over the spring switch (marked "S/S" on the drawing), before pulling eastward again onto the "Inbound Engine" lead for service as shown in the photo above.<br />
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<b>Time: 15 Seconds After Departure - On Time</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1IJu_mPgSTGBEfLdG2ny8PimHWf9ObtePO8dXK2VyxUuMlvWP1N9icKqkHx9KZrBkKqAYsnj7I5pF5K3Lgtde__yHjB483nXyQRJFboz0f7fHcu-GokDfnG8Ck9v6n2by-S_5RKwIE3_/s1600/SP+4434+with+No52+-+Ready+to+Leave+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1IJu_mPgSTGBEfLdG2ny8PimHWf9ObtePO8dXK2VyxUuMlvWP1N9icKqkHx9KZrBkKqAYsnj7I5pF5K3Lgtde__yHjB483nXyQRJFboz0f7fHcu-GokDfnG8Ck9v6n2by-S_5RKwIE3_/s640/SP+4434+with+No52+-+Ready+to+Leave+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">On another day SP 4434 leads No52 out past the Storehouse towards Kern Jct. - Nov 2017</td></tr>
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The <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> is back on the move heading for Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal (LAUPT).<br />
<br />
<b>Head End Car Notes:</b><br />
If any headend cars are being pulled off the arriving train they can either come off with the arriving engines or a switcher can dive in and pull them away. The <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> usually doesn't have any cars to pick up or drop off at Bakersfield. The short 7 minute stop would mean any car moves should be done ahead of time on the departing engines before the train arrives or by pulling the setouts off with the arriving engine, to clear the path back to the standing portion of the train at the station without further delay.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Changing Engines for Westward 1st Class Trains</h3>
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The scheme for changing westward engines isn't much different, except the track arrangement is a bit different.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcP3NUTGe8F7tosg_MZkNYy5GdsRJ4KyDzYaAr68HUpfohZsEBGEDkfyLoZ2_UtlXCNVB7MX3_lx2bv4HX-duWCtWUj3PcxvY2q9jdyymcd50wKwPtbeNRoMXxkXfFjhRQrifq7VYUdWw/s1600/SP+4439+No52+Bakersfield+Mar+17+1957+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcP3NUTGe8F7tosg_MZkNYy5GdsRJ4KyDzYaAr68HUpfohZsEBGEDkfyLoZ2_UtlXCNVB7MX3_lx2bv4HX-duWCtWUj3PcxvY2q9jdyymcd50wKwPtbeNRoMXxkXfFjhRQrifq7VYUdWw/s400/SP+4439+No52+Bakersfield+Mar+17+1957+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4439 sitting at the Bakersfield Station - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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Here's roughly what the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> would have looked like arriving into Bakersfield off the Tehachapi Pass from Los Angeles. <i> The above photo is actually taken on March 17, 1957 on a Fresno-Bakersfield-Fresno fan trip.</i><br />
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<b>Waiting Departure Engine</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGJ1uZmkMFcEaefnVxCpW0VjnTgvGinPT9P3Eb-sWV1nUBhqVysMnJLwyB02ALuwbe1hK6qnfgJsWWoqfzoDgIbwduDlqYPrR36k2yZgE787Fc0Ho73kjfgpAhW5vonoSGU6_S2O-xq8f/s1600/SP+4438+Waiting+to+Change+1st+Class+Westward+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGJ1uZmkMFcEaefnVxCpW0VjnTgvGinPT9P3Eb-sWV1nUBhqVysMnJLwyB02ALuwbe1hK6qnfgJsWWoqfzoDgIbwduDlqYPrR36k2yZgE787Fc0Ho73kjfgpAhW5vonoSGU6_S2O-xq8f/s640/SP+4438+Waiting+to+Change+1st+Class+Westward+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Waiting in the "West Pocket", the SP 4438 ready to take a First Class westward train. November 2017</td></tr>
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<br />
Above we see SP 4438 again waiting for an eastward freight to come into the yard, probably a PSS (Portland-Sunset) or OCM (Oregon-California Manifest) from the look of it. This would be common if the passenger engine was spotted in the pocket 20-40 minutes before the arrival of the train it was assigned to and the freight could come right up the Main Track past the Station before crossing over into the yard without fouling the time of the First Class train.<br />
<br />
The train arriving from LA cut off the engines, leaving the train standing at the station platform while headend baggage and mail are worked. The engines from LA head for the roundhouse and SP 4438 will then back down across Baker St. on to the standing consist at the platform.<br />
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<b>No.51 Departure</b><br />
<div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE21fPy_cbL4QUSBM_ef4ldouGbgL8Tc01ILjV0dazMzsjT38I21KZuUP-fN1uC1CcdMe6YllwPse2RoLkE9qPgEx7U8EFZMeBh6MJvllvdlGOPQJlq8sk1kNz9NyikGQT7vZavEzdNgKq/s1600/SP+4455+at+Bakersfield+with+No51+-+Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE21fPy_cbL4QUSBM_ef4ldouGbgL8Tc01ILjV0dazMzsjT38I21KZuUP-fN1uC1CcdMe6YllwPse2RoLkE9qPgEx7U8EFZMeBh6MJvllvdlGOPQJlq8sk1kNz9NyikGQT7vZavEzdNgKq/s640/SP+4455+at+Bakersfield+with+No51+-+Unknown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coupled to No.51, SP 4455 is ready to go --- as soon as the guy fixing his bike is out of the way! Photographer Unknown.</td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Another day, downtown Bakersfield shakes as the Mt-4 accelerates the Daylight out of town!<br />
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwMiByCIGJ8eplY1aCjgmehyphenhyphen-o3uhaNSQKqHv5FEAerkbvg_vMV1_9Kyh_o-4GRmIdf0xCYVULD-r1pWC3XDbiHr-fZ_YijA6yaZEkejcrzHSEHrwklFyI0apm_w07Xm6Nsc4xpYuBHmE/s1600/SP+No51+departing+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwMiByCIGJ8eplY1aCjgmehyphenhyphen-o3uhaNSQKqHv5FEAerkbvg_vMV1_9Kyh_o-4GRmIdf0xCYVULD-r1pWC3XDbiHr-fZ_YijA6yaZEkejcrzHSEHrwklFyI0apm_w07Xm6Nsc4xpYuBHmE/s640/SP+No51+departing+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here's a classic scene of No.51 departing Bakersfield, with the station at the far right. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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After changing the westward pair of engines out at Bakersfield for a single fresh engine, the Daylight is out of town heading for Fresno, Lathrop and Oakland.<br />
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<h3>
Around the Roundhouse</h3>
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The Bakersfield Roundhouse is a full time job for the bidded job working the "Roundhouse Foreman" position. Responsible for all movement within the Roundhouse Complex, he also doubles as the "Inside Hostler" for moving engines from the sanding and servicing arrival area, into stalls with inspection pits for about 90 minutes minimum for "Running Inspections" to be completed. He keeps track of the times the engines arrived and were put away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ4uAe4J2yb5lIkgHHOxXlPi2JT73RU87NrYs5I5uwBvgU3mh4-ueNJV53Oq977eRSIH9DxKF1OOjhA3nR1LdwDSR96HjpOehn3JuHyG1ow88uDS-jivvjh5rePtMJh0_C3KXXAQCW3vP/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+Roundhouse+-+Loaded+for+Operations+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ4uAe4J2yb5lIkgHHOxXlPi2JT73RU87NrYs5I5uwBvgU3mh4-ueNJV53Oq977eRSIH9DxKF1OOjhA3nR1LdwDSR96HjpOehn3JuHyG1ow88uDS-jivvjh5rePtMJh0_C3KXXAQCW3vP/s640/SP+Bakersfield+Roundhouse+-+Loaded+for+Operations+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP Bakersfield Roundhouse setup for operations. SP 4401 is waiting to be serviced and tucked away for inspections.</td></tr>
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The Roundhouse Foreman works with the Chief Dispatcher by phone, the engines are called in a First-In, First-Out basis. During these regular phone calls engines are assigned to trains up to 2-3 hours ahead of time. The engines once called, will be pulled by the Inside Hostler and spotted on the Ready Leads pointed in the correct direction for their call for the crews to pick up. The crews move the engines from the Ready Lead or Ready Track out into the yard to pickup their trains. <i>On some occasions if the crew is on a 'short call' or late, or we're short on crews, the Hostler will take the engines out to the trains.</i><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Z2hgggA3wNgcLpb_77E-ygxX9b6ZDWe-Q4ZvdZ-nxYl2dk7VDxIb-TShKMm_64CLFwcUk92ac3__VLhjP5q9shjXwEPB7qg_icJPRyKzf_1L-cI2UDpMmCJiTFjKNjBUhjN7OaxK1p5/s1600/SP+4477+Bakersfield+CarShop+in+the+backround+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Z2hgggA3wNgcLpb_77E-ygxX9b6ZDWe-Q4ZvdZ-nxYl2dk7VDxIb-TShKMm_64CLFwcUk92ac3__VLhjP5q9shjXwEPB7qg_icJPRyKzf_1L-cI2UDpMmCJiTFjKNjBUhjN7OaxK1p5/s640/SP+4477+Bakersfield+CarShop+in+the+backround+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4477 & 4483, plus two GS-2/3/6s are worked in the South Garden of the Bakersfield Roundhouse - Eddie Sims Collection.</td></tr>
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<br />
Running repairs and light work was done at the end of every trip. This was usually not serious work, but basic every day type work. Any serious problem found could be dealt with, but would require the use of a 'protection' engine if the original engine was planned to go back out on a 'short turn'. This is why there was ALWAYS a spare passenger Mt or GS sitting at Bakersfield to protect the passenger pool. If a freight engine, whether it was a 'Malley', a 'Deck', or a engine from the local pool, there would always be a protection engine ready in case the primary engine couldn't take the assignment.<br />
<br />
Any medium and heavy servicing could be done in the backshops at Bakersfield, this included full rebuilding of the SP's narrow gauge engines which worked the Keeler-Laws Branch out of Owenyo 143 miles from Mojave. While some complete rebuilds were done at LA or Sacramento, Bakersfield could handle all the regular work which the engines assigned to it needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92W5pxMbJ7X4SY5Ru6TTrRZXYgy_xskujKt28bTR3aNrO_SZbxQiuSZevLzEjFLsA7Nml-t0_ceSQ75vJWRX7fsfBn-LjJlzCUMrKflg3afWzLBhPnioSJiDAk9kxdlR959YQkEZdQkf1/s1600/SP+4279+Roundhouse+Queen-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92W5pxMbJ7X4SY5Ru6TTrRZXYgy_xskujKt28bTR3aNrO_SZbxQiuSZevLzEjFLsA7Nml-t0_ceSQ75vJWRX7fsfBn-LjJlzCUMrKflg3afWzLBhPnioSJiDAk9kxdlR959YQkEZdQkf1/s640/SP+4279+Roundhouse+Queen-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Engines in the shops for heavier work are also modeled, such as SP 4279 undergoing repairs and service.</td></tr>
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<br />
