Switching at Owenyo. Photo and commentary by John Shaw.
On our visit to the narrow gauge on Feb 22, 1960 we had made
arrangements to ride the railroad in the caboose.. Several others had
also arranged to ride, so the baggage car #12 was pulled out of
storage so we all could ride comfortably. We went to Laws to pick up
some loads which turned out to not be ready. Our train returned as it
started, resulting in our own 'private" fan trip! The photo was
taken at Owenyo upon our return. The structure to the right is the hotel.
High Line at Owenyo. Photo and commentary by John Shaw
Transferring concentrates from narrow gauge gondola cars to
standard gauge gons using the "high line" at Owenyo. Locomotive #1
has spotted the cars on the transfer trestle over the standard gauge
cars below. The men are opening the side doors on the cars. The
various buildings that comprised Owenyo are in the distance. Photo
taken Feb. 22, 1960.
Switching cars at Sierra Talc. Photo and Commentary by John Shaw.
The Sierra Talc Mill at Keeler, Feb. 22, 1960. Talc was loaded in
narrow gauge box cars for the trip to Owenyo where it was transferred
across the platform to standard gauge boxcars. At the time I took the
photo I didn't notice the vehicle at the warehouse doorway. Always
wondered what it was used for and how it came to be. Two months
later, on April 29, the last train left Keeler.
Photo and commentary by John Shaw.
SP 4-6-0 #9 is at Owenyo, returning from Keeler with loads of
talc. At the left is the station and order board. I am atop one of
the narrow gauge boxcars (note the staff brake wheels). The platform
for transferring freight from narrow to standard gauge cars is
visible. Photo taken May 30, 1955.
Yard At Keeler
Photo and Commentary by John Shaw.
Another photo at Keeler on Feb. 22, 1960, showing what remained of
the locomotive servicing facilities. At one time the steam locomotive
shops were located here and minor repairs and servicing were
accomplished. Major repairs necessitated shipping locomotives to the
Bakersfield Shops. There are still a few car bodies at Keeler today,
but it is mostly a ghost town. The station still stands as well.
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