About John Carr the CarrTracks Webmaster
My wife and I are missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. We provide technical assistance to staff and students at the International Linguistics Center in Dallas, TX. For more information about our work see our latest newsletter (PDF file format). For more information about Wycliffe and an opportunity to help, see our page on the Wycliffe website.
I grew up in Antelope Valley, which is located on the western edge of the Mojave Desert about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, CA. I spent many hours along the right of way of Southern Pacific's San Joaquin Division. This division operated from Sacramento south to Los Angeles and includes the famous Tehachapi Loop.
I was in the first graduating class from Rosamond High School in 1966. I joined the Navy in 1967 and served on the USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657). This was a Polaris submarine. During the submarine's conversion to Poseidon missiles at Bremerton, WA in 1973, I had my own conversion experience. This experience changed everything in my life. My photography miraculously improved.
While the submarine was at Bremerton Naval Shipyard, I photographed trains in the Seattle area. I often visited the Black River Junction interlocking tower located eight miles south of Seattle. That's me lining up the plant for a northbound UP train headed to Argo Yard.
During my Navy days, I was generally assigned to New London, CT or Dam Neck (near Norfolk, VA). Since my family was in Southern California, I made numerous cross county trips. Each of these trips included a week or more of train chasing.
After getting out of the Navy, I settled in Dallas. It was there that I met my wife, Ruth. We were married in Washington state and honeymooned in British Columbia. Ruth also enjoys train chasing. She records all of the engine numbers as the trains pass, helps with navigation, and a multitude of other duties. See the Gallery for pictures from many of our trips.
Although life is busy, I still try to get out and chase trains when the weather is nice. As time permits, I will add more pictures and video clips to this site.