In one photo I've seen from the John Sweetser Collection, a late model AC-class engine with its tender removed and set aside. The engine, placed in the same open-air "Garden Track" as the model above, shows its smoke box door-plate removed and a 'superheater cart' pushed up to the rear of the 'monkey deck' for the swapping out of the Superheater unit and tubes. Adding an engine under scheduled 'medium repair' is rather interesting, and adds some variety to the scene. <i>The SP 4279 model is a disabled IMRC Mk-1 AC-12, which has also been used to salvage spare parts from for the other IMRC engines I've discussed before.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Crews Taking Their Calls</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtWG1QYMmGqEoKGjhTjA3RM9nDG0WdpcHzrAnajrdiLe9c_S0hYW9UoqRy9qG0CSC-gm-3SmASOUqKzr7xbHaU6OnsjA534XzYWMPNKYeRgPDgchRllr4P50nyZ_cqH6hPya-26tIPXW_/s1600/SP+2601+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtWG1QYMmGqEoKGjhTjA3RM9nDG0WdpcHzrAnajrdiLe9c_S0hYW9UoqRy9qG0CSC-gm-3SmASOUqKzr7xbHaU6OnsjA534XzYWMPNKYeRgPDgchRllr4P50nyZ_cqH6hPya-26tIPXW_/s640/SP+2601+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2601 on the Bakersfield Ready Track - Eddie Sims Collection - used with permission.</td></tr>
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<br />
Here, SP 2601 one of the early 'Harriman' 2-8-0s with a whale-back tender sits awaiting her crew on the north Ready Track Lead from the turntable. This lead extended to the east of the roundhouse complex into the Haley St. Yard lead along the north side of the yard. Engines ready for service would wait here for the crew to come on-duty and final servicing was finished up before moving into the yard to fetch the train.<br />
The SP 2601 didn't last too long, retired in 1949, as I recall. It was probably being used mostly as a switcher in the yards or close by in local service by this photo after June 1946.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Other Roundhouse Operations </h2>
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<h3>
<b>Servicing Diesels</b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuRe_UU5rvidM33sUBdhmtccZLePpg3GgmzM2L7LQz4vpJdeUL0_TZV27Jf5S0zLQ9qzDKk8XVIyqGpE5YtksSA1abOFQIs5TZM-h-y8vX2w95TCnvVNvpIFurAvHSniswY_nMUa3o-87/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Roundhouse+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuRe_UU5rvidM33sUBdhmtccZLePpg3GgmzM2L7LQz4vpJdeUL0_TZV27Jf5S0zLQ9qzDKk8XVIyqGpE5YtksSA1abOFQIs5TZM-h-y8vX2w95TCnvVNvpIFurAvHSniswY_nMUa3o-87/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Roundhouse+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here we see the PSS/OCM arriving with two sets of four F-units, the 4185 called as a helper and two "Decks" ready to go west.</td></tr>
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<br />
In the photo above we see the PSS or OCM arriving, running up Track 22, to Track 1 and then being 'Yarded" down into Track 3. "Ready A" and "Ready B" each have a 4-unit set of F-units receiving light servicing before returning to LA. During the first few years of diesel operations at Bakersfield the F-units worked an LA-Bakersfield-LA cycle, only receiving a quick wipe down of the windows and possibly a topping off of the fuel tank with a hose if needed. This light work only took about an hour and didn't require any pits for inspections. The regular inspections and work were handed at the "Home" shop in LA.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcfxU4fKAN9MmrzjNz5qe_nkkG4jfEmZ6MvFDnoQwn703OwtB3U5Fw71mxI3PsA4I5LGUuRiXc7_Hyc_Zs9UtCHkENiBiwFe9HJzLtfaQxW7aEDs_2G1r64wNzF7mbExioCaxg5HQNqv_/s1600/Carpenters+shop+-+Lumber+shed-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcfxU4fKAN9MmrzjNz5qe_nkkG4jfEmZ6MvFDnoQwn703OwtB3U5Fw71mxI3PsA4I5LGUuRiXc7_Hyc_Zs9UtCHkENiBiwFe9HJzLtfaQxW7aEDs_2G1r64wNzF7mbExioCaxg5HQNqv_/s640/Carpenters+shop+-+Lumber+shed-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lumber Shed (Yellow) and Carpenter's Shop (Red) as viewed from the North-East. (Lumber Shed will be painted Red too)</td></tr>
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<br />
The diesel work wasn't done at Bakersfield from 1948-about 1958 when the SP tore down the Carpenter's Shop and replaced it with a small diesel fueling and servicing rack, with the demise of the SP steam operations in the San Joaquin Valley Division.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
Freight Yard Operations</h3>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7V6T9YPUx80WOkUpiYqqg6r5gMdK8MJfK1c5mgQQY0r4JnFCNZcpZbBXAKBfHXkRcFM02ftLHfWP-fyrMjfXMhtehhONnt1SyD-y_jixW_nHNhpqzCBayNdIzr6sYovagF9lXSYfHQAG/s1600/SP+2850+-+Edison+with+Stock+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7V6T9YPUx80WOkUpiYqqg6r5gMdK8MJfK1c5mgQQY0r4JnFCNZcpZbBXAKBfHXkRcFM02ftLHfWP-fyrMjfXMhtehhONnt1SyD-y_jixW_nHNhpqzCBayNdIzr6sYovagF9lXSYfHQAG/s640/SP+2850+-+Edison+with+Stock+Train.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2850 leads a local with a block of SP stock cars through the San Joaquin Valley.</td></tr>
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<br />
The primary operations in Bakersfield were changing engines on the railroads heavy freight traffic as it made the transition from the mostly flat San Joaquin Valley (Bakersfield Sub Division) territory to the heavy grades of the Tehachapi Sub Division with 2.2% grades climbing from 300 feet at Bakersfield to 4000 feet at Summit.<br />
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<b>Engines on the Mountain</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0RPXP1nxg0x7oAUvhA5IRnS5c2DPB_UaIH9ZAqajkWBplLmR_xayf_Lvh6Q-1O1evcoYvpE5G9ferNr_nk0MqlwUATP2mFBc9KFZksdmkS1yaWhA5Roi8G8KS_emeXMHyQeBUX1qprLa/s1600/Extra+SP+6202+west+at+Caliente-Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0RPXP1nxg0x7oAUvhA5IRnS5c2DPB_UaIH9ZAqajkWBplLmR_xayf_Lvh6Q-1O1evcoYvpE5G9ferNr_nk0MqlwUATP2mFBc9KFZksdmkS1yaWhA5Roi8G8KS_emeXMHyQeBUX1qprLa/s640/Extra+SP+6202+west+at+Caliente-Cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 6202 pulls No.51, the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i>, through Caliente in late 1953.</td></tr>
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<br />
The SP's F-units were mostly used as the road engines on the Tehachapi Sub. after about 1950-51, replacing the heavy AC-type "Cab-forwards". The AC's remained in regular helper service until March-June 1953 with the arrival of the 5294-5307 series of RSD-5s.<br />
<br />
Some of the SP's F-units were delivered for dual-service with steam generators in the B-units and water tanks in the A-units, these units were often seen working as heavy mountain territory passenger engines. They started being used over Tehachapi on passenger trains such as the <i>West Coast</i> and <i>Owl</i> around 1952, and eventually taking over the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> for a time in late 1953, before the ALCo PA's arrived in numbers.<br />
<br />
The 1949-1953 era is really the last 'longer' era not seeing the phasing in and out of engine types very quickly on the Tehachapi Pass. The F-units in freight service on Tehachapi only lasted until 1954 when the 44 new 5440-series SD9s were delivered and bumped the F-units to other Divisions. This was the beginning of the fast changes to the SP engine fleet which lasted well into the 1960s, changing every couple of years, modeling this era is very hard because of these rapid changes.<br />
<br />
<b>Engines in the Valley</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3TvroU0GRhvjz__W74QGEAC9DlXauQoqBkZcrpEpMg6EeVBk4ZtT3DElc9WQnoHOO9bw-hXgdiOtHyrdXshhkJGf0B1l8L-wBVQQXPr9Er-4E80GcRa4QII7jgZ8cRZTKovMRhgaHQC4/s1600/SP+3666+-+Bakersfield+West+Rdy+-+Nov+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3TvroU0GRhvjz__W74QGEAC9DlXauQoqBkZcrpEpMg6EeVBk4ZtT3DElc9WQnoHOO9bw-hXgdiOtHyrdXshhkJGf0B1l8L-wBVQQXPr9Er-4E80GcRa4QII7jgZ8cRZTKovMRhgaHQC4/s640/SP+3666+-+Bakersfield+West+Rdy+-+Nov+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 3666, "Deck" serviced and pointed westward, ready to back down to her next assignment.</td></tr>
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During the early 1950's SP used SP-type (4-10-2s) "Stuttering Decks" and F-type (2-10-2s) "Decks" as the heavy engines on the Bakersfield Sub. of the San Joaquin Division.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj6NxynYB27W0R-NkSq0Ow3PE2IU-qq_v0w5nV-sPNxPWIF8_fMWFwB-V3UBWOsUI8Zzh5sNg1Oxk_aN903PJNn16_gR_n9rMiFKdqESom-vSAM8uX00JeTt1vStwkqMumVZIBhfUm6_T/s1600/SP+5038+West+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj6NxynYB27W0R-NkSq0Ow3PE2IU-qq_v0w5nV-sPNxPWIF8_fMWFwB-V3UBWOsUI8Zzh5sNg1Oxk_aN903PJNn16_gR_n9rMiFKdqESom-vSAM8uX00JeTt1vStwkqMumVZIBhfUm6_T/s640/SP+5038+West+Bakersfield+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 5038 and a "Deck" bring a heavy freight down Track 22 past the station at Bakersfield - November 2017.</td></tr>
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Heavy trains on the model railroad don't scale as well, so often two engines are needed for 60-70 car trains in the Valley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8ke04vWSPmEuexndn8r-CZOZ9EaxSJEtrWYaVHySW08YbtE8BvTY-8iAqTkrx6tnS2Tm2m8X5lUgo72xyZQKAbWnjRytcWgE9lEtQlvsrWHjPlEOEMNs-zBHZe98Mjvek9WSWjF-PrIR/s1600/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8ke04vWSPmEuexndn8r-CZOZ9EaxSJEtrWYaVHySW08YbtE8BvTY-8iAqTkrx6tnS2Tm2m8X5lUgo72xyZQKAbWnjRytcWgE9lEtQlvsrWHjPlEOEMNs-zBHZe98Mjvek9WSWjF-PrIR/s640/TNO+910+-+Bakersfield+West.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">T&NO 910 prepares to take an NCP westward to Fresno with a couple of stock cars on the headend.</td></tr>
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During the post-war years, SP transfered most of the F-5 class engines to the Texas & New Orleans subsidiary. A few came back to the Pacific Lines in the early 1950s, T&NO 910 was one such engine, which actually kept its T&NO number for about a year, during that time it worked out of Bakersfield.<br />
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<b>Engines in Local Assignments</b><br />
