I'm still curious about the grade we see on that stretch of viaduct near Calwa. How many similar jumps are needed between Madera and Bakersfield? As far as I can see, the assumption is that HSR trainsets would have the power and momentum to handle hops like this at sppeds of 200 mph. We can be less sure what Chargers and Cal Cars would do on these grades, which seem to be freeway engineering, not diesel main line rail. What would be the effect of having to take these grades at 40 mph or whatever on overall schedule -- especially if the San Joaquin route otherwise still goes via Port Chicago?