Great Shortlines West

Visit ten shortlines with scenes spanning from 1970 to 1998. Two of our visits include cab rides and access to two, truly great, shortlines - the A&NR of Texas and CORP in Oregon.

See the Amador Central in its prime and up to the last day of operation. The Amador's blue Baldwins and the Baldwins of the Trona bring you back to an earlier era of diesels. The ALCO diesels of many roads are in this video. Early GE power is brought to you on the Modesto & Empire Traction Co. The most dramatic chapter is on the CORP and its 3.6% grades with up to 6 units over the Siskiyou Mountains. Visit the people on several of these lines for an insider's look at the business of running shortline railroads. See CCT and its early electric days and the old ALCOs that made the switch to diesels plus modern action with GP-7s and GP-18s. See early electric and diesel views and some fascinating history as well as CCTs final days in Sacramento.

The new Yolo Shortline was formed from segments of the former Sacramento Northern electric line. We pay a visit to their freight operation in the beautiful delta lowlands. The Amador Central is gone now but it may be reopened and we have views of the plucky old Baldwins in the Sierra foothills. Great Nostalgia, newer EMDs and freight action in the country air. Lufkin,Texas has its success story with the Angelina & Neeches River RR and their expanding business. We give the in depth story of an efficient shortline with interviews , great action and looks inside rolling stock and locomotives. The Central Oregon & Pacific operates 439 miles of former SP track and we will take you through the rugged Siskiyou Mountains up 3.6% grades with four and six unit locomotive sets. We interview the people who make it a success. Grades, tunnels and heavy lumber loads are only matched by the scenery Ride in the cab up to the summit and down Bailey hill.

By Charles Smiley.