Update as of October 21, 2012
Western End Roundup
Part “F” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
MORE Getting the Signals Picture
The PHIMF Area
City of Industry, CA
Further to the east is Turnbull Canyon Rd., where a new set of intermediate signals were erected (but not yet activated), as discussed previously. The below new photo of those signals was shot on the above update date:
The lower advance turnout route heads seem to be from two different manufacturers.
As a refresher to one’s memory, here is a new photo of that not yet erected signal bridge which is 3.26 miles back west from Turnbull Canyon Rd., at the Workman Mill Rd. grade crossing:
The above on the ground signal bridge seems to have a PHIMF track eastbound signal (left) with a two-bulb top head, implying there is another CP to the east especially for that PHIMF track …
MAP LINK: Workman Mill Rd. (Left) to Turnbull Canyon Rd. (Right)
In reviewing aerials, a location was pinpointed as the most likely location for such a CP. That location had public roadways just to the north of it, up on a higher elevation
AERIAL LINK: Most Likely CP Location for the Eastern End of PHIMF Track
Continued in Part “G”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
Update as of October 21 and 24, 2012
Part “G” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
An opportunity arose Wednesday, October 24, 2012 to revisit the PHIMF area, and that most likely spot for a new CP was gone to, and sure enough, there was in fact a new CP going in there!
Obviously, it had one of the new $10 million “designer” CP boxes! (Sarcasm)
On the west end of the CP was a new, full signal bridge.
(For a railfan, wouldn’t one of those mobile homes be a great place to live?)
Continued in Part “H”
Part “H” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
A closer view of the west signal bridge. Main 2 (top track) has ONE signal head on the bridge, thus, the CP will not be a universal crossover. The PHIMF track has not been laid yet, but will access Main 1 only.
The end of the PHIMF track has a switch with a barely visible switch duplicate throw rodding, making it at least one of the 40 M.P.H. or more types.
Continued in Part “I”
Part “I” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
A switching track also branches off to the east (left), to serve local industries. It has a new signal now, un-activated and temporarily leaning slightly.
On the above photo’s far left is a red disked switch stand (unseen in both top and below views). The straight route follows the two-track mains, and the turnout route branches off.
There is a cantilever structure on the east side:
The heads arrangement on the new signal bridges (both east and west ones) seems inconsistent with the physical plant here and at Workman Mill Rd. This whole project might be an interesting one to watch and see what develops.
Continued in Part “J”
Part “J” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
The Public Hiking-Bike Path
That hiking-bikeway in the middle photo in the previous post affords getting closer to the tracks, but it is below track level so it is unknown how practical it is for viewing the CP or the tracks. Other trail views:
Continued in Part “K”
Part “K” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
The CP C011 BARTOLO Area
Pico Rivera, CA
Matters concerning the other way, west beyond even the PHIMF itself, on the western side of the 605 Freeway … by CP C011 BARTOLO (reshown from just yesterday).
Looking west from Beverly Blvd., Main 1 (lower track) is the original mainline that went through a truss bridge. The Main 2 structure was built less than a decade ago.
Also looking westbound is a branching off track (left, the old SP Los Nietos Branch). Before the Alameda Corridor trench was built that so many BNSF and UP intermodal trains from Long Beach and the harbors now take, Southern Pacific used to run many of such trains through here over the UP to their SP Industry transfer track between the UP and SP. That was the old SP routing to or from Arizona and points east.
Of course, many Intermodal trains go via the Alhambra Sub that utilizes a trench, the one in Alhambra to eliminate grade crossings (previously shown).
While it is theoretically possible that a few outbound PHIMF trains when finally operating will head west, then connect to the SP to go east, the majority of PHIMF trains undoubted will go east on the LA&SL before actually getting on the SP Sunset Route (either at Pomona or Colton) for the trip to Glamis, CA to be unloaded.
Continued in Part “L”
Part “L” (of A-L; Overall A-Q)
Now, for some eastward views …
Looking east from Beverly Blvd. CP C011 BARTOLO is seen, with, left to right, Mains 1 and 2, then the old SP Los Nietos Branch (now Subdivision).
