Dominic Mazoch posted:90:
I thought the SP banned some of the larger ATSF power off the SP-ATSF line with the "Loop" south of Bakersfield, CA?
Dominic, I don't know, but I know how to find out. Since you mentioned it, I do not recall seeing photos of the large ATSF 4-8-4's (2900 and 3776 classes) on the SP trackage rights from Mojave to Kern Jct.
They were pretty large locomotives, but, considering the size of some of SP's own steam engines, I am skeptical as to large ATSF engines being banned from the Tehachapi line. ATSF did send some small (well, compared to the huge 2900 and 3776 classes) 3751 and 3765 class 4-8-4's to Bakersfield, but farther north to the Bay Area (timetable west) there was no need for any ATSF 4-8-4's as the line across the San Joaquin Valley is flat, except for a mild grade to get through the Berkely Hills. 4-6-2's and small 3450 class 4-6-4's had no trouble with any Valley Division passenger trains.
ATSF 2-10-4's were not regularly used west of Winslow, Arizona, but that was for other reasons.
But, I will append an accurate answer after I find out for sure.
Dominic, you are correct! Use of Santa Fe 3776 Class and 2900 Class 4-8-4's was prohibited by the Southern Pacific on the joint trackage between Mojave and Kern Jct., California. Stan Kistler verified it, and has seen the correspondence file of letters sent between Southern Pacific and Santa Fe on this subject. The main reason was the SP curves and the ATSF wheelbase.
