Trouble on the Tehachapi Pass! Broken Rail at Woodford.

This was the second day my British friend, Stephen, spent chasing trains with me on the Tehachapi. The first thing we encountered was two westbound trains stopped at Woodford. The culprit? A broken rail at the west end. Track forces handled it pretty quickly, but not before trains were backed up from Bakersfield to Mojave, and we caught quite a few of them.
So, join us for a backlog of trains on the Tehachapi!
Please help support the channel if you can!
paypal.me/motopoet59
patreon.com/markclaymcgowan

[@ATSFSuperChief]

Once again you and a friend from England catch a great bunch of trains starting with a broken rail making Tehachapi a nice amount of quick traffic. Thanks Mark.

[@tehachap]

Thank you for this... we wondered if something had happened since traffic stopped. Kudos to you for filming/sharing and keeping our train crews safe and sound.

[@charlesglandon7840]

Mark I worked in the planer dept. at a sawmill near Dinuba for 23 years and then at Home Depot in the lumber dept. for another 21 years and you are right about the smell of lumber I never get tired of that smell. Thanks for all your videos.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Was that sawmill the abandoned facility on the south side of town with spurs running into it?

[@charlesglandon7840]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Sequoia Forest Industries North of Dinuba and South of Reedley. There are several spurs there and I think they are still being used, sawmill and planers are long gone. There is a co-generation plant there also. That sawmill was built in the early 50's and operated until the spotted owl came to the forest...lots of people lost their jobs.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

And the spotted owl would still have been fine.

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@MarkClayMcGowan As delicious as the smell of fresh cut lumber is, the smell of the forest is even better. The mix of live trees along with the decomposition of deadfall and brush is wonderful, especially in the fall and spring when everything is damp.

[@Noblemarq12]

I loved the smell so much, that when I graduated from Reedley High in 88, I moved to Oregon an spent 20 years working as a faller or a lumber grader, I now work for the Post office as a carrier, but still love the smell

[@artillerest43rdva7]

what a great day for chasing trains! great shots, with all different loads, have a safe, healthy, and a great day!

[@charliebrooks2570]

Nice catches and nice scenery! Oh the joys of railroading!

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Spectacular shots, Mark!

[@jerrysimon793]

Thanks mark&Steve for your continued posting so people like me from New York can enjoy it

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Stephen should have his videos edited and up soon, so be sure to check out his channel @Distributed Power

[@kirklonnquist3265]

I love hearing the sounds of those locomotives working hard around the Tehachapi area

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Me too! Not being a classic railfan, the big, loud, ground shaking power is what interests me the most!

[@christopherdibble5872]

Still get a tear in my eye when I hear an old train in the night!

[@dmorgan28]

Hey Mark that was a cool video. Lots of trains. Loved it. I’m waiting on your friend’s videos. Merry Christmas to you guys. 👍❤️🎄

[@d2sfavs]

great video mark thanks for sharing

[@Distributed-Power]

What a great day we had. We got some great footage, I particularly like your going away shot of the train snaking at Cable. It was worth getting your boots caked in mud for that! Snowing here in London, so I'm sorting out my videos ready for uploading.... Hope all is well your end. Stephen.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It certainly was a great day! I look forward to seeing your take on both the days we spent up there, as well as the rest of your videos! Merry Christmas!

[@JF-lt5zc]

Steven, do set up your channel! Footage of the Tehachapi and Cajon Pass from the 90s and earlier is hard to come by. More of it is showing up, but often the video or videography quality is poor. Look forward to seeing your past work!

[@tomp8871]

They meet at same time, and end at same meet point, pretty rare for that. Nice catch.

[@edwardmurray1932]

Nice video , thanks for sharing , very cool 😊

[@pacificcoasttrains3785]

I really admire your ability to get to some unique areas. I've been through Tehachapi maybe 8-10 times over the last 15 years (most recently last month) and sorta know the places you are, but you get into some pretty cool locations. Great video!

[@OutdoorsSC]

Beautiful back drop for filming this cool train. Our maintenance workers use trucks instead of mini vans, lol. We love our train videos in Clemson SC, Go Tigers!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The mini vans are the company that haul the train crews around. Thanks for checking it out!

[@jamescotter5376]

Keep shooting them videos this is a great one thank you

[@RailFanRob]

Very nice scenery around those parts!!

[@KCTopDawg]

Awesome! Loved the footage and the commentary!