An eastbound (away from the camera) passes: If one looks real good by the vertical part of the cantilever signal bridging, the train can be seen crossing over.
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Continued in a second grouping, Parts “M” through “Q” about the Milliken Ave. and Colton Flyovers, and will be posted sometime before 2 A.M. Tuesday, October 30, 2012.
A couple of comments:
1. Graffati Los Angeles has one of the most draconian anti graffati ordinances on the books. The property owner is cited for any graffiti on their property. I wonder how UP would deal with citations.
2. I was poking about on Santa Theresa again and this time I saw something I had not seen before.
http://www.mveda.com/blog/2012/01/union-pacific-construction-underway-near-santa-teresa-new-mexico/
UP did get their tax break on locomotive fuel, according to the piece.
Rgds IGN
The Texas Trip
October 4-7, 2012
Part 32
Between Red Rock and Naviska
East of Red Rock, AZ
The new entrance signal (for the future Main 1) is up and running …
… by the Arizona Public Service Corporation’s Saguaro Power Plant & Solar Facility.
The intermediate signals by the facility have electrically insolated rail joints (painted white, white being the color code for 141 pounds per yard rail), so theoretically, the fact that the rails to the east end (about a mile to the right, east, for an alignment shift) should not affect the Red Rock CP’s signals (to the left), but, as seen in the last photo in Part 31, the east side westbound signals were on.
Continued in Part 33
Part 33
West of Marana Road
Marana, AZ
Probably half a mile to a mile west of Marana Rd. (M.P. 961.66) the new CP had a ballast train parked at the CP on the not-in-service-yet Main 1.
A head-on westward view of the above train as shot from Marana Rd.:
UPDATE: Word from sources is that the CP in the above two photos is now in service, and the new CP’s designation is CP SP961 MARANA (M.P. 960.7).
Looking east from Marana Road the about four years old grading should be next in line for track laying.
For CP SP961 MARANA to be in service, the alignment shift planned WEST of that CP (east of the Arizona Public Service plant) must have occurred. This May 19, 2012 previously shown telephoto from the Arizona Public Service road shows in the distance where that alignment shift was to occur: The additional Main was to be on the forefront right, and the background left.
Forumist eoleson previously had posted a photo of the future Main 2’s rails ending where that alignment shift would occur at.
Continued in Part 34
Part 34
By Twin Peaks Road
Tucson, AZ
From Canon Road looking east, two-tracking new intermediates are going in … with lower west side eastbound lower heads
A couple of miles to the east of those intermediates the new CP SP970 SABINO’s bungalow has been positioned JUST EAST OF the Twin Peaks Rd. overpass and the name plates were found to have been reversed so trains could not see them.
For comparison, on May 19, 2012 the following two photos were taken, and subsequently posted in this thread. The CP box at that time was un-positioned and resting between one and two blocks east of the overpass and from its new, present, permanent location.
Continued in Part 35
Part 35
From the Kino Ave. Overpass
This trackage has wood ties, and the west signals of CP SP985 CHERRY AVE were on the far side of the forefront crossovers. Until very recently the CP was NOT a universal crossovers arrangement. (All the views in this post are westbound, and shot from the Kino Parkway overpass.)
But, the CP was expanded to full universal crossovers status. The new 30 M.P.H. crossovers have concrete ties.
Also, the new farther west signaling is on a full signal bridge.
In that center of the last photo above, the two mains jog or alignment shift. Also the sun reflects off of protective parapets. This is the only case K.P. has ever seen where an underpass is actually within an alignment shift in the tracks! The railroad would have to pay for an entirely new bridging if it ever wanted to straighten the alignment, as for another track.
Link: Two-Track Alignment Shift at the Park Ave. Underpass
Continued in Part 36
Part 36
There is a new two-track cantilever signal bridge immediately east of Kino Parkway.
An eastward telephoto from the Kino Parkway Bridge looking towards the 22nd Street overpass
The cantilever signal only has a Main 2 signal, for CP SP987 22ND STREET. Main 1 has an intermediate between CP SP985 CHERRY AVE and CP SP988 36TH STREET.
