Built in 1876, the 1,17-kilometre Tehachapi loop is a hotspot for rail fans. Understandably so, as the Californian rail climb is probably one of the few places in the world where one can see trains passing over themselves.

To observe that event, a passing train needs to be rather long. At 1,200 metres, the minimum length is longer than any length seen on a train in Europe, where we are still looking to universally enable 740-metre trains.

The Tehachapi loop allows trains to climb 23 metres for smooth passage through the rough landscape. It was built by the former Southern Pacific Railroad, which employed Chinese Americans to do the tough work with only basic tools. At the time, it was common for Chinese migrants to work in the railroad industry after the California Gold Rush wound down.

Video: Telegram. © police_frequency