The Forbidden Video Files: A Day Working in the Desert

[@lossangeles]

Love it! Thanks a bunch for sharing 👍.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure!

[@herestoyoudoc]

You probably know this but others might not. In the last sequence the other train was stopped because intermodals almost always have supreme priority on the rails--sometimes even passenger trains will have to wait for them (though they try to avoid this as they can catch heat from the feds if they do this too much). The reason intermodals get priority is twofold--first they're by far the most economically valuable cargo on freight trains; the second reason is that the train trip is just one part of the cargo's logistics cycle--some other carrier (usually a truck) is waiting on this cargo and delay not only costs the customer money but also the next carrier. Offsetting this is that routing an intermodal is much simpler because they usually go from one intermodal facility to another with no intermediate stops except for crew changes.

[@centralplains7608]

Thanks for sharing this info on intermodal priority.👍🏽

[@mikekoblosh8412]

I always drive through Palmdale, Lancaster to Mojave then to Fresno to see friends. Love the desert and watching the trains run through it and up to Tehachapi. A little bit of Gods back yard.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Whenever I drive to the LA area, I always go by way of Tehachapi/Lancaster/Palmdale to Santa Clarita myself. I'll do anything to avoid that steep grade and all those trucks on the grapevine.

[@anthonycedar7]

It was very wholesome for the guys in the ballast cleaner to turn off the dirt sprayer for you.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yeah! And I was actually out of the way. The dust wouldn't have bothered me. Was nice of them though.

[@DarianCaplinger]

I have had the opportunity to board two trains via the engines. The first was as a child on the Illinois Central railroad on a siding waiting for an Amtrak passenger train to pass the freight train. The Engineer and Conductor were both very polite and showed me how everything worked. I imagine that would never fly these days. Shoot forward about 20 years, and I got to board the lead engine on a BNSF manifest train stopped on the main waiting for another train to push on the siding ahead before it would get the green to proceed. I was a cop by then, and was on duty, so the guys didn't hesitate when I asked if I could hop up. It amazed me how much difference there was between the EMD and GE engines I had the opportunity to climb onto. Maybe someday I can find the time to travel via rail somewhere. I sure hope I get the chance. Thanks for making this video.

[@stevelassere]

As a retired airline pilot I could sit and watch theses trains all day. Much more interesting than planes. Thanks Mark!!! Have you done one on the Tehachapi Loop???

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have quite a few shot from various places around the Loop. Go to the playlist "On The Tehachapi" and most are there. Funny, I could sit and watch cool planes all day! I love aviation! Thanks for checking it out!

[@jimg6476]

I was an engineer for 50 plus years and always have been a plane buff. Have spoken to several airline captains that are rail fans. Talked to one that lived in Vermont and he spent his off days with a friend of his that was a bridge tender for the RR

[@JacksonSubNScaleModelRailroad]

@19:58 its neat to hear the conductor call for a "Red Zone" protection. BNSF just calls it "in between." Lol

[@JacksonSubNScaleModelRailroad]

I can remember a few times where I would use red zone during the first part of my day, but in between during the second. My MTO and a couple other guys were from UP, but the rest of the crew was from BNSF or CSX.

[@russellmancillas4464]

Enjoyed our video, nice to have a railroad worker who grew up in the area describe the surrounding area

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking it out!

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

It is absolutely incredible, to see them diesel locomotives up close like that. Some of them are remote control locomotives, very fascinating. 👍👍👍

[@chpalmer2007]

The tips of those blades are traveling at 150mph when they are at full speed. Learned that from a tour at a Puget Sound Energy wind farm near Ellensburg WA.

[@donskinner9430]

COOL , LOOKS LIKE THE PERFECT JOB FOR ME.... Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Back in the 60's and 70's my dad worked for Armstrong/Pirelli tire company in Hanford, California. I used to see long train loads of Carbon Black for the tire plant. Dad would come home covered in rubber dust, carbon and sweat.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It was nasty stuff!

