Bloomer cut
On likely the first run to the west coast, brand-new Union Pacific SD70ACe No. 8714 leads a train through Bloomer cut between Newcastle and Auburn, California, on March 8, 20... (more)

Westbound auto's and parts descending the west slope of the Sierra's foothills enroute to the auto plants in the Bay area

With a thick layer of clouds at its back, UP 1996 drops it's special down the hill & through Auburn.

8171, 9658 and 5562 catch the last light of the day as they soar high over I-80 on track #2 during their final descent to Roseville. Westbound trains usually use track #1, which follows a differe... (more)

Spent fuel and pulverized sand billow into the still air of the Sierra foothills on a warm January afternoon as an eastbound manifest struggles to put Roseville and the Valley out of its quaking r... (more)

The westbound "City of San Francisco" is seen on the Overland Route on its way to Roseville and points west before Amtrak took over

Also known as Bloomers Cut, this area just West of Auburn was completed by the CPRR in early 1865. Named for the local Bloomer family landowners, this 63 foot near-vertical by 800 foot long cut wa... (more)

The eastbound AWSNP crossing I-80 in downtown Auburn CA, passing a statue honoring the gold rush history of the area.

The Westbound Reno Fun Train on the original CP main thru Auburn and passing the closed depot. This was the first weekend in which Amtrak assigned one of its SDP40F's to this train replacing two o... (more)

A pair of former SP tunnel motors, in company with a pair of SD70s, tread familiar rails as they cross Interstate 80 on the long haul to Donner Summit.

A CSX SD70mac is seen here leading a train over a bridge in Auburn. Nikon D70 24-120mm. www.bayarearailroading.com

Going against the current, UP 5752 is ordered down the #2 track crossing I-80 at the Auburn Ravine. Tie replacement on the #1 track forced the #2 in dual use today.

GE AC4400CW 245 leads a heavy eastbound merchandise train through Auburn on No. 1 track.

SP 271 East roars up No. 1 track, built in the early part of the 20th century, which has numerous tunnels and cuts to help reduce the grade compared to the original Central Pacific alignment.

Wisconsin Central SD45 leads a downhill SP freight at Auburn.