About John Carr
You are at: CarrTracks
My name is John Carr. I grew up in Antelope Valley, which is located on the western edge of the Mojave Desert about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. 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.
Sound Control
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. To hear the actual sounds of working the interlocking levers, click on the play button above.
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, TX. 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.
I have written several books on freight train operations:
Santa Fe Freight Train Symbol History 1968 to 1984
Union Pacific Freight Train Symbols No. 5 1991
A Day on the Union Pacific
Santa Fe Freight Train Symbol History 1984 to 1993
Western Coal compendium for 2008
(see Sales)
I recently started shooting and editing railroad videos. My wife does the narration. Her voice sounds much better than mine.
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.
