Its a beautiful evening deep in the Mojave National Preserve along UP's LA&SL Route. Unfortunately no train ran during the final hour of sunlight, but the Providence Mountains looming in the distance made a nice photo opportunity regardless. This was the only thing over a nine day trip out west that just did not work out so dont worry the next photos will actually have trains... Jul 19, 2017

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Shortly before reaching the summit, train IBRLC screams through Tehachapi Valley after winding and grinding up the steady 2% grade from Bakersfield. Jul 18, 2017

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The pair of ex-IC&E SD40-2s now working for the Arizona & California pass through the ghost town of Rice. This is where famous for the "shoe fence" and the the railroads abandoned Ripley Branch is located. For several miles along Hwy 62, the main line right-of-way is lined with names and initials of travelers passing through the area that can be somewhat seen in this photo. Jul 17, 2017

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The Arizona & California parallels Cadiz Rd almost perfectly from Rice right into Cadiz. The first several miles to Milligan isnt so bad, but after that you'll find yourself trying to blast through sandy washes that really get in the way when trying to chase the train. Here at Sablon, we are pacing the two RCP&E SD40-2s assigned to the railroad as they head west for Cadiz, CA. Jul 17, 2017

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Westbound Arizona & California train #708 makes its was across the southern tip of the Mojave Desert with the bittersweet RCP&E duo. Jul 17, 2017

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