Trains.com

Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates

1725614 views
8397 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, June 29, 2017 8:30 AM

About the Last Semi-Blank Posts on the Previous Page

Now that the main forum views is OFF page 257, maybe (“maybe”) the blocked photos will come back up in a week or two, but K.P. is not betting on it.  Viewers of this thread may want to avoid pages 1-257 for a while.

The Etiwanda Ave. Overpass and the Color Orange

Ontario-Fontana, CA

The second photo in the MikeF90 quote below show orange construction fencing.

MikeF90

Pomona area visit on 6/24/17

I finally had time to check out the construction progress seen since last weeks photos. What I didn't expect to see was ....

a gap in the existing / formerly used 'C' track! It is not clear how soon UP will finish the Alhambra sub 'diversion'.

I proceeded east and did not seen any other signs of new construction. Based on radio 'chatter' I visited Etiwanda Ave. at the west edge of Fontana:

It appears the Kinder-Morgan (the pipeline company) may be getting ready to install / replace pipelines between the west end of Ontario airport and Kaiser yard; there are several long sections of staged pipe along the ROW but not shown here. It is also not known if this is preparation for eventual two-tracking - guessing that would be two-ish years away.

The Kinder-Morgan pipeline attached to the Grove Ave. underpass railroad bridging to the west in Ontario is on the north side of the tracks.  Likely, it is the same situation by Etiwanda Ave. in MikeF90’s photo.

In light of the industrial tracks that are SOUTH (left) of the single-track main by Etiwanda Ave., most likely the second main would be laid north of the present main, which most certainly would need that north side pipeline to be relocated.  Going east, though, what would happen at the NORTH side Kaiser Yard?  At this point in time, there are no answers, just speculations.

K.P. hopes to get out that way this weekend, or at least within two weeks.  A few telephotos may be able to give us a clue as to what is going on there.

There seems (“seems”) to be a lot of coals in the fire for UP right now for the Los Angeles-Colton area, with (1) the San Gabriel Trench relocated track waiting to be connected and activated, (2) connecting the SP end points on the Diversion in Pomona, the “D” Track may (“may”) start to be laid soon (a possibility), and (3) the missing SP second-track between Ontario and Fontana may be having the first signs of being laid, a pipeline relocation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 12:44 AM

A Surprise Opportunity to Prowl

On Friday, June 30, 2017 a surprise dispatch to the Fontana (CA) area developed, with all the time in the world!  After the necessary Fontana, the Pomona area was visited and the Humane Way overpass where MikeF90 so kindly got a photo for us.  With a normally no parking spaces available for a non-weekend, there was one (“one”) at the best possible spot!  Wow, K.P. was on the roll at first with good fortune!

Above, Humane Way’s EAST side (right) looking south … Our Main C track (the lowest track in the photo), the one taken up to the west (far right) that MikeF90 photographed, is severed underneath the bridge.

At CP AL514 HAMILTON there was a meet that was seen on the LA&SL tracks to the west and the SP tracks towards the east.

Etiwanda Ave. and the SP track was next visited, and strange (“strange”) orange fencing that totally didn’t make sense was seen.  Later, at base and examining blow-ups, that strange fencing started to make sense.  K.P. was also surprised at the track layout and what could be underneath the Etiwanda Ave. overpass bridges.

Then back towards the Milliken Ave. Flyover found piping on the right-of-way, on the northeast side.

Watch for some type of post Saturday night (hopefully).  At this point it is unknown if everything will be posted Saturday of if additional material will be posted Sunday or Monday.

The above photo is UNKNOWN HOW IT WILL POST.  The standard is 640 x 427 in format, but the above is actually 1024 x 682 and may or may not get bigger if clicked upon.  It is a test.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Saturday, July 1, 2017 7:13 PM

K. P. Harrier
The above photo is UNKNOWN HOW IT WILL POST.

It looks very good and uncluttered when clicked - keep the wider source image!  BTW the PB 'ambush' was equally scorned by most posters elsewhere. Hopefully postimage.io will evolve a fairer payment scheme.

As far as the pipeline work in Fontana, there appears to be pipelines on both sides of the ROW so who knows what will happen.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 9:50 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part I (of I-VIII)

At Humane Way in Pomona, CA (on the LA&SL route), the area that MikeF90 photographed was again quiet with no activity seen.  However, markings on the ground were present this time.

(All the posted photos in this series may be made bigger if clicked upon with the mouse.)

