Freight trains in Santa Clara County

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Being in an area dominated by Caltrain, does anyone know of some freight trains that run in the South Bay? F40PHs and MP36s are starting to lose appeal.

2

I would opine that if Long Island, NY and the NEC are any indication, you’ll see any freight moves that may exist running in the dark of night…

3

Hi Steve,

Unfortunatly freight action in the bay area is virtualy non existant anymore. The exception being the transcon arteries out of Oakland, and the Coast Line. Larry called it, most operations that are left are run at night/early am to avoid Caltrain, ACE and the Capitols. I ame sure others here have more current info then I do, but off the cuff…

I would say in the south bay you’re best bet is the coast line from LA. My experience is that can be feast of famine depending on the whims of UP, and what maintainance is going on in the valley / Tehachapi. And most freight traffic has to contend with commuter operations on both ends (Metrolink/Amtrak in LA and Caltrain/Amtrak and ACE in the Bay Area). The Monterey highway south of town follows the tracks for many miles and was my favorite railfanning area 15-20 years ago.

Another good area back then was Altamont pass and Niles jct. area but I am not sure what kind of freight action there is on that line these days. It’s one of 4 UP routes to Oakland and the only one that has to conquer a significant pass.

If you need a freight fix or want to see almost guarenteed action and have the means, I would highly recomend a trip to Stockton. Stockton (where the tower used to be) is THE crossroads of northern California. Pretty much all BNSF traffic from the south as well as the Amtrak San Joaquins cross east west with the UP (ex SP as well as ex WP) north south routes through the central valley. East and south on the BNSF Morman yard is almost within sight and further south there is a newer intermodal yard. To the south are the UP yard(s). To find the junction I am refering to look for the corner of Charter way (hwy 4) and airport

4

Local industries are served by the local out of Oakland. SD59ECO’s as power.