BNSF 2nd La Mirada Local

[chris_wlkr]

Here are a few images of the BNSF's 2nd La Mirada local spotting or pulling cars from Valvoline in Santa Fe Springs.

This is a line that branches off the BNSF San Bernardino Sub just east of the Norwalk / Los Nietos grade crossings. It crosses Los Nietos Road and connects to the Union Pacific at Valla yard.. though the connection is red flagged and not used anymore. BNSF does not go any further up the spur then Sorrenson.

These were taken two seperate times from Los Nietos Road looking north towards Valla yard / Sorrenson.

1- May 12th 2009 with BNSF 2013

2- June 9th 2009 with BNSF 2650

[Guest]

Nice captures! Looks like they have a pretty good size train... Valvoline must get quite a few tank cars! What other business is on the line?

Thanks for sharing.

-Ryan

[chris_wlkr]

Thanks Ryan.

Valvoline is actually a small customer. Their spur holds 2 tank cars but they usually only have one.

Most of the tanks and other cars come from the other customers in the Santa Fe Springs area. These used to be serviced by the 2nd or 3rd Rivera local out of Pico Rivera.

[SteveD]

Thanks for the coverage, Chris, I've been hoping you'd do this since you moved up to Whittier. As mentioned before, that track is sole surving remnant of original S.P. Whittier Branch--nice to see it operating.

"junction' on south end was one time site of Los Nietos Tower(guarding crossing of SP/SFe).

[foamer62]

Nice shots and maps Chris, thanks for sharing.

Jim

[chris_wlkr]

Your most welcome guys.. and thanks for the comments. I very much appreciate the feedback.

Chris

[cajon]

When working that job in '99 we spotted Valvoline and spotted some empty hoppers on the north end. The loads were picked by the UP. Forgot what it was though.

[Paul J]

Good stuff Chris, that is one local spur that I have always wanted to catch something on. Years ago I passed by several times and didn't stop when I saw something on the line back in ATSF days.

[chris_wlkr]

Well Paul I seem to catch them on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 3:30 and 5 pm at this spot if that helps.

Thanks for the additional comments and info Paul and Andy.

Here are a few more images that I just edited up today at lunch.

Both from June 9th..

1 - A wide angle as the train pulled back across Los Nietos Road.

2 - The BN end of train devise attached to the rear.

[Paul J]

I kind of like those new end of train devices, maybe it will catch on.