Continued in Part II

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 9:58 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part II (of I-VIII)

Six sections of cut up mainline track were on top of the out of service track (Main C).

A close-up of Main C (lowest) with a track (left) and ground trackless (right):

Continued in Part III

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:03 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part III (of I-VIII)

Shortly after arriving, the new eastbound signals at the WEST end of CP AL514 HAMILTON came on.  Note the east side westbound signal bridge way in the background.

An eastbound came and stopped at the west end of the big CP.

A meet occurred soon afterwards.

In the middle photo above, the mast signal on the right, of CP AL513 POMONA is still in service even though circulars, according to sources, initially indicated it had been deactivated.

It did not appear any new reportable activity had taking place at this CP AL514 HAMILTON.

Continued in Part IV

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:10 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part IV (of I-VIII)

We now go to the Etiwanda Ave. area, the north-south border between Ontario and Fontana.  Paralleling Etiwanda Ave. (far left) immediately to the west is Loop Road (left) and it loops to go under itself.

More SD70M’s comes eastbound.  Is there room for laying an additional track?

A west side view of Loop Road from up on Loop Road:

Continued in Part V

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:16 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part V (of I-VIII)

Eastwardly looking down on the tracks from Loop Road shows that three tracks could exist!

So, in theory, the second track could be laid on either side of the present main.

Looking WEST from Loop Road:  Note the new orange fence next to the signal, and another fence right of the signal head.

And, a westward look a little blown-up.

A semi-normal lens westward view:

Continued in Part VI

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:21 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part VI (of I-VIII)

An eastward view from Loop Road:

Above, note the yard left of center.  For those unfamiliar with the area, that is the old Kaiser Yard.  Looks practically empty!  It is wondered if it will soon not be a yard, which will make two-tracking easier here. 

Etiwanda Ave. is highly trafficked.  Will they form a new city here, called Truck City?  Anyone that has been in the area will testify trucks are everywhere!

Above, note that hi-railer on the background Main.

Looking west again shows the area to be highly industrialized.

We head back west, to Milliken Ave.  But, on the way we take a shot at the south side industrial track on the east slope of the Milliken Flyover.

Continued in Part VII

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:24 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part VII (of I-VIII)

The south side of the Milliken Ave. Flyover, at Milliken Ave., looking east:  Look at all those trucks!

The north side looking east:

Continued in Part VIII

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:40 PM

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part VIII (of I-VIII)

From an east side parking lot north of the track, a westward view:  Look at those pipes.

More pipes!

Hey, the above lead unit is the same one that was in the second and third photos of Part III.  K.P. never told you about the warp drive engines on his car, did he?  Or, maybe that train is a really slow one, or met a lot of westbound traffic at the Guasti siding immediate west of the Milliken Ave. Flyover.

That industrial track (last photo in Part VII) rises and connects (upper center) to the Sunset Route on the east slope of the Milliken Ave. Flyover with an “Entrance Signal.”

So, we have new piping all along this stretch.  We will just have to wait till more development occurs to say anything definitive about a second track.

Overall, it seems the entire Pomona to Fontana area should be kept an eye on now.

This will end the series.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Posted by Miningman on Saturday, July 1, 2017 11:42 PM

Thats a nice looking bridge. 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, July 2, 2017 10:27 AM

K. P. Harrier

Situation Update and Status …

… as of Friday, June 30, 2017

Pomona-Fontana, CA

Part II (of I-VIII)

Six sections of cut up mainline track were on top of the out of service track (Main C).

 

KP do you ever wonder if those neatly stacked track sections could be saved for track panels for branch lines and yards ?  It almost looks like best sections of track were saved and others scrapped ?

 

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Sunday, July 2, 2017 3:42 PM

blue streak 1 (7-2):

Personally, it is doubtful if those panel tracks-like sections on top of the other rails will be used somewhere else, like on branches.  UP track people are very adept and skillful these days, and most likely those sections of track will be put back in their original positions and their ends welded back together.

It is unfortunate that all the photobucket.com photos of the past were lost, because a few were of a switch cut in half because of underpass construction temporarily necessitated track relocation.  And, when the underpass was sufficiently completed to lay track on, that severed switch was welded back together and returned to its original spot and returned to service.

What is interesting about our Diversion Track C (that was severed and panel-like track laid on the un-severed track) is that it has only wooden ties, a carryover from the days of long ago of the single-track LA&SL and the Spradra SIDING.  That ex-siding (Track C) likely will remain unused, possible for a long time.  K.P.’s question now is will the Track D finally be laid soon, or will it be left un-laid and Main C be temporarily used instead.  It shouldn’t be long now before we all find out.

