American Filler Metals

[Gary S]

Russ, the photos were taken about 6 weeks ago. They still use the caboose, I suppose because they have to make long reverse moves across unprotected streets and roads. For example, where the train is sitting in the above shot, they would have had to back up across Mykawa Street which is a four lane (2 each side) road that is very busy. Although there are plenty of warning signs and paint on the highway, there are no barricade arms for the crossing. I have never seen a train make the crossing, but I assume a crewmember acts as a flagman / watchman to protect the crossing.

There are actually 2 Santa Fe cabooses in the area, but one of them is sitting in a team track and has yellow tags on it that say "condemned."