I just saw 2 southbound freights at caution speeds 5 minutes apart.
First one had two SD70’s and only 3-4 cars of general merchandise.
Second one had 3 SD40’s (i saw from a distance in the dark perpindicular to the track) and 5-7 mixed merchandise cars also.
Why so much power for two very short trains, very close together?
Odd.
wow, 10 minutes later, another short train powered by older power (a tunnel motor still in SP paint and an sd50). mainly empty 15-20 flat beds with some having what looked like construction equipment.
did something derail up the road???
Lucky you. I was up there in Glendale yesterday and all I saw was #14 blast by. It’s realy strange for me seeing #14 blast by Glendale at 60mph.
Often if the train has come down the coastline, it may have a set out at Gemco Yard. If it came down via the old Saugas Line, like the old SP PTLAF train it would have made a set out at the coast siding. Otherwise, I’m not sure.
Maybe, it’s a test run of the “running smaller trains more frequently theory” ?
Most likely you saw the QRVML and QRVDO…they tend to have very short makeups after their set out to Gemco Yard in Van Nuys.
UP started sending loads to Gemco down the Coast from Roseville, rather than trying to stick them on the frequently overloaded/underpowered QRVWC trains that go through Tehachapi.
Usually, you can tell the trains apart…if there are tank cars, it is the QRVDO heading to Dolores Yard. If there are no tank cars, but some lumber loads, then it usually is the QRVML.
There was a Coast work train a couple weeks ago, not sure if that is what you saw.
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those are exactly what i saw. nice info guys.