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Shoestring was on that train

[@steelepls]

Kind of late finding your channel but I always liked trains and am interested in how they do what so thanks for the insight. I am a retired US Army officer who still works part time to give me something to do but there is something satisfying knowing every day I continue working is because I want to and not required so I hope you enjoy retirement as much as I have. Take care and God bless.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm loving it! Thanks for your service and for checking out my channel!

[@ATSFSuperChief]

Another great video. Thanks Mark!

[@strikef16falcon58]

You are one cool dude!

[@meadam04]

Very informative videos , I love your videos on signals and the switches. I live in Canada but our signals and switches here are pretty much the same. We have heaters on the switches here to prevent them from freezing but other than that they are the same. Keep the videos coming , much respect from Canada !

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for commenting! We use heaters in areas of extreme cold. Tehachapi doesn't get that cold nor does it get much snow. We use small diesel filled "smudge pots" lit under the points during storms. The detectors also have heaters that are very effective except in heavy snow when they can't keep up. Then the trains kick up snow that breaks the high wide beams. They've started putting slow orders at the detectors to keep that from happening. Thanks for checking it out!

[@meadam04]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks for the info , always been a fan of trains. Your just a fountain of information :)

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@meadam04 like my buddy I worked with told the younger guys in Bakersfield just before I left "Mark knows a lot of shit and if he doesn't know it, he can make it sound like he does"!

[@centralplains7608]

Just found (and subscribed) to your channel.✅ GREAT descriptions on how railroad stuff works and why needed. Always wondered what that "ballast layer" did; you showed it and explained it IN ACTION‼ God Bless and plz stay safe.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Welcome! I'm glad you enjoy the content, and thanks for subscribing!

[@earllutz2663]

Like your channel & the information/comments that you give.

[@SKYKOP1972]

WOW!!! Trump was right. Those windmill turbins do make one heck of a racket. I couldn't even hear the locomotives when they went by over the windmill noise.

[@bboomer1948]

A shame Kieffe and Son's Ford, on Hwy 14, is no longer in business. Great video presentation. I'm all ears to anything railroading , from LA to Bakersfield.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks. I have plenty more coming up. Stay tuned!

[@iaev2500a3]

That first was train was a really nice catch. I don’t think you realized it at first but that lead BNSF engine had a Nathan P3 horn which is pretty rare on the BNSF system

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

horns all sound the same to signal guys! lol! thanks for pointing it out and for checking it out! sorry for no caps but i'm in a cast!

[@lmenestrina]

Awesome! Enjoyed the detailed info. Thank you

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

BNSF power in notch eight, awesome site to see.👍👍👍

[@nosakhereberry7712]

Thank you for the wonderful insight on the railroad operations 🤔 Appreciated

[@nosakhereberry7712]

Thanks for the gratitude “ you all 🐣🐥

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Sorry for the delayed response! My pleasure! I hope you're enjoying the channel!

[@briansumner2700]

Interesting video, lots of big train action. Nice locos.

[@paulmatulavich7321]

VERY interesting, informative, and enjoyable. Am eager to explore your other videos.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy them all. Let me know if you have any ideas!

[@perrydiddle3698]

Gotta get my map out. I never thought of that as being Mount Baldy. You can see the night skiing at Mountain High, Wrightwood, which I believe is the backside (north side) of Baldy.

[@1musicsearcher]

Never heard of a rock cleaner/organizer before. Pretty cool.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'd never seen one work until this one. You'd think that in 40 years I would have! Thanks for checking it out!

[@algernoncalydon3430]

Whenever I feel the world is sh#t and things are going badly, I only have to remember Mohave. My dad grew up there, and I can thank the gods I didn't.

[@jtveg]

Thanks for sharing. 😉👌🏼

[@garrystarkey3442]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing, interesting to see that patch of desert for the first time.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! The desert certainly has its own special beauty and interesting railroading!

