Sept. '90. Tehachapi Loop. An SP manifest with two sets of helpers climbs the Loop. Lead GP40-2 still has its full SP light package intact and operating.
Wow! A 4 axle on the point of a tonnage train on Tehachapi. Sante Fe was more known for that but SP was usually short on power and would build a train as big as possible and make a consist out of whatever they had sitting around, whether a GP9 or a Crud. You'll never see that kind of railroading again. Very interesting and unpredictable. Loved watching the SP! RIP
All 12 units on that train had it climbing the grade pretty well! I love the full light packages on the lead GP40-2 and the SD40T-2 pushing on the rear. Classic Espee.