Take care,

K.P.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 1:20 PM

Replies

eolesen (5-24):

You mentioned how forums, such as this one, “are becoming obsolete in favor Facebook and Google Groups.”

It must be confessed those offerings are beyond K.P.  They might be good for fast updates, but do they have a history that can be referenced like this thread has?

kgbw49, BNSF6400, Electroliner 1935 (all 5-24), billio (5-25), BrushKestrel, ccltrains (both 6-2): 

Thanks for all your thoughts.  Of course, you all have heard about the latest problem, and all my linked photos at photobucket.com disappearing here … It is funny (or maybe its ironically sad) that as soon as I posted examples of the Astronomy Magazine photos that disappeared, photobuck.com made those same photos disappear in the Sunset Route thread too!  Maybe Mt. Palomar has a curse on it!

blue streak 1 (6-4):

Interesting question, though I think it is on the irrelevant side.  The California Zephyr and Coast Starlight operate on signaled territories, so whether there is PTC or not Amtrak train speeds are not a factor.

Now watch.  In one of those non-PTC areas, the crew on one passenger train will fall asleep and hit head-on the other passenger train.  And the hysteria will start all over again … and more money will be taken from the Sunset Route Two-Tracking and there will be more two-tracking delays … Maybe Amtrak engines should be equipped with ‘Amtrak Train Approaching Buzzers,’ that if not responded to, would stop both trains.  Hey, just an idea … 

BNSF6400, Miningman (6-24), Super Hunky, Norm48327 (6-25):

The plan is to continue posting here, but not as zealously as before.  Being broadsided twice in quick succession makes me leery …

Thanks for all of your support and encouragement.

BrushKestrel (6-26):

I thought your choice of words hit the nail on the head, ‘rip-off!’  But, I think what photobucket.com is really doing is quickly purging high cost to them accounts, such as mine.  MikeF90’s photobucket.com account is still working fine and his photos post as before.  But, he is a low volume user (I think).  It is wondered if users of photobucket.com will abandon them in masse out of principle or will open themselves up to being screwed someday.  I personally see two possibilities on what is happening:  (1) they are super money greedy, or (2) are financially going down the drain and are taking desperate measures.  But, what outsider can know the truth of what is really going on.  The bad publicity, however, may do them in.

MikeF90 (7-1):

It is too early to say definitively, but the larger format photos seem to bog down the photos coming onto a page.  If that is what is happening, that is not good, and the old size would seem advisable to return to.  But, I’ll give it time to make sure.

A Final Thought

I think everyone that needed a reply got one.  If K.P. missed anyone and they would like a reply, speak up!

Take care, everyone!

K.P.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    December 2012
  • 130 posts
Posted by BarstowRick on Thursday, July 6, 2017 11:12 AM

For many of us this format and forum will never get old.    Facebook and others are just a bit more public then I like.   Yes, I'm on facebook but I don't care for the format.   

K.P.   Glad to see you continuing right here and in the present.

RickH

BarstowRick.com Model Railroading How To's

Be careful  what you ask for you might get it.Cool
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 8, 2017 11:38 PM

Note:  Posting photos at size 1024 x 682 was tried, but they seemed to load to individual looker’s computers at a considerably slow pace.  Hence, the 640 x 427 format is being returned to.

Update as of Friday, July 7, 2017

A report from a 14-Hour Outing:

The Curse Continues and Some Very …

… Very Weird Things are Seen!

Part “A” (of A-B)

The happenings on the western Sunset Route findings report will basically be posted in reverse order from the way they were photographed.

It was too dark when getting to the Humane Way overpass in Pomona (CA), BUT an unusual scene (scene) to the east was seen from the bridging over the LA&SL!  With the recent non-railroad massive building complexes southeast of the overpass, much floodlighting is now present, and the LA&SL route benefits by being well lit up.

While up on the Humane Way overpass, in the general area of the west eastbound signal bridge, in the darkness, much new, temporary fencing was spotted, assumedly the construction orange type.

Once the decision was made to stop, walk up the Humane Way bridge and photograph that floodlighted night seen, while still by the car in darkness, a westbound train came!  Another one missed!

At the LAST stop while investigating the San Gabriel Trench construction in the San Gabriel area, at the Walnut Grove Ave. grade crossing, a photo was taken for the forum.

