I was driving along Valley Blvd. in Industry today (along the UP Alhambra Sub, ex SP)and saw the headlight of an appproaching train. First thing I notcied was that the first car after the 2 engines was huge, even compared to the autoracks that trailed it. I was driving and couldn't get a pic or even the car number, but it was similar in looks to the articulated autoracks (like the BNSF KCS ones). But, it was just a single, huge unit, all yellow and labeled Union Pacific. In the top corner opposite where the numbers are, it said something like "UP 20-2 Rack". It was very clean and I haven't seen anything like this, are these new, and does anyone have any pics of them? P.S. Colonel, I haven't had the chance to get over to Valla Yard, but will try to get by soon to try and get a pic of the progress.
Sounds like you saw one of the 20+2 racks (20', 2" tall, IIRC). They've been around for a few years...I can remember seeing pics of them in a magazine from 1994/95. A friend of mine gave me a couple shots he took of some down at UP's Mead Yard in Long Beach of an BN 20+2 rack, and an SP Speed Lettered one. I'll have to dig them out of my many piles 'o' pics...they're around here somewhere, along with shots of that MoPac wheel car you asked about. Man, I gotta get organized.... Paul #3
Its funny you mention that these have been around for awhile. I just noticed them myself the other day in the Roseville,CA area.
John, Welcome to trainboard i hope you enjoy this site as much as I do. Are you a UP fan like the rest of us here? Hope to see more of your posts if you need any help about the site feel free to email me.
Well I can't really claim to be a UP fan. But it looks like I'm stuck with them. I have built a new UP photo roster site which Kevin Stevens has referenced to elsewhere here on Trainboard though.
