1989

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Monday, Feb 20, 1989

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On Feb. 20, 1989 due a blockage on Southern Pacific’s valley route, caused by the 7502 derailment the Southern Pacific rerouted many trains from the valley line to the then seldom used westside line. This was posted to Trainorders in 2010. According to the LA Times, "Railroad officials said 48 cars (of an 82 car train) were knocked from the tracks and three of them contained residue from chlorine, phosphoric acid and hydrocarbons." According to the same source, "Mike Irvine, an SP division superintendent, said the train was traveling at 50 m.p.h. when the locomotive's weight snapped a rail bolt, causing the derailment."

Valley Line, CA

Manteca, CA

NRE VMV EMD SDP45 6694

VMV 6694 in Manteca
VMV Paducahbilt (VMV) SDP45 (ex-CR) 6694 on an SP train at Manteca, CA that was stuck due to a major derailment on Feb. 20, 1989.

SP 7502 EMD SD45R, SP Class EF636LR-1

February of 1989 wreck
In February of 1989, a 58 car Southern Pacific train (led by the 7502) derailed in the heart of Manteca. Many of the cars were off the track, but there were no injuries. Photo Monday, February 20, 1989.

Westside Line, CA

Westley, CA

SP 7373 EMD SD40R, SP Class EF630R-2

SP 7373 at Westley
Southern Pacific SD40R 7373 leads a westbound west side freight past the water tower at Westley, CA on Monday, February 20, 1989. Note the former Southern high nose SD45 in the consist.

SP 7375 EMD SD40R, SP Class EF630R-2

SP 7375 at Westley
Southern Pacific SD40R 7375 railroad west (north) of Westley, CA leading a westbound on Monday, February 20, 1989 detouring on the Westside line following a major derailment at Manteca.

Gustine, CA

SP 7546 EMD SD45R, SP Class EF636LR-3

SP 7546 at Gustine
Southern Pacific SD45R 7546 at Gustine, CA leading a westbound in fading light on February 20, 1989 detouring on the Westside line following a major derailment at Manteca.

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