[@christopherlindgren1185]

Great job,,,thanks for the videos

[@johnstewart8118]

neat jo b you have enjoy the ride with you

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It was a nice job most of the time but I'm so glad I retired when I did! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Entre1099]

Thx for the video. I know you love your job on days like that. Stay safe

[@Kansasavation]

CN employee : on today’s episode we are going to go through a blizzard

[@RailfanNetwork]

Love the channel!! Extremely informative!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm glad you enjoy it and stay tuned, more to come!

[@DougCeleste]

@@MarkClayMcGowan This was a VERY interesting and educational video and thanks for sharing! Any close encounters with the HIGHLY venomous Mojave Green rattlers when you are working? Working in their territory would scare the hell out of me any day! I know this area very well since I have driven by on Highway 58 for decades on my endless road trips. I also hope your lungs are ok after working at that plant for the 45 days. I hope you had some respiratory protection while on the job. That must have been a nightmarish job that you will NEVER forget. I guess after 45 days, you had had enough with it? Cheers from New Mexico!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@DougCeleste I encountered a few over the years, mostly stretched out along the rail at night, but they don't like us any more than we like them and tend to leave the area when people are around. We wore full face cover filtered masks at the Carbon plant when operating the bagger or working in the elevator pit.

[@DougCeleste]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. Thank God you have not had more encounters with the highly venomous Mojave Green rattlers. I just hope you do NOT run into any of them when opening one of your panel boxes for maintenance. I also wonder how many are killed when they are on the rails and a speeding train comes by. (I had a VERY close encounter with a HUGE prairie rattler in Kansas in 2005 which scared the hell out of me! But I guess you are used to rattlers and are not as fearful of them as I am.) I am a native from San Jose, CA. but currently live in Albuquerque. I do the drives to CA. via Highway 58 after leaving I-40 in Barstow. I go by your area all the time when I am on 58 before eventually heading to I-5 North. Quick question: Is the Kramer Junction Bypass Project completely finished? I sure hope so. Gosh, what a HORRIBLE traffic bottleneck that area has been for decades and I always HATED driving on 58 at night in that very dangerous area with only two lanes west of Barstow. I can only wonder how many fatal head-on crashes there were over the years. So glad you wore respiratory protection on that job of 45 days. Might have saved you from permanent lung damage. Good for you! THANK YOU for your EXCELLENT railroad videos which are so interesting and educational. Learning about your job from a railroad pro like you makes my love for trains even greater. I am almost 68 and have LOVED trains all my life, though there is so much I do not understand about trains and train and track maintenance. Thanks to people like you, I am learning more and more. Take care from 'The Land of Enchantment.'

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@DougCeleste thank you for the kind words! I'm retired so I just have to watch for snakes when I'm out shooting videos. So far I've only encountered a couple of gopher snakes. Yes, the 58/395 bypass is finished and makes a HUGE difference! No more bottlenecks or getting stuck behind trucks or a BNSF at the ess curve!

[@BNSFUPRailroader]

Fantastic video - I love the Mojave Sub and your videos are the perfect presentation for me building a Mojave desert scenery in HO scale…. Thank you very much🙂

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Glad to be of help!

[@FetKiller]

Thanks for the great video! Super interesting

[@raybin6873]

I'm amazed the couplers on the railcars can handle the load...especially the first one behind the locomotive...has the entire train to pull. What's with some of the railcars passing by having clunk clunk sounds? Wheels have flat spots on them?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The helpers at the rear (and sometimes in the middle) of trains keep the pressure off the forward drawbars. When a heavy train starts off the helpers push before the point starts pulling. The sound you speak of is from flat spots on the wheels. Thanks for checking it out!

[@FishplateFilms]

Great video Mark! Are you a signal electrician / maintainer? I see you still have some old shelf mount relays there...thats some old gear ! We have a few left but not on mainline service. I wish I had interesting trains to watch while I worked ..LOL. Only boring electric passenger trains on my district with the odd coal train thrown in . Cheers Gregg.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I was a signal maintainer when I left. Our electricians are a separate department although they are under the signal umbrella.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Most of our stuff is microprocessor now. The em relays are still used for a few specific functions. I'll go over that a bit in my upcoming pieces on how things work.

