A south bound baretables train makes its way around the horseshoe curve on Cuesta Grade just railroad south of Chorro siding. This train will soon cross the Stenner Creek Trestle and then make it... (more)

Southern Pacific's SD39s were ordered with extra ballast for lugging freight through the Tehachapis, but this later date finds a number of them serving in the helper pool out of San Luis Obispo.

What can I say? It's obvious that time and toil have taken their toll on this once proud queen, now sitting on a wobbly yard track in outer San Luis Obispo.

A soot-stained power set moves back to pick up its train for the assault on the Santa Margarita mountains (in the background). These are the same locomotives shown subsequently crossing the Stenne... (more)

Three "Cadillacs" return to San Luis Obispo from assisting a northbound freight over the Cuesta grade. They'll shortly tie up until the next assignment on the oil-stained track in the foreground.... (more)

Amtrak 14 passes through Serrano siding heading north over Cuesta Grade towards Santa Margarita. Nikon D70, 28-70mm.

Amtrak 11 makes its way around one of the many curves between Serrano and Chorro on Cuesta Grade. There used to be a set of SP target signals about where the back of the P42 is. I only wish I ha... (more)

Two phase V P32's pull Amtrak 14, the northbound Coast Starlight around Goldtree Horseshoe Curve at the southern end of Cuesta Grade. The "amcan" was one of three pieces of deadhead equipment goin... (more)

A UP pigs train has been rerouted up the coast b/c of a derailment blocking Tehachapi. Here it makes its way up Cuesta Grade and into Chorro siding. Nikon D70, 28-70mm.

Amtrak 11 makes its way towards San Luis Obispo. It has past the summit of Cuesta Grade, and has about 10 more miles of track to cover before it arrives at the depot in San Luis Obispo. Nikon D7... (more)

Pre sunrise on UP's Coast Sub with a manifest dropping down Cuesta Grade headed into SLO.

Northbound TOFC grinds through the tunnels just below summit on Cuesta Grade just about to enter tunnel #7.

Amtrak's Coast Starlight passing the MCP at S Chorro on UP's Coast Subdivision , with San Luis Obispo in the background.

"The Snake" making it's way down Cuesta Pass with the head end approaching Stenner Creek Trestle, while the helpers are still seen above in the horseshoe curve.

Helpers starting up on a windy morning as they prepare for the light move over Cuesta Grade to assist a loaded unit oil train over the hill. Thanks for leading the way Cal Poly Matt!