Continued in Part 37
Part 37
Trains on the New Main 2 Reroute
The Marsh Station Rd. and I-10 Area of Arizona
When traveling to El Paso Friday, the new Marsha Station Rd. overpass area was as it always has been when visiting the area since the reroute was put in service: Quite and devoid of trains. However, on Saturday when returning to Tucson and ultimately California, the Marsh Station Rd. exit was taken to see if by some wild change a train would come along. And, low and behold, there was!
Continued in Part 38
Part 38
And, another one soon came along! It must have been right on the other’s block.
Both trains were slow going, and in a higher run number setting. The conclusion reached was that while Main 2 is curvier and slow going, because of the grade, both Main 1 or Main 2 EASTBOUNDERS would be slow going. (Technically, that former Main 2 is now the South Main at this location, the North Main west of the Cienega Creek bridging). Westbound is another story, with Main 1 the hands down winner. Thus, since there is seemingly NO speed advantage grade-wise for either track EASTBOUND, it is unlikely that Main 2 will ever be relocated to alongside Main 1.
Continued in Part 39
Part 39
The Old Main 2 and Stored Railcars
Not too long ago forum contributor cacole informed us that the now unused old Main 2 had idled railcars stored on it. Visually seeing out of service railcars snaking through a mountainous area is unforgettable!
From Marsh Station Rd.: In the first photo, stored cars look down upon a broken down eighteen wheeler on the I-10 Freeway.
By Empirita Rd.:
---------------
Continued in …GROUP SIX: Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Scattered Views (Benson. AZ) (40-43); The Dragoon Grade Crossing and Vicinity (44); and The Willcox Area (45-48)
I also saw those cars on Oct 17 when left Ft Huachuca and joined the Sunset Rouite in Benson and went to El Paso. Took Pictures but I have 64 Gigabytes of pictures and video to organize so iit will be months before I get that done.
Part “M” (of M-Q; Overall A-Q)
The Milliken Ave. Flyover
Ontario, CA
Remember that wood shade covering walkway on the west side of Milliken Ave. (lower right)?
Well, it is now gone!
As partially seen just above, bracing now surrounds the new wood molding that was not present on K.P.’s previous visit.
Continued in Part “N”
Part “N” (of M-Q; Overall A-Q)
A fuller rebar-work quickly came about.
Continued in Part “O”
Part “O” (of M-Q; Overall A-Q)
The center support’s basic wood molding has been removed, just the protective walkway railings surrounding the structure and temporary I-beam framing remains.
The east portion stopped halfway to Milliken Ave., is filled with dirt, and a makeshift dirt ramp is present.
Continued in Part “P”
Part “P” (of M-Q; Overall A-Q)
The Colton Flyover Construction
Colton, CA
The EAST crossover (of a new, replacement CP) west of Rancho Ave. has been put in (lower right).
Looking east … Tarp was put on the freeway dirt slope, and even more I-beams have been put in.
Continued in Part “Q"
Part “Q” (of M-Q; Overall A-Q)
An east of Rancho Ave. telephoto: A funnel-way appearing look has developed.
Above, if one looks real good, the right walling bends towards the tracks as it approaches the foreground.
A telephoto of the east of Rancho Ave. north side walling construction for the flyover’s west slope:
A basic eastward telephoto overview:
An even heavy telephoto: La Cadena Drive’s underpass railings are visible by the white truck on the upper left.
Plenty of construction related items are scattered all along the right-of-way, as above.
This will conclude this update series.
It should be noted that besides the Ferrum siding being eliminated, the Union Pacific has removed ALL five interchange tracks at Ferrum and the connection to the Eagle Mountain Railroad. These interchange tracks were used in the 1940's to 1980's to interchange iron ore unit trains. The current owners of the Eagle Mountain Railroad, Kaiser Ventures, Inc aren't too pleased that Union Pacific has cut the connection (despite no traffic moved in many years) and is considering various options.