[@FishplateFilms]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Hi Mark, all us Signal guys down here have to be fully qualified electricians as well, we deal with low and high voltage. I spoke to a Signal guy in Tehachapi , he was at the grade crossing in town and we had a chat for a while, he was also retiring in a year or so! Looking forward to more videos sir. Cheers Gregg.

[@thebusterdog6358]

I know the railroad jargon for remote engines is probably drone engines, but I have always heard them called "DPU". Distributed Power Units.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've just started calling them helpers again. It makes them sound more powerful and important! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Herlongian]

Have you ever been to the Old Dutch Cleanser mine? I was there with my nephew and talked to a railroad worker there with his family. I used to work for SP as a brakeman out of Taylor Yard and Later Bakersfield. (1979-1985). I live in Mojave. Have worked the blitz local.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have not been there but have read about it. I hope to get some stuff shot on some of the desert mining. Thanks for checking it out!

[@Chief21075]

Cool job you have brother!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've since retired but yes, it was a great job! Thanks for checking it out!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

We had hills up in Canyon Crest Riverside we rode dirt bikes in for many years.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I rode down there a few times.

[@kens.3729]

I often wondered how they determined Track 1 Vs. Track 2 and East West Vs. North South. 👍

[@kens.3729]

You don’t see too many 100% “Empty Table” Trains. They need to get them back to re-load them.👍

[@tracyrreed]

Another great video! Why do they need to clean the shoulder ballast?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That's where the majority of lateral strength of the ballast is. The more dirt in ballast, the weaker it becomes.

[@jeffreygosselin1143]

@@MarkClayMcGowan That’s a very interesting physics problem! 👍

[@glennfoster2423]

Cleaning track bed and shoulder ballast is required by the three basic laws of railroad maintenance:. First Law: Drainage. Second Law:. More Drainage. Third Law, Even More Drainage! Nothing degrades the integrity of the track structure as intrusion of foreign (non-uniform ballast) material such as fines (soil, rock smaller than the specified size, clay ((NO, NO, NO, oh my gosh, NO CLAY!), etc. All of that "dirt" ejected by the conveyor belt was extracting the fines (1-1/2" minus) from the roadbed by the screens, then returning the larger ballast rocks to the shoulders of the roadbed. Voila, all the little "holes" between the pieces of rock drain water out like a sieve. ,

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Did he ever see the movie Planes / trains/ and automobiles ? John Candy.

[@luv2fly452]

MCM, sweet video. Very informative on the history of the area.

[@donavonrobbins1908]

Great video, liking the channel. If you think of it, could you try to catch the engine numbers as they come by? Railheaded our armor unit out that way from Fort Riley years a go. Always wanted to go back out that way for a visit.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'll try to remember to do the numbers. Thanks for checking it out!

[@RyansColoradoRailProductions]

I want to work out the railroad right after COVID ends, and I've been watching your from the field videos so i know what to expect!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Good luck! It's a fascinating career! Thanks for checking it out!

[@RyansColoradoRailProductions]

@@MarkClayMcGowan no problem! I always have other ideas if railroading isn’t as fun as it seems.

[@jimmartin7881]

@@RyansColoradoRailProductions I've heard it's hard to get in the RR unless you know someone or have family in there. I'm thinking of applying at CSX near me.

[@RyansColoradoRailProductions]

@@jimmartin7881 huh, I never heard that. May be just a rumor. If it’s harder for any group to get in it would be the railfans like me. I would have to cover up the fact that I’m a railfan during my interview, and pray to God that they don’t perform a background check on me.

[@jimmartin7881]

@@RyansColoradoRailProductions What would a background check reveal that worries you and why don't they like railfans?

