Russo Loco Wrote:
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> Greg Scholl Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > John, I see the final regular service date with
> > the diesel as being 4.29.60. I have yet to see
> > anything about any fantrips. Have a SP guy
> > on the west coast I can try if all else fails.
>
>
> You mention other S.P. steam being present, Greg
> -
>
> So it is definitely NOT the last run of #9 in
> April of 1960, which was several years after the
> last use of steam on S.P.'s standard gauge line
> out to Owenyo. It's probably a fan trip in
> the early to mid 1950's, no later than 1954 or
> '55.
>
> -
Roosso
I agree that if there is other SP steam present (at Owenyo or presumably filmed at the same time?), then it isn't the last run of #9. I have seem numerous photos of ALCo RSD-5 units working at Owenyo, so the last years were worked by diesel before the line was cut back to Lone Pine. I think the RSD-5s were initially used as Tehachapi helpers (also tried on the SD&AE) before they proved unequal to the task. Joe Dale Morris shows the Jawbone branch being dieselized in 1953. The branch was later worked by SD9, GP9 and SD39 units, but the last known loco was supposed to be a Trona Baldwin borrowed to clear the line before track material was pulled up to rebuild the shoofly over the burning tunnel at Searles.
BTW - the last run of #9 under steam is documented as
August 25, 1959 - also generally accepted as the last day a SP revenue train was powered by steam.
Clues that may be present as to the year - if caboose/combine #401 is present - what is its roof line (original clerestory or peaked) and does it have freight car or passenger trucks?
Also - #9 had its original headlight replaced, going from a barrel type to an entirely different brand (Pyle-National?). When was redecorated into circus colors, there were some other changes made.
SP is claimed to have actually been planning on running steam longer than they did by at least a few years, one reason why so many engines were scrapped or put on display with recent shoppings as they had been held in reserve. Unexpected efficiencies of diesels over steam and an unrealized expected surge in seasonal traffic meant that the reserve steam fleet was never needed.
