Trains at Hill 582

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On Friday, May 17, 2013, I spent my day on the BNSF/UP from hill 582 to Barstow. At Hill 582 I met Don E. Toles, the caretaker of this oasis in the desert. Toles has since passed away.
BNSF SD70ACe 9237 led an eastbound 4+2 (9237, 5161, 6978, 4117 + 7120, 7339) ballast train past Hill 582 on Cajon Pass, track 1, as a northbound UP manifest led by UP 7911, 2389 and 2349 made an appearance on the Highline at 11:00 a.m.
BNSF 9237 is an EMD SD70ACe. Reportedly: it was built in 2008 serial number 20066862-108.
UP 7911 is a GE ES44AC, UP model designation C45ACCTE. Reportedly it was built in 2008 , builders number 59056, from UP series 7345-8051.These photos were shot with my Nikon F100 and my second to the last roll of Fuji Astia film.

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #cajonpass #fujichrome #astia #fujifilm

Meet at Barstow

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At 8:38 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013, in Barstow, CA, BNSF 5261 was leading a 4+0 (5261, 4342, 4320, 5430) eastbound intermodal train onto the Needles Subdivision. Behind it a westbound 5+0 (BNSF 6836, 4014, NS 2583, 724wb, 960) manifest was heading in the other direction.
BNSF 5261 is a GE C44-9W. Reportedly: it was built in 2002 serial number 53755.
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Nikon D300s, Nikon 80~200mm f2.8 FX lens

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #bnsf #ge #trainspotting #barstow 

Autoracks at East Tower, Barstow

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At 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013, in Barstow, CA, near where East Tower once was, an eastbound BNSF Auto Racks (6778, 7501) started it's journey onto the Needles Subdivision.
BNSF 6778 is a GE ES44C4. Reportedly: it was built in 2011 builder's number 60448.
This photo was shot with my Nikon F100 and my second to the last roll of Fuji Astia film.
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Analog Image, Nikon F100, Fuji Astia film, Upscaled Machine Scan,
Image: 2013.6.3.2.47-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #bnsf #ge #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #barstow #fujichrome #astia #fujifilm 

WB BNSF Manifest at Barstow

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At 4:20 p.m. on on Friday, May 17, 2013, a 3+2 (7055, 4005, 1054 + 5216, 4060) westbound BNSF manifest was approaching Barstow, CA on "Tom's Burgers Curve."
BNSF 7055 is a GE ES44C4. Reportedly: It was built in 2012 serial number 61201.
This photos were shot with my Nikon F100 and my second to the last roll of Fuji Astia film.
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Analog Image, Nikon F100, Nikon 75~150mm f/3.5, Series E, (MF), Fuji Astia film, Upscaled Machine Scan 2013.6.3.2.33-ph 

BNSF Ballast Train on Cajon

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BNSF SD70ACe 9237 led an eastbound 4+2 (9237, 5161, 6978, 4117 + 7120, 7339) ballast train past Hill 582 on Cajon Pass, track 1, as a northbound UP manifest led by UP 7911 made an appearance on the Highline, 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013.

BNSF 9237 is an EMD SD70ACe. Reportedly: it was built in 2008 serial number 20066862-108.

Years ago, Keel Middleton said, "Not sure where the ballast came from but your train here is the U-CNAPIS9-15B. It is a unit train from Corona, CA to Pisgah, CA. Looks like it might have originally came from Pedernal, NM and they spot dumped in various locations between Topock, AZ and Corona going west then turned back east dumping more until it was empty."

These photos were shot with my Nikon F100 and my second to the last roll of Fuji Astia film.

BNSF 9237 is an EMD SD70ACe. Reportedly: it was built in 2008 serial number 20066862-108.

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Analog Image, Nikon F100, Fuji Astia film, Upscaled Machine Scan 2013.6.3.2.1-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #bnsf #emd #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #cajonpass #fujichrome 

SP S-12 2128 in Eugene

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Southern Pacific (SP) 2128 was in Eugene, Oregon on an unknown date in the summer of 1972. The Baldwin apparently brushed pretty close to something judging by the cab damage. SP 2128 is a Baldwin S-12. Reportedly: SP 2128 was built by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton in 1952 as an S-12, SP 1494 Class DS-114 serial number 75776. In 1965 it was renumbered to SP 2128 Baldwin S-12, SP Class B412-3. The disposition of this locomotive is reported as: To GE/Chrome Crankshaft, to Koppel Bulk Terminal 76 which became AGREX 76. June 1988 to Metropolitan Stevedore reportedly number 1, scrapped in November 1995.

