Train 704 departs Merced headed for Bakersfield.

The engine crew prepares to reboard before departure.

Right on time, an afternoon San Joaquin pulls into Fresno.

This local train, running long hood forward, is shoving into a siding just south of the station, ready to complete the work order.

Amtrak 566 a few minutes after arrival.

Amtrak 715 at Merced. The rain finally stopped long enough to throw some decent light on the train.

Amtrak 712, led by the "Point Bonita" makes a stop in Merced on a fine day. The red-shirted guy is the engineer reboarding after checking for plow damage. Apparently the train hit a small object... (more)

Conductor climbs down from CDTX 2009 making final preparations before departure.

What minutes ago was Amtrak 715 will become Amtrak 716 hours later. BNSF maintenance north of Fresno makes this the San Joaquin terminal for now.

CDTX 8303 'Mount Diablo' on an unusually sunny December day.

CDTX 8303 'Mount Diablo' leads a five-car San Joaquin on an unusually sunny December day. http://www.railpictures.net/photos/matt_mealer/

Taken aboard Amtrak San Joaquin Train 712. At Milepost 1026, we pass a BNSF intermodal train at speed.