2. Trains

BAKERSFIELD TO MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA.

A photographic journey over this amazing line. Bakersfield is 400ft above sea level and in 50 miles the line climbs to Tehachapi Summit at a height of 4,028ft then in 18 miles it drops 1,279ft down to Mojave. The 3,628 foot climb on the north side is achieved by horseshoe bends and clinging to the sides of the mountain and of course the famous Tehachapi Loop (which is actually near Woodford) where the front of a train will pass over the rear of the train at a height differential of 77 feet. It is interesting to note that the height of the summit is only 381ft lower than Ben Nevis! It is a line that every railway enthusiast should visit at least once to marvel at the spectacle.
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  • BNSF 5314 (C44-9W), BNSF 908 (C40-8W) & BNSF 9211 (SD60M) approach Bena with a northbound manifest working. 27/04/2007.

    BNSF 5314 (C44-9W), BNSF 908 (C40-8W) & BNSF 9211 (SD60M) approach Bena with a northbound manifest working. 27/04/2007.

  • UP4700, UP 4295 & UP 4385 (all SD70M) approach Ilmon Caliente Creek with a southbound double stack train. UP 4385 has just gone pop as can be seen by the black smoke hanging in the air in the background. 27/04/2007.

    UP4700, UP 4295 & UP 4385 (all SD70M) approach Ilmon Caliente Creek with a southbound double stack train. UP 4385 has just gone pop as can be seen by the black smoke hanging in the air in the background. 27/04/2007.

  • BNSF 4583, BNSF 713 & BNSF 4342 (all C44-9W's) are in the siding at Bealville for a meet with an eastbound manifest. 27/04/2007.

    BNSF 4583, BNSF 713 & BNSF 4342 (all C44-9W's) are in the siding at Bealville for a meet with an eastbound manifest. 27/04/2007.

  • BNSF 7661 (ES44DC), BNSF 511 (B40-8W) & FURX 8054 (SD40-2) head a eastbound intermodal towards tunnel 3 on the exit from Bealville. 27th April 2007.

    BNSF 7661 (ES44DC), BNSF 511 (B40-8W) & FURX 8054 (SD40-2) head a eastbound intermodal towards tunnel 3 on the exit from Bealville. 27th April 2007.

  • BNSF 5314 (C44-9W), BNSF 908 (C40-8W) & BNSF 9211 (SD60M) cross Woodford Trestle with a northbound manifest working. 27/04/2007.

    BNSF 5314 (C44-9W), BNSF 908 (C40-8W) & BNSF 9211 (SD60M) cross Woodford Trestle with a northbound manifest working. 27/04/2007.

  • BNSF 7618 (ES44DC) is the lead locomotive on an uphill coil train emerging from Tunnel 9 and about to enter Walong siding. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 7618 (ES44DC) is the lead locomotive on an uphill coil train emerging from Tunnel 9 and about to enter Walong siding. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5099, BNSF 732, BNSF 5044, BNSF 631 & BNSF 1051 (all C44-9W's) power round the curve at Sandcut with a westbound manifest. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 5099, BNSF 732, BNSF 5044, BNSF 631 & BNSF 1051 (all C44-9W's) power round the curve at Sandcut with a westbound manifest. 28/04/2007.

  • The conductor from BNSF 1021 (C44-9W) waits to perform a roll by check of a westbound manifest headed by BNSF 7791 (ES44DC), BNSF 4925 (C44-9W) & BNSF 8076 (SD40-2) as they exit the single line section from Caliente at Bena. 28/04/2007.

    The conductor from BNSF 1021 (C44-9W) waits to perform a roll by check of a westbound manifest headed by BNSF 7791 (ES44DC), BNSF 4925 (C44-9W) & BNSF 8076 (SD40-2) as they exit the single line section from Caliente at Bena. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5473 (C44-9W), BNSF 2965 (GP39-2R), BNSF (GP38-2), BNSF 4325 (C44-9W), BNSF 4570 (C44-9W) & BNSF 574 (B40-8W) leading the westbound manifest at Sandcut are seen heading away towards Bakersfield. Saturday 28th April 2007.

