Union Pacific's Tehachapi Pass rail line is one of the most famous railfan meccas in North America, and attracts railfans from around the world.  Tehachapi features breathtaking scenery, steep grades (up to 2.49%), two railroads on a mostly single-track line, and lots of trains.  The complete package adds up to one of the most exciting railfan experiences on the planet.  

Check out this adventure by clicking on the thumbnail of choice, and it will take you to the place along the tracks where you want to go.

 

 

 

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I'm fortunate as it's only about a five hour drive from my home in Roseville to the city of Bakersfield, at the west end of the line.  I've been at my work for almost a quarter of a century, and have been rewarded with adequate vacation time to railfan.  So when I found myself with a three day weekend on March 25, 2005, a spring time Tehachapi trip seemed like the thing to do.  Not to mention that I had just purchased a new digital camera and I was aching to try it out.

BNSF trains use UP track, and UP scanner frequencies, between Kern Junction, near Bakersfield, and South Mojave.  If you have a scanner, you'll want to program in these frequencies:

160.32  Dispatcher 54, Bakersfield to Mojave

160.89  Pampa Peak PBX

160.95  Oak Creek Pass

A scanner will keep you informed of the action, especially if there's a breakdown, something that occurs on a regular basis.  Not to mention that a scanner will alert you to an oncoming train when you're in the vicinity of a drag detector.  There isn't as much chatter as there was in the days of head end/rear end crews, but a scanner is still a good accessory to bring along.  

All photos were taken with a Fuji FinePix S5000 digital camera.  This camera has many features, but what I think I like the most is the 10-to-1 optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38 to 380 mm lens.  This trip was the first time I'd used my new camera, and it exceeded my wildest expectations.

Enjoy the ride, and I'll see you beside the tracks...