The switching and local jobs keep the SP's small engines busy. The wide variety of 2-8-0 "Hogs", 2-6-0 "Valley Malleys", and 0-6-0s, along with a scattering of S-2 Alco diesels and a few other diesel switchers cover most of the smaller jobs. The SP's last 4-8-0, the SP 2914 TW-8 class, was kept working into the mid-1950s out of Bakersfield on the Taft and Sunset Railway Locals.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxINLVj9ztgvu9FAFyljwHIHtWuk4eqesyIThR94lCAB-4V78YU8C9TzpFX0FG6jzD5LDuTpRNAbbpE9n8ZXUuJuzG_9O7aaSFkzYcXhXLKK9V_gEns382lW3rV2cz1aGjRKIW3io55JE1/s1600/SP+1774+w+sqr+tender+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxINLVj9ztgvu9FAFyljwHIHtWuk4eqesyIThR94lCAB-4V78YU8C9TzpFX0FG6jzD5LDuTpRNAbbpE9n8ZXUuJuzG_9O7aaSFkzYcXhXLKK9V_gEns382lW3rV2cz1aGjRKIW3io55JE1/s640/SP+1774+w+sqr+tender+at+Bakersfield+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 1774 works in Bakersfield on Track 25 next to the Carpenter's Shop building.</td></tr>
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The various locals worked out of Bakersfield up the San Joaquin Valley and on the various branches that radiated off the mainline between Bakersfield and Fresno. Engines like SP 1774 (above) often kept their train indicators slated with three blank numbers, so it was easy to drop in the freight schedule number when they're called to work on the road west of Bakersfield.<br />
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It is interesting that the 1774 is on Track 25, not the Back Track in this photo. This might suggest that it's drilling on Track 25 working the 70's yard before taking a 3rd class scheduled freight train west up the valley. Alternately, perhaps a Valley Shorts or Hauler for the towns along the way. Another possibly is that the crew will be working completely within yard limits and not need the indicators at all.<br />
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<h2>
<b>Local & Switching Operations</b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_g6u_dcCAjZcZZbmTaA0WgH86y07bPo06APs5mV5QDU6z4qY9hHbxi-Onz9BnyCoSZlTiruPc_7KYMgXLew6mBdUQHWoaqrE59_JpGfdMVuEh7ub33K-Y1GBvM0JtT_xAT5V_myQN1Ii/s1600/SP+2827+Bakersfield+Depot%252C+tank+cars+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_g6u_dcCAjZcZZbmTaA0WgH86y07bPo06APs5mV5QDU6z4qY9hHbxi-Onz9BnyCoSZlTiruPc_7KYMgXLew6mBdUQHWoaqrE59_JpGfdMVuEh7ub33K-Y1GBvM0JtT_xAT5V_myQN1Ii/s640/SP+2827+Bakersfield+Depot%252C+tank+cars+-+Eddie+Sims+Collection-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2827 heads a string of reefers, probably on a run to drop off at various sheds up the valley. - Eddie Sims Collection</td></tr>
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Above we see SP 2827 leading a string of reefers out past the Station on the Main Track. This could be a "Valley Shorts" train which would go out and drop reefers off and then either run on up to Fresno or turn and come back as one of the "Haulers" with loaded reefers to send east on an SJ-Block via Los Angeles and Colton on a C-Block to the eastern markets.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9hZ5WHJsKQ0Toza5IFJ0C64kfGMCkSHK9d8Lo0wlO7XcheMvwiGM8qmCRULa_2mPStbQv3whw22EY1-dJlu8AXdXqD_WEn2eU3XOHSlqAnd8gdaBRh6xknEtocmQ45de8PEPp7yC7SyR/s1600/SP+2850+-+Arriving+Bakersfield+with+GS+gonds+%2526+Coach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9hZ5WHJsKQ0Toza5IFJ0C64kfGMCkSHK9d8Lo0wlO7XcheMvwiGM8qmCRULa_2mPStbQv3whw22EY1-dJlu8AXdXqD_WEn2eU3XOHSlqAnd8gdaBRh6xknEtocmQ45de8PEPp7yC7SyR/s640/SP+2850+-+Arriving+Bakersfield+with+GS+gonds+%2526+Coach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 2850 brings in a short string of SP GS-drop bottom gondolas with SP 973 as the caboose.</td></tr>
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It should also be remembered that the Oil City Branch and Edison packing shed district were inside the "Yard Switching Agreement" which meant that yard crews would work these jobs instead of road crews. The Oil City Switcher was assigned an old coach in 1954, the SP 973, which I talk about in <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/sp-cabooses-part-1-ex-coaches.html">SP Cabooses (Part 1) - Ex-Coaches</a>.<br />
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<b>Yard Work - City Switcher</b><br />
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The City job works all the industries around the Bakersfield area, which number about a dozen, some of which can take 6-12 cars each. This includes the Car Shop, where bad-order cars are fixed and various other repairs are made. Company materials to the various storehouses as well as commercial customers are served.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp2UUxAx0XUkuVRzbGRCTmLFo_v7q_091wRKI2rEGHvDn6vM_eq0gBt0ktbMfpxZXqC0NlbZE7uLTZmmW10izgYqokEEJxkDZC8G6N4FGRBKbUSGv45OBuH2jshbdDacJKCHc4WPG7TND/s1600/Bakersfield+Freight+House+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp2UUxAx0XUkuVRzbGRCTmLFo_v7q_091wRKI2rEGHvDn6vM_eq0gBt0ktbMfpxZXqC0NlbZE7uLTZmmW10izgYqokEEJxkDZC8G6N4FGRBKbUSGv45OBuH2jshbdDacJKCHc4WPG7TND/s640/Bakersfield+Freight+House+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of the SP yard jobs is the City Switcher, which works the SP and ATSF freight houses.</td></tr>
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Currently the SP's final Freight House track work area isn't finished and the ATSF's Freight House had to be compressed down to about 10% of its scale size. The result is that we've moved our freight operations over to a prototypically unused building during the early 1950s, the Kern Land Warehouse, which offers 7-doors and until the future SP Freight house is serviceable a second track for through-loading of freight forwarder loads both in and out from Bakersfield. The freight houses are a major traffic flow for Bakersfield's locals because of all the merchandise coming into the consumer markets from the manufacturing east coast. -<i> Remember the industrialization of the west coast was just beginning in the early 1950s</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dSgPLA2DYyJf9cYL0sjeKrBAJEjHV6ODQblLBrtdheG0ABI90wSIf9HYGymLiHAgr7_yGQLDlvWpZ_hb3P348_aN6GZQP0MGtZmXQugxVKT39wxMPLckp4jw50c-sE1Xw4L2bXYlKrah/s1600/SP+6102+at+Bakersfield-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dSgPLA2DYyJf9cYL0sjeKrBAJEjHV6ODQblLBrtdheG0ABI90wSIf9HYGymLiHAgr7_yGQLDlvWpZ_hb3P348_aN6GZQP0MGtZmXQugxVKT39wxMPLckp4jw50c-sE1Xw4L2bXYlKrah/s640/SP+6102+at+Bakersfield-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The SP 6102, a set-out Storage Mail Car from the various night mail trains sits at Bakersfield's Mail Dock track.</td></tr>
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The City Switcher job also works the express and mail cars, and also the express perishable work around Bakersfield. <i>I talk about this more in the <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/01/sp-6102-kitbashing-rpo-from-mdcathearn.html">SP 6102 - Storage Mail Car</a> post</i>.<br />
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During expected low work shift times of the day or week, the City job can be cut off and the regular yard job will do whatever work is needed. This also applies to the Oil City switch job and Edison packing shed work.<br />
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<h2>
'Going for the Quit'</h2>
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I always find it fun and somewhat amazing how the art of "Ferro-Industrial Anthropology" works out in practice when you build a scale model (with minimal compression) and then start using it to the best of the research as you can get, how accurate the "simple answers" work out to be the "historically accurate" ones too. The Bakersfield Yard complex discussed above is missing only one or two crossovers, which are semi-redundant, but the basic functions and flows works very close to what photos and discussions with the men that worked the yard experienced there. - Even down to the caboose tracks... but that's a blog for another time!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPOknBlVrNbro85gQKhjIX7cEj7jzXINiWnPKGXSHB0AEGVwF__ywFoSgj_i8egcYA9uUBhZJYaF5EQ3ZdgVYj0Ie8KUIStAUb_OXJq0eTVC9x5-HZgAoH8m-Q2RwzFwxNdqs1Z62cgvJ/s1600/SP+Daylight+ArticChair+at+Bakersfield+with+OMM+Marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPOknBlVrNbro85gQKhjIX7cEj7jzXINiWnPKGXSHB0AEGVwF__ywFoSgj_i8egcYA9uUBhZJYaF5EQ3ZdgVYj0Ie8KUIStAUb_OXJq0eTVC9x5-HZgAoH8m-Q2RwzFwxNdqs1Z62cgvJ/s640/SP+Daylight+ArticChair+at+Bakersfield+with+OMM+Marker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of SP's Articulated Chair cars brings up the marker on the <i>San Joaquin Daylight</i> this day departing Bakersfield.</td></tr>
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I hope that everyone has enjoyed this blog post talking about operations within a larger modeled terminal area complex. I'll probably expand on this with other more detailed posts about other aspects.<br />
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Jason Hill<br />
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<h3>
Related Article Links:</h3>
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip Over Tehacahpi on the SCX-BI</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/11/modeling-mow-supply-train-part-1.html">Modeling an SPMW Supply Train</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/02/sp-cabooses-part-1-ex-coaches.html">Modeling SP Cabooses (Part 1) - Ex-Coaches</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2017/01/sp-6102-kitbashing-rpo-from-mdcathearn.html">SP 6102 - Kitbashing an RPO from MDC/Athearn Parts</a><br />
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<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/10/modeling-mail-trains-55-56-tehachapi.html">Modeling Mail Trains - SP Nos 55 & 56 - the Tehachapi Mail</a></div>
NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-66694703588816322512018-01-08T12:50:00.002-08:002018-01-08T12:50:08.479-08:00A Trip Over Tehachapi on the SCX-BIIn January 2017 I was in San Diego for the annual Winter On Tehachapi TT/TO Operations event at La Mesa Model Railroad Club in Balboa Park. I touched briefly on the Overview of 1950s LMRC Operations in my blog post a few months ago. I know most of my modeling is SP related, but some of my posts relating to the operations will also include Santa Fe trains and operations, as they are inseparably linked to the SP operations of the pass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQ4Rra_5sFbd5ipYhloYrooyPpsar2yVxs1xyDX_4s43H0w3hVigl1lodJ8VENolqeLTEeOLqEXMocsqbk4pY9VTl5T5EBSVDIPA3E640cWxaBJEsn_fLyLXGzwgRk96N9BRgyUFqVdF/s1600/SP+DHQ+RoseBowl+Special+-+Walong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHQ4Rra_5sFbd5ipYhloYrooyPpsar2yVxs1xyDX_4s43H0w3hVigl1lodJ8VENolqeLTEeOLqEXMocsqbk4pY9VTl5T5EBSVDIPA3E640cWxaBJEsn_fLyLXGzwgRk96N9BRgyUFqVdF/s640/SP+DHQ+RoseBowl+Special+-+Walong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Extra 4290 West with Dead Head Equipment consist at Winter On Tehachapi, January 2017.</td></tr>