[@johnbogle6475]

Once I heard a radio report to dispatcher "There's a Pickup truck stuck on the tracks". By the time they got it cleared up there was 3 trains in a row stopped on the main (Amtrak was in the rear :(). I had a birds eye view of most of this. It's never good when the railroad gets shut down (even for an hour or so) but it can make for some great train watching :). I never saw how they cleared it up but there was a completely totaled (looked like a car crusher job) pickup by the tracks at that milepost for about a year thereafter :). Thanks for the video

[@kraz904]

I enjoy your videos. It's a pleasure having commentary from an experienced railroader. When you describing parts of your jobs it felt like a video tutorial and very interesting. UP lost a loyal employee when you retired. I'm also retired since 2015 and it took a while to get used to people not shooting at me in Chicago. Enjoy your retirement, your wife, your music and your golf...

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the videos, and I really appreciate you checking out the channel! Here are links to a couple of "How Things Work". I think you will enjoy them! "How Things Work on the Railroad" kzbin.info/aero/PL6ge3RoxmyvpcyRZPKJKl6W4l5IdiC-Ps "How The Signal Department Works" kzbin.info/aero/PL6ge3RoxmyvpcyRZPKJKl6W4l5IdiC-Ps

[@brianhickey5949]

Now I have a better sense of how busy the Tehachapi area is - wow! A broken rail (which I hope is rare) and look at all the traffic backed up. With the length of these trains, it could cause a several hour delay after the trains are released :) I feel for you on using the wife's car - my wife is very particular about cleanliness (hers is a garage queen - a gorgeous Mustang). If I get it dirty, I have to detail it :) I always love those shots where you can see most of the train as it circles around and passes thru tunnels and all! You could start a postcard company with just the views around there. Thank you as always for the information and history that goes along with the video :)

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Broken rails are actually one of the more common problems, especially on the Tehachapi, with the temperature swings, grades, and curves. I get the car hand washed and fill it up when I'm done. It's an outside car anyway. The garage is for the Harley, dirtbikes, and stuff! Thanks for checking it out!

[@brianhickey5949]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Ah! I should have remembered the Harley :)

[@tracksidemike]

Great video thanks for sharing with us 👍🏻🚂🔔

[@megatrains]

EPIC shots!!!!!!

[@Ollie1979]

Hello Mark, stumbled across your channel. Great videos and it’s fantastic how you interact with your subscribers. Keep up the good work, you got a new subscriber too.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for the sub and the compliment! I really enjoy interacting with subscribers whether here or in person. It's always an honor to meet them!

[@KathySpieker]

gorgeous camera work!!! Love your videos!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

That was a very cool video Mark, I sure enjoyed that! (Dave).

[@sunnyormsby8402]

Thanks...Great job, enjoyed

[@kennethboehnlein51]

Great video. Thanks

[@embwhitton9792]

I had an uncle from the UK who worked british trains until he retired. He would have loved this. When he first started his family was a railroad family, living in a trackhome. Rail road children. :)

[@mothamus7745]

I like what you do, so I subscribed, nice video

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for checking it out and for the sub! It's appreciated!

[@hermangreen83]

When a rail breaks you better get to it right now!!

[@judyvititoe600]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Be sure to check out more of my videos, especially if you enjoy this area and finding out how things work! Here are a couple of links! kzbin.info/aero/PL6ge3RoxmyvpcyRZPKJKl6W4l5IdiC-Ps kzbin.info/aero/PL6ge3RoxmyvowK6yZhiEzYJqkSTVJNDaB

[@DrTWG]

Look at that countryside ! Beautiful .

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It really is! Thanks for checking it out!

[@BritishRail60062]

I am new to the channel but I want to show my respect and say thank you for sharing. I am a new subscriber. Your videos will help me when I make scenarios for the Tehachapi route in Train Simulator Classic. Please keep up the great work! Peter.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Also, If there is a specific location you would like photographed for a backdrop or whatever, email me and I'll shoot it for you if possible.

[@kevinharris1392]

Sat up til 3am watching this. Well worth it to. Liked the contrast of the snow/ no snow on the mountains. Don't know what camera you used Mr Mark, but it was like being trackside. Very clear image. Open container at 12:36.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My Samsung Galaxy 21 cellphone is my camera. It takes great video as well as stills!

[@PCBill0622]

Just stumbled on to your channel. One of the trains you shot, BNSF 6678 east, was a Z NBYWSP 1 - the hottest freight train on the BNSF -.nice catch!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Welcome to the channel! I'll bet the honchos were none too pleased with that train being delayed so long! Thanks for checking it out!