    BNSF 5473 (C44-9W), BNSF 2965 (GP39-2R), BNSF (GP38-2), BNSF 4325 (C44-9W), BNSF 4570 (C44-9W) & BNSF 574 (B40-8W) leading the westbound manifest at Sandcut are seen heading away towards Bakersfield. Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • BNSF 5506, BNSF 4977, BNSF 4912, BNSF 1049 & BNSF 5108 (all C44-9W's) pass Woodford with an eastbound double stack train. This train had suffered theft from containers earlier after setting off the detector between Bena and Ilmon. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 5506, BNSF 4977, BNSF 4912, BNSF 1049 & BNSF 5108 (all C44-9W's) pass Woodford with an eastbound double stack train. This train had suffered theft from containers earlier after setting off the detector between Bena and Ilmon. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 3460 (SD40-2R) & UP 2493 (SD60M) are stabled in the yard at Mojave. 27th April 2007.

    UP 3460 (SD40-2R) & UP 2493 (SD60M) are stabled in the yard at Mojave. 27th April 2007.

  • UP 5383 (C45ACCTE), UP 5413(C45ACCTE) & UP 3836 (SD70M) head towards Caliente at Ilmon with an eastbound manifest consisting of 108 wagons and 3 mid train helpers. 27/04/2011.

    UP 5383 (C45ACCTE), UP 5413(C45ACCTE) & UP 3836 (SD70M) head towards Caliente at Ilmon with an eastbound manifest consisting of 108 wagons and 3 mid train helpers. 27/04/2011.

  • BNSF 4583 (C44-9W) Bealville. 27/04/2011.

    BNSF 4583 (C44-9W) Bealville. 27/04/2011.

  • BNSF 5480; 4476; 5339 & 1078 (all C44-9W's) are now waiting in the siding at Woodford for yet another downhill with their double stack train. Friday 27th April 2007.

    BNSF 5480; 4476; 5339 & 1078 (all C44-9W's) are now waiting in the siding at Woodford for yet another downhill with their double stack train. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • Information plaque at the side of the road overlooking Tehachapi Loop. 27/04/2007.

    Information plaque at the side of the road overlooking Tehachapi Loop. 27/04/2007.

  • The conductor of an eastbound coil train waiting in Walong siding headed by BNSF 7618 (ES44DC), BNSF 5012 (C44-9W) gives a roll by check to a westbound manifest headed by BNSF 4777, BNSF 4655, BNSF 5186 & BNSF 4440 (all C44-9W) about to start down the spiral loop. 28/04/2007.

    The conductor of an eastbound coil train waiting in Walong siding headed by BNSF 7618 (ES44DC), BNSF 5012 (C44-9W) gives a roll by check to a westbound manifest headed by BNSF 4777, BNSF 4655, BNSF 5186 & BNSF 4440 (all C44-9W) about to start down the spiral loop. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 5366 (C45ACCTE), UP 5164 (SD70M) & UP5506 (C45ACCTE) come of the long straight from Bakersfield at Sandcut with an eastbound manifest service. 28/04/2007.

    UP 5366 (C45ACCTE), UP 5164 (SD70M) & UP5506 (C45ACCTE) come of the long straight from Bakersfield at Sandcut with an eastbound manifest service. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046, BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the eastbound empty grain train around the horseshoe curve at Caliente and start the major climb to the summit. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046, BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the eastbound empty grain train around the horseshoe curve at Caliente and start the major climb to the summit. 28/04/2007.

  • The westbound manifest lead by BNSF 5473 also had two rear end helpers in the shape of BNSF 4823 & BNSF 5315 (both C44-9W's). 28/04/2007.

