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Western Railroad Discussion > Rare manifest train through Soledad CanyonDate: 01/02/26 19:54 Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: webmaster Today Mason and I were out in Rosamond swapping out a pair of handcars from our containers that we store in the desert. On the way back we saw a manifest train passing Acton on its way towards Los Angeles. This is an unusual move for sure because the last time I saw a mixed freight through it was at least a decade ago. We got off the freeway and chased the train through Soledad Canyon in light rain.
I am including a video of the chase and a fun pacing segment that is the same location used by Steven Spielberg when he filmed Duel, starring Dennis Weaver. This 1971 Spielberg classic features some fantastic Southern Pacific Railroad action. Mason shot the pacing shot and the last clip of the train exiting the tunnel. I shot the rest, all iPhone. I see from Cajon's posting the Palmdale Cutoff is broken from a washout so this train is detouring over Metrolink to get to West Colton. All we normally see through here is Metrolink and container trains. Todd Clark Canyon Country, CA Trainorders.com   You must be a registered subscriber to watch videos. Join Today! Date: 01/02/26 21:57 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: Fizzboy7 Great documentation. Heard a freight horn at the odd hour and couldn't make sense of it. Now we see! Can't recall the last time a manifest made it through the canyon.
Thanks for posting! Jason Eminian Smith Brothers Hobby Center Northridge, CA Date: 01/02/26 22:09 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: doge_of_pocopson Thank you Todd for the fantastic documentation. The scenes are moody with the recent rains and water in the river. B.
Date: 01/02/26 23:01 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: cchan006 Enjoyed the video, chase and pace!
I especially like the scenery near 3:00. Date: 01/03/26 05:32 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: cozephyr Sweet catch with this rare UP manifest move. Glad you two were in the right place at the right time-! Well done - fun chase.
Date: 01/03/26 09:30 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: SP4360 Great video of my old district Todd.
Date: 01/03/26 09:42 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: TheNavigator Very nice camera work!
GK Date: 01/03/26 10:21 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: Laurence Nice video ! I am disappointed I missed it. I live in Sylmar.
Laurence Date: 01/03/26 11:57 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: tehachcond Ran that line a zillion times as a brakeman/conductor. Brought back a lot of memories.
Brian Black Castle Rock, CO. Date: 01/03/26 13:00 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: callum_out Nice video, I'm surprised they found a qualified crew.
Out Date: 01/03/26 14:07 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: cajon UP runs 2 north Z train a day on the Metrolink. South Z go by West Colton.
Cutoff is closed until 17:00 Saturday. UP 8165 setting at Palmdale and is going to go thru the cutoff at 5 mph but DS called that the line is closed. Train lost air while stopped and police is helping the crew checking the train and DPU. The air came back up by it self. Train is passed the siding of Denis. They sre around 40 street esst in Palmdale. Dennis Posted from iPhone Date: 01/03/26 14:15 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: webmaster Thanks, for the nice comments. I do not get out much anymore because my partner, my son works full time and weekends we are busy in the handcar shop. This was an accidental find and we took the chase. I did not know about the washout on the cutoff so I was perhaps thinking maybe UP as of Jan 1 was going to be running manifests over the line, though I could not think of the business case for it.
Todd Clark Canyon Country, CA Trainorders.com Date: 01/03/26 19:43 Re: Rare manifest train through Soledad Canyon Author: busdriver Watching the small bush at the end going throught the cut was neat as it blew in the wind from the dynamic brake fans.
Great catch! Bryce |