Re: 6 automobiles collided as UP #4014 rolled through Beryl, Utah

There has been times in the past when the California Highway Patrol has been prepared for enthusiasts chasing steam powered trains. And with the incident in Utah, it should be watching and prepared for the 4014. In the past, the CHP has placed its attention to avoid accidents.

I would expect the California Highway Patrol to be out along the old route 66 which is an up-and-down, two-lane road for much of that stretch between Victorville and Bastow. The CHP would be out there to make sure everyone is safe. And making sure the locals do not get in the way of the heavy traffic of the chasers. Probably paying attention to such places like the S-curve under the RR bridge at Oro Grande.and where cross traffic would be heavy.

I would pick a photo location and get to it in advance of the train. Maybe a second location for which you won't have to travel old route 66 to get to or from.

On trips with the 4449 going east out of Los Angels there would be a CHP officer on board with a radio to contact ground units if he observed unsafe motorists. And probably to keep the ground units aware of where the train was.

Also east of Redlands to Banning the former SP line paralleled San Timoteo Canyon Road, a winding, two-lane road. I heard that the CHP closed off west-bound travel on the road when the 4449 was heading east on one trip.. Being safe -- No need to risk a head-on.

Brian Norden.