Warren Buffett Views Railroads as the Future and I Agree

Warren BuffettFunny, Warren Buffett thinks a lot like me. ;-)

Here is a good article, entitled “Warren Buffett sees strong rail system as key to U.S. growth,” from USA Today that delves a little deeper into Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway’s bet on the BNSF Railway.

Two Days at Lavic, Trains Galore

Over the Valentine’s Day weekend last February, Deb and I spent our time out on BNSF’s Needles Subdivision. Yes, Deb was up for it, mostly because it was also a new moon weekend which is ideal for her favorite endeavor of star gazing, but partly because she wants me to be happy! ;-)

We chose the BLM land near the railroad’s curve at Lavic, California as our campground.  We were blessed with great weather and little to no wind.  The trains were plentiful, as is typical along the “BNSF transcon.” Consequently, collectively we shot over 800 photos and 32 videos.

I have done the post processing of the better photos and some of the video footage has been edited as well.  I have added about 80 more photos to my portfolio.  For those of you not familiar with the Needles Sub, here is a sample of the scenery surrounding Lavic:

The rest of the photos from the Lavic trip and all my other photos can be viewed by clicking on my “portfolio” link in the menu bar at the top.  Once there you can view the photos in a slideshow format, rate the photos, and even purchase prints or downloads.  Here is what the portfolio page looks like:

My “Portfolio” page

Six videos have been created so far.  I created the “Trackside” series which can be viewed on Chasing Steel’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/chasingsteel.  I am pleased with how the videos are coming along so far.  Here is what my channel looks like on YouTube:

Chasing Steel’s YouTube Channel

As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts or comments. ;-)

Chasing Steel's Cajon Pass Railfan Map

In light of my recent attendance to Chasing Steel’s Cajon Pass Railfan Map (.PDF)a presentation given by Union Pacific’s Special Agent Mark Youngblood on the overall role of railroad police and, more specifically, the railroad right-of-ways through Cajon Pass,  which is within the San Bernardino National Forest, I have prepared a map of the pass that, hopefully, should shed some light on the access roads in the area that is open to the public.

The map is a mashup of various map sources showing topographical features, highways and local streets, railroad lines and location names, and the United States Forest Service roads throughout the area.  The USFS data came from their 2009 Motor Vehicle Use Map for the area.

The map is not meant to be a navigational tool, but rather a planning device to aid in route considerations and location accessibility.  Special Agent Youndblood recommends that railfans remain on the forest service roads only and those roads should be clearly marked with USFS signposts to indicate their use.  To view the most recent road/trail information visit these USFS SBNF web pages: 

• Forest Rules & Regulations
• Current Conditions - “Know Before you Go”
• Order No. 5, Roads and Trails, San Bernardino National Forest

I have also included the emergency numbers for the BNSF, Union Pacific, and Amtrak on the map.  I would recommend that you program those numbers into your cellphone so they are handy at a moments notice.  Please report any unsafe conditions you see, such as: shifted loads, dragging equipment, derailed wheels, trespassers, or suspicious persons or activities.

NOTE:  There is one forest road that is hard to see on the map and that road is 3N53.  This is due to the fact that it parallels the Union Pacific track south of Hiland.  It can be used to access most areas of the forest and can be easily reached off of Highway 138, the Pearblossom Highway.

Please contact me for any map corrections, concerns, or comments.  Happy hunting!