The generation of diesel locomotives that revolutionized American rail transport is slowly moving toward extinction. First-generation diesels that remain in operation are a diminishing class. In an ongoing effort to preserve the memory of these unique machines, Pentrex has captured early Baldwin diesel locomotives on three different California shortline railroads.

Until recently, the Trona Railway, located in California's desolate Mojave Desert, ran six-axle Baldwin engines built in 1952 and 1954. The AS-616's are no longer on the railroad, but Pentrex visited them when they were still hauling natural chemicals for Trona in their beautiful red, silver, and black paint schemes.

In North-Central California, two different shortlines operate with Baldwin switchers. The Amador Central Railroad, owned by the Georgia Pacific Lumber Company, utilizes two S-12 locomotives. Running from Martell to a connection with the Southern Pacific at Ione, the line traverses some of the most beautiful scenery in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Forty miles south, the Sierra Railroad operated three Baldwin switchers until their retirement in the spring of 1993. We see their last S-12 working the line from Oakdale up to a lumber mill near Standard. The gutsy S-12s eventually wore out and were replaced, but not before Pentrex captured the Sierra Railroad's final Baldwin days.

From the vast Mojave Desert to the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, Pentrex has captured these hard-working Baldwin legends for you to savor forever. You'll enjoy the sights and unmistakable sounds of this vanishing breed in California's Baldwin Diesels.

60 Minutes
In Color with Live Audio and Narration
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
Produced by Pentrex 1993

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