[@georgegong6813]

Interesting video. Portion showing the Mojave airport & the mothballed planes, is this along 395 to Adelanto & Victorville? Just wondering looked familiar to this native Northern Californian. Since acquiring the property in Trona we take this road quite frequently towards relatives who reside in Redands.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's between 14 and 58 in Mojave

[@Watchdoc65]

Awesome thanks!

[@briangardiner1015]

I just found you channel, I am a moderator on the Tehachapi Live Train Cam, This is very interesting stuff.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Cool! I'm a subscriber! Thanks for the compliment. I have more on the way!

[@briangardiner1015]

@@MarkClayMcGowan It is a 24/7 livestream the cam is on the Depot in Tehachapi.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@briangardiner1015 yeah. It caught me working a few times!

[@briangardiner1015]

@@MarkClayMcGowan did you help install the camera? I remember the person that installed the camera saying someone from the railroad helped him put up the camera.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@briangardiner1015 no sir. I did not. I was still working up the valley when it was installed.

[@spencerbass7142]

Neat.

[@louiscano6566]

Bitchin "behind the scenes" stuff,new subscriber,glad I found it👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you for checking it out! More cool stuff to come!

[@jimmartin7881]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Why are these forbidden videos?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@jimmartin7881 i shot these while I was still working. The powers that be at UP called me on the carpet and told me to stop posting them. Not because of the content but because I was on duty. I'd already shot most of them so when I retired I started posting them. I did a video about it that's in my "my thoughts on railroading" playlist. Thanks for checking it out!

[@jimmartin7881]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Cool, thanks.

[@johnmeadows5645]

Mark, does Union Pacific haul products in or out of the gold mine between Mojave and Rosamond.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No. That's all done by truck. Thanks for checking it out!

[@parrott350]

Great video, Glad I found it. LOL Stupid broken wind mills,

[@bfurailroad1104]

A lot of neat things you talked about and a lot of great footage as well. Excellent camera work. I did see one of them ballast shoulder cleaners roll thru last year when the tie gang came thru on the Herington, ks sub to Dalhart, Tx. Railfanning was dead for a week due to rerouting but was cool to see this piece of equipment in operation. The Relay and maintenance buildings here both have a green and red light outside the walk in doors to alert accidents, do, or should I say, did your buildings there have these? Happy new decade Mark.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No. We have no lights other than the power off indicators. Thanks for the compliment and for checking it out!

[@garyrunnalls7714]

Very cool thx

[@JRRACING1327]

You can still ride dirtbikes there. was out this past weekend.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

In some places but most of the area immediately surrounding Mojave is closed down. Still a lot of riding areas to the east and northeast though

[@JRRACING1327]

@@MarkClayMcGowan yeah I live in Tehachapi. I ride out at dove springs and Jawbone. It is nice and close in Mojave.

[@cousineddie7898]

Hi Mark: Thanks for posting all the cool RR content. What does "DO NOT HUMP" mean on the cars? Do not lift with a crane I'm assuming? I'm sure there are plenty or RR jokes about that for sure. Thanks!

[@gravelydon7072]

Do Not Hump means that the cars should be flat switched only and not sent through the Hump Yard where the cars or their contents might get damaged when they recouple to a string of stopped cars while rolling free.

[@rynetreatch9558]

What was the spray paint on the ballast for when the BNSF manifest train was going by?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It marked where the transducer cables are buried. They were doing track work in the area and that keeps them from tearing up our stuff...sometimes! Thanks for checking it out!

[@HondaGoldwingGL1800]