[@davecruzen9352]

Great video.

[@scottsmith7051]

Nice find. Someone had a good eye to spot that rail before a derailment occurred.

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Between talks of strike and holidays shipping allot on Google news . Great video especially broken rail snapped sucker good. Keep up great work and thank you for doing this channel it's awesome.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you!

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

@@MarkClayMcGowan you are welcome.

[@williammunford476]

Thank you verry interesting

[@emwungarand]

Wow. That Manifest was an impressive train.

[@spacecalander]

CSX ES44AH with steerable trucks, One of my favorites! The Santa Fe Dash 9 is no worse than the rest of the Dash 9s that BNSF still runs. UP only AC4400s and ES44ACs.

[@alfgeorge5003]

tell Stephen to make sure he links his youtube channel to yours so we know when its up and running, cool video again Mark.

[@davarph]

I know what you mean about the smells around Railroads. I had Musical friends who wrote a song years ago about Diesel smoke! “I have Diesel smoke running through my veins, Diesel smoke crawlin through my brain”. 😂 That’s all I can remember except they had a Song “Sloppy Seconds” too!

[@tonymckeage1028]

great video, new sub here! thanks for sharing

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I really appreciate it. I hope you find the time to check out more of the channel. I have many playlists to help you navigate the chaos!

[@kens.3729]

Would be Interesting to see Hardware/Software inside the Lead Unit that shows how the various DPU’s are Isolated and/or Independently Managed for Power. 👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They're not likely to let me in a cab, but it never hurts to ask!

[@armandobarria1827]

Espectacular. Excelente trabajo muy emotivo por considerar solo la fuerza descomunal que tienen eso grandiosos motores.Saludos desde PANAMÁ.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I love hearing from my foreign viewers!

[@paulchamplin8953]

Another great video! My guess is that shorter trains is a reflection of the poor economy.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

awesome video just found the channel will sub thx for the post 😊😊👍👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Thanx for the sub and for checking it out!

[@iiigraghu]

Excellent Enterprising Emerging Evolving Railfanning Endeavor. Hearty Greetings from Hyderabad/Kakinada, India 🇮🇳 💐🤝🙏

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I always enjoy hearing from my viewers abroad!

[@MRRAILFANVON]

Nice video

[@AncientFlight1]

Hi-ya mate. A rahhhhhther well done vid sir of Tehachapi traffic. A thumbs up to yah! Good to see a Brit learning from the 'colonists' about hi tech RR engineering.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for checking it out! I think Stephen knew more about it than I did! It was a blast hanging out!

[@unadillariveroutdoors9690]

Looks like a blown thermite. Been seeing a lot of those lately especially on our line

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome video Mark. I was just ready to write in on how I would fix that rail when you narrated on how they were going to do it. Was also ready to hop on a plane and fly out to help. Very odd break! Usually a break at a weld takes part of the weld with it. Caused by an inclusion in the weld where the slag had some oxygen deposit left in from when it was welded. Have never seen a break an inch away from the weld like that one. Really making me think on why it happened. That looked like fairly new rail. Would really like to know when that rail was laid and the weld made. Great shots on the rest of the video. Excellent show my friend!!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

This was welded electrically with the big, on track unit. Maybe that changes the properties of the weld? Thanks for checking it out!

[@ccrx6700]

@@MarkClayMcGowan I cannot answer that. We've never had any flash butt welding done here. Just watched it on a YT video. I've had several thermite welds break and the pattern on all of those is just like I described in the original post. Hope sometime you can talk to a welder and find out what they think. I would love to know that info.

[@emwungarand]

Nice video. Man, that entire route needs to be at least double tracked.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The location of most of the tunnels prohibits that due to the delays it would cost. Two of the areas that had been slated for double track were shut down by the environmentalists. Thanks for checking it out!

[@billstill1794]

(First train) I've never seen that many engines pulling a train! Good grief!

[@vifgull]

Your American trains are massive. My goodness. Our trains in Scandinavia is much much shorter. Thank you for goody goody train videos. You got a Sub.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Welcome to the channel, and thank you very much for the sub! Yes, we are quite spoiled when it comes to railroading, especially in this area! I hope you find the time to check out more of my channel!

[@vifgull]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thank you Sir. I will watch all your videos, so amazing. Wish you merry Christmas

[@edinnorthcarolina--ovelhog5786]

Before I retired, whilst driving to work, I could predict recessions by the volume of semi traffic on I-85. Perhaps shorter trains is an indicator of reduced economic activity? I like to speculate too!