    The westbound manifest lead by BNSF 5473 also had two rear end helpers in the shape of BNSF 4823 & BNSF 5315 (both C44-9W's). 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5258, BNSF 4692, BNSF 4390 & BNSF 1088 (all C44-9W's) have at last reached Woodford but are now in the siding there with the eastbound autoracks to wait for several trains to pass. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 5258, BNSF 4692, BNSF 4390 & BNSF 1088 (all C44-9W's) have at last reached Woodford but are now in the siding there with the eastbound autoracks to wait for several trains to pass. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5040, BNSF 4833 & BNSF 4614 (all C44-9W) at Ilmon Caliente Creek with an eastbound manifest. 27/04/2007.

    BNSF 5040, BNSF 4833 & BNSF 4614 (all C44-9W) at Ilmon Caliente Creek with an eastbound manifest. 27/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5480; 4476; 5339 & 1078 (all C44-9W's) wait in the siding at Caliente with an east bound double stack train. After the crossing meet they will head round the horseshoe and climb the track in the background above their train. Friday 27th April 2007.

    BNSF 5480; 4476; 5339 & 1078 (all C44-9W's) wait in the siding at Caliente with an east bound double stack train. After the crossing meet they will head round the horseshoe and climb the track in the background above their train. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train enter the siding at Bealville. The 3 rear end helpers UP 4775 (SD70M), UP 5412 & UP 5355 (both C45ACCTE) can be seen on the hillside in the distance about to enter Tunnel 5. Friday 27th April 2007.

    UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train enter the siding at Bealville. The 3 rear end helpers UP 4775 (SD70M), UP 5412 & UP 5355 (both C45ACCTE) can be seen on the hillside in the distance about to enter Tunnel 5. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • BNSF 5443 (C44-9W) & NS 9856 (D9-40CW04) climb past Woodford with an eastbound bare table train. 27/04/2011.

    BNSF 5443 (C44-9W) & NS 9856 (D9-40CW04) climb past Woodford with an eastbound bare table train. 27/04/2011.

  • Information plaque at the side of the road overlooking Tehachapi Loop. 27/04/2007.

    Information plaque at the side of the road overlooking Tehachapi Loop. 27/04/2007.

  • The front and the back of this westbound manifest are travelling in opposite directions and at quite a height difference around Tehachapi loop headed by BNSF 4777, BNSF 4655, BNSF 5186 & BNSF 4440 (all C44-9W's). Saturday 28th April 2007.

    The front and the back of this westbound manifest are travelling in opposite directions and at quite a height difference around Tehachapi loop headed by BNSF 4777, BNSF 4655, BNSF 5186 & BNSF 4440 (all C44-9W's). Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046 & BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the empty eastbound grain train along the straight from Edison toward Sandcut. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046 & BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the empty eastbound grain train along the straight from Edison toward Sandcut. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) wait at Bena with a southbound intermodal for the single line ahead to become clear before proceeding to Caliente. 28/04/2007.

    UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) wait at Bena with a southbound intermodal for the single line ahead to become clear before proceeding to Caliente. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) hold the main at Woodford as the climb towards the loop with a southbound intermodal. 28/04/2007.

    UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) hold the main at Woodford as the climb towards the loop with a southbound intermodal. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 4361, BNSF 4624, BNSF 4124 & BNSF 5345 (all C44-9W-s) are on the main at Woodford passing the autorack train with a northbound/westbound manifest train. The train has just negotiated the Tehachapi Loop a level of which can be seen in the background towards the top of the picture. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 4361, BNSF 4624, BNSF 4124 & BNSF 5345 (all C44-9W-s) are on the main at Woodford passing the autorack train with a northbound/westbound manifest train. The train has just negotiated the Tehachapi Loop a level of which can be seen in the background towards the top of the picture. 28/04/2007.

  • UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train are now off the mountain and pass over Ilmon Caliente Creek. Work is underway to install double track over this section between Bena and Caliente. Friday 27th April 2007.

    UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train are now off the mountain and pass over Ilmon Caliente Creek. Work is underway to install double track over this section between Bena and Caliente. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • BNSF 7689 (ES44DC), BNSF 4454, BNSF 4454, BNSF 1021 & BNSF 1108 (all C44-9W) emerge from Tunnel 2 with a northbound manifest train. 27th April 2007.

