[atsf37l]

The observant among us have noted that there were larger engines present in the background of the 2-8-2 shots. Yep. Next step, folks. As was pointed out by E.D. Worley in Iron Horses of the Santa Fe Trail the 3800 Class 2-10-2s were literally extensions of the 3160/4000 Class 2-8-2's with an extra set of drivers installed. I mentioned that to Allen and after he calmed down he realized ol' E.D. and I were right. So history repeats itself.

Just to whet your appetite a bit, I decided to run a reefer drag out of Bakersfield with Santa Fe 3876 on the point, with the intent of picking up a mid train and rear end helper at Bena on the way to the summit of Tehachapi Pass. Here we find our charge joining the SP's party at Kern Jct. - gotta put that tower back in.....



Through the SP yards at Bakersfield.



Past the orange groves on the way to Bena with 3,000 tons of San Juaquin Valley produce.




**** I have lots more photos of this run but the site is hanging up on every other picture giving me an Error on Page and the "Uploading" bar just stays there until you dump the page. Anyone else having a problem?

[timmuir]

These are great engines too, as beautiful as their smaller sisters, the Mikes. As far as problems with the site go, no, no problems for me.

[B & O GUY]

Hi everybody

The 2-10-2's are uploaded to the file library and as soon as they are okayed they will be available for download. Again. Enjoy them and let's
see lot's of screen shots of them.

Thanks
Allen :lol:

[atsf37l]

OK, cable modem reset, let's try it again!

Topping the grade at Sand Cut and dropping down the grade into Caliente Creek Valley and Bena, where our helpers wait for us in the pocket.







Our two helpers, 3840 and 3855 are waiting here at Bena, along with SP 2-10-2 3665.



We cut the train in half, pull down past the pocket switch, and 3840 comes out and ties on.









We then back up to the rear of the train and hook up.



Once we have our air, we pull down, drop the caboose and pull clear of the pocket. 3885 pulls out, backs up to get the caboose then pulls down and puts it all together.









All together and air built, we're ready to highball Bena and attack the Loop!

[atsf37l]

Coming into Caliente where the line makes the first big loop.



Stomping around the loop.







Climbing the grade to Tunnel No. 1

[atsf37l]

One of my most favorite places to watch trains is the top of Tunnel No. 2. Here's why:

















Bealville, where you can stand in one spot and watch trains all the way up to and through Cliff, is another favorite.











Cliff is a good test of LODs. :lol:

[captain_bazza]

Herb's in hog heaven. Great work and thanks for sharing the impressive screenshots.

Cheers Bazza

[atsf37l]

The train enters Keene/Woodford where the engines will take water (and would if there were any facilities! Some day.....).



After leaving the water stop (properly placed standpipes were set up there for a single stop with head end, mid train and rear end helpers!) our train negotiates the S-curves leading to Walong and the "Tehachapi Loop." You can hear trains forever in this stretch as the wind back and forth - and that's with diesels. I can just imagine what it must have been like with steam!











And now we have arrived at THE railfan destination of central California - Walong and the Loop!



Here we meet SP Cab Forward 4244 with a wartime load of tanks - military tanks and oil tanks - for the war effort.







Our train continues around the Loop...



And our lead engine crosses over our caboose!



A view from the cupola as Santa Fe meets SP at Walong, a time honored tradition.

[atsf37l]

Another great place to watch trains is another tunnel top, the top of Tunnel No. 10 which is the tunnel at the top of the Loop. From up here we can see the Loop on one side and Marcel on the other. From here we watch our train complete the negotiation of the Loop and go into Marcel, meeting Santa Fe Extra 152 West which is waiting for our train.



















As our helper passes FT 152LABC and the Sun sets in the West, we bid fond farewell to a Tehachapi of fond memory when the swan song of steam met first generation diesels high on the pass.

[atsf37l]

Steinheimer rides the caboose.