PROTOTYPICAL OPERATIONS ON THE
SIERRA WESTERN & SANTA FE


PART II

Pictured here are images taken from our first operating session held on April 4, 1998.

Explaining switching and spotting instructions. Left to right: Gary, Byron, Mark, Ron, Ray, Sam Romerstein, Phil Jensen, and Larry. These guys definitely eat well! Engineer Ron bringing his train into the arrival / departure yard of Chico's Orchard Yard. His train recently left the lower staging yard. Engineer Phil (leaning forward) and conductor Rick Fortin (SW&SF's owner) beginning to switch Sambone with the Sambone Local. This was a busy area with all the through traffic to keep clear of. Two hours later they were done.

Engineer Mark (left) is easing his train into Chico's Old Yard while conductor Ray (middle) and engineer Ron (right) switch the Chico freight house. Looks like Ray is enjoying himself! Engineer Phil (front) and conductor Rick are still working Sambone! Phil is operating the engine and Rick is uncoupling the cars. Watch out for that train coming around the curve!! Engineer Ron (front) pulls into Sambone with the Los Molinos Local to drop off a car for the Sambone Local while engineer Phil (the Sambone Local's engineer) stays in the clear.

Los Molinos Local engineer Ron (front) and conductor Mark (right) coordinate the moves for the car swap at Sambone while Sambone Local conductor Rick (center) watches. Engineer Ray (front) waits for the Los Molinos Local to clear the mainline for his Sierra Fruit Express holding on the main just out of sight of this picture. Engineer Ron and conductor Mark work out the details of the Los Molinos Local's next moves. Single track starts where the locomotives are sitting. Engineer Ron (front) and conductor Mark continue switching Los Molinos. Engineer Ray has finally been able to pass through Los Molinos on his way to Chico.

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