In retrospect, I wish I'd invested a little less money in beer (you just rent it for awhile really!) and a little more in film & gas while I was in the USAF during the 60's. I used to drive off base from Edwards to Rosamond & sit at the hamburger joint next to the tracks & visit with the helper crews there. Was offered a few rides over the hill to Bakersfield and maybe the best was on a brand new pair of U-30Cs, 7917/7913 as a light engine. Once we got on the main, the hogger, R.R. Maren, gave up his seat to me all the way to Edison where we stopped to let me off so I could hike over to 58 & thumb back to base. Great day & we stayed in touch until he passed away.
I also remember one afternoon when a pair of PAs were switching at North Edwards. By the time I raced back to my barracks & got my camera, they were heading East on their way back to Barstow.
Those were the days.