Views from the Grip

09/21/2026

Many of you who "know" us...aren't surprised with any and all shenanigans...Kicking off this Heritage Weekend was no exception :)
This was in thanks to John Cox who set it up and it was a complete surprise to Val.
We had to keep it quiet for a while...and as there were numerous moving parts Saturday morning there was a juggling act but we got it all done!

Special thanks to for capturing this for me as i couldn't get down there.

09/09/2026

One going out... is inbound....
on the Hyde Ride we talk about how the cars used (53,55,"Big 19" and 42) are too big to fit on the turntable..This is why they need to use the crossover and only stop at the loading area. This is also why these cars can't go to Market and Powell. Imagine what "fun" could be had with a crossover there! (in addition to how helpful it could be just in every day service!)

there is one more month of - we hope you have had a chance to enjoy the experience. a HUGE thank you to all the docents who have volunteered their time to enhance the rider experience.

06/26/2026

06/23/2026

https://www.sf.gov/one-city-day-saturday-july-11-2026 Mayor Lurie came to the Barn to help decorate a cable Car for One City Day

06/19/2026

"carpentry shop at work" should actually read "artists at work!"
Cable Car 18 left the Woods Division shop yesterday to be transported to the Cable Car barn for the final prep work as it is prepared to return to service. Huge Kudos to the staff over there for their amazing artistry! can't wait to see it out on the road!

06/19/2026

On captures of the on the with the of in the background.

06/19/2026

with advanced apologies for the video quality because yes...i put the phone against the glass again...(and it was an EXTREMELY windy day)
there are always questions about a Cal car showing up at Hyde and Beach and why can't it go to Powell and Market?
A Cal car is nearly 3 feet longer than a Powell car. It can not fit onto any of the turntables. There are crossover switches at Hyde and Beach and Bay and Taylor which allow for the Cal car to be crossed over and since it's double-ended, it does not have to be spun around...the crew just "changes ends."
Unfortunately there is no crossover on Powell St. A railfan can dream though....:)

06/19/2026

sharing the photos individually that i used in my reel...
Today was an absolute treat. Train chartered a cablecar and gave about a dozen fans a special experience as they got to ride to Hyde and Beach with them and listen to them play.
At Hyde and Beach, a throng of fans was treated to a mini-concert as the car was on the turntable for the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed chasing this trip and capturing it with , providing it's usual iconic backdrop.

I'll have to admit i didn't know many songs before today...i'm a fan now...

06/06/2026

a view from above...on today's edition of , Car 42 is seen heading down Hyde St with the Wharf as a backdrop. This concludes week one.
join us again next Fri-Sun as will be a summer-long adventure providing quick access to Lombard St, Chinatown, or a simple round trip back to the Wharf.