Cool video. I can remember back in the mid 50's and early 60's when I was a kid, the Santa Fe engines in Lubbock, Texas were always as clean as brand new and the bright silver, red and yellow war bonnet paint scheme looked super good. I cant remember ever seeing a nasty, dirty Santa Fe engine...they were always clean and something to see. Now that Burlington Northern has Santa Fe, it is like they dont care if their engines are clean or not and I have seen many engines that look like pure trash. I am sure it is a pain to keep them clean, but IMO, there is no excuse why they cant install power sprayers in the rail yards for the engines to run thru, as looking at these filthy BNSF engines is to me a direct indication of what the company thinks about their image. Look at all the truck drivers on the road...almost every truck on the road is clean, bright and shiny. I have even seen truck drivers run thru a truck wash after driving thru rain showers to have their trucks clean again. I live in Fort Worth, Texas now and BNSF has a large office here. I have gone out and even asked why they cant keep a clean engine and was told..."We dont care." In my thinking, if they dont care what their engines/trains look like to the public...what else do they not care about in private. Something else I would do if I had the power or was a hon-cho with BNSF, would be to send a message to all the "taggers"...the people who paint the train cars. I would pay them to paint nice murals on the sides of some cars...something nice to make the cars look better. Now I am not an art fan, but I do like to see some of the tagging these people do...most of the tagging is really pretty good. Anyway, if you are working for BNSF or another railroad...show them this in hopes that they will make their image look better to the public as their trains run by, by keeping them somewhat clean and have a little pride in their company looks.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Most big yards have wash racks at their service facilities but these days, power is at such a premium there isn't much down time outside regularly scheduled maintenance which is why it's more common to see foreign power in consists. As to tagging, most cars are not owned by the railroad but by leasing companies who don't have field personnel so there's not much to be done about it. It doesn't affect revenue so the railroads aren't going to dedicate resources to stopping it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@HondaGoldwingGL1800]

@@MarkClayMcGowan It is just sad...no pride in their equipment.

[@herestoyoudoc]

BNSF is owned by Warren Buffet and I don't think he cares about things like "pride" as long as the shit gets shipped on time. They're being awfully hard on their employees lately, which is probably a larger concern for public safety than taggers and dirty engines.

[@robertproctor1358]

So you were saying the the cars on the siding has there brakes set so they don't roll, a guy has to go to each car and release the brakes, or do they only set so many of them to hold them in place?? Because if you had like a hundred cars it would take a long time to do that to each one

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Only so many brakes have to be set per cut of stored cars. I'm not sure what that number is.

[@waggtech4883]

The folks at the carbon black plant I had the joy of switching out with the ATSF for Conoco years ago all used cold cream to keep the carbon out of their pores. (Edit: the engineer always complained if we had to shove the cars any distance. He’d get his dose too!)

[@iceman5891]

Very informative. Good work video of trains.

[@RDC_Autosports]

you guys share track rights there? 9:58 bare table train, cheaper to move them then let em sit... well what warren use to tell us ... never could figure that out

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

UP owns the tracks and BNSF has rights from Bakersfield to Mojave. Thanks for checking it out!

[@glennfoster2423]

A train of bare tables is doing one of three things: 1. Moving the bare tables from one port where there are no containers that need to be loaded; to a different port where they are needed; or 2. Moving the bare tables from where there is not enough storage to wait until they are needed, It is a daily dance.

[@timbober1]

Are you ever around when rails are welded together. I just found your channel maybe you have covered this before.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have since retired so catching them welding is a difficult task. They still do it all the time as joints are undesirable, I just don't know where or when. If I catch one I'll share it! Thanks for checking it out!

[@timothylewandowski9438]

whats the old sidding off to the left just passed the singals? i visited there a couple months ago and was woundering what it feed or what it was use for.

[@ericberman4193]

If you’re referring to the spur leading off to the left at the Mojave Sink, that’s the Jawbone Branch which was originally built clear up to Owenyo (connected with the old SPNG - formerly the Carson & Colorado narrow gauge) but now only runs as far as Trona which is a huge mining operation generating lots of traffic.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's called the Lone Pine branch even though it only goes to Searles, about 45 miles out, where the Trona RR connects to haul materials in and product out of the huge mineral plant on Searles Dry Lake. I have two videos about Trona in the "Exploring Places" playlist and am working on a video about the Trona RR. Thanks for checking it out!

[@jeffreygosselin1143]

18:32 Do you know how many brakes he had to “spin out” to get that cut of cars moving?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm not sure what the rules are for how many cars have to be tied down per cut but he did go back a few cars. Thanks for checking it out!

