BNSF 714 has its Z-train up to track speed (50mph) as it leaves Bena and the San Joaquin Valley behind and begins the climb up the Tehachapi Mountains.

With two more units on the rear end (one an NS), this southbound freight begins to gather momentum for the climb over the Tehachapis.

Before throwing the switch from the helper spur to the main at Bena, the brakeman has moved the electric time-lock to the "unlock" position.

An SP brakeman cuts in a helper at Bena on an eastbound manifest.

At dusk, the headlight of a helper being cut into an eastbound manifest reflects off the flanks of the train's boxcars.

A quartet of U36Cs brings a westbound past the signal bridge at Bena, as an SP helper set awaits its next assignment. Within six months, the signal bridge will be completely destroyed by a flood t... (more)

No trip to Tehachapi is complete without seeing the "worm train", seen here climbing out of the valley near Bena.

Low morning sun casts a warm glow on a westbound BNSF grain train near Bena. The Tehachapi Mountains loom in the background, ready to challenge the next freight that attempts to reach the summit.

Nothing but tangent track as far as the eye can see. The Mojave Sub is noticeably straighter between Bena and Bakersfield than it is from Bena east.

UP 1996 approaches Bena as its heads south on the Mojave Sub.

Slightly underpowered with a 3902 ton 5766 foot train, the SP Heritage unit starts its climb up the Tehachapis east of Bena. The train would later hit a few under 5-10 mph on maximum grade spots a... (more)

The conductor of an extremely faded 4493 gives the roll by at Bena as they wait to head east on the single track at Ilmon.

With the bladderpods in bloom, chisel nosed UP 8317 leading the AOAWF 22 hits the subtle curve East of Bena approaching Ilmon. The pass should green out even more in the upcoming month with even m... (more)

Union Pacific manifest lead by UP 8720 SD70ACe, banks into the curve at the top end of Sandcut.

The Oil Cans restart their trip over the Tehachapis after cutting in a helper at Bena.