| Hustling east from Los Angeles, heading to Chicago, is BNSF train U-LACCHI5-11Z. A U-train? This is a Special Unit Train, consisting of BNSF ES44C4 8140, covered hopper 808426 and unmanned track geometry car 90. BNSF 90 was built from a 1946-built Budd coach, originally Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac 54-seat coach 804 (purchased for use in the Atlantic Coast Line pool), later sold to Amtrak at their car 5423. This car reportedly ended up in Canada, stored there and possibly numbered VIA 184. However, it was carrying number MRLX 5423 when delivered to the BNSF in 2014, which leads one to surmise that perhaps it never wore that VIA number, as Mid America Railcar Leasing (MRLX) was still using the car’s former Amtrak number (5423). BNSF’s unmanned track geometry cars are numbered 90 through 93. (Fullerton, California – August 11, 2022) |