This photo was floating around the net about 10 years ago. Up was highly upset about it. You must remember, UP has Rule H666, No humor allowed on company property. Paul
I understand there's a practical reason for *You-pee's no-humor rule: it simply takes too long to get it through Licensing, Legal and the Board. Anonomous * Not a violation of copyright or trademark law.
A little history about the Port-A-Potty. It was taken in about 1998, at Ferrum, California. This is about forty miles east of Indio, along the Salt-N-Sea. Ferrum is actually 180feet below sea level. The yard there is owned by Kaiser Steel, and it is where the old Ore Train was delivered to the SP, from Eagle Mountain Mine. They had a clean up crew working in the yard for about a month. On one of my westbound trips, I had Conductor Kenny Bolls. He had talked one of the carmen, at West Colton, into giving him a UP shield. We were following another westbound on yellows. So, we had time to stop our train, run over and stick the UP shield on the outhouse; and naturally, take a few photos. Can you name how many UP rules we must have broken? Let's start with leaving our train unattended and not tied down. UP never figured out who pulled this stunt. It was sent all over the country, thanks to the age of computers. Now that we are both retired, who cares? I guess it's kinda like OJ coming forward now and saying, "I did It!" The classical guitar player is me; retired engineer, now a live performing artist in a new life. See, there is really life after the Union Pacific.
Paul, Welcome to Trainboard, where UP Rule H666 NEVER applies! Great to see you have launched another career, as well. I'm envious, as not musically talented. I retired from aircraft and got hooked on restored steam operations. Love chasing and riding steam. :tb-biggrin:
Outhouse Car Welcome to Trainboard Paul. Espee had some tourist cars on the Owens Valley line in the 1950's. Don't know the fate of the cars after the line was abandon. Here is a HO version
Lone Pine Branch. I love that area of California! I crewed for Jack McBroom when he set the World's Record for climbing all 15 of California's 14,000 foot peaks; 4 day 11 hours 19 min. Mt. Shasta was the last. Google Jack McBroom, very interesting guy. I just bought Phil Serpico's two books "Jawbone" Sunset On The Lone Pine. Really nice book and in hardback. "Railroading Through The Antelope Valley," soft cover but a nice book. OmniRR.com Store - Search I have been trying to get the "Carson & Colorado" book on ebay, but I always get out bid. Paul McGuffin
Paul, welcome and many thanks for posting this wonderful topic. I admire a person who says "Why Not!". instead of "Why...?". :thumbs_up::tb-wink:
I love it. I don't know why they would be so upset. I have seen the UP shield on things that looked a whole lot worse.
