Z-trains going through glendale, CA?

[calpoly48]

I'm not sure if they really are Z-trains, but when i work my graveyard shift right next to the former SP Tracks, i see long intermodals with mainly pigs with what seems like they are Z-trains because they have UPS, TIP, JB Hunt, and other trailers that would seem at home on BNSF trackage. Also, there are usually 4 or more healthy, strong units powering the train. I've seen mixed CSX, NS and BNSF units on these trains, more so than any other. This past week I even saw the Salt Lake 2002 go through. that was pretty neat.

my questions:
Are these really Z-trains? How can i verify? Sometimes they move through glendale at 10-15 mph, with no other traffic before or after it passes, why?

[TheS.P.caboose]

Very well could be. In Union Pacific's descriptive symbol section "z" is for UPS, expedited intermodal (3rd AM) traffic.

It sounds like these trains are heading thru the old Saugas Line towards the bay area or even Roseville to Portland.

A good reference of UP's train symbols, Altamont Press publishs a CALIFORNIA REGION TIMETABLE for railfans. Their website is http://altamontpress.com or this timetable can be for sale at a local hobby shop.

I'll see if there's a symbol list on the internet.

Best advice is if you have a scanner to listen to the frequencies. Things can be heard in the LA area on 160.550-Coastline DS50 and DS48 West Colton to Montclair, 160.515-Alhambra Line (GP Yuma Junction to Montclair, 161.415-San Gabriel Dispatcher, 160.815-River Dispaycher and 160.545-Valley Ventura Dispatcher.

[TheS.P.caboose]

Okay......try http://www.northwestrailfan.com/up_train_symbols.htm this should work.

Hope this helps.

[karldotcom]

Those are the KLCBR and KLCZE (northbound) and KBRLC (southbound)

They took the Z designation off them because they can't meet the time delivery requirements.

There is also an ILCOA that goes to Oakland several times a week....mostly empty containers heading north, with two, maybe three engines.

You can listen to 160.545 Metrolink Valley/Ventura Sub (UP just changed their Coast Line frequency to 160.740)

[calpoly48]

QUOTE: Originally posted by karldotcom

Those are the KLCBR and KLCZE (northbound) and KBRLC (southbound)

They took the Z designation off them because they can't meet the time delivery requirements.

There is also an ILCOA that goes to Oakland several times a week....mostly empty containers heading north, with two, maybe three engines.

You can listen to 160.545 Metrolink Valley/Ventura Sub (UP just changed their Coast Line frequency to 160.740)

Nice, but i still dont know why sometimes the train goes very slow through this area, when there is no traffic before OR after it passes through?