In the nineteen miles between Cima and Kelso, Ca. the railroad descends some 2,320 feet,
at 2.2% ruling grade (the same grade as the north track in Cajon Pass).
Speed is restricted to 35mph or less (depending upon the type of train and tonnage).
The highway parallels the tracks which makes for some easy "chasing".
You can get multiple shots of the same train at different locations while climbing
or descending the grade. At times, there's also a lot of congestion here.
Heavy westbounds stop at Cima to set retainers, other trains are held waiting for
eastbounds to make the climb. The hotshots will often run around the slower trains here.
There are four sidings between the two stations.
This is a dangerous stretch of railroad. Over the years there have been a number of
runaways and derailments. The most recent that I am aware of was in January,
1997 when the engineer on a westbound train descending the grade accidentally hit the
multiple engine shut-down button, killing the diesels and losing dynamic braking.
Despite putting the air brakes into emergency the train accelerated to 72mph before
derailing 68 cars and tearing up a mile of track.