I have used the term “juice jack” as a reference to electric locomotives for as long as I can recall ( a period time becoming perilously short), but I had no idea of the roots of the term. So, I put the question to “the internet” and the replies are paraphrased thusly: The word “jack” is an archaic word with the meaning “locomotive”. It is not in common useage due to confusion with an alternative meaning: “a lifting device”. The word “juice”, in context, means “electricity”. Thus, A “juice jack” is a “locomotive propelled by electrical energy”. Now you know.

The “297” makes an appearance on the main line but rarely, so it was a welcome treat for me to be in the right place at the right time and have the opportunity to photograph the 297 pulling the weekend trains to Perris.

Click on any image to enlarge.