Too crop or not to crop, that is the question. I am making these decisions on the photos I am scanning all the time. When I first took the photos I often shot further back. I only had a "normal" lens. Later, I thought of these photos as being flawed, as being too far away. Now, the loose cropping has provided something I had not thought of as being important then. That is, context.

Looking back on these photos I see them now as environmental portraits. The great photographer Brian Baer used to call environmental portraits of people, "mug shots with a wide angle lens." That's what these are, only with locomotives. They show the locomotive in it's world. They are kind of like static action shots.

Southern Pacific 2128 in Eugene, Oregon in the summer of 1972. The Baldwin isn't the only thing historical in this photo. All the roadnames on the boxcars shown here are gone too.
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Analog Image, Kodachrome Slide 2.5-341, Scan 2010.10.12.1.4-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #southernpacific #blh #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #baldwin #eugene #kodachrome 

SP 355 in Roseville

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Southern Pacific (SP) F7A 355 was in Roseville, CA, apparently in Rotary Service, likely in the Spring of 1970. This may be my second train slide ever. Shot on Wards or Sears slide film.
According to SSW9389 on Trainorders, "SP 355 was classified as a passenger unit, class EP415A-3. It shows up in the 1971 Annual as one of two EP415 units remaining on the SP roster. There were a total of 37 F units included in the 1971 Annual. Don't have the 1972 Annual, but suspect this unit was retired after the major failure you described. The SP was purchasing large numbers of the SD45T-2s at the time and the 355 was most likely traded back to EMD." "Topper" said, "The retirement date I have for it shows to be 10/72."
SP 355 was an EMD F7A, SP Class EP415A-3. Reportedly it was built in 1952, construction number 17209, as SP (T&NO) 355 Class DF-9. It was reclassed in 1965. It was the last T&NO unit to operate in it's original three unit number when it was retired and sold in 1972.
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Analog Image, Unknown Slide Film 2.5-43, Scan 2010.10.6.1.3-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #southernpacific #emd #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #roseville #funits 

HO BN (SP&S) ALCo C636 at CCMRC

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On Saturday, January 10, 2026, my Burlington Northern (BN) 4369 (SP&S) led a train past the "Salmonella" fishery at the California Central Model Railroad Club (CCMRC) in the historic Agnew depot in Santa Clara, CA.
The real BN 4369 was an ALCo C636. Reportedly: it was built in 1968, builders number 6010-04, as SP&S 343. After the merger it became BN 4369. It was retired circa 1980.
The real BN 4369 was an ALCo C636. Reportedly: it was built in 1968, builders number 6010-04, as SP&S 343. After the merger it became BN 4369. It was retired circa 1980.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Images: 2026.1.12.7.12, 17, 19-ph

#trains #railroads #railroading #modelrailroading #HOscale #ccmrc #bowser #ALCo #burlingtonnorthern #sps #santaclara 

Model BN (SP&S) ALCo at CCMRC

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On Saturday, January 10, 2026, my BN 4369 (SP&S) led a train in the canyon while high above a daylight train headed in the other direction at the California Central Model Railroad Club (CCMRC) in the historic Agnew depot in Santa Clara, CA. My BN 4369 is an HO Bowser model.
The real BN 4369 was an ALCo C636. Reportedly: it was built in 1968, builders number 6010-04, as SP&S 343. After the merger it became BN 4369. It was retired circa 1980.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Image: 2026.1.12.7.9-ph

#trains #railroads #railroading #modelrailroading #HOscale #ccmrc #bowser #ALCo #burlingtonnorthern #sps #santaclara 

