The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus train (blue unit) races across the Mojave desert near Helendale, CA now on the eastern end of BNSF's Cajon sub.
A westbound rounding the curve out of Summit in between rain squalls meets an eastbound cresting the grade while above them a UP northbound passes on the ex-SP Palmdale Cutoff.
This curve had remained the same for over half-a-century or more, but within a fortnight of this image it changed with the construction of a third mainline on the western slope of the pass.
Dropping away down the 3% gradient of the South Track, the UP can be seen in the shadows above.
A westbound drops off Cajon at sunset with a UP crossing over through the connector to the ex-SP behind. The GP30u and the Borax covered hoppers suggest this train is bound for Watson Yard near th... (more)
This eastbound filled out in San Bernardino and destined for the hump at Barstow climbs upgrade out of Old Keenbrook between MP 66 and MP 65 with an uncommon consist.
Up and moving thanks to a pair helpers on the back, an eastbound gives chase to a UP that had the advantage of a running start.
With a westbound holding for previous traffic, an eastbound UP overtakes a BNSF just getting underway after taking on help.
Variegated lash-ups are not exactly rare in Southern California, but getting a history of pre-merger and post-merge paint schemes on this eastbound was a bit of luck.
A westbound passes the reason this little desert town is even on the map.
A hot Z train is framed climbing out of Tunnel 1 headed eastbound next to the new shoe-fly being installed so Ames Construction can continue on with the demolition.
Eastbound tonnage climbs around Sullivan's Curve with a more than ecstatic crew member along for the ride.
Climbing up the original right of way timetable east of Alray.
Climbing through the deep cuts of the original right of way timetable east of Alray.
A new crew washes the windows before heading west.
