Forget Pittsburgh -- Here's A Better "Golden Triangle"

Author: Holly Gibson

Date: 02-08-2011 - 13:04

May 13, 1991: South Sacramento, CA - Portola, CA through Feather River Canyon behind the 844-3985 double-header (returning to WY after an event at the CA State Railroad Museum). 

May 14, 1991: Portola, CA - Winnemucca, NV *UP Depot* (continuation of above trip) 

May 15, 1991: Winnemucca, NV *UP Depot* - Elko, NV (continuation of above trip) 

May 15-16, 1991: After taking a Greyhound bus from Elko, NV to Carlin, NV (ugh!), I managed to talk to the crew and "B.S." my way aboard the once-per-day SP freight (X7110 West) over the Modoc Line to Klamath Falls.
We had to switch out some cars that were loaded with bombs coming back from the first Gulf War at the Sierra Army Depot and the Carlin crew was close to their 12 hour limit.
I was part of the "turnover" when that crew handed off the train to the Klamath Falls-based crew.
It was after dark from about Weso, NV to Wendel, CA.
The sun started coming up about the time we crossed Highway 395 at Viewland.
Arrived Klamath Falls late afernoon / early evening.

Wish now I'd brought more film. 

May 16-17, 1991: After a few hours rest at a K Falls motel, I caught the southbound Starlight back to Sacramento to complete the third leg of the triangle.
The train was amazingly crowded.
At Sacramento, I met up with some other fans and we chased the 2472 from there back to Oakland. Flew home from there.