As BNSF train F-T216-2-24T ("Foreign Train operating on BNSF Track" – although it was, technically, on Southern California Regional Rail Authority trackage here – pulling a Department of Transportation test car from San Diego to Los Angeles), rounded the curve at Fullerton Junction, where Southern California Regional Rail Authority's (aka: Metrolink) Orange Sub diverges from BNSF Railway's San Bernardino Sub, it was moving slowly and stopped just as it came into view from the Amtrak/Metrolink station. A moment later, the ditch lights illuminated again, and it moved a few dozen feet, and stopped again. And sat. And sat. And sat.
Ninety minutes later, after the crew spent a lot of time trying to get the second diesel – BNSF ES44C4 6743 – operable, the ditch lights came on again and the train crept forward at a walking pace, as several of the crew walked alongside it carefully watching for trouble, as seen here. Well, technically, more trouble. And there must've been more, as the train stopped again, after traveling a few hundred feet this time, and just about back on home rails.
To cut a long – and slow! – story short, the train got through the station but same to a stop again after about a quarter mile. At this point, it was decided to cut the second diesel off and stash it into the short spur (listed as track 8151) conveniently located there (which also includes access from the street, which will help the repair crews).
So, nearly 2½ hours after arriving, this train continued to Los Angeles with a single diesel (BNSF Dash 9-44CW 5159) pulling DOTX 216 by itself. Moments after it departed, repair crews were already arriving to evaluate the 6743's seized traction motor. (Fullerton, California – March 25. 2025)