    BNSF 7689 (ES44DC), BNSF 4454, BNSF 4454, BNSF 1021 & BNSF 1108 (all C44-9W) emerge from Tunnel 2 with a northbound manifest train. 27th April 2007.

  • UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train enter the siding at Bealville. 27/04.2007.

    UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train enter the siding at Bealville. 27/04.2007.

  • UP 4498 (SD70M), UP 8476 & UP 8494 (both SD70ACe) hold the main at Woodford with a southbound intermodal train. Friday 27th April 2007.

    UP 4498 (SD70M), UP 8476 & UP 8494 (both SD70ACe) hold the main at Woodford with a southbound intermodal train. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • BNSF 5062 (C44-9W), BNSF 657 (C44-9W), BNSF 2788 (GP39-2) & BNSF 7719 (ES44DC) head round the Tehachapi Loop spiral and will pass over the rear end of their train some 77 feet higher. Saturday 28th April 2007.

    BNSF 5062 (C44-9W), BNSF 657 (C44-9W), BNSF 2788 (GP39-2) & BNSF 7719 (ES44DC) head round the Tehachapi Loop spiral and will pass over the rear end of their train some 77 feet higher. Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • War Bonnet liveried BNSF 623 along with BNSF 1087 & BNSF 5516 (all C44-9W's) bring a westbound double stack train through the S curve approaching Tunnel 10 before entering Tehachapi Loop. 28/04/2007.

    War Bonnet liveried BNSF 623 along with BNSF 1087 & BNSF 5516 (all C44-9W's) bring a westbound double stack train through the S curve approaching Tunnel 10 before entering Tehachapi Loop. 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046 & BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the empty eastbound grain train along the straight from Edison toward Sandcut. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 1021, BNSF 4046 & BNSF 4881 (all C44-9W's) head the empty eastbound grain train along the straight from Edison toward Sandcut. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 5354 (C45ACCTE), UP 3954 (SD70M), UP 5424 (C45ACCTE), UP 5401 (C45ACCTE), UP 4815 (SD70M) & UP 9763 (C44-9, Ex C & NW 8659) bring a westbound manifest train round the horseshoe at Caliente and pass through the site of the old depot. Saturday 28th April 2007.

    UP 5354 (C45ACCTE), UP 3954 (SD70M), UP 5424 (C45ACCTE), UP 5401 (C45ACCTE), UP 4815 (SD70M) & UP 9763 (C44-9, Ex C & NW 8659) bring a westbound manifest train round the horseshoe at Caliente and pass through the site of the old depot. Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) are now on the loop with the rear end of their train still on the level below and the locomotives are about to pass over Tunnel 9 and the rear of the train. 28/04/2007.

    UP 4131 (SD70M), UP 5097 (SD70M) & UP 5285 (C45ACCTE) are now on the loop with the rear end of their train still on the level below and the locomotives are about to pass over Tunnel 9 and the rear of the train. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 5450 (C45ACCTE), UP 4956, UP 3995 (both SD70M's), UP 5368 (C45ACCTE), UP 4908 & UP 4572 (both SD70M's) with a northbound manifest pass Woodford on the main, the autoracks would eventually be released after the passing of this train. 28/04/2007.

    UP 5450 (C45ACCTE), UP 4956, UP 3995 (both SD70M's), UP 5368 (C45ACCTE), UP 4908 & UP 4572 (both SD70M's) with a northbound manifest pass Woodford on the main, the autoracks would eventually be released after the passing of this train. 28/04/2007.

  • Part of UP 5372 is this hopper still in SSW Cotton Belt livery. 27/04/2007.

    Part of UP 5372 is this hopper still in SSW Cotton Belt livery. 27/04/2007.

  • BNSF 7751 (ES44DC), BNSF 4118 (C44-9W), BNSF 5172 (C44-9W) & BNSF 812 (C40-8W) are on the main approaching Bealville with a North Bay to Willow Springs intermodal. 27/04/2007.