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On the first day of the two day event I worked at the East Staging Yard for 12 hours. I didn't get a chance to take many photos, but Sunday I was able to work on the Hill Pool and took a train over the pass.<br />
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<h2>
Waiting for the Call</h2>
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The operations have many people working jobs that never involve touching the throttle. One of those jobs is the "Crew Caller." The Crew Caller works to keep track of the available crews for the Chief Dispatcher who coordinates the planning of trains 4-6+ hours in the future.<br />
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"Marking up" on the crew board is the first step to being assigned to a train. When I marked up, I was about sixth out. When a Crew Caller's on duty, crews wanting to get a train have to stay in the general area of the crew lounge or be sure the Crew Caller knows where they can be found. One of the major elements that help this process is to know where you stand on the call order. Every 10-15 minutes I would drop by the crew lounge and see where I stood on the board.<br />
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As a long time Operations Dept member at the club one aspect of the sessions is to train new crew members who will be qualified to run solo. These instructional trips are made with a "Pilot" who is experienced who shows the "Student" how the operations work, filling out paperwork, reading the documentation and Timetable, in addition to helping the student learning the stations of the physical railroad. Most of our solo crews stay with the title of "Engineer" during the trips. The Chief Dispatcher sometimes calls trains with up to four engine to work to the train and help it over the summit at Tehachapi. Usually on the large trains one of the crew also double as a "Conductor." Students making their first trips are sometimes called "Conductor", sometimes "Engineer" mostly depending on style of instruction of the Piloting crew member.<br />
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A new prospective member B.A. McKenzie came to the session and was invited to work with me as the Pilot. On paper, McKenzie would work as the Conductor, but in practice I would be covering the instructional aspects and McKenzie work the engine.<br />
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<h2>
Taking the Call</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-4-PJ0aLCKs7zPadb6lim9Eg_NJ7MYcCMDoutDTHZM64O5d30RYDnAXaSzhn3uA13ozfDzgbpm5tOk1IgUQeGZcbsFWcKL7EiHk1OTrTVFqHiJfe9gSz6rxDL1UII8uKGX_WFa4kAu6v/s1600/AT+140+SCX-BI+Crew+Call+Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-4-PJ0aLCKs7zPadb6lim9Eg_NJ7MYcCMDoutDTHZM64O5d30RYDnAXaSzhn3uA13ozfDzgbpm5tOk1IgUQeGZcbsFWcKL7EiHk1OTrTVFqHiJfe9gSz6rxDL1UII8uKGX_WFa4kAu6v/s640/AT+140+SCX-BI+Crew+Call+Sheet.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The carbon copy of the crew call "soup ticket" for the SCX-BI freight train</td></tr>
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The "Soup Ticket" or call slip instructs us what time to report for duty, which terminal, and the engine assigned. The train we're assigned to is the Santa Fe's SCX-BI, Southern California Expediter. The "BI" is the date symbol for the 29th day of the month. The SCX symbol starts at Richmond California with cars to San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Traffic was also interchanged at Stockton, Calwa, and Bakersfield. The symbol is also one of the two lowest priority symbols over the Tehachapi Sub Division, and often instructions are issued to the SCX to pick up or set out cars along the way.<br />
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A second engineer is called for our 2-10-2 helper, ATSF 3854. The Soup Ticket shows the helper being picked up at Bena and help us up the mountain to Summit. Missing on the Soup Ticket is the Way Car (Caboose) that was assigned to the train, which was listed on our switchlist paperwork as ATSF 2035.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8twat3en_Il-WNIjphf5YoGK5VWt9BKIOMgzZCty9TFmGwpYKbgqQys9jo3nBItkPNhPiNLGV1597VAa8-rYkpE9Yh9sM12P9VKVS39I4WKsRgxUReH_Iy6eS_iJM3jD5yUzIeitjWEY/s1600/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8twat3en_Il-WNIjphf5YoGK5VWt9BKIOMgzZCty9TFmGwpYKbgqQys9jo3nBItkPNhPiNLGV1597VAa8-rYkpE9Yh9sM12P9VKVS39I4WKsRgxUReH_Iy6eS_iJM3jD5yUzIeitjWEY/s640/ATSF+Bakersfield+Yard-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF Yard at Bakersfield</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next, as we report to the Santa Fe Bakersfield yard office, the switch lists were handed over to us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4F1W-aeHXEOe1qTQzhq0PxsibmzhwszDx5Pe3A6Rm0Nlc2oSN0F6dt-j_ZaZSKs3JzgJFHOlTsNBWQpQNWXdOhYasyEUi9wwiujVR3RlL5Jth7mj1npqHaW9xF_Y6STNViRZvjzPOdLH/s1600/ATSF+140+SCX-BI+Switchlist+pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4F1W-aeHXEOe1qTQzhq0PxsibmzhwszDx5Pe3A6Rm0Nlc2oSN0F6dt-j_ZaZSKs3JzgJFHOlTsNBWQpQNWXdOhYasyEUi9wwiujVR3RlL5Jth7mj1npqHaW9xF_Y6STNViRZvjzPOdLH/s640/ATSF+140+SCX-BI+Switchlist+pg1.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Page one of our freight's consist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SCX arriving into Bakersfield set out four cars for the BK and BTX symbols heading to Kansas City and Texas. The cars added were four general service cars and seven 'RD reefers for Southern California destinations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFj5YzTD-rIVnyZps-8de9E-2Rp41bKPTgd_sf6-iQfpSlsm-ujghw-ooV5oO1AIHfjIx9CLHnoX9UoqBOap2zbphA5UZDQzs0tsRQw57KZzR0io3WOQ7lizvuLAlljUHb62fHJx2Xahx/s1600/ATSF+140+SCX-BI+Switchlist+pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFj5YzTD-rIVnyZps-8de9E-2Rp41bKPTgd_sf6-iQfpSlsm-ujghw-ooV5oO1AIHfjIx9CLHnoX9UoqBOap2zbphA5UZDQzs0tsRQw57KZzR0io3WOQ7lizvuLAlljUHb62fHJx2Xahx/s400/ATSF+140+SCX-BI+Switchlist+pg2.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Page two of our freight's consist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The SCX today has only been issued orders to set out one car at Mojave and no other work. So, after the trip over the Hill, we can't forget about this last bit of work before we take the train to the staging yards of Barstow.<br />
<br />
The Yardmaster at Bakersfield told us that the Hostler would move the engine out from the staging yard. One area that the Santa Fe Yard is still lacking is the roundhouse and engine servicing area. As of January 2017, the small staging yard of Landco is used to store all the road and helper engines.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Register Check</h2>
<br />
The Register Check is a major foundation stone that most crews forget to do properly. As we have a few minutes until our engines are hostled out for us to the train, B.A. McKenzie and I head over to fill out our paper copies of our Check of Train Register tickets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_GXNvWItmodcZgykpC-Af-QOje2TaQJztYiVo7j6rXy94oA6vyACg9mFqXzlSlkXiaaYaB8AAeCA7rCRe23IKEgu2jhdJr9SHapLrlyJA7CTJUKxFgH-W9XOVtCekS6l-4kUjZXF6AOO/s1600/AT+140+Register+Check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_GXNvWItmodcZgykpC-Af-QOje2TaQJztYiVo7j6rXy94oA6vyACg9mFqXzlSlkXiaaYaB8AAeCA7rCRe23IKEgu2jhdJr9SHapLrlyJA7CTJUKxFgH-W9XOVtCekS6l-4kUjZXF6AOO/s640/AT+140+Register+Check.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Check of Train Register tickets for us took two pages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Check of Train Register are filled out to prove that all sections of the last 12 hours of scheduled trains have arrived and are complete. Any outstanding sections or late running scheduled trains will be shown during this check.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yz8_HaFHHmJ7jYRnWe6BJnYnyN22g7Np1xXBWSnAr6SAXr50wS-j5xbfYPyYZ0m25_bik7xUiJD39aH-goDlsyb9dEjWT6lZiziANmj1dPs7naWK3QfJAAXASlYOUGM7xM8GBZ9bbtXo/s1600/ETT9S2+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yz8_HaFHHmJ7jYRnWe6BJnYnyN22g7Np1xXBWSnAr6SAXr50wS-j5xbfYPyYZ0m25_bik7xUiJD39aH-goDlsyb9dEjWT6lZiziANmj1dPs7naWK3QfJAAXASlYOUGM7xM8GBZ9bbtXo/s640/ETT9S2+Cover.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We're using Employee Timetable 9, supplement 2, effective Dec 21, 1952 for the operations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We started with Eastward First class trains, followed by the Westward First class trains, then the Eastward 3rd class trains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoxkHlx6uUB-iiRQUdLYzfqx7lv-MuU7OdK5-a4mhsd5kWaSFIWpGJB4G1xDeSVTwSv6FGAOrC4LSgRrhFjlJ_WK6MT5GwO1KBMnAaHTf0NBdCCY-ONrFi_mGGN11CtqloDgIBjpZsmJd/s1600/ETT9+S2+Eastward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoxkHlx6uUB-iiRQUdLYzfqx7lv-MuU7OdK5-a4mhsd5kWaSFIWpGJB4G1xDeSVTwSv6FGAOrC4LSgRrhFjlJ_WK6MT5GwO1KBMnAaHTf0NBdCCY-ONrFi_mGGN11CtqloDgIBjpZsmJd/s640/ETT9+S2+Eastward.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Eastward Tehachapi Sub page of ETT9, S2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Refer back to these two images during the following trip to see how the trip unfolds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAENbsnNy6yLPgGMA6yqzcpjkF0aYiCb995ZekZV8xX8g4ygbA9snX12MBiDtRc8NZAtQ4-cuQGpv_VB-TfLnRhYMs-ZUwySXkNEEmXbcX7wCfxnsp4WEuvdHS8LiiDWGUdH22W7UZNne1/s1600/ETT9+S2+Westward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAENbsnNy6yLPgGMA6yqzcpjkF0aYiCb995ZekZV8xX8g4ygbA9snX12MBiDtRc8NZAtQ4-cuQGpv_VB-TfLnRhYMs-ZUwySXkNEEmXbcX7wCfxnsp4WEuvdHS8LiiDWGUdH22W7UZNne1/s640/ETT9+S2+Westward.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Westward Tehachapi Sub page ETT9, S2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I instructed B.A. McKenzie to include everything on this check because we do not know what the Dispatcher will be authorizing our train. If we are authorized as an Extra, then we will need to know about the 3rd class trains, while we do our work. Special Instructions for the Tehachapi Sub do not require an Extra to clear schedules other than First class trains.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Getting on the Road</h2>
<br />
