Pentrex’s latest episode in their popular “At the Throttle” series, “The Surfline”
Most rail enthusiasts and photographers have a few railroad DVDs or videos as part of our movie collections. At one time, it seemed, it was a requisite element for expressing your membership in the club - it was about ownership.
Before the proliferation of video cameras and content that we see today, it was rare to see a “movie” devoted entirely to railfanning in general, let alone on on a particular subdivision or topic…
(Apparently Just Amtrak's) 2010 National Train Day at Los Angeles Union Station
May 8, 2010, a date that I eargerly anticipated, had finally arrived! It was National Train Day (for 2010) and I was off to the festivities and fun to be had at the event held at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
This was going to be my first National Train Day event and I was excited as a kid at Christmas about the possibilities that someone who loves all things rail might encounter at an event such as this. After making sure I had all my requisite gear safely secured in or on my backpack, I headed off to the Upland Metrolink station to catch a westbound commuter that would deliver me directly to Union Station in just under one hour’s time…
What's Wrong with this Pcture?
I was doing some post-processing work on my photos in preparation for upcoming blog post about the National Train Day events in Los Angeles a week ago and I came across this photo. Something just doesn’t seem right about it.
Can you spot it?
Post your answer as a comment below:
In the Ballast with the Santa Fe 3751 at Los Angeles Union Station
Continuing my coverage of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s former Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive’s departure from Los Angeles Union Station en route to San Bernardino, California with an excursion train as part of the San Bernardino Railroad Days and Bicentennial Celebration, I have moved my vantage point into the ballast area at the end of the platform…
On the Platform with the Santa Fe 3751 at Los Angeles Union Station
Indirectly associated with the events of National Train Day, the former Santa Fe No. 3751 was going to pulling an excursion train from Los Angeles Union Station to San Bernardino, California as part of San Bernardino Railroad Days and Bicentennial Celebration.
It was perfect timing for me as I was going to be attending the National Train Day events at Los Angeles Union Station yesterday anyways so I altered my schedule a bit so I could see the 3751 leave LA…
A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 3
Our savior, so to speak, declared that he was certain the San Diego Steam Special II would be stopping at “Poinsettia” for servicing which will take about an hour. He also said that the Santa Fe 3751 would be performing a series of run-bys at that location as well!
“Really?” I exclaimed as I gave Dan a raised-brow glance. “Let’s see where Poinsettia is,” I said as I pointed the man towards my truck…
Truckee Railroad Museum Grand Opening
Most appropriately so a new railroad museum is having its grand opening on National Train Day, May 8, 2010.
The Truckee Railroad Museum will be opening it’s doors in a town which played an important role in the transcontinental railroad and remains steeped in railroad tradition and lore to this day. So much so, in fact, that I am a little surprised that there is not already a museum in Truckee…
SECOND CHANCE - See the Santa Fe 3751 Run This Weekend in Southern California
Per the Santa Fe 3751 Facebook page,
Santa Fe 3751 will haul 4 private cars and a Metrolink diesel from San Bernardino to Los Angeles as part of the Railroad Days event in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the city of San Bernardino. For tickets and information call: 909-792-3827.
Here is a map of the route that I put together to assist you in planning your chase:…
A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 2
As I pulled away from the Fullerton Amtrak station parking lot, I began to estimate an approximate meeting location for both Dan and I and the 3751. Ultimately we decided to meet at the Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano, mostly because it was the closet point at which our paths converged. However, it turned out to be rather fortuitous for us with respect the 3751 as well…
A Day Chasing Steam - The Santa Fe 3751 Heads South with San Diego Steam Special II - Part 1
It was with much anticipation and uncertainty of the coming day’s outcome that I left for the Fullerton Amtrak Station to begin the chase of the San Diego Steam Special II and the 3751. I was already an hour or so behind schedule and as I packed the truck I realized that this trip was going to be different. Despite being aware of this special run since last year I found myself unprepared due to a series of family illnesses.
I normally travel with my best friend and rail scout, Debbie, my wife. Although she was willing to accompany me on this trip I felt she needed some rest so I fired up the Cummins diesel and headed out alone…
SOCAL - Get Ready! Here She Comes!
This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, (May 1-2, 2010), southern Californians will have a rare opportunity to see a famous steam locomotive, the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s Santa Fe 3751 as she powers the Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association joint special - the San Diego Steam Special-II…
You've Seen Yesterday, Now See the Future
You may have seen the numerous videos and coverage of Union Pacific’s legendary steam locomotive, UP No. 844 which is currently on duty leading the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour train or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who saw her firsthand, either track side or on display during the tour. Maybe even you have fond childhood memories of the steam behemoths roaming the country during the days of yesteryear. If you have then you will agree that it is truly a sight to behold. What amazing machines steam engines are.
Now On May 8, 2010, you can see the newest in railroad motive-power technology, the Generator-Set (or Genset) switcher which is Union Pacific’s latest environmentally friendly design to join its fleet…
The Perils of Railfanning and Home Decor
Being a fan of railroads these days has many challenges, to say the least. First there are the elementsto contend with while on location at your favorite train viewing location. And then there are the snakes and critters (mis-informed or ill-intended railroad cops and the foremen) and animals to deal with.
Trust me, the last thing we need is challenges on the home front. Well, sometimes it can be difficult to be dedicated to the cause, so to speak…
2010 National Train Day Events Map and Listing
It is a rare opportunity for you and your kids to get an up close and personal look at various aspects of railroading and railroads, both past and present, in America. This is a day that rail organizations, societies, companies, and communities share the magic and their love for trains.
I put together the following map to help you identify those celebrations and events that will be happening in your neighborhood so you can take advantage of this opportunity and make your plans today…
Video of Union Pacific No. 844 on Display in Houston
Two Must See Videos of the Valley Eagle Heritage Tour and UP No. 844
More Cool Videos of UP's Valley Eagle Heritage Tour Train
See an Eagle Soar
Tracking a Legend on Her Journey and Kudos to UP!
Now that the Union Pacific’s Valley Heritage Tour is underway, you can follow the train’s progress and current location on a map that is updated every 5 minutes thanks to the generosity and talents of the Union Pacific Railroad! Here is what the application looks like with an overview of the route highlighted…
Union Pacific Railroad Unveils No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Commemorative Locomotive
Houston, Texas, March 31, 2010 - Union Pacific Railroad today unveiled the UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive, created as a tribute to the organization’s centennial celebration. The UP No. 2010 honors Scouting’s 100-year impact on the nation and the many Scouting enthusiasts in Union Pacific’s work force and communities…