SP Commute GP9 3003

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On an unknown date, in September 1972, Southern Pacific train 118 powered by commute GP9 3003 raced past a group of Train Masters that were waiting out the weekend in San Jose, CA.
SP 3003 was an EMD GP9, SP Class EP418-2. Reportedly it was built in 1954 as SP 5603, SP Class DF-603, serial number 19564. It became SP 3003, SP Class EP418-2 in the 1965 renumbering. In 1975 it was rebuilt becoming GP-9R 3186, SP Class EP418E-1. In 1995 it was retired and in 1996 it was sold to Progress Rail. In 2000 it became Western Rail (WRIX) 3186 rebuilt with a chopped nose. In 2006 it was resold to Kalama Export Co., in Kalama, WA. Current status not known.
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Kodachrome,
Slide 2.5-599, Scan 2008.2.17.1.5-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #southernpacific #emd #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #sanjose #kodachrome 

WP eastbound at Keddie

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One of my early photos. Western Pacific (WP) 3522 and two WP friends led an ABBA set of Union Pacific locomotives, one UP GP30 two UP GP9Bs and a UP GP35 eastbound over Keddie Wye in August 1971.
WP 3522 was an EMD GP40. Reportedly: it was built in 1970, serial number 36783. Other reporting marks and numbers said to be associated with this include: UP 671 (assigned but never applied), CMNW 3005, PRLX 3005, CMNW 3522, BRC 236, PRLX 5610. Current status not known.
Please do not edit, crop, "correct" or "improve" these photos without asking me first.
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Unknown 35 mm film camera:
Slide 2.5-3538, Scan 2008.3.24.3.3-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #film #filmphotography #EMD #westernpacific #trainspotting #blackandwhite 

HO SP 2150 in Mission Bay

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On Saturday, January 3, 2026, my Bowser HO model of Southern Pacific (SP) 2150 was working in "Mission Bay Yard" at the California Central Model Railroad Club (CCMRC) in the historic Agnew depot in Santa Clara, CA.
The real SP 2150 was an MU equipped Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton (BLH) S-12. Reportedly: it was built in 1953 as SP 1543 Class DS-118, serial number 75918. In 1965 it was renumbered to SP 2150 SP Class B412-4. The disposition of this locomotive is reported as, Retired 1974 sold to Chrome Crankshaft. Resold to Kerr-McGee 100, renumbered to 844. Donated 1990 to Orange Empire Railway Museum.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Image: 2026.1.4.3.26-ph

#trains #railroads #railroading #modelrailroading #HOscale #ccmrc #bowser #baldwin #southernpacific #blh #trainspotting #santaclara 

ACE Saturday Train

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On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Altamont Corridor Express (ACEX) 3103 led a special southbound move of power and ACEX passenger cars past the California Central Model Railroad Club (CCMRC) in the historic Agnew depot in Santa Clara, CA.
ACEX 3103, is an EMD/MPI F40PH-3C. Reportedly it was built by EMD as an F40PH this locomotive was rebuilt by MPI a an F40PH-3C with a Cummins generator.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Image: 2026.1.4.3.6-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #ace #acex #trainspotting #santaclara 

SP 2150 on the CCMRC

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On Saturday, January 3, 2026, my Bowser HO model of Southern Pacific (SP) 2150 is approaching the "Salmonella" fishery at the California Central Model Railroad Club (CCMRC) in the historic Agnew depot in Santa Clara, CA.
The real SP 2150 was an MU equipped Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton (BLH) S-12. Reportedly: it was built in 1953 as SP 1543 Class DS-118, serial number 75918. In 1965 it was renumbered to SP 2150 SP Class B412-4. The disposition of this locomotive is reported as, Retired 1974 sold to Chrome Crankshaft. Resold to Kerr-McGee 100, renumbered to 844. Donated 1990 to Orange Empire Railway Museum.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Image: 2026.1.4.3.43-ph

#trains #railroads #railroading #modelrailroading #HOscale #ccmrc #bowser #baldwin #southernpacific #blh #trainspotting #santaclara 

SP 2150 in LA

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"Frank's Office" was written in chalk over the door of Southern Pacific (SP) 2150. The Baldwin S12 was captured on December 28, 1973, in Taylor Yard, Los Angeles, California.

On trainorders (TO), October 15, 2010, "rehunn" said, "2150, 2154 and 2157 were the "J" yard switchers right up to the end of the use of the Baldwins.

