Big Boy LA Routing

[Trainzguy2472]

Hello,

I am planning to chase the Big Boy from LA to Barstow and back again.  I have a couple questions below that I hope some of you can answer.

What is the most likely routing for the Big Boy over Cajon Pass?  I know that there are multiple tracks across the pass, but they some of them are in different locations.  I already have a track map, but I'm unsure what the most likely westbound or eastbound routing is.  Also, the entire line to Barstow is double track, so which side will it be on going east or westbound?

Also, what are the best spots for railfanning in Cajon Pass (and along the line to Barstow)?  I'm not from the LA area and have never seen Cajon Pass before, and will not be able to scope out sites beforehand. I recently heard that Highway 138 got straightened out, so does this affect any spots (new and old) along that road?  Unfortunately, I don't have access to an offroad-capable vehicle, so spots like Hill 582 are probably out of the picture.  Also, what spots do you recommend along the rest of the line to Barstow?  I'd like to be able to go to some easily accessible, yet not-well-known spots.  I think the best, well-known spots will be really crowded.

Lastly, I've heard of a spot called "Frost" where both tracks cross over each other slightly south of Victorville.  Is it a good spot and easy to access?  Is the Big Boy's direction a good prediction of whether it will be on the top or bottom, and if so, which direction is associated with which track?

I hope all of you can answer my questions before I go.

Thank You,

Matthew Cheng

 

[MMLDelete]

I have no clue.

But I’m wondering if you might have more luck on the General Discussion forum.

??

[rrnut282]

With muliple routes it could use, the only answer anyone can give you this far away from the actual date is, whatever is convenient for the railroad at that moment.  

Convenient has multiple definitions: is there only one spot that has facilities needed for the trip; is there a derailment in the way; is other traffic piled up and waiting; is a pilot crew needed and available; does one of the routes have a tight spot the bigboy cannot go; etc?