"Shorty" [Union Pacific Local Train in San Ardo, California] You'd expect to see two locomotives pulling only seven cars to be on a model railroad somewhere, but short locals are how industries off the main line keep their connection to the world. The Margarita Local nears the end of its day as it approaches the crossing of Pancho Rico Creek in San Ardo, California. It has spent the second day of 2022 collecting empty railcars from lumber yards and fertilizer plants between Salinas and Paso Robles. The Union Pacific Railroad only runs about one of these locals down the Coast Line per week, sometimes making it all the way south to turn around in Templeton, other times just a fraction of the way. It all depends on which industries along the way need a drop-off or pick-up. The Union Pacific Railroad has been operating trains on the old Southern Pacific Coast Line since it took over the line in 1996. While SP used the route for several freight trains per day, the Union Pacific phased out all through trains and redirected them through the Central Valley. Today you'll only find an occasional short train like this one riding these rails. #dvtwist #unionpacific #railroad #train #trains #railfan #train_nerds #uprr #railfanning #railfans_of_instagram #unionpacificrailroad #railroadphotography #railways_of_our_world #trainspotting #railway #transportation #railways_of_america #trainwacko #freighttrain #locomotive #gp60 #emdgp60