The FIRST San Gabriel Trench stop, on the other hand, was at Chapel Ave., but it was too dark to see towards the east.  However, K.P. got his binoculars out of the car, and dimly the switch could be seen IN THE SHOOFLY.  Thus nothing appears to have taken place.  HOWEVER (!!!!), and the forum can interpret the following as it wants to, but K.P. saw in traveling eastwardly somewhere between Chapel Ave. and Ramona Street A LIT ELECTRONIC ROAD SIGN THAT SAID THE MISSION ROAD GRADE CROSSING WOULD BE CLOSED, I BELIEVE, JULY 23 AND 24!  Closed?  CLOSED?  Sounds like they will remove the present shoofly track from the grade crossing, which if so, would mean the track in the trench would be put in service soon!  Remember, that is only a logical deduction.  But, it may be good to keep an eye on cutting over the trench track.

While there was sufficient light still, K.P. was stunned by a never seen before, dull (not shiny) cantilever signal bridge with its heads turned aside.

The nearest cross street is Valley Blvd. and Rowan Ave., which is just to the west of the cantilever structure.  Farther to the east is CP AL485 VALLEY BLVD. 

Anyone know anything about this?  Maybe this will be a NEW (to the area) eastbound only intermediate signals arrangement (?).  Note that the bottom heads on both signals only have two lamps each, which would be somewhat ("somewhat") consistent with intermediates.  That is an easy, and practical, way to make “two-tracks,” sort of at least.  Currently, one track is signaled, the other dark.

Continued in Part B

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Saturday, July 8, 2017 11:48 PM

Update as of Friday, July 7, 2017

A report from a 14-Hour Outing:

The Curse Continues and Some Very …

… Very Weird Things are Seen!

Part “B” (of A-B)

Earlier, K.P. showed up at the north track entrance to territory (not by the trench itself) of the Alameda Corridor, by CP AC000 EAST REDONDO.  He found, for the FIRST time ever for K.P. a westbound Intermodal train stopped on that along the Los Angeles River east side track!  AGAIN, before K.P. could get the camera out and get into position, that train started moving!

So, trains DO transition from the Alhambra Sub to the Los Aneles Sub and the Alameda Corridor via the east side of the Los Aneles River.  It just took six years for him to catch one!

It was K.P.’s very distinct impression (and the timing of things didn’t help) that the signal system was actually OFF and non-functional at CP AC000 EAST REDONDO.  Usually all the signals are lit even if one track in the area is occupied, but none were.

A train was also seen passing totally on the LA&SL, like the passenger trains use to do decades ago.

That train, on the other hand, may be from up north and going to a UP East Los Angeles facility.

Later, of special interest, is the following photo, of where the Redondo Tower used to be (lower left half) that was recently destroyed by fire.

I had photos of that tower in the photos at photobucket.com, but that photo hosting service has gone amuck.

In the above photo, on the background right signal bridge, note the lower middle head appears unlit.  The signal was in the red over flashing red mode, and at shutter time the lower red was in the off position.

This will end the posting series, but a Second Section follows for some related material.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Sunday, July 9, 2017 12:00 AM

Second Section

K.P. zeroed in on an area that made a big impression on him when he was a young kid, but the changes to the area makes him wonder which of two streets he was at years ago.  At one possible location (NEAR the Alameda Corridor), K.P. found this arrangement at Nadeau Street in Los Aneles.

What is interesting about this SECONDARY route is that it has signals (above)!

Looking south, two tracks (right) are for UP, two (left) are for the Metro Blue Line.

Where ever K.P. was at 50-60 years ago as a kid, the Pacific Electric trolley system had died, and the trackage in this area was freight only.  Decades ago I was surprised that a train with SP 4613 (a switcher type engine) came over the distant bridge (at Firestone Blvd.) and passed on the easternmost track.  That engine was seen a lot of times adjacent my parent’s residence 60-70 miles away from here!  From what I can gather, that engine (as well as it brothers) were seen on what became known as the San Diego & Arizona Eastern down by San Diego and by the Carrizo Gorge’s Goat Trestle out in the mountainous middle of nowhere east of San Diego.

Looking north from Nadeau Street:

So some freight cars from or to the Sunset Route travel this branch-like trackage, whereas Intermodal cars from or to the seaports travel over the two and three track Alameda Corridor trench.

It was thought non-area thread readers might find that of interest.

