Hi all,
Did Trains ever publish a Stockton guide for one of the Trainwatching Guides? If so, what issue was it in?
Thanks,
BJR
They did not cover Stockton in one of the Trackside Guides, or in the earlier Hot Spots in the magazine. They have a book about Hot Spots that might cover Stockton.
The best spot in Stockton is the old tower location where the exSP main crosses the exATSF main. There is a parking area at the crossing. All the north south traffic on the UP uses this line (Except coast line traffic that uses the ex Cal P) and all BNSF traffic to Richmond / Bay area cross here. There is also the Amtrak San Joaquin trains on the BNSF line. It can be quite busy there. You can also see the north end of the UP yard and see the BNSF switcher pulling cuts of cars in and out of Morman yard. To get there off I-5 take Charter way EAST, go about a half mile and you will go under the tracks. After the underpass turn left on Airport way. Then a couple blocks up you will cross the BNSF. Take the next left at Scotts ave. When you get to the UP turn left and you will find parking near the diamond. From 99 take Charter way west to the fairgrounds and turn right on Airport way,left at Scotts ave. There are some real bad neighborhoods in that area so be carefull.
The Station Platform at the old restored SP Depot is ideal for both UP and BNSF traffic.
Follow the previous directions North on Airport Way to Main St. and turn left at Main. St. follow Main Street until you cross tracks and look to your right you can’t miss it. The Stockton PD, UP and BNSF Police have all been notified about the upcoming Winterail and unless someone gets stupid everything will be OK. Have fun but don’t do anything to incur the wrath of the Stockton PD they are on a major crime fighting campaign.
TTFN Al
PS see everyone at Winterail.