A classic Baldwin working for the Amador Foothills Railroad passes the run-down depot in Martell, Calif. The railroad closed in 2004 because of a lack of traffic and was purchased by the Amador Co... (more)
#10 spots the last cars at the former SP yard in Ione, CA
The last loads of lumber head down grade through a classic California gold country scene on the Amador Foothills Railroad.
The conductor hangs the FRED on the rear of the last train to leave Martell on the Amador Foothills. Another great California shortline fades into history.
Amador's elderly Baldwin earns its keep, bringing empties back to Martell from interchange with the UP in Ione. Sadly, this operation is defunct now.
The end of the line.
A couple of seconds after this shot, the loco "wobbled" hard to the left, about 15 degrees on account of poor track conditions.
Note the fresh ballast. Someone planned on running this line longer than it lasted.
Arriving at the UP yard in Ione for the last time. Check out the "ripples" in the rail. That's more the norm than the exception on this railroad.
I love the smell of brakeshoe smoke in the morning....it's smells like foam.
Last westward run...going over 1895-vintage rail.
1895 rail...2 miles west of Martell enginehouse.
