Two East Bound Santa Fe Trains at Tehachapi Tunnel 9 on November 4, 1990

Here we see two interesting ATSF eastbound trains approaching the famous Tehachapi Loop at Tunnel 9 on the bright morning of November 4, 1990. The first train is a general manifest led by ATSF 9544, an SF30C, a locomotive unique to the Santa Fe rebuilt from U36C 8772. The second unit in the consist is also an interesting unit, the 5501 SD45B, rebuilt from the SD45 5581. The last three units are C30-7 8022, GP20 3036, and GP35 3414... It is closely followed by the eastbound hotshot 991 train led by GP60M 161 nearly brand new here as its build date was September, 1990! It is followed in the consist by another GP60M 118 (built June, 1990), B40-8 7438, and B40-8W 545 also nearly brand new, with a build date of October 1990. It was quite an unexpected treat seeing these two trains following each other closely and a very interesting lineup of power.

[@1MTSRider]

Thank you, thank you. This is the best audio sound I have heard here on CZcams of my generation of railfanning. The big 20 cylinder EMD whining/howling, and staccato bark/razor sharp exhaust of the GE combined working together. This was the sound I grew up to in railfanning, late 70s to early, early 90s. One of the best eras of railroading ever, the other was the steam era. Today's boring/lifeless crap can't compare. It was more than sound, even like this video . . . it was feeling it too. This video captures that awesome sound. Thank you again for sharing.

[@b2major9th]

Thank you for your kind words! I worked hard to try to preserve the sight and sound from the original 8-mm analog videotape, before it goes bad and am glad that I was successful in the transition to digital format. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and for stopping by to leave a comment.

[@shawnleih2916]

Great video on BNSF Railroad history on Santa Fe Railroad main line trains friends hope you have great Saturday day friend's

[@geac9100]

The pass and review (highball) at 4:47 is priceless!

[@b2major9th]

Thank you for the comment. I'm happy I was able to capture the moment on video.

[@flattrain5834]

Great catches!

[@b2major9th]

Thank you for the comment!

[@joshthetrainfan]

This and 1MTSRider are the best sources of this generation of railfanning one can find that isn't the Trona Railway.

[@Prolificposter]

Fabulous!

[@b2major9th]

Thank you, those were great times to be out railfanning!

[@waynehawkins2157]

It's great seeing the show. I like the sf 545 looks like a brand new HO Atlas out of the box.

[@b2major9th]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, the new power in warbonnet paint was quite something to see. I'm afraid we will never relive those times again.

[@brentboswell1294]

7438 was having paint issues...looks like GE screwed up the job at the factory 😂 P.S. notice the recessed headlight on the nose of this unit. Halfway through the production run of the Dash 8 40 B's, Santa Fe asked for the change. After years of putting the headlight between the number boards above the cab windows, Santa Fe made the decision to relocate the headlights to the short hood nose (better visibility in fog). When the 7400's started arriving on the property, a few crewmembers got arms and elbows burned by the headlights that were in just the right place to do it.

[@b2major9th]

lol you think that paint is bad, you should see some of the SP units that were painted during the transition to more environmentally-friendly paint! Thanks for the comment and for taking the time to watch my video

[@cagorrie]

These are fantastic videos, thank you again :-)

[@b2major9th]

cagorrie thank you for your comment and for watching them! I have more to post

[@razz2135]

those u boats sound scary

[@b2major9th]

Train crews generally hated those things if they were on the point, but from trackside they were certainly fun to watch, and the distinct chugging sound could be heard for miles as they headed up the hill! Thank you for your comment and for taking the time to watch

[@oldclip70]

Damn good one. The B40-8 came out in April 1989. The second train was the 991.

[@b2major9th]

Thank you for your comment. Just about every trip to Tehachapi in those times was very rewarding. The variation of power you could catch on both the ATSF and SP was absolutely amazing.

[@colinmulder6806]

Any idea who these eastbounds are?

[@b2major9th]

No, I've checked my notes and do not have the train symbols recorded, but I'd welcome speculation!

[@colinmulder6806]

@@b2major9th The first Eastbound looks like a SECOND SECTION of #952(Richmond,CA - Streator, IL CONRAIL). While right behind him is #991(Richmond,CA - Chicago,IL UPS).