Part 40
Scattered Views
Benson, AZ
Coming into Benson, AZ, on the west side, there is a lower speed universal crossovers CP at M.P. 1029.3, CP S1029 CHAMISO. All this area was two-tracked in the Anschutz era of the late 1980’s early 1990’s. CP’s are oddly spaced and placed, and not easily accessed by the public. Some (most) the public cannot get to. But a glimpse of CP S1029 CHAMISO – just a glimpse – is visible from a secluded public road.
Continued in Part 41
Part 41
On the west side of town, there is the Ocotillo Rd. grade crossing.
From that grade crossing, two westbound views:
In the just above photo, below the advertising billboard on the upper left and across the view is a barely visible silver railing. That is where I-10 is. Ocotillo Rd. is a little ways to the east and is an I-10 off and on ramp. The freeway goes over the Sunset Route (below).
Obviously one cannot stop on the freeway to take photos of the tracks or trains.
Two eastward views:
Continued in Part 42
Part 42
On the east side of town, a public road parallels the tracks for a bit, and surprisingly, there was a little area off that road where one could get close to the tracks and CP S1035 FENNER (M.P. 1035.0).
The west eastbound signals:
The CP box:
As can be discerning in the above two photos, this particular area is somewhat mountainous, and the two-track line wanders through the area on a curvy path seeking a good grade. The freight train timetable speed limit through here is 40 M.P.H. Some nearby areas are 45 M.P.H. Even so, the Anschutz era crossovers are 30 M.P.H., and such endures even to today. K.P. wonders if after the remaining single-track on the Sunset Route is two-tracked whether UP will focus on rearranging the CP locations in this stretch, with new CP’s having 40 M.P.H. crossovers.
The east westbound signals:
The sign on the lower left of the just above photo was put up by UP. Apparently, the railroad has had unwanted things left here.
This whole, long stretch of two-tracking in the Anschutz era used circular disked, true tri-light signals.
Continued in Part 43
Part 43
As a side note, this photo from November of last year and reshown a few times since shows that CP S1035 FENNER as seen from the west.
Also, this related photo has been shown a few times:
Sources have indicated that about three miles on each side of the truss bridge is a high and wide detector. So, the rather spectacular bridge is protected from errant shifted loads striking it.
Forumist cacole had previously mentioned seeing only flashing yellow signals at that bridge. In reviewing the technicalities of the area, there seems to be just one more set of signals to the west before that CP S1029 CHAMISO is reached. (See post Part 40) Dispatchers, or at least the one on duty when cacole was at the grade crossing where the river signals could be seen, might have lined the signals just to the end of his screen view (IF that is where it ends). Or, the green bulb could have been burnt out, and the electronics defaulted to the next lower favorable color display, flashing yellow.
Continued in Part 44
Part 44
The Dragoon Grade Crossing and Vicinity
Dragoon, AZ
South off of I-10 a few miles is the two-lane rural grade crossing of Dragoon Rd.
A westbound view … and tri-lights again!
A view looking eastbound:
Lastly, a northward angle with the tri-lights in view:
The area has a certain tranquility about it. One has to be there to fully feel it. The feel might have something to do with the roadway being in an “L” shape just south of the tracks (See first photo).
When K.P. thinks of Arizona, one envisions flat desert landscapes and even some cactuses. This territory is so different, mountainous and much greenery.
Continued in Part 45
Part 45
The Willcox Area
Willcox, AZ
After a few more slow speed universal crossovers in basically inaccessible areas, there is a 40 M.P.H one … but we get back to accessible areas at Willcox (spelled with two L’s) west of town, where high speed crossovers begin again on our eastward journey, at CP S1071 WILLCOX (M.P. 1071.2).
The east side westbound signals and center positioned bungalow.
As is appearing so much now, the CP location and designation is marked for train crews (right) right ahead of the signals. And there are the ever present absolutely unforgiving movable point frog warning signs (left).
Continued in Part 46
Part 46
Then there is in Willcox a gated UP fenced area. Likely it was prominent in this area's two-tracking not too many years ago.
And, of course, at the site is a supply of spare rails and related parts. Look at those background poles leaning every which way …
Continued in Part 47
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