With two sets of helper power tied onto a Santa Fe westbound, the train is ready to depart Woodford after meeting several freights, both SP and Santa Fe. As the caboose of another Santa Fe train recedes up the mainline, an SP east man circles the Loop. The westbound is in the long siding, as opposed to the "short" siding closer to the photographer. At this time both sidings connected to the mainline at either end, whereas several years later, SP cut the connection to the short siding at its west end.
