Re: HERCULES POWER PLANT CALIF ..INDUSTRIAL TRACKAGE ?
Author: Chas
Date: 07-03-2011 - 11:44
I worked as the SP Agent at Rodeo for a few weeks in 1965. I recall driving down the SP right-of-way and entering the Hercules plant by the railroad gate. I would make a yard check and then exit via the main office. By that time most of the narrow gauge was gone. There was some track in the plant, and on one (and only one) day, there was a little Plymouth locomotive spotted with a car that was being loaded with sacks. I took several pictures and no one around the narrow gauge objected. However, when I got to the office to pick up the material relating to the cars they were shipping, I asked if I could take some photos. I received a big "NO". I had not mentioned, nor did I mention, that I had already taken some photos, so I still have those.
For the record, the gauge was three feet. At one time the operation was very extensive. It not only went under I-80 (US 40 in those days), but also crossed the SP on a bridge and went out onto a pier.