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…
Looking for Solutions to Prevent Frequent and Avoidable Tragedies
Yet another senseless and tragic incident involving individuals being struck and killed by a passing train occurred Saturday morning in the city of Rosemead, California.
According to news reports, two young adults were, according to claims of those involved, apparently “sleeping” on the tracks when they were run over by a 71-car westbound Union Pacific train doing reportedly 50 miles per hour…
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…
Trails & Rails ... & Podcasts?
According to the National Park Service’s web site, the Trails & Rails program “is an innovative partnership program between the National Park Service and Amtrak. This program provides rail passengers with educational opportunities that foster an appreciation of a selected region’s natural and cultural heritage; it promotes National Park Service areas and provides a value-added service to encourage train ridership. It also renews the long tradition of associating railroads with National Parks…
Become a Web "Rail" Ranger
Train, Talent, Tangent, and Tribute
I just took a trip. It wasn’t a trip I intended to take but sometimes you just go there.
It started with an innocent email from a fellow train enthusiast named Linda Leinen. I frequently get emails from visitors to ChasingSteel.com, which I love by the way, commenting on the site or seeking train or railfanning information. I had read Linda’s email and it seem typical in all respects. It should have had the words “TICKET” printed across the top…
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
Union Pacific's No. 844 Suffers a Seized Bearing
One of the main reasons that the railroads switched from steam-powered locomotives to diesel-electric locomotives was the high level of maintenance that the steam giants require. With thousands of moving parts, most under tremendous strain and pressure, parts are due to wear rather rapidly. In fact, steam locomotives typically require a good oiling and greasing of all critical components every several hundred miles or so…
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…
iPhone Art - "Now Arriving Track 11"
I arrived at Los Angeles’ Union Station during my commute today in time to see Amtrak’s westbound Sunset Limited (Amtrak #1) terminate its 1,700 mile journey from New Orleans a full fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. The northbound Coast Starlight (Amtrak #14) waits on Track 12 to depart shortly to Seattle…
And You Thought I Was Smart!
As I reported on my Facebook page yesterday, I received an email shipping notification from Apple stating that my iPad had shipped. As is typically the case with a shipping notification, based on the tracking number, UPS stated it had no notion of the packages location initially but did state it was aware of the shipment. So this morning I checked again…