As of 1:20AM all of the trains that should have arrived at Kern Jct. had. We went back to the Santa Fe yard at Bakersfield to get on our train.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PZf3T7bK0WkNyH_ywgcNshSYQZt1dhyphenhyphenWY4qzyYyGljZcZ1W0xVnhh2-WYGkinIVMgOoVr1VmvHLlQOsIadIhyphenhyphenknDR5vgw-H1z5Hbt5q5iYfNzpVFAwedj5p5ga-P-_7SHX-kWq9oXx3s/s1600/AT+140LAC+Kern+Jct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PZf3T7bK0WkNyH_ywgcNshSYQZt1dhyphenhyphenWY4qzyYyGljZcZ1W0xVnhh2-WYGkinIVMgOoVr1VmvHLlQOsIadIhyphenhyphenknDR5vgw-H1z5Hbt5q5iYfNzpVFAwedj5p5ga-P-_7SHX-kWq9oXx3s/s640/AT+140LAC+Kern+Jct.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 140LAC approaching Kern Junction, with the interchange tracks to the right as we cross Sumner St.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We pulled out of the yard with our 36 car train and headed over to Sumner St. where the Dispatcher held us until 2:15AM to run as First 802.<br />
<br />
At 2:18AM a proceed signal is displayed by the Towerman at Kern Jct. for us to pull up to the tower and catch our orders as we head out of town. We receive our Clearance and Train Order No.5 at Kern Jct.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5iC6fleIFdmL9gJ4h2VFItFrPnxgZE0tCFLzbk4JlTi4nsXbzckCTAhECTln3-diXHtP7lbqhmH_bjeNM0PUv8m2pN1oV15My4iaAd10znsvylhDl2NAgJkst3gWI_zSc536VTLZj9G_/s1600/First+802+Clearance+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5iC6fleIFdmL9gJ4h2VFItFrPnxgZE0tCFLzbk4JlTi4nsXbzckCTAhECTln3-diXHtP7lbqhmH_bjeNM0PUv8m2pN1oV15My4iaAd10znsvylhDl2NAgJkst3gWI_zSc536VTLZj9G_/s640/First+802+Clearance+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Clearance for First 802 at Kern Jct. with Order No. 5, Dec 30, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Clearance issued to us shows that we will run as First 802, scheduled to depart Kern Jct at 2:15AM, displaying "Green" signals. This provides for the Dispatcher to run a Second Section up to 12 hours late on our schedule. The one order we received is Order No. 5, which is shown below.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIHiPkQpJfQTpDEIlqb8GZB0ziQk-yO-vFNPIsmcRfd180m0AMPXqa-bGIigvw5kkOC8baN3e515KXaMVLzbW3hF5PXAVpeTGW0GoU4CZwniHqjTxI5hi8weIOg65oNh5FQegsQ2BpZxY/s1600/First+802+Order+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIHiPkQpJfQTpDEIlqb8GZB0ziQk-yO-vFNPIsmcRfd180m0AMPXqa-bGIigvw5kkOC8baN3e515KXaMVLzbW3hF5PXAVpeTGW0GoU4CZwniHqjTxI5hi8weIOg65oNh5FQegsQ2BpZxY/s640/First+802+Order+5.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Train Order No.5, Dec 30, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Reading our orders, we have a "Care Of" order that the Dispatcher wants to "Mail" to a train that is stuck between open Train Order offices. In this case we are ordered to hand off the mailed order to Extra 4290 West at Walong. It did strike me a little weird that the Dispatcher would mail an order to us at Kern Jct. for a train that is stuck 45 minutes away, but our's is not to reason why, just to do and... well, hopefully not die!<br />
<br />
The order we carry gives three westward Extras right over Second 802, so not really our issue as the three Extras are not given rights over us on First 802.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFQ8YOjbvy8vI_IOA6xnF0cIBOH55h1Fp20oYifcTGH_jguP1Pxue_kmStW9vcT2rcqnuQCjsOXcVAErhpHc8nkCP1JyaltpUIc5eo5hxseUUP1M3fSo9NgNPaiYVNTK96X3f9U_6LyZc/s1600/AT+140LAC+Kern+Jct+DFW+passing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFQ8YOjbvy8vI_IOA6xnF0cIBOH55h1Fp20oYifcTGH_jguP1Pxue_kmStW9vcT2rcqnuQCjsOXcVAErhpHc8nkCP1JyaltpUIc5eo5hxseUUP1M3fSo9NgNPaiYVNTK96X3f9U_6LyZc/s640/AT+140LAC+Kern+Jct+DFW+passing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Operator D.F. Willoughby at Kern Junction as we depart with waycar ATSF 2035 rolling by in front of the tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was some confusion before we left about the care-of order being pulled, and then returned to us again. Hopefully they gave us the right orders. The orders we had issued and cleared to leave with tell us that there are at least three extras (Extras 6202, 4290, and ATSF 212 West) out there, but as we're a Third class train, they should be in the clear for us at various points along the way.<br />
<br />
<h2>
On the Road</h2>
<br />
<h3>
2:27AM - Magunden</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuvw8o-1UXp3u9oSdA4NzgHpySB700G9CdGwHV6LhV3I4EuhQ0u_-Ho0pZ3SZEvHLfCmaucTzMh8LIsrTQdjTrwKFkoPTqq_jh2NPAgBTbvakeRDHSTA5G9l9eqg2_1FIakqhD71KvBUc/s1600/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuvw8o-1UXp3u9oSdA4NzgHpySB700G9CdGwHV6LhV3I4EuhQ0u_-Ho0pZ3SZEvHLfCmaucTzMh8LIsrTQdjTrwKFkoPTqq_jh2NPAgBTbvakeRDHSTA5G9l9eqg2_1FIakqhD71KvBUc/s640/ATSF+3518+Arvin+Turn+at+Magunden+with+rear+of+ATSF+140LAC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our waycar 2035 charges by as ATSF 3518's headend brakeman lines the crossovers for its return to Bakersfield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just out of Bakersfield we see the Extra Arvin Turn working the night shift on the branch at Magunden. Santa Fe used small and medium steam engines on the branch during the 1940s and early 1950s. After we pass, ATSF 3518 will return to Bakersfield with a string of loaded reefers from the potato packing sheds on the branch. The regular Arvin Road Switcher crew will be back on duty at Arvin about 6 hours for the day shift.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2:32AM - Bena</h3>
<br />
On the way out of Bakersfield we're scheduled to meet No.447, the westward Overnight express train heading to Bakersfield and Fresno. Instead we reached Bena and the end of double track without meeting the Second Class train.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaogv8unXOvX4n0RODQJ9EX7OzFuoidbG7rMkF_zuSSlrwRDL3lGH_pueBQyw4dmtYzzQ6YLxVnN4SZIXkJUt2KVhV378hXcS_7snz0ghD2nVc9gvHGIEq_3O-ruMdszkzk5Sw0wotEAa/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+at+Bena-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaogv8unXOvX4n0RODQJ9EX7OzFuoidbG7rMkF_zuSSlrwRDL3lGH_pueBQyw4dmtYzzQ6YLxVnN4SZIXkJUt2KVhV378hXcS_7snz0ghD2nVc9gvHGIEq_3O-ruMdszkzk5Sw0wotEAa/s640/ATSF+140LAC+at+Bena-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Arriving at Bena, First 802 stops next to the small company village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While the head end crew waits for No. 447, the rear six cars of the train are cut away and our helper engine, ATSF 3854, moves to couple up. The rear end crew takes a few minutes to lace up the air hoses and we do our brake test.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLFO_r1DXMiJOQCtXxRpgpkw-dY4ojH_qf50J9mcb-X1YknczbrJ3dxAbipksqPrDC5aXP-_0JSabhu0p1Mp8eZ89uljyv7R3YSLDB4uxJEtW5TKYqkH-8sZ02NumxCc8bEhXtLJyC7aF/s1600/ATSF+3854+coupling+in+at+Bena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLFO_r1DXMiJOQCtXxRpgpkw-dY4ojH_qf50J9mcb-X1YknczbrJ3dxAbipksqPrDC5aXP-_0JSabhu0p1Mp8eZ89uljyv7R3YSLDB4uxJEtW5TKYqkH-8sZ02NumxCc8bEhXtLJyC7aF/s640/ATSF+3854+coupling+in+at+Bena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 3854 coupling to the rear of the train, before pulling forward to the forward section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Engineer H. Paar will handle the ATSF 3854 with his own DCC throttle to help get our train up the mountain. This requires skill and focus to shove the right amount on the rear of the train without buckling it or "string-lining" the cars around the curves.<br />
<br />
<h2>
A Bit of Train Watching</h2>
<br />
<h3>
3:19AM - between Ilmon and Bena</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxMFQs-s6L_rm4K4SIrUREjPWo9DnSsT9BtOkAWJ6jiqwSNBW19TIysx7ES0Zwoh4olK_DpKVYIXQS_Kv93AhQVNwEnlvbNagsNWNxIW9aaZooFvLqbkInnBcxdkHY3b53wFOaemgHL5u/s1600/SP+4185+No447+Illmon-Bena-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxMFQs-s6L_rm4K4SIrUREjPWo9DnSsT9BtOkAWJ6jiqwSNBW19TIysx7ES0Zwoh4olK_DpKVYIXQS_Kv93AhQVNwEnlvbNagsNWNxIW9aaZooFvLqbkInnBcxdkHY3b53wFOaemgHL5u/s640/SP+4185+No447+Illmon-Bena-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">SP 4185 leads No.447, the Valley Overnight, westward between Ilmon and Bena.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No.447 is late getting to Bena, so during the hour or so wait the head brakeman walkes over the bridge in hopes for a good shot of No.447 approaching Bena. SP 4185 didn't disappoint with the shot above, charging along as she rolls off the hill towards the start of the Double Track into Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
No.447's schedule is usually fulfilled running the VMW (Valley Manifest West), which is the LA-Fresno branch of the <i>Overnight</i> L.C.L. system of trains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lnzb90f2MFFtdhsmdDafHEOi-ML6xTCR6zEjBvRyqtmKNnxsKLhgSQP2gWvx2vuB36AzsyqEaLIuDXa8OpIX6S6xYgQLIFE2uXBmxE3MwkNca31a1c2pZz_sz_7TJt2T4ZxiK-DlLj5/s1600/SP+4185+No447+Bena-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lnzb90f2MFFtdhsmdDafHEOi-ML6xTCR6zEjBvRyqtmKNnxsKLhgSQP2gWvx2vuB36AzsyqEaLIuDXa8OpIX6S6xYgQLIFE2uXBmxE3MwkNca31a1c2pZz_sz_7TJt2T4ZxiK-DlLj5/s640/SP+4185+No447+Bena-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I snapped this lovely shot of SP 4185 meeting the ATSF 140 set with the Bena tank in the back round.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At 3:22AM, with No.447 out of the way, we have a few minutes to get to Ilmon before No.60 is scheduled to arrive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg4XwvBxeRpH5CPOouBNSU89mYnJ5xpFiT-Zmvd5TQs3xR8dsK5IxhAZlaSkFU26vFzIv1Nsd7qXP7Pq4WQ1cg4mOZ9e3p1kLQ_so6oY1wDRP-XmEDM_528raoNZJfYKf86i1hzv0A_OH/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+departing+Bena-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg4XwvBxeRpH5CPOouBNSU89mYnJ5xpFiT-Zmvd5TQs3xR8dsK5IxhAZlaSkFU26vFzIv1Nsd7qXP7Pq4WQ1cg4mOZ9e3p1kLQ_so6oY1wDRP-XmEDM_528raoNZJfYKf86i1hzv0A_OH/s640/ATSF+140LAC+departing+Bena-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The brakeman grab this shot as he scrambled to get over track side to re-board the FT set!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
3:25AM - Ilmon</h3>
<br />
As First 802 heads into the siding at Ilmon for No.60, starting to close on us from the rear.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vXVC-2QxCH_q5ejtfw1dCj__j4TQEvx8gMVVSBSka84J2WQsaHXbejk5Z4ZFGlsci-fc2rZo-fmhMYH1hQbRnsp4KY6cg6PrpCPfVxSKONzm122V12NMPivH39dMzdBfz91GNPnXE-lN/s1600/SP+1-60+4467+Magunden-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vXVC-2QxCH_q5ejtfw1dCj__j4TQEvx8gMVVSBSka84J2WQsaHXbejk5Z4ZFGlsci-fc2rZo-fmhMYH1hQbRnsp4KY6cg6PrpCPfVxSKONzm122V12NMPivH39dMzdBfz91GNPnXE-lN/s640/SP+1-60+4467+Magunden-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">My camera had a bit of trouble capturing a clean shot of First 60 passing Magunden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Somehow there was a minor mix up, we're not told that No.60 was carrying green flags as it rolled past us at Ilmon. We lined the switch to follow No.60 out at of the east end of Ilmon and make the run to Caliente.<br />
