Just caught this train passing through Needles heading west.
Idiot question of the day:
What is it?
Hi Dan,
My guess would be an inspection train of some sort.
Maybe a geometry car?
The left = trailing / last car is clearly an official inspection car, which is given away by the downward-sloping window pattern for the usual theater-type (stadium) seating that is characteristic of that kind of car - provides a better view of the track for all of the participants.
I’ll levae it to someone else to maybe read the car number, and a passenger car buff to better identify the lead car.
- Paul North.
The configuration of the windows at the back half of the second car leads me to think of “stadium” or “theater” seating for looking out the back of the car, which I’d bet is one big window…
Yea, it is a theatre car. I saw this same car in Merced a few months back. I’ll see if I can dig up a picture of the rear.
Ooh! Ooh! I know this Where is it. It’s passing through Needles heading west!! Yes!! Yes!!. I finally get one!! Woo Hoo!! Where’s my trophy?
The two cars are BNSF 43 RIO GRANDE originally one of the SP Bi-Levels Pullman Standard 1955 later a Transisco Tours Bi-Level and later a BNSF Bi Level converted track Geometry car and retaining the original BNSF name and number 43 RIO GRANDE.
The car behind the diesel is BNSF 81 Geometry Support car ex AT&SF 63 built by ACF 1950.
Al - in - Stockton
Chocolate cake for el-gato…
Since she fainted from surprise, I will take the chocolate cake and stick it under her nose to revive her…
The Driver