    BNSF 7751 (ES44DC), BNSF 4118 (C44-9W), BNSF 5172 (C44-9W) & BNSF 812 (C40-8W) are on the main approaching Bealville with a North Bay to Willow Springs intermodal. 27/04/2007.

  • P 5383 (C45ACCTE), UP 5413(C45ACCTE) & UP 3836 (SD70M) hold the main at Woodford as they climb towards Tehachapi Loop. Friday 27th April 2007.

    P 5383 (C45ACCTE), UP 5413(C45ACCTE) & UP 3836 (SD70M) hold the main at Woodford as they climb towards Tehachapi Loop. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) head downhill across Woodford Trestle on a nortbound manifest consisting of 130 wagons plus 3 end of train helpers. Friday 27th April 2007.

    UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) head downhill across Woodford Trestle on a nortbound manifest consisting of 130 wagons plus 3 end of train helpers. Friday 27th April 2007.

  • BNSF 5062 (C44-9W), BNSF 657 (C44-9W), BNSF 2788 (GP39-2) & BNSF 7719 (ES44DC) head out the Tehachapi spiral and pass Walong siding heading towards Tunnel 10 with an eastbound manifest. Saturday 28th April 2007.

    BNSF 5062 (C44-9W), BNSF 657 (C44-9W), BNSF 2788 (GP39-2) & BNSF 7719 (ES44DC) head out the Tehachapi spiral and pass Walong siding heading towards Tunnel 10 with an eastbound manifest. Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • War Bonnet liveried BNSF 623 along with BNSF 1087 & BNSF 5516 (all C44-9W's) wind round the reverse curves at Sandcut with a westbound double stack train. Saturday 28th April 2007.

    War Bonnet liveried BNSF 623 along with BNSF 1087 & BNSF 5516 (all C44-9W's) wind round the reverse curves at Sandcut with a westbound double stack train. Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • Cab end detail of BNSF 4046 (C44-9W). 28/04/2007.

    Cab end detail of BNSF 4046 (C44-9W). 28/04/2007.

  • BNSF 5473 (C44-9W), BNSF 2965 (GP39-2R), BNSF (GP38-2), BNSF 4325 (C44-9W), BNSF 4570 (C44-9W) & BNSF 574 (B40-8W) lead a westbound manifest through Sandcut, Saturday 28th April 2007.

    BNSF 5473 (C44-9W), BNSF 2965 (GP39-2R), BNSF (GP38-2), BNSF 4325 (C44-9W), BNSF 4570 (C44-9W) & BNSF 574 (B40-8W) lead a westbound manifest through Sandcut, Saturday 28th April 2007.

  • BNSF 4505, BNSF 4445 (both C44-9W's), BNSF 7692 & BNSF 7644 (both ES44DC's) climb past Woodford on the main with intermodal train 199 02.30 North Bay to Willow Springs, Chicago. 28/04/2007.

    BNSF 4505, BNSF 4445 (both C44-9W's), BNSF 7692 & BNSF 7644 (both ES44DC's) climb past Woodford on the main with intermodal train 199 02.30 North Bay to Willow Springs, Chicago. 28/04/2007.

  • UP 5199, UP 4728 & UP 4871 (all SD70M's) pass the still waiting autorack train with an uphill bare table train at Woodford. 28/04/2007.

    UP 5199, UP 4728 & UP 4871 (all SD70M's) pass the still waiting autorack train with an uphill bare table train at Woodford. 28/04/2007.

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    BNSF 5040, BNSF 4833 & BNSF 4614 (all C44-9W) at Ilmon Caliente Creek with an eastbound manifest. 27/04/2007.
    UP5372, UP5832 & UP 5404 (all C45ACCTE) with their 130 wagon manifest train are now off the mountain and pass over Ilmon Caliente Creek. Work is underway to install double track over this section between Bena and Caliente. Friday 27th April 2007.
    Part of UP 5372 is this hopper still in SSW Cotton Belt livery. 27/04/2007.