<br />
No. 60 is the <i>West Coast</i>, I will be covering it's consist in more detail at some point in one of my Modeling a Consist series of posts.<br />
<br />
<h3>
3:41AM - Caliente</h3>
<br />
As the station comes into sight, we see the train order board is set for us to pick up orders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5HkrXM-MYrDvFXyCvHONC86VwD5yIzxsZOB2AEdupKs1-OyBbwXgW0j_23xUngGOZMx-jzljXaw4DSbbob3XMTJ_y9hcDsocLnS5qEvo0k2QJAs6QTHxhd9HjtDDzT6uBtvyVIgWQqE4/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Caliente-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5HkrXM-MYrDvFXyCvHONC86VwD5yIzxsZOB2AEdupKs1-OyBbwXgW0j_23xUngGOZMx-jzljXaw4DSbbob3XMTJ_y9hcDsocLnS5qEvo0k2QJAs6QTHxhd9HjtDDzT6uBtvyVIgWQqE4/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Caliente-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Stopped Order Board at Caliente as the ATSF 140 rolls up to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The orders we pick up at Caliente are as follows:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62wcX46tCaOG7kpgbobLnhqjuv2jRW6mQvCk8DbjFFZwJJu9cvPE69EymWG1iAzYtQ2vBTZx081-CtGPRdB9wPxu2_oSte_d_FyP9qkUGGd80wEP9Nna5aMhAGToNeJZijIFvhGGjuV6R/s1600/First+802+Clearance+2+-+Caliente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62wcX46tCaOG7kpgbobLnhqjuv2jRW6mQvCk8DbjFFZwJJu9cvPE69EymWG1iAzYtQ2vBTZx081-CtGPRdB9wPxu2_oSte_d_FyP9qkUGGd80wEP9Nna5aMhAGToNeJZijIFvhGGjuV6R/s640/First+802+Clearance+2+-+Caliente.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Clearance from Caliente Dec 30, 1952 to First 802 for Order No.6 and No.7.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ok, the Clearance shows two orders; No.6 and No. 7, let's see what the orders say.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlYlY_bgFNTCOUrluAMY-RVjzhUlgkoHy4NxfTgGJMs6XlcF7tS2JdIZesmpDV_C7htBKDrll0mIW3U37IQ-XBNYav0IdEXFONrQgZm-PdlkycZIQDgeh4g3ltK7hI4JhXX6lJmn4X3ol/s1600/First+802+Order+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlYlY_bgFNTCOUrluAMY-RVjzhUlgkoHy4NxfTgGJMs6XlcF7tS2JdIZesmpDV_C7htBKDrll0mIW3U37IQ-XBNYav0IdEXFONrQgZm-PdlkycZIQDgeh4g3ltK7hI4JhXX6lJmn4X3ol/s640/First+802+Order+6.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Order No.6, Dec 30, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It seems that due to some mix up we didn't get Order 6 at Bakersfield, and <b>**FIRST** 60</b> didn't tell us that they're carrying <b>GREEN </b>flags! <i>*Sigh*</i> Well, at least we're on First 60's markers coming out of Ilmon, so we're not in any danger there as the Second 60 was 30 minutes behind the schedule of No.60, still a bit of "Yikes!" factor there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jgXAZkNzA4IniTonpNMgY1jtS0hDwroVeXpOATrgQV4oPn8rNqcCN2H10CPSVTRoVEoHSlgwQu3bvsHsQtLr6256LvTNmSL78Ecbv8suHuxP7aPDOjw8EaODHMEwvXvOi0QYtldYfh0y/s1600/First+802+Order+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jgXAZkNzA4IniTonpNMgY1jtS0hDwroVeXpOATrgQV4oPn8rNqcCN2H10CPSVTRoVEoHSlgwQu3bvsHsQtLr6256LvTNmSL78Ecbv8suHuxP7aPDOjw8EaODHMEwvXvOi0QYtldYfh0y/s640/First+802+Order+7.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Order No.7, Dec 30, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hmmm, looks like the knot at Walong with Extra 4290 West got sorted out. We're ordered to take the siding for the three extras (SP 6202, ATSF 212 and SP 4290 West) at Cliff. That should work nicely as Second 60 should be on us around then, maybe we'll have to go to Rowen. If we're out of time though, we might have to "stab" Second 60 and wait for them to catch us so we can see their orders and move on their time to Rowen. Have to see how the timing works out.<br />
<br />
Well, best get on the move out of Caliente ahead of Second 60!<br />
<br />
<h3>
3:56AM - Allard</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmIeYobczjfALSUxW8HimzGGF7oRUb7bHeN0AWR7u9RjR6gXY0UetnjNlg7biOYicNVwGYHgOyH-EmpYIdVxxjF75PF0ikCzr1EPDK9LBUMuvuOU8MBWD56KcP8kZc_HRUgItpScXfGiz/s1600/SP+6203+DHQ+Allard+%2526+Jim+Keena+checking+orders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmIeYobczjfALSUxW8HimzGGF7oRUb7bHeN0AWR7u9RjR6gXY0UetnjNlg7biOYicNVwGYHgOyH-EmpYIdVxxjF75PF0ikCzr1EPDK9LBUMuvuOU8MBWD56KcP8kZc_HRUgItpScXfGiz/s640/SP+6203+DHQ+Allard+%2526+Jim+Keena+checking+orders.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The dead heading Pullman consist of Extra 6202 West at Allard and a slightly confused crew looking at their orders.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A surprise met us at Allard, literally! Waiting in the siding is Extra 6202 West with her train of dead heading Pullman sleeping cars heading towards the Valley. They're supposed to meet us at Cliff... Ooops... well, thankfully no one got killed.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4:01AM - Bealville</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwLxhT698a5mgVVTdu_ANQBcdHxZ6XvJx95zO4F5X_YI7ZXn8okH0Dj7LgCqRgsTJc_6GPW-86C3qeR4W3keeyf0wp0CkxK536HWB7EQWWMUo03QFfLkWAh-sXJ7ytUQVotojnpxEWvMy/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Bealville-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwLxhT698a5mgVVTdu_ANQBcdHxZ6XvJx95zO4F5X_YI7ZXn8okH0Dj7LgCqRgsTJc_6GPW-86C3qeR4W3keeyf0wp0CkxK536HWB7EQWWMUo03QFfLkWAh-sXJ7ytUQVotojnpxEWvMy/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Bealville-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">First 802 rolling into Bealville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Having no issues as we charge up through Bealville at 20 MPH.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4:08AM - Cliff</h3>
<br />
Things were a bit busy at Cliff as we met Extra 4290 West with a SP DHQ of food service and coaches and Extra ATSF 212 West following hot on her heals with a freight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6HMInoZOLWl1f0r14cBO35I1wsjnAocKatbTe9xvgEnrqh5pB9xw0Tw-044lEWQnV_5MF4Fx5uCFid0D6ShvT7gu2UAktF4dTlJQU0-OVEkJABuvWiXJ0khK0NtjH3Klkhgh7XMtsU_x/s1600/SP+DHQ+RoseBowl+Special+-+Walong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6HMInoZOLWl1f0r14cBO35I1wsjnAocKatbTe9xvgEnrqh5pB9xw0Tw-044lEWQnV_5MF4Fx5uCFid0D6ShvT7gu2UAktF4dTlJQU0-OVEkJABuvWiXJ0khK0NtjH3Klkhgh7XMtsU_x/s640/SP+DHQ+RoseBowl+Special+-+Walong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Earlier in the day, waiting for our call, I shot this photo of the Extra 4290 West stuck at Walong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
4:20AM - Rowen</h3>
<br />
With the two final meets with the Extra 4290 West and Extra ATSF 212 West out of the way we head into Rowen siding to be passed by Second 60 running 30 minutes late, per Order No.6. It's a <i>Rose Bowl Special</i> with four F-units and a P-10 class Pacific helping it on the point!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwM9JtxxTtzuD0Eang7-rpNx1Bra9a8dW3rdtdu3nakLAtxJUNsYCRVTmXVshAxRm_u3g8lRDl9dRlkB8UunOg6UMtyLIJ1utkuuOvr6zTuRKF1Hr5AwnhpsvTS-1rdDRL0VffTISIsPA/s1600/SP+2-60+Rowen-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwM9JtxxTtzuD0Eang7-rpNx1Bra9a8dW3rdtdu3nakLAtxJUNsYCRVTmXVshAxRm_u3g8lRDl9dRlkB8UunOg6UMtyLIJ1utkuuOvr6zTuRKF1Hr5AwnhpsvTS-1rdDRL0VffTISIsPA/s640/SP+2-60+Rowen-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Second 60, running 30 minutes late, passes First 802 at Rowen at 3:32AM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No.55's time is also approaching, so we plan to stay at Rowen for it as well. However I capture this scene of No.55 meeting Second 60 at Woodford.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDga2XwLe5ZCv4IA_jCHKGS_fMa7mtesoqGaZFLma_OT3Cl03kMH-T9XNov44gIPYEdPLopMqFeOrKy5EAZZlaunHt0-9NQW3lqBmdF7NU0-_a_aBhLQcZEhs2O_MDQ5WZCflKZHiF66Vp/s1600/SP+No+55+meeting+2-60+at+Woodford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDga2XwLe5ZCv4IA_jCHKGS_fMa7mtesoqGaZFLma_OT3Cl03kMH-T9XNov44gIPYEdPLopMqFeOrKy5EAZZlaunHt0-9NQW3lqBmdF7NU0-_a_aBhLQcZEhs2O_MDQ5WZCflKZHiF66Vp/s640/SP+No+55+meeting+2-60+at+Woodford.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No.55 meets Second 60 at Woodford at 4:41AM, one minute late.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
No.55 is a westward "<i>Passenger</i>", which was once called the <i>Tehachapi </i>before it lost its name. I cover the <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/10/modeling-mail-trains-55-56-tehachapi.html">Consists of SP Mail Train, the <i>Tehachapi</i></a>, in my blog.<br />
<br />
<h3>
4:53AM - Woodford</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrbgaqhd-eVqHs8YOb67eywfk5HoQEWj488KcZ2Wjk_qxqy33BgyOJGCl12yLrTkw7sLhKGdrWrjfuyzuZIBrA9wB3w0uioYf_azavO6R20NgplHW3OWb1A-Fty3hnDIpJqLSVBqo5Ea6/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Woodford-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrbgaqhd-eVqHs8YOb67eywfk5HoQEWj488KcZ2Wjk_qxqy33BgyOJGCl12yLrTkw7sLhKGdrWrjfuyzuZIBrA9wB3w0uioYf_azavO6R20NgplHW3OWb1A-Fty3hnDIpJqLSVBqo5Ea6/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Woodford-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">First 802 rolling to a stop in Woodford siding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Again, with traffic cleared for us to move, we slide into the clear at Woodford to water our steam helper and for Third 60. It's approaching 5:01PM and our helper engineer needs to go, I take over the helper at that time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyJq5xYQSiOKY1CA4eMpGfv-xGhZqrvxl-T7qrXCLhG1TdHbZyY3bVBKxSsWiETJdYuhEWpFr1rNM40t8SIRchPQaYFdD8HZ1dmFI-9fme4QbUrMOiPgoG1q8kBp1SSb20HSjo0Ch88YT/s1600/ATSF+3854+watering+at+Woodford+plug1-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyJq5xYQSiOKY1CA4eMpGfv-xGhZqrvxl-T7qrXCLhG1TdHbZyY3bVBKxSsWiETJdYuhEWpFr1rNM40t8SIRchPQaYFdD8HZ1dmFI-9fme4QbUrMOiPgoG1q8kBp1SSb20HSjo0Ch88YT/s640/ATSF+3854+watering+at+Woodford+plug1-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 3854 cuts away and backs down to take water at Column No.1 at Woodford.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
