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some ppl in Kern County in CA might have heard of this railway but it was bought out in 1940's and might b coming back. They used 2 run Shortline passenger service. Would they return that service? Posts: 98 | From: Bakersfield, CA, USA | Registered: May 2004
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It has surely been a long time since there was passenger service on the Sunset. Anyone know when? This is a line that was jointly owned by SP and Santa Fe and operated in alternate five year periods until sometime in the 1990's, I think. Was it sold to a short line operator? Anyway, it is located in rural farm land southwest of Bakersfield, originating at Gosford and extends south and west for 37 miles through Pentland, ending at Taft. It would seem that its only present value would be to move agriculture products from this area toward the main line at Bakersfield.
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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It was bought out by some1 that never had a relation 2 the RR and i think running at least 1 coach would be good 2 commute ppl because alot of ppl commute between taft and bakersfield. i also believe it used 2 go to Delano and many ppl commute from there also. there is also ALOT of oil back there in taft that could b brought 2 the main. they would need the money for reparing the track because many of the crossings have been re-paved over and the rails are in very poor conditions.
Posts: 98 | From: Bakersfield, CA, USA | Registered: May 2004
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It was part of branch trackage acquired by SJVR several years ago, but had no potential for them so went to seed. City of Taft formed a shell company to acquire and renovate the line but couldn't come up with the bucks to do so. Spent a wad on consultants which only lead to political and legal donnybrook and forfeit of the project earlier this year. BTW, scheduled passenger service discontinued by '32 and completely discontinued in late teens, except for occassional excursion or military moves, per Bergman's book on subject.
Posts: 216 | From: San Carlos, CA, USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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