Years ago, "miralomarail" said, "During the 90's we had a former S.P. employee working at Amtrak in LA, Ca. His name was Frank, and had heard about "His Office "

"OPRRMS" said, "Possibly refers to Frank Watkins, who was the engineer on 7:59 AM yard job at River Station (a.k.a., the Links) during the early Seventies. The S-12s were quite common at that yard. Frank was a very nice gentleman and well-liked by everyone."

"Charlie" said on TO in April 2021: 

Frank Watkins was indeed a gentleman. I fired for him for several weeks in the early 70's.

The Frank that is referenced in "Frank's Office" was a SP yardmaster who, as the story goes, would drive his own truck on various 'errands' while on duty and was caught filling its tank and paying with a SP credit card. 

Forever-after he was known as "Gas Tank Frank" and the 'brothers' delighted in chalking those words where ever a palette could be found; such as bridge abutments, yard office urinals, anywhere it would be seen by fellow 'rails'.

I did enjoy the post, Steve.

Charlie

SP 2150 was an MU equipped Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton (BLH) S-12. Reportedly: it was built in 1953 as SP 1543 Class DS-118, serial number 75918. In 1965 it was renumbered to SP 2150 SP Class B412-4. The disposition of this locomotive is reported as, Retired 1974 sold to Chrome Crankshaft. Resold to Kerr-McGee 100, renumbered to 844. Donated 1990 to Orange Empire Railway Museum.

Please do not edit, crop, "correct" or "improve" this photo without asking me first.
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Analog Image, Ektachrome Slide 2.5-360, Scan 2010.10.12.1.6-ph

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #southernpacific #blh #trainspotting #film #filmphotography #baldwin #la #blackandwhitphotography 

SP MT-1 4314 in Sacramento, CA

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The notes with the collection say: on Saturday, October 14, 1939, Southern Pacific (SP) 4314 was in Sacramento, CA. Photographer most likely Bill Darrough, from the Darrough Collection. Since negatives were extensively traded it's possible Bill was not the photographer. Photos from this collection have been shared with permission from Jack Darrough, obtained before he died.
SP 4314 was an ALCo 4-8-2, SP Class MT-1. Reportedly: SP MT-1 4-8-2 4314 was built by ALCo in 1924, builders number 65384. It was vacated and scrapped in 1953.
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Negative 1.1.46.29.1, Scan 2018.8.21.1.1-ph 

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #film #filmphotography #ALCo #steam #steamengines #steamtrains #southernpacificrailroad #southernpacific 

Kodachrome GP35 on Kodachrome

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Southern Pacific (SP) 6356 a Kodachrome GP35R was in Bakersfield, CA on Sunday, February 23, 1992.
SP 6356 was an EMD/CN GP35 (GP35R). Reportedly: it was built by EMD in 1965, as a model GP35, builder number 29729, SP 7727, SP Class DF-625. It was renumbered and reclassed in 1965 becoming GP35 6624, SP Class EF425-3. It was rebuilt in 1979 by Canadian National emerging as SP 6356 EMD/CN GP35 (GP35R), SP Class EF425N-1. It was retired in 1995 eventually becoming Arizona and California 3503.

#train #trains #railroads #railroading #trainspotting #southernpacificrailroad #southernpacific #filmphotography #kodachrome #emd
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Nikon FM2, Kodachrome 25 Film:
Slide YB.33-935.3, Hand Scan: 2022.1.22.1.9-ph 

SP Passenger Train at Niles

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On Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Tri-City Society of Model Engineers (TCSME) model railroad club in the historic Niles depot in Fremont, CA, my HO scale Rapido Southern Pacific (SP) passenger engines 6046 and 6044 were pulling a passenger train.
The real SP 6045 was an EMD E9A. Reportedly: It was built in 1954, serial number 20095, SP Class DF-12. In 1965 it was reclassified to SP Class EP624A-1. It was retired in 1970.
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Apple iPhone 13 Max,
Images: 2025.12.30.13.7, 10, 13-ph

#trains #railroads #railroading #modelrailroading #HOscale #tcsme #niles #emd #alco