----------

Readers of this Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates thread may be interested to know that K.P. visited an area covered in MikeF90’s thread too, in the Transit Forum, the “L.A. Metro Crenshaw-LAX Line updates.”  K.P. spent some time there also on Friday, and documented the freakiest bridge construction he has ever seen.  Even on site it took a while to figure out what the construction people had done.  If you like challenges, that project may be for you!  Of course, if you are familiar with what is there, it will quickly and easily make sense … In another day or two that thread will be update posted in.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • 90 posts
Posted by BNSF6400 on Sunday, July 9, 2017 5:16 PM

The new cantilever along Valley Blvd at Rowen Ave is the eastbound control signals for a new Control Point (AL484).  There is no name after the control point at this time.  The westbound signals, on masts, will be just east of the Boca Ave grade crossing to the east.

The new C.P. box and the base for that cantilever have been there since at least January.  The reason for this new control point, is the present yard lead into the intermodal facility LATC is too short and ends with a manual switch.  This will extend that yard lead east by 3/4 of a mile at give the track a CTC controlled switch.  I don't know if there will be a crossover at this C.P. or not.

Union Pacific has in the last year, removed the remnants of an old switching lead, graded the right-of-way, rebuilt the grade crossings at Vineburg Ave and Boca Ave and have laid most of the necessary track.  This work is in conjunction with a total rebuild on the LATC terminal to make it more efficent and allow more efficent operation.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Monday, July 10, 2017 9:57 AM

BNSF6400 (7-9):

Will the New SP CP near Los Angeles …
 
… Be Called CP AL484 UNOZOIDS?

Part I (of I-II)

First, thanks so much, BNSF6400, about your responding to photos of a new cantilever signal bridge in the M.P. 484 area near Los Angeles, CA.  You set us on the correct path.  But, in K.P.’s now enlightened assessment he sees a potential for a few surprises coming!  Note the following diagram:
.


        Future CP AL484 (Unnamed)

 

Main                         <>   Main 1
----------------------------------------

(Dark)                                   
----------------------------------------
             <   /            >   Main 2
(Dark)          /
----------------
             <

.

The above diagram is unofficial obviously and just K.P.’s perception from your reply post, BNSF6400.  When driving by it was thought the turned aside new signals were for the Main and the dark track, but it is rather for the two dark tracks as diagramed above.

(K.P., with only a FEW coins in his pocket, is betting (“betting”) that the CP will be called BOCA after Boca Ave. that grade crossing crosses the SP tracks at the east end of the future CP.)

Continued in Part II

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Monday, July 10, 2017 10:04 AM

BNSF6400 (7-9):

Will the New SP CP near Los Angeles …
 
… Be Called CP AL484 UNOZOIDS?

Part II (of I-II)

So, why is there a play on words with a CP UNOZOIDS?  (“Uno” in Spanish means one, and there are a whole lot of Latino heritage type people living in the area.  Zoid is something that doesn’t fit in.)  Because westbounds on MAIN 2 for either straight track or the turnout route will be entering dark territory, and in such cases the mast signal will only have red lamps, like for flashing red over red, red over flashing red, or red over red, and of course dark over dark when unlit.

K.P. has only seen one suchlike signal, in the Glamis area of Southern California, southeast of Salton Sea, on the branch to the Mesquite trash landfill site.  The below by CP SP003 MESQUITE LANDFILL photo was taken September 30, 2016.

Of course, if (“if”) UP wires that presently dark second track and it thus becomes Main 2, that westbound red variant over a red variant signal won’t be an issue, with the top head at least having a yellow.  When K.P. drove by that area yesterday he was looking for but saw no laying down mast signals, so we may have to wait awhile to find out if there will be a ‘Unozoids’ type CP or not …

Take care,

K.P.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 5:33 AM

The Onsite Truth about CP AL484

Los Angeles, CA

There IS a New ‘Unozoids’ Type Signal there and …

… It Was Very Much “Worth” Checking Out

On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 K.P. made a mad dash, special trip to check out the site of the new CP AL484 and spent quality time there to see what was actually there before returning to base.

The CP appears to be a Main 2 only CP, with a designated identification of CP AL484 WORTH.  And, the EAST side westbound signal is one of those Glamis, CA area‘s Mesquite Landfill CP types with only one lamp head color (red) over another one lamp head color (red).  Here is that new signal at CP AL484 WORTH, the CP named after, NOT the cross street Boca Ave., but the paralleling south side Worth Street.

