Some Background Information to Shot Number 15 in JB’s RR
Who: BNSF and Union Pacific.
What you’ll find: While famous to railfans, the Loop isn’t your typical tourist spot, so there is not much here. The closest gas and snacks are 3 miles away in Keene. (and that’s only one very small market) The closest real lodging, gas and food will be found in Tehachapi around 14 miles away.
What to expect: A whole lot of trains, of many different flags, with awesome scenery, rolling hills and long sweeping valleys. Paved, and good dirt roads, provide access to all highlighted areas. A little hiking will get you even further.
When to go: Anytime of year will provide a different look. Spring is green, and Autumn rather brown. Winter will sometimes provide very cold weather and possibly snow, so beware. Weekends tend not to have the long work windows that the weekdays have, so train frequency will be maximized. Bring something to read, when it’s quiet on the hill… it is quiet!
How to get there: California Highway 58 is the main way in. Head east from Bakersfield and west from Mojave. Exit at Keene, CA., and turn North (1/4 mile) to Woodford Tehachapi Rd. Turn Right. Follow road about a mile and it will join the tracks under the overpass. Use caution, this road is very narrow and winding. Also, there are access points to tracks along the entire route. Definitely do some exploring on these side roads. The possibilities are endless and far too many to highlight here. [*]
[James Benning-Reihe im Februar und März im Arsenal, Beginn heute um 21.00 Uhr. Bennings neuer Film RR läuft im Forum der Berlinale: Montag, 11.02., 16:30 Delphi Filmpalast und Donnerstag, 14.02., 17:30 Arsenal 1. Ab dem 12.2. ist die Benning-Reihe in vergleichbarer Form im Filmmuseum München zu sehen.]