Sunset route pics

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Yesterday I was out in the desert and had a few hours to railfan the Sunset route out along the Salton Sea. Here are some pictures. Despite the rumors the Sunset is no parking lot. There were lots of trains and none were parked.

I started following the 4604 east out of Thousand Palms. This was the first photo I caught of it when it took the sideing at Mecca.

Here is the 4604 east in the hole at Mecca.

And this is the westbound it met

Then between Mecca and Mortmar I came across this autorack train led by FURX 3013.

Then I found the 3883 west at Mortmar.

A look at the rear of 3883 reveals how much superelevation there is on this part of the Sunset.

The 4604 arriving at Ferrum.

Then I almost got to Bertram when I came across the 4900 west so I raced back to Ferrum for this one.
Note the three head signal.

Then back at Mortmar the 3883 is still in the hole as the 4900 west flies past on the main.

Despite its 75mph running, I was able to pull ahead for one last shot in Thermal.

2

Great pics you got there Chad! I especially like the FURX & auto racks one. One question- is that a CSX unit behind it?

3

…Interesting pic’s of what appears to be a busy route…Do you believe those “telephone” lines shown in the scenes have been abandoned…?

4

Chad,
Send Bergie the 9th from the top, the one with the signals in it…really good shot.
Ed

5

NICE!!! When you get the right light it makes all the difference

6

Some great photos indeed…too bad the weather in the Dallas area turned sour as it looks like you had fun. So I’m guessing you were going how fast to pull in front!!! [:-^]

7

Yes, it was a CSX unit.

8

I don’t know but I’ve talked to signal maintainers on other lines and usually at least 3 lines are still active.

9

I was going just a shade over 75 and I still had some yahoo rideing my a$$, She was yapping on the cell phone and not paying attention. That’s why I pulled off the road where I got the last shot.

Thanks for the compliments guys. It is fun paceing trains out there. I wish I could shoot and drive doing 75. It would be cool to get pix of the front end leaning into the turns.

10

Thanks Chad - I particularly enjoyed the pic showing the superelevation - how fast do you reckon 3883 is going in that spot where you captured the back of it going through that curve?

Dave

11

Chad,

I’m with Ed. 9th pic is a great catch!

12

No kidding. I’ll add my vote for #9- awesome shots.

13

the FURX pic has a CSX behind it

kevin

14

Definitely–9th from the top. Send it in.

15

Actually the 3883 (on left) is stopped and the 4604 (on right) is just starting to pick up speed. I was following the 4604 east and he hit every siding for meets. In between sidings he would just be getting up to speed when he would start slowing down for the next meet. Anyway the speed limit here is 75 for freight and the 4900 I followed back west did every bit of that.

And thanks guys, I did submit #9 for pic of the day.[:D]

16

Really nice pics! great light, and all thse locos smokin’ it up! #9 it is!
Matthew