[@fungula34]

Great video.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! More cool stuff to come!

[@perrydiddle3698]

Do you still ride? I typically ride out at California City or Hungry Vally next to Gorman.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Just the Harley now. I haven't ridden dirt since 2008 but I'm considering a dual sport. I used to ride and race at Gorman. I never lost a moto at that track! I did my first desert race out by Cal City in October 1974. Raced and ride many times out there until 1980.

[@stevebutrimas9972]

Nice photography and lots of names but I really don’t know what u are talking about unless I see a map of the area.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

As this was an earlier video, I hadn't started leaving GPS coordinates for Google Earth or similar apps. The GPS for Mojave is 35° 05' 10" N 118° 10' 29" W

[@GeorgeJansen]

Phoenominal video 📹📹📹❤️❤️❤️

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@robertborchert932]

Understatement! Mark, this video was excellent.

[@snailslochin]

Quick question... did you start in the safety dept or did you break in as conductor?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I was in the signal dept. but was involved in the safety program for 17 years, which was a volunteer thing.

[@robertjennings397]

Where are all the rattle snakes?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They're out there but they don't like us any more than we like them so they stay away! I just did a video about snake safety. Check it out!

[@keithgiles1233]

I have the same job as you but for NS here in Georgia

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Most important job on the railroad! Nothing gets done safely or efficiently without us. I retired shortly after I shot this video.

[@keithgiles1233]

@@MarkClayMcGowan 11 years here. We are split up though. Signal handles crossings, signals control points etc. I'm on the comm side. Hot boxes, aei, radios, microwave towers and such

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Still, a great job! Things are getting weird, but the pension is worth it if you can just stay clear of all the drama and B.S.!

[@Mike14401]

What does yellow over yellow telk you?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's called an "approach diverging" signal and tells the crew they will have a red over clear (something other than red) at the next control point and will be taking the turnout. Thanks for checking it out!

[@slowpoke96Z28]

This is the way big stuff gets to 29 Palms?

[@slowpoke96Z28]

@Jim Allen it’s two fireteams turning the crankshaft in the locomotive. The faster they get there, the sooner they secure for libo lol.

[@andreweppink4498]

What's that 'fence' or whatever it is perpendicular to the track at 8:49 or so? Thx.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

If you're talking about the structure behind the high tension towers, that is a large solar array south of Mojave. I don't see any other structures perpendicular to the tracks. Thanks for checking it out!

[@kc48446]

Where would I begin on become a signal maintainer?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Go to the website of whatever road you're interested in and find job or career opportunities and start there. If you know any railroaders use them as a reference. Good luck and thanks for checking it out!

[@jeffwesson8798]

Why do they clean the ballist?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Ballast is what gives the track structure its strength. If the ballast becomes fouled with dirt it causes weak spots which can then allow the tracks to move laterally or develop low spots.

[@joebrock3372]

Lol...My job l had between my Freshman and Sophomore year in College was Horrible as well.. A cement Factory.. Horrible job. I caught the bags coming down a conveyor belt.. had to stack them on a Pallet. Waist high.. Horrible job. 90 days.. yuk

[@jeffreyglowacki7616]

Does BNSF share trackage with UP or does UP own one track and BNSF the other?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

UP owns the tracks between Kern Jct. in Bakersfield and the Mojave Interlocking. Santa Fe was granted trackage rights in 1898 by SP and the agreement is still in place. Thanks for checking it out!

[@remylopez4821]

Hey Mark another great video I know I seen it before but a buddy of mine was asking about the track ballast cleaner and how it worked so I sent him this video and he was impressed but anyways another neat place that’s on that line in Palmdale is Lockheed Martin skunk Works interesting stuff goes on there let’s just say that I want to go up and spend more time in the Tehachapi’s but living in the Los Angeles basin the traffic to get up there it’s just too much for this old man so my playground is Cajon Pass I go up there in my jeep all the time someday if you get a chance go to Hill 582 you will love it

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I plan on shooting something around Plant 42 at some point. Where is hill 582?

