Yard Goats Save the Day. It's become common knowledge that train crews dislike having "Dash-8's" on mainline trains, especially when they're on the point. From rough riding in the cab for the crew to loading slowly while departing stations, these units have developed such a reputation that they're almost always kept in the yards used as switchers. When necessary, however, these units will occasionally return to the high iron for a perhaps a day or two used as an extra motor. As this third week of January begins, three of these motors will see daily service on trains north of Los Angeles as they earn their keep helping shuttle lengthened, heavy trains filled with passengers forced off US 101 during its closure. AMTK 510 is no exception as its seen here shoving on the rear of Amtrak 761 approaching its next station stop of Simi Valley.