[@garykcs5532]

Good job Mark, isn't that the same place we're the last one was. Gary. Hope to see you in May

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

If you're talking about the short or stills from a month ago, this was that day. Give me a heads up when you're headed this way.

[@garykcs5532]

Should be the first weekend of May and when we get a little closer I'll give you a good update

[@saifulmukminin3480]

OK man thanks for the first

[@amelierenoncule]

I wish, mon ami, that you had video-taped the welding process !

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They didn't weld it that day, and I no longer have connections in the track department up there. Should I come across them doing it somewhere, I'll get it as long as the crew are okay with it. In the meantime, here is the link to a video I shot of the rail gang at work in which they use the on track electric welding process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6CWXpSZi8-ApLM

[@alxd5068]

that steel machine is amazingly imposing, yet still small in the scale of mountains 20:47

[@marbbridges]

I like to know where I can get a radio in order to see some this trans where I live. I live just outside of Birmingham alabama, there is a train yard in place called Irondale. Back when I used to rewind motors, I used to re-insulate a lot of these traction motors on these engines. And rebuild or rewind some of the switch track switches. But what I understand now, these engines are turned into a AC drive setup if I'm not mistaken. Because we have not rewound any DC traction motors in quite a long time.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's my understanding that all the DC road engines on the UP have converted (help me out experts!) to AC. As to the radio, you can buy a scanner and program it with the frequencies. I don't know exactly where you would get them for your area, but I'm sure local railfans, and/or ham radio folks, would have that information. Thanks for checking it out!

[@kraz904]

Great videos. You should have a go bag, all your train stuff in the bag at the door when you leave your house so no matter what car you have it's with you...

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Good idea, but it's a shame I have to consider it!

[@paulmech5220]

I always like seeing CNW rolling stock and locomotives. I grew up outside Chicago in Lombard , Illinois

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My friend and subscriber, @jacobpfeifer, is from Sheboygan(sp?), and liked seeing them on his visits here as well. Thanks for checking it out!

[@skywatcherca]

Mark, how often do they check the track for broken rails? Would you know? Great video as always.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Track inspectors are out every day checking out all or part of their territories

[@dilhansiriwardhana2937]

Wow its really long train ive seen.people are gonna wait more time on railroad crossing ♥️

[@sgrizzz]

lumber smeii is my favorite as is creosote on the ties in the sun .

[@corykc]

Silly question, but why do they not run all units? Wouldn’t it be more efficient to run them all for the power?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Many times they are just moving power from one place to another. Two or three units can move most of these trains over the mountain. Longer, heavier trains may have power on the rear (and/or middle) for assistance and to reduce drawbar stress and for dynamic braking, but running all the units would be a waste of fuel as the working power can easily pull the dead weight as well. The only silly questions are the ones no one asks! Thanks for checking it out!

[@johannessilver8653]

What is the rail size in that broken part? How about axial weight of these trains and total tonnage?

[@tomjones3113]

I always wondered at the beginning of a train, why they have two different companies locomotives? BMSF and NS? I see that once and awhile here in Salt Lake.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

All American railroads end up with overlapping areas at some point. Sometimes, a road will have a power shortage in an area and will "borrow" power from another road. The time power is used is tracked, and at some point, reciprocated when the other road is in need. The foreign power will always find its way back to it's home road. The channel @Distant Signal has a good video about the use of foreign power. Go check it out!

[@lamarcutts2511]

What Kind of Scanner Do You Recommend For Listening In On Train Traffic? Thanks

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

As long as you have the frequencies, they all work pretty well.

[@Bassotronics]

This is one of those times where a train needs a box car with rail and welding machines pretty much like a car with its spare tire.

[@scottsmith7051]

I can't believe how much double track main has been converted to single track with long sidings.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They have never converted double track to single anywhere I know of. Just the opposite. Tunnels and environmentalists have kept the rest of the Tehachapi from being double tracked. The last segment was from Walong to Marcel in 2016.

[@scottsmith7051]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks for the reply and correction. I must be thinking elsewhere.

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

~ Hey Mark, nice video, do you work for the Railroad? Nevermind, I just read your credentials. What department did you work for and or what was your job position?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I was is signal. Other than a technician, I held every job at one time or another. I retired as the Tehachapi Signal Maintainer, but had been a maintenance foreman for 22 years prior to that. Here's the link to a video about my career. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnjFoq2Zl76JhNU

[@JungleYT]

*Looks like a model rail road... Yeah, that IS a nice smell **10:53** Makes you want to BUILD sumthin'... LOL*

[@chrismcdonnell1695]

Thanks Mark. Any info on who / how the break was discovered?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

A track indication stayed on behind a train, the signal maintainer was called to investigate and found the problem. The track supervisor showed up as well and removed the track from service. Thanks for checking it out!

