Kevin Bleich
Five Minutes to Sunset
A sight that could once be seen countless times a day, an F59PH leading a Metrolink train is now one of the rarest things in Southern California railroading. With all of Metrolink's F59 fleet being retired (and most having holes cut in their prime movers to render them inoperable), the days of the old workhorses being the primary power for the commuter trains are over. However, on rare occasions when the new standard power is in short supply due to servicing, two survivors, F59PHRs 856 and 868, get to turn their wheels again over the rails they once dominated. Here, 856 makes a station stop in Claremont, something it has done countless times in its nearly 30-year life. But this time is different, as before long it will be pulled from service and stored again, uncertain when or if there will be a next time.
Five Minutes to Sunset
A sight that could once be seen countless times a day, an F59PH leading a Metrolink train is now one of the rarest things in Southern California railroading. With all of Metrolink's F59 fleet being retired (and most having holes cut in their prime movers to render them inoperable), the days of the old workhorses being the primary power for the commuter trains are over. However, on rare occasions when the new standard power is in short supply due to servicing, two survivors, F59PHRs 856 and 868, get to turn their wheels again over the rails they once dominated. Here, 856 makes a station stop in Claremont, something it has done countless times in its nearly 30-year life. But this time is different, as before long it will be pulled from service and stored again, uncertain when or if there will be a next time.