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The train would be made up in several sections at an intermodal yard, then joined up when leaving.
Because much of the line is single track with passing loops,a lot of planning was needed to make sure any train that was met was not too long to enter a passing loop.
Apparently the line (The Sunset Route) was very quiet with a noticable reduction of trains for 24hrs before this train.
After arrival in Los Angeles the train was split again with a section going on to San francisco.
Concern was noted by emergency sevices in the Los Angeles area as the train could take more than 10 minutes to cross a grade (level) crossing and therefore delay ambulances or fire engines, and on the same theme if there was a breakdown or holdup of the train 3.5 miles of track and all grade crossings would be closed and cause major disruption.
The unions have also shown concern, as obviously if this is the way of the future, two members instead of six are required to move this tonnage.
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