[@casualcarl8460]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks for the detail. Do you know if the fix they apply is permanent or temporary?

[@user-ye2jl8tx8e]

とても見応えのある動画でした。 日本にもループはありますが、動画の様な光景は見ること出来ません。 現地で見たいですね。 素晴らしい動画ありがとうございます。

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

WOW! Thanks for checking it out!

[@williammunford476]

So hay Mark how much of land by derailment is railroad property and can they just come in and cut roads for equipment and staging equipment ?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Railroad property lines vary from place to place, but in most cases, no less than 25 feet from track centers. I don't know the legal aspect of what is done when roads need to be cut by the railroad. In this case, property outside of the railroad is overseen by a nature conservancy. The the state hazmat folks and dept. of fish and game would have given the okay to cut the roads to the tank cars.

[@geo7918]

if you ask me looks like up is going light on the power for the Grade

[@BIGV710]

1 of the containers as a door open on the UP train next to last xar on international rake near back [brown container ]

[@williamlloyd3769]

How do they find a broken rail in the first place? Visual inspection or is there a system that automatically detects broken rails?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

When a rail breaks, it causes a track indication that shows up on the dispatcher's board. It also puts all entering signals to stop. The dispatcher notifies signal and track operations, who notify a signal maintainer and a track inspector. In this instance, in a control point, it's pretty easy to find as the area is small. This one was found and removed from service by the signal maintainer. Thanks for checking it out!

[@waynebarnhart7294]

Mark .. Looking at that break where the rail broke .. I saw holes on both sides of the rails .. Question .. Could they have used fish plates instead of cutting the rail out ? 🤔 Or my guess are all rail on Class 1 railroads required to be welded by FRA rules ? 🤔

[@tjcasper777]

He mentioned they couldn't because it was right at the field weld. The weld leaves a bulge on both sides of the rail that the plate wouldn't fit over.

[@waynebarnhart7294]

@Tommy Zamberlan .. Yes and when I go back and look at the break it was at a weld joint .. but I'm also thinking that FRA rules may require all Class 1 railroads to have only welded rail .. I think Mark could verify that 🤔 ..

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The holes were there from when the I-bond (the piece of rail with the insulated joint in it) was originally installed during the rail project. It was welded out prior to that project ending. The FRA makes no distinction on jointed or welded rail other than all joints in a fouling circuit (a switch location) must bonded for continuity. Welded rail is much better for rail installation, track structure, and track and signal maintenance. Thanks for checking it out!

[@tomstathis8653]

The only way to angle bar a break near a field weld like that is with bubble bars. Even most old school railroaders have never even seen a pair of bubble bars, but they do exist. I’ve seen them in track on BNSF track in the Elwood/Joliet, Illinois area. They have a bump out in the center of the center holes to accommodate for the bulge left from the field weld.

[@waynebarnhart7294]

@Tom Stathis The more I looked at the video I was puzzled how would an angle bar would fit over the bumb and then I went back thinking it could be a break in the weld joint . But your analyagy makes sense . Thanks 👍

[@MrTopgunna718]

I kno I'm not bugging or if I'm looking at the wrong thing but is the containers on the end of some of the trains are open?🤔.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

open containers and truck trailers are pretty common. They are broken into on a regular basis.

[@christopherdibble5872]

The engineers don't wave from the trains anymore, not like they did back in 1954!

[@Jax_Lines]

I've seen ns 1220 twice in Jacksonville FL

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Sounds like it gets around!

[@Samanthareneeheart10]

I'm thinking with the looming Rail Strike the rail companies are moving as much freight as they can as quickly as they can. So the back log isn't too bad and stores have product on the shelf. The last BNSF I'm calling the JB Hunt train as 90% seamed to be JB Hunt

[@BossSpringsteen69]

The strike was cancelled by the feds.

[@Samanthareneeheart10]

@@BossSpringsteen69 Ok ty I hadn't heard one way or the other. I figured the feds wouldn't let it happen, but you never know.

[@benjaminsorenson]

@@Samanthareneeheart10 congress has the power to end strikes like rail strikes.

