Union Pacific

Union Pacific
Cima, California
April 12, 1987




Union Pacific trains on the former Los Angeles & Salt Lake line approaching or leaving Las Vegas, Nevada from the west face a significant obstacle in Cima Hill, which circles around the geologic formation known as Cima Dome (clearly visible here in the curve of the horizon). This grade is enough to seriously slow even passenger trains; on the other hand, trains on the downhill side have to really work to keep speed under control. At Cima, California, the crest of the grade, a wye (seen here) was in place for turning helpers. The large outcropping in the distance is Teutonia Peak, site of the Teutonia Mine.




This page posted 1/1/2019. Text and photo ©2019 Lamont Downs.