Richard Beal photo: Helper power sits and waits at Sandcut ready to help the next SP drag lug freight over the Tehachapis

The cattle in the distance hardly even notice the passing of Amtrak's 40th anniversary exhibit train, as they snack on their morning breakfast of carrots. The train is only 16 miles into its run ... (more)

A hot Southbound Z is running on yellows behind a slow moving UP drag as it passes through Bena.

Having conquered Tehachapi Pass, the H BARPAS continues it's northward journey at sunset.

An automobile train rolls towards Ilmon as sunlight glints of its flanks.

After cutting in a seven-unit EMD helper, the Oil Cans accelerate out of Bena toward the pass. Note the connector pipe at left.

The refer block behind the power gives this train away as BNSF Fresno to Chicago intermodal, seen at Bena powering up for a run at Tehachapi Summit.

Late afternoon at Bena finds this Northbound general freight running on the normal Southbound main #1 to Sandcut where the train crossed back over to Main 2.

A PRS passenger extra rounds the S curve at Sand Cut heading towards Bakersfield. Love that Heritage paint scheme on 156.

The PRS is nearing the completion of its Saturday run as it makes the climb through Sandcut on its way to Bakersfield.

BNSF 5782 leads a vehicle train through Bena.

UP 2010 leaves it train as it will get a unit that was brought from Bakersfield because the third unit on the Brooklyn died and wouldn't make it up the pass.

westbound SP LA to Portland intermodal between Ilmon and Bena, CA

As an SP crewman prepares his helper power at dusk, a Santa Fe eastbound comes down the short grade from Sandcut.