About fifteen minutes pass at Woodford watering the helper and waiting for Third 60 to show up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgCk-yz12-4ynQyYG25raa9olttfliATe8uPQwXsMlGBw667IShwpgy4pguAlEGUgd4NCM-Y6ZwLE1R738l03k6WrCylIKeMxFQ_LXhfy3kG7FAto_TOok7_odSzch4dz0cuCV5mT23-g/s1600/SP+3-60+HME+passing+ATSF+3854+at+Woodford-A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgCk-yz12-4ynQyYG25raa9olttfliATe8uPQwXsMlGBw667IShwpgy4pguAlEGUgd4NCM-Y6ZwLE1R738l03k6WrCylIKeMxFQ_LXhfy3kG7FAto_TOok7_odSzch4dz0cuCV5mT23-g/s640/SP+3-60+HME+passing+ATSF+3854+at+Woodford-A2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">At 5:07AM SP 4292 leading Third 60 races our helper, ATSF 3854 slowly moving to recouple to the train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just as the ATSF 3854 finishes taking water, Third 60 comes into sight. After a short air test we're under way again.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:11AM - 4th Crossing</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjytJa6e4cRpgC62fXSmz6V-o65CyysvvTzvPYaOS9ZSydFyzkoWghcW0C3jPyGsGF5SeOnltMG67Nt76lrs-psKl5bE1YeycYKhISjPefrX0GaC3HM5G8IoVB-ZrJ-IHYyMOc-HxEkqy/s1600/AT+140LAC+4th+crossing+%2526+helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjytJa6e4cRpgC62fXSmz6V-o65CyysvvTzvPYaOS9ZSydFyzkoWghcW0C3jPyGsGF5SeOnltMG67Nt76lrs-psKl5bE1YeycYKhISjPefrX0GaC3HM5G8IoVB-ZrJ-IHYyMOc-HxEkqy/s640/AT+140LAC+4th+crossing+%2526+helper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4th Crossing Bridge of Tehachapi Creek at 5:13AM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
First 802 snakes its way up the mountain curves several interesting photo opportunities present themselves, like this one above at 4th Crossing of Tehachapi Creek.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:16AM - Walong</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5ZL0juWY6hf0C9pWi7ekp-cuC4YhbDaDhJO2dBlUQySRaExH0B3JBw9SoARKB4CyhwcsY6U6WJG-p8PZzpQ8mmzSbplk2s5-w3TNTszWKrWyQDdXfcpaECu0Mjy-Z0bSXKUf3R_TfeWH/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+at+Walong+BAMcKenzie+Engineer-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5ZL0juWY6hf0C9pWi7ekp-cuC4YhbDaDhJO2dBlUQySRaExH0B3JBw9SoARKB4CyhwcsY6U6WJG-p8PZzpQ8mmzSbplk2s5-w3TNTszWKrWyQDdXfcpaECu0Mjy-Z0bSXKUf3R_TfeWH/s640/ATSF+140LAC+at+Walong+BAMcKenzie+Engineer-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Here B.A. McKenzie watches as the head end of our train ducks into Tunnel 10.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not much happened at Walong as we just rolled along.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:20AM - Marcel</h3>
<br />
Again with the major passenger traffic cleared out and no other freights near us we cruised along.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCUJSifaxnU1Zjmrs2MTH8U86fy1_-SNftD4pHfSLbhU1fTm8-wrOVhQ_GjYSRj3zIdLTAnBnJcDFeqfS4yBvet7wOCKGx1hfNcaiuCbe9lZANk4hlDPt6RBqWagg2xNQL1zjJolUtYN3/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Marcel-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCUJSifaxnU1Zjmrs2MTH8U86fy1_-SNftD4pHfSLbhU1fTm8-wrOVhQ_GjYSRj3zIdLTAnBnJcDFeqfS4yBvet7wOCKGx1hfNcaiuCbe9lZANk4hlDPt6RBqWagg2xNQL1zjJolUtYN3/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Marcel-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A long view of First 802 rolling through the uncompleted scenery of Marcel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
5:22AM - Tunnel 14</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tVpjMtakMGXxTEFVmRewQ2gtIS5mNb4AB7tYCguDy4RjOaNjL7pb61Wn6OTtQ_lXMXxfOSrBJLkr2nibBqUYF2sFxLseZQmONt7gSxnBK39h-1Q6MTqLqV_zjsuUGutbT3VGUha5Ow2L/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+%2526+BAMcKenzie+at+T-14W-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tVpjMtakMGXxTEFVmRewQ2gtIS5mNb4AB7tYCguDy4RjOaNjL7pb61Wn6OTtQ_lXMXxfOSrBJLkr2nibBqUYF2sFxLseZQmONt7gSxnBK39h-1Q6MTqLqV_zjsuUGutbT3VGUha5Ow2L/s640/ATSF+140LAC+%2526+BAMcKenzie+at+T-14W-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">B.A. McKenzie watching ATSF 140 heading into the West Portal of Tunnel 14.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4Vvm6Fr1eFlzNV87o3DL9hN96xJTLml9VcdP66_cRlKheYrvtlwFNtWKrN8pIp3Y2HsdLGHzptDE7cFID-4MVgP3gi1VBnJVStGwsUNBa1szcklwczmHjbGdL-0hv5CKNYI0hB2hRuz4/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+T-14E-A+-+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4Vvm6Fr1eFlzNV87o3DL9hN96xJTLml9VcdP66_cRlKheYrvtlwFNtWKrN8pIp3Y2HsdLGHzptDE7cFID-4MVgP3gi1VBnJVStGwsUNBa1szcklwczmHjbGdL-0hv5CKNYI0hB2hRuz4/s640/ATSF+140LAC+T-14E-A+-+Snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sudden heavy snow fall between Tunnels 14 and 15.... or wait, just new plaster mountain sides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
5:22AM - Tunnel 16</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXg8S92c87V-sAtNB-eSbhEvaiCDm15VVnj_tLYs4IQBsc8owYCGuSoUTI4bYAp8y4nHKqZlJGDjom2yHfWF7jPBsoMYJEYsqaHyvOXYbJhGTkFSzcqg93IK97rtsQM9ZpnonVlxWVy3x/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+T-16-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXg8S92c87V-sAtNB-eSbhEvaiCDm15VVnj_tLYs4IQBsc8owYCGuSoUTI4bYAp8y4nHKqZlJGDjom2yHfWF7jPBsoMYJEYsqaHyvOXYbJhGTkFSzcqg93IK97rtsQM9ZpnonVlxWVy3x/s640/ATSF+140LAC+T-16-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tunnel 17, 16, and 14 with First 802 spread out through the uncomplete tunnel scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's good to see the scenery on the layout moving along to get the four upper tunnels for our trains to peak-a-boo through.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:25AM - Cable</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_2BexKSbhU9GOqWtQjAgQp-C31SSIQqvVjgHZhaPr5PMuFUyWv9uuvyVgggk3Tq0LghNmjuhARfBOc926nX2qG1DRQCoFzEUtweHdwgpPiSdlm0K4OD6aRkj7_7fcRbWUPgTWZYFYmTs/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Cable-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_2BexKSbhU9GOqWtQjAgQp-C31SSIQqvVjgHZhaPr5PMuFUyWv9uuvyVgggk3Tq0LghNmjuhARfBOc926nX2qG1DRQCoFzEUtweHdwgpPiSdlm0K4OD6aRkj7_7fcRbWUPgTWZYFYmTs/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Cable-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Some of our other crews looking at our train exiting Tunnel 17 approaching Cable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
5:28AM - Tehachapi - KI</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw0PIhZTrpHaPsk0BJsNgs5tAP6LR7XwnDhyphenhyphenXddXMckCs7uCAk7zR6J3wLHZ1tn9V7TFIibvEzQ_X7SJ0-tZRSHHHr8sGbInFXBNz1nIx_Iiv6Wm4zm1KcPOtNW0ahDvQWst-l_XKkh3f/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+at+KI-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw0PIhZTrpHaPsk0BJsNgs5tAP6LR7XwnDhyphenhyphenXddXMckCs7uCAk7zR6J3wLHZ1tn9V7TFIibvEzQ_X7SJ0-tZRSHHHr8sGbInFXBNz1nIx_Iiv6Wm4zm1KcPOtNW0ahDvQWst-l_XKkh3f/s640/ATSF+140LAC+at+KI-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">ATSF 140 rolling into Summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We met a set of ATSF Light Engines West (LEW) waiting for orders at the west end of Tehachapi No.2 siding and a freight waiting on No. 1 siding.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:30AM - Summit</h3>
<br />
We stopped and dropped our helper, ATSF 3854, at Summit Siding. Things got a bit busy as I shuffled several other helpers around at the Summit Wye. I moved it west to Tehachapi No.2 and coupled it to a pair of Geeps to head west to Bakersfield.<br />
<br />
First 802 was on the move as soon as they finished their air test on the rear section of the train once the helper was cut out. Double Track main tracks between Tehachapi and Mojave allow us to move with the traffic flow and not worry about any opposing trains. No.58 was still about 15 minutes behind us at Summit, so on we rolled. <i> I was still busy with dealing with the helpers between Summit and Tehachapi so wasn't able to get any photos during this time.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Cameron</h3>
<br />
I did have a chance to grab this quick shot of No.58, the <i>Owl</i>, charging through Cameron.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YbAq_2CLPOEc9d3m2XY5xt2NUZFGLa9Odlsum9dBgX5ORsfyMl1i8pivxWZDUWSgvzss2t0B3nMfwytWlf2shKPIr1L_82aEMWFnjM0T2SobFRMubSI8XoQlwnMIHyX-C2BaDIMmTNeo/s1600/SP+no58+Cameron+with+2xACs-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YbAq_2CLPOEc9d3m2XY5xt2NUZFGLa9Odlsum9dBgX5ORsfyMl1i8pivxWZDUWSgvzss2t0B3nMfwytWlf2shKPIr1L_82aEMWFnjM0T2SobFRMubSI8XoQlwnMIHyX-C2BaDIMmTNeo/s640/SP+no58+Cameron+with+2xACs-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">No.58 with two AC's at Cameron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I cover <a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/modeling-owl-part1-post-ww2-to-korea.html">Modeling the <i>Owl</i>'s (Part 1) 1946-1950</a> in my blog from last year.<br />
<br />
<h3>
5:57AM - Mojave Yard</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyjULE8AlsKpLH5PWW7enejNOFJfMv5fnqZg9RsqP-dqI5hyqKvPUFV8PAxYTv_MPAVEXsb-a6no7Onigzuz70becsnkGHv7bcaxW_bIAS3gwZnLHl3m23zAlbvhbp1RQLPOPr_C5CWX5/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+arrive+MC+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyjULE8AlsKpLH5PWW7enejNOFJfMv5fnqZg9RsqP-dqI5hyqKvPUFV8PAxYTv_MPAVEXsb-a6no7Onigzuz70becsnkGHv7bcaxW_bIAS3gwZnLHl3m23zAlbvhbp1RQLPOPr_C5CWX5/s640/ATSF+140LAC+arrive+MC+Yard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Trains stacked up waiting for No.58 to clear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did beat No.58 to Mojave, as we pulled in we headed into the yard to drop our one car set out. ATSF 239 was already in the yard with the N-34-BI waiting to leave. An SP freight held the No.1 track as well. We signed into the Train Register that we'd arrived, the time was 6:10AM, we'd been on duty about four hours, twenty-five minutes so far, and still had to do several more moves and run the train to Barstow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN1AuikPG_2kJcnyIa_UhBjRirIVFAnGACl_bQe4n2OAshhurr9YcJkiMH02ndyWSa1ehnpFxvoNGeyOkzVF-TViAFK2FXVmCTuGdFHQvSNwWY_YLV8IbfWfviktmbzIFXeuuWOJnnusr/s1600/ATSF+140+UP+xm+S-O+at+MC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN1AuikPG_2kJcnyIa_UhBjRirIVFAnGACl_bQe4n2OAshhurr9YcJkiMH02ndyWSa1ehnpFxvoNGeyOkzVF-TViAFK2FXVmCTuGdFHQvSNwWY_YLV8IbfWfviktmbzIFXeuuWOJnnusr/s640/ATSF+140+UP+xm+S-O+at+MC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our one setout, UP 454629, a plain XM for assignment to loading by the Agent at Mojave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After No.58, the Owl, departed, we asked the Mojave Operator for the APB block between East Mojave and Sanborn (the first siding on the ATSF line to Barstow. The SP Yard engine was busy at the other end of the yard, so we have make the setout from near the rear of our train.<br />