More photos of the CP and its surroundings will be posted in a few days.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:14 PM

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “A” (of A-E)

Presently, between CP AL482 YUMA JCT (M.P. 482.8) and CP AL485 VALLEY BLVD (M.P. 485.6) Main 1 is fully CTC.  Main 2, however, is RL, or Restricted Limits, and without signals, except for the CP’s.  The eastern limits will be altered with the new CP AL484 WORTH, and Main 2 will be fully CTC between CP WORTH and CP VALLEY BLVD.

In the vicinity of CP AL484 WORTH are the Vineburg Ave. (M.P. 84.75) and Boca Street (M.P. 484.99) grade crossings.  The southward Boca Street “L” turns east as Worth Street and follows the Sunset Route east a bit.

From the Vineburg Ave. grade crossing area, looking west, the Soto Street overpass is seen, and track equipment on a lead type track.  Main 1, as seen below, has an intermediate signals for west and east travel.

Looking eastbound, Main 2 and the future switching lead has a cantilever signal structure, and will be the new westward limits of Main 2’s CTC.

That future switching lead track also is having a motorized derail being put in. (Note the points are presently spiked for straight track.)

A zigzagging sidewalk is being put in for pedestrian safety, likely the railroad’s doings

Continued in Part B

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:22 PM

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “B” (of A-E)

At Boca Street, at the northeast quadrant thereof (lower left), note the absence of some type of ballast or something as a base for a mast signal, likely because there won’t be one.

Note above, if the left track (Main) was to have a signal put in, it would not be visible to approach westbound (towards the camera) trains at speed.

The CP box (left) and the cantilever signal (right):

Three tracks, one OLD and out of service (bottom), are actually in the grade crossing.

Continued in Part C

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:25 PM

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “C” (of A-E)

Aerials show work to widen the grade crossing, so apparently something here has been in the works for a while.

That two single light heads signal:

Continued in Part D

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:30 PM

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “D” (of A-E)

The lower head by the milepost sign:

Rebar cylinders … Are they going to build an overpass or underpass here?

Some ballast on site:

Lastly (almost), that CP box with the placarded name (WORTH) clearly visible:

Continued in Part E

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:35 PM

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “E” (of A-E)

A corrected diagram:
.


         Future CP AL484 WORTH        

 

Main 1                            Main 1
----------------------------------------

Main 2 (Dark)                                   
----------------------------------------
             <   /            >   Main 2
(Dark)          /
----------------
             <

.

About the San Gabriel Trench

K.P. made it a point to swing my most of the present San Gabriel Trench grade crossings, but found nothing to suggest the track in the trench would be put in service.  No signs suggesting the present grade crossing would be eliminated.  So, he is going to assume the track in the trench will remain un-cutover.  Of course, it would seem cutting over the track would be a rather simple operation, so it could occur at any time and without much notice.

This will end the series.

-------

Footnote to that first photo in Part A, the Soto Street overpass:  A number of years ago in this thread, K.P. was able to shoot photos by and on the old Pacific Electric railroad bridge that parallels the Soto Street Bridge.  That doesn’t seem to be possible now.  The easy access, narrow strip of land area is all built up on and access seems to be cutoff.  If one was to study the area onsite maybe some way could be found to photograph in that area, but at this point in time K.P. doesn’t think so.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Hotchkiss, Colorado
  • 294 posts
Posted by steve24944 on Thursday, July 13, 2017 6:03 PM

K. P. Harrier

Update as of Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Future CP AL484 WORTH

Los Angeles, CA

Part “C” (of A-E)

That two single light heads signal:

Continued in Part D

Here is another two single light heads signal.  This is on the UPRR in Utah where the Branch line from Moab meets the Mainline in Crescent Junction Utah.

 

Here is the signal at Colton Utah where the Scofield Branch meets the Mainline.   This one is a double lamp over a single lamp.

 

 

Steve

  • Member since
    October 2003
  • 7,968 posts
Posted by K. P. Harrier on Thursday, July 13, 2017 7:03 PM

Oh, steve24944 (7-13):

I see you have been killed too now at photobucket.com!

Hey, Steve, you can get an account for FREE at PostImage.io.  Plan your folders, open an account, make at least one folder (highly recommended from experience), upload copies of those just posted photos to PostImage instead, copy the new links, and EDIT paste your  recently posted post here by erasing the old links and inserting the new ones, and nobody will know … except for me suggesting this (sort of, anyway).

Hope to see you, steve24944, in the new life (photo post-wise),

K.P.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy