On the way to the mine with 60 loads of coal.

SP commute service on the Vasona branch ended in 1964, and there was never passenger service on the spur between Simla and the Permanente cement plant in Cupertino. But on August 27, 1991, occupie... (more)

SP "Kodachrome" SD9 4418 leads the Permanente Local's long string of loaded coal hoppers up the grade to the cement plant in the foothills of Cupertino, CA on Feb. 23, 1987. Assisting are SD9 4341... (more)

For several years, Sunday was one of the days the SP made the usually tri-weekly trip up to the Kaiser Cement plant at Permanente, above Cupertino, CA. This day, five uits had been needed, four G... (more)

The Permanent local returns from the cement plant with seven empty hoppers.

The Permanente Local, comprised of only a single switcher and three loads, is working hard as it makes its way along the last stretch of track before it reaches the cement plant at the end of the ... (more)

With UP 1351 (ex-DRGW), C45ACCTE UP 5290, SD70M UP 4000. Standard Milpitas Yard units plus a couple rare 6-axle road units picking up tie replacement equipment at the yard at the Hanson Permanent... (more)

With GP40-2 UP 1351 (ex-DRGW), C45ACCTE UP 5290, SD70M UP 4000. I thought I would never see this...a flag unit on the Perm! Very rare 6-axle power on the Vasona Branch. This work train is waiti... (more)

with UP 1347.

with UP 1478 and UP 901.

with UP 5368, HLCX 3811, UP 1478 and UP 901.

Five engines bring up the second of two sections of coal up to the cement plant.

The Permanente Local climbs the last hill before reaching the cement plant at Permanente.

The Permanente Local, with its heavy load of coal, crawls along the rickety, weed infested backyard track.

The Permanente Local huffing and puffing its way up the hill to the cement plant. This "local" had 7 units, 54 loads of coal, and had to be cut in two for this final journey up the hill. Pretty ... (more)