[@kens.3729]

So it was a Broke and Run ? 😬 At what point would the Crew of the train that caused Broken Rail be Notified or would this Page the Dispatcher or Repair Group ?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Rails don't always break under trains, but if they do, there is no way for the crew to know that. Once they clear the affected circuit and the light on the dispatcher's board doesn't go out, they will get someone out to find the problem. The dispatcher can't tell what's wrong either; only that there is a problem.

[@Bellman84]

Red Signals

[@winchelllocklear531]

Do they have a blow up mattress in the engine to take a nap while waiting

[@Ottos_ScLm_Race_videos_2009_on]

I Google mapped the train tracks and a lot of the places you say on your video's is listed on Google maps.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Google Earth is great for checking out the tracks and access up here

[@pacset2]

Mark, what was that last location on your video ? cool video thanks

[@Distributed-Power]

We were about halfway between the Highway 202 over bridge and Tehachapi Depot Museum. Cheers, Stephen.

[@pacset2]

@@Distributed-Power thank you

[@MLOCharmer]

Does Southern Pacific still run? My Grandfather was the VP of freight out of Oakland, CA

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No. Union Pacific bought..umm..er...merged with SP in 1996.

[@dutch2120]

Hello Mark! I was wondering, Did the UP make you retire? Or did you have enough after 20 years?? I have been watching your videos for 2 years now.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

UP doesn't care how long you stay, but the Railroad Retirement Board has the 60/30 thing. If you have 30 years when you turn 60, you can retire with your full pension. I had 40 years seniority, and left as soon as I turned 60. I decided to live life while I was still feeling good! I do not miss working one bit!

[@dutch2120]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thank You Mark! I did not know you did 30, I thought it was 20. Love all your videos and the spots and subjects are always a learning point for me!

[@dutch2120]

I'm In Phoenix so one day I need to hook up with you and go see places I only see in video!

[@davec9244]

looked a little cold out! thank you ALL stay safe

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The wind chill kept it very cool, but it could be worse. We could be in North Dakota!

[@h1aa]

Monster trains. What was it like to see the steam locos in action here?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That was WAY before my time, although I have seen the 4449 and Santa Fe (3751?) come over the pass. Both had diesel helpers so e didn't get to see the steam working very hard. Thanks for checking it out!

[@lindahurley-bruce7575]

How can an engineer spot a break like that and stop in time? Seems like it would be hard even to see from the distance of the siding switch, yet apparently the train got stopped. Did another train catch it earlier, or a track inspector catch it, or did the signal circuit catch it?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

If the rail is broken, the signals governing movement into that section of track will be red. At a control point like this, the conductor would be required to walk from the signal to the power switch to ensure the way is clear and the switch is properly lined. Between control points, the train would slow to restricted speed, which is a speed at which they could stop in half the distance of seeing an obstruction or improperly lined switch, and in no case, over 20mph. Sometimes the crew will see the break, sometimes not, and sometimes, the break occurs under the train.

[@atsfandy]

Hey Mark, did they daylight tunnel 10 at east waylong????

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No, they excavated around it for the second track. Here is the link to a video in which you can see it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqHSg3WcptOAl5Y

[@atsfandy]

Thanks Mark it looked like tunnel 10 was gone in this video I was just nor realizing where at Waylong you were standing

[@scottwood646]

How do they know when there is a broken rail or any other problem like that? Thx for the great videos.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Broken rails, wires, shorts, etc, leave a "track indication" that shows up on the dispatcher's board. It doesn't tell them what's wrong, only that there is a problem. The dispatcher calls signal operations, who call out a maintainer, who will go out and find the problem. Thanks for checking it out!

[@scottwood646]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thx and Happy Holidays! Love to find out more about how this works. Maybe a video on the topic? Pretty cool system.

[@lookingforonetruechristian7396]

Who spotted that bad piece of rail? How did they know there was a problem in the first place.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

A broken rail deenergizes the track circuit, which leaves an indication on the dispatchers board. Dispatch calls signal operations, who dispatch a signal maintainer to find out what's wrong. The maintainer notifies track forces, who then make the determination of whether or not trains can pass the break. In this case, they couldn't, and the track was removed from service.

[@erichill1230]

hey Matt do you have any Rail road Time table and all of that stuff i collect stuff like that so i can put on my website

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I do not, but the Tehachapi Depot Museum has a ton of them. One of this year's projects is to go through them and see just what we have. If you're interested in what comes up and what they plan on doing with them, shoot me an email so I can save your information. Thanks for checking it out!