[@remylopez4821]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Cajon Pass off HWY 138 going towards Lake Silverwood look for the small American flag on the fence post on the left side of the highway I can meet you and take you there if I know when you’re going you do not need a four-wheel-drive but a high clearance vehicle would be nice it is a neat spot

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@remylopez4821 I'll let you know if I head that way!

[@johnpratt9429]

Dumb question, but I take it only lead locomotive has a crew?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That's not a dumb question at all. They began experimenting with remote helpers in the 1980s and perfected it in the late 90s. The crews were removed from the helpers then. There is a video about the history of helpers on the Tehachapi in my "Railroad History" playlist. Check it out!

[@coltheesacker5656]

So why does the shoulder ballast need to be cleaned?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Ballast provides lateral stability for the track structure. Every once in awhile it has to be cleaned. If it is determined that the center ballast is ok, they'll just clean the shoulders.

[@annahogsett3967]

could you please explain how wheel dectors work. i am retired milw. conductor thxs

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have a playlist called "How Things Work in the Signal Dept." In which there are videos about that. I have another called "How Things Work on the Railroad". That discusses how other things work. I hope you find time to enjoy them and thanks for checking it out!

[@cmphighpower]

Why would you wash the ballast

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It provides the lateral stability for the track structure. When it becomes fouled with dirt it loses its strength.

[@steveschierholz5272]

What is the forbidden part?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I was told not to shoot any more videos while on duty about four months before I retired. I had already shot many more though so when I retired I began publishing the "Forbidden Videos".

[@NE-Explorer]

Do you run into snakes?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Not much and then usually gopher snakes. I just did a video on snake safety. Go check it out!

[@harrellmorlan6817]

Those wind things absolutely destroy the view and are worthless!

[@cerealspiller]

Yeah, kind of like this:. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6ezfHueipqHq9E

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Who has job of keeping thugs/bums off trains ?

[@gravelydon7072]

Railroad Police and or regular police depending on which RR and where.

[@jimjab3631]

Those blades get buried at end of life. Buried things are great for the environment if you didn't know. How about all the bald eagles and others they kill? Yeah carry on...

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

You won't hear me defending them. Go watch my other channel "Motopoet59" to hear my rants!

[@robertharris4010]

Those wind turbines look like shit in the back ground half of them are not moving.

[@donnaviestenz7773]

Yea!!! Green green green......POS.

[@mplsmark222]

I would rather see a wind farm then an coal fired plant belching out carbon and other pollution. Ravaged ecosystems from strip mining isn't my cup of tea either. You don't have to like wind power, the industry will continue to grow with or without your support.

[@gaylarsen9813]

Is cashe creek the same cashe creek in Lake county in N. Cal?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@gaylarsen9813 no. This is in the Mojave desert

[@petenikolic5244]

you mean FART FANS

[@paul-andrelarose3389]

There are very frequent incidences of flat wheel tamping as traffic goes by. In light of the high axle loading limits permissible by the AAR on North American Railways, this is very nefarious for the good health of the track and sub-track structures. Wide spread incidences of flat wheels reflect a deferred maintenance philosophy and a short-term economic vision, none of these reflect sustainable good business practices. Ontario, Canada. 2021/04/07.

[@robertborchert932]

I heard that familiar sound as well!

[@paul-andrelarose3389]

@@robertborchert932 It should be so much preferable to promptly change "out-of-round" wheel-sets rather than to create unavoidable damages to an extended portion of the track structure, including internal metallurgical and sub-grade damages. This shows that decisions are too often made on the basis of "short term" costs, ignoring the much larger "long term" costs.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@paul-andrelarose3389 they will generally get them in as soon as they're reported or noticed in inspections. They're not only hard on track structure but can be damaging to certain types of freight.

[@eddienash5426]

Forbidden Video Files?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Videos I shot while on duty. They told me to stop shooting them but I'd already shot quite a few so when I retired I started publishing them