<br />
The ATSF 239 was going to follow us out of Mojave, so we held the authority on the APB block and departed after picking up the rear of our train and making the air test.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Tying Up</h2>
<br />
Our train tied up in the Boron Staging yard at 6:45AM after about five hours on duty. Not a bad trip over the Hill, a few delays but nothing too bad, meeting eight trains plus several more at Tehachapi waiting for clearance kept us busy checking the time table. Four to five hour trips are about average now for trains over the model of Tehachapi Pass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vIxHwrts7GSfnpePvRUkDSQkYpMjzu1OFauouBt_Aw1DUEUwZ_pCT2lpWtSpjywr4EvWz1BWsDkbBrXR5UrfgG5Lr8kOsg61bzx0_rkoaZPwU2pSUCpVlCh_DxhdzU8aX83BxNaFe-a-/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+Bena-Illmon-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vIxHwrts7GSfnpePvRUkDSQkYpMjzu1OFauouBt_Aw1DUEUwZ_pCT2lpWtSpjywr4EvWz1BWsDkbBrXR5UrfgG5Lr8kOsg61bzx0_rkoaZPwU2pSUCpVlCh_DxhdzU8aX83BxNaFe-a-/s640/ATSF+140LAC+Bena-Illmon-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">First 802, ATSF 140, rolling between Bena and Ilmon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed the insight into the trip of the SCX-BI as First 802 across the Tehachapi Sub Division.<br />
<br />
Jason Hill<br />
<br />
Related Links:<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/09/overview-of-1950s-time-table-operation_15.html">Overview of 1950's TT/TO Operations at La Mesa Model Railroad Club</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/08/modeling-owl-part1-post-ww2-to-korea.html">Modeling the Consist of the <i>Owl</i>, 1946-1950</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nightowlmodeler.blogspot.com/2016/10/modeling-mail-trains-55-56-tehachapi.html">Modeling SP Mail Consists, Nos. 55 & 56, <i>Tehachapi Mail</i></a><br />
<br />
Links to Robert Bowdidge's Blog about Train Orders:<br />
<a href="http://vasonabranch.blogspot.com/2012/06/operating-at-techachapi.html">"Operating at Tehachapi"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://vasonabranch.blogspot.com/2011/09/lessons-learned-at-la-mesa.html">"Lessons Learned at La Mesa"</a><br />
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<a href="http://vasonabranch.blogspot.com/2011/10/training-wheels-for-train-orders.html">"Training Wheels for Train Orders"</a>NightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4661917004730471280.post-53804844635763820112011-01-18T04:12:00.000-08:002018-01-08T13:02:49.278-08:00Starting the blogAfter being involved in the operations there for 10 years, I can firmly say the following...<i> 'If you don't work with <b>Everyone</b> there as a <b>team</b> the layout will take the bunch of you, chew you up, and spit you out. But mastering the monster, even for a few hours is one of the best feelings in the world!"</i> Jason Hill, sometime ago after yet another wild session with the "Magnificent Monster".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiLxpvl5UVeYRUqTjsuu3VaBclXAunz5s5_w4boASK3WTpbzFz6TVyl1ZvPAca_gIeKtnTzwaBBvG9tl91yKvUtfM2yq3__-lrlvNvSh3xS3wyDtNwR2lX0b_5ukV8Lil0qEZ-15y5b7J/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+at+Walong+BAMcKenzie+Engineer-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiLxpvl5UVeYRUqTjsuu3VaBclXAunz5s5_w4boASK3WTpbzFz6TVyl1ZvPAca_gIeKtnTzwaBBvG9tl91yKvUtfM2yq3__-lrlvNvSh3xS3wyDtNwR2lX0b_5ukV8Lil0qEZ-15y5b7J/s640/ATSF+140LAC+at+Walong+BAMcKenzie+Engineer-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew of the SCX-BI watches their train snake around "The Loop" at Walong.</td></tr>
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This blog is intended to explore how to make the sessions at the La Mesa Club's <a href="http://www.opsontehachapi.com/">TT/TO</a> (timetable & trainorder) sessions better and more enjoyable for all who attend. This will also be a lesson in operating the <a href="http://www.lamesaclub.com/">La Mesa Model Railroad Club</a>'s exhibit in San Diego, CA. What are we trying to achieve with the operations and hopefully help those that come from near and far to these sessions to get some preview of the challenges and intricacies of why we have the symbols set up a certain way. While some have said, "I'm not sure Freight Forwarding can be taught." I hope to be able to open a wider door into the 'how's and why's' of the movement of the cars on the Tehachapi Joint Line. Often some of the model operations have to be somewhat compromised or manipulated to get the cars to come back with minimal real-time restaging of the layout during the sessions. As we move toward the possibilities of a full 24-hour continuous operation, we need to teach more people how to do the critical jobs involved in the operation of the layout. While we've done a good job in the last 4-6 years breaking in new people to the layout (not necessarily new people to operations in general), teaching of the art of the freight car forwarding scheme has not progressed very well. It still seems limited to a few people who are depended on to get all of the switch lists and paperwork in order between sessions and who are getting burned out. Continued success of the club's operating department will rely on the ability to transfer this knowledge to others who can share some of the work during the sessions to make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone. One of the key differences in the style of operation that is the Tehachapi Joint Line, is that we don't do this every day, day in and day out like the real railroaders of 60 years ago. We come in and play an intense 'battle' for a weekend (24 hours over two days) and expect it to run like the real thing that had been running, by 1950, for 80 odd years every day! I strongly feel that anyone wanting to operate on the layout is going to have an insanely steep learning curve if they don't take a bit of time before hand and try to "break-in" to at least the operation style and some of the "Cliff notes" that other operators have learned over the years.<br />
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Please keep the comments civil, even if they are critical of the way things are done. I believe that I can say that the operations dept of the club has tried to as closely as possible recreate the "way it was". Sometimes in doing this there is the question "why do it that way" and often the answer is simply, "that's the way the real railroad did it. So we do it the same way." When the Ops. Dept. has responded that way in the past, it's almost always been because we have received first hand knowledge that it was "that way". Also an opportunity to get some feedback from the operators at the layout, to see if the changes we're working on are actually having any effect. <br />
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I will endeavor to explain any question of "why" we're doing it the way we are... and hopefully we can all learn new things. I don't claim that my way is "THE right way", so please feel free to open discussions here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s7IbDrMdrtU_-eaQtsdglM3LoBuJFIly66V4eWDMTxU7TW0u-4C6wfR8ZXkHTmYRf-tK3ptpvsFGMsTtKJ9Cs8h1u7ggMk_6zNf9U45Yx6WyPbdU3IdMBeLEZlLlZg8VObBug8rpFtNp/s1600/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s7IbDrMdrtU_-eaQtsdglM3LoBuJFIly66V4eWDMTxU7TW0u-4C6wfR8ZXkHTmYRf-tK3ptpvsFGMsTtKJ9Cs8h1u7ggMk_6zNf9U45Yx6WyPbdU3IdMBeLEZlLlZg8VObBug8rpFtNp/s640/SP+Bakersfield+-+Busy+Yard+-+Nov2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A busy day in Bakersfield during the early 1950s.</td></tr>
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Here are some topics that I hope to soon post, including;<br />
General Operations:<br />
Bakersfield Yard Operations: - How to use the yard the "prototypical way" (based on 1st hand accounts of a SP switchman that worked the yard in the early 1950's and various other data).<br />
- <a href="http://tehachapi1950ops.blogspot.com/2018/01/busy-times-in-bakersfield-part-1.html">Busy Times at Bakersfield (Part 1) Roundhouse Operations</a><br />
Mojave Yard Operations - Don't be bored out in the high desert! There's LOTS to do.<br />
Mountain Local and the Mojave Turn - Cat in a room full of rocking chairs!<br />
The Arvin Branch - Like a Coal Turn... but our coal melts!<br />
The "Jawbone" and the "Blitz" Locals - A nice tan for the desert rats.<br />
Helper Service on the 'Hill' - Shoving the heavy tonnage.<br />
A shift as the "Chief" - Time for some hard choices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ220dv11k7qoW-cf77xMyoFv44rrJ-RD_11D2PaI6dgt-t3SmsHXli3cQwpROpg0j50iOBUBZLoXd3R1cNKoima9IKJmqUXGVetlyVjyEWyF3tmbs3cfEr4l9T4DhlZiU27_gJLto4V_g/s1600/ATSF+140LAC+departing+Bena-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ220dv11k7qoW-cf77xMyoFv44rrJ-RD_11D2PaI6dgt-t3SmsHXli3cQwpROpg0j50iOBUBZLoXd3R1cNKoima9IKJmqUXGVetlyVjyEWyF3tmbs3cfEr4l9T4DhlZiU27_gJLto4V_g/s640/ATSF+140LAC+departing+Bena-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Fe SCX-BI rolls out of Bena heading for the climb to Tehachapi Pass.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://tehachapi1950ops.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-trip-over-tehachapi-on-scx-bi.html">A Trip over Tehachapi on the ATSF SCX-BI Freight Train</a><br />
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I know that some people have expressed a "disinterest" in the operations of the club for various reasons. I understand about coming a long way to operate and not having things turn out the way you "planned". The operations at the club are not the run of the mill events. The layout can take some of the finest operators and give them a real run for their money. After being involved in the operations there for 10 years, I can firmly say the following... 'If you don't work with <b>Everyone</b> there as a <b>team</b> the layout will take the bunch of you, chew you up, and spit you out. But mastering the monster, even for a few hours is one of the best feelings in the world!" I'm still in the process of moving out of San Diego, so will soon feel what it's like to be traveling long distances to regularly attend the sessions on the Tehachapi Joint Line.<br />
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Jason HillNightOwlModelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500011869442181noreply@blogger.com0