The Sunset Route “Texas to California” Report
Part “B”, Section 6 (of 1-9)
Santa Teresa, NM
Traveling east, we come across a GE AC45 slantingly below ground level, at least partially.
It powered a Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) train, and that train was slantingly going below ground level.
An overview:
Continued in Section 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
BarstowRick K.P. This is an odd picture. I agree with you as to the switch and questionable future. What we'd both need to do is see further down the mainline to be able to read the tell tales. I looks like they intended to use it as part of a crossover or connecting track. Then when you look down the main it's obvious they pulled the two tracks over to meet either a former main or a new main. Huuunnh?
K.P. This is an odd picture. I agree with you as to the switch and questionable future. What we'd both need to do is see further down the mainline to be able to read the tell tales. I looks like they intended to use it as part of a crossover or connecting track. Then when you look down the main it's obvious they pulled the two tracks over to meet either a former main or a new main. Huuunnh?
KP: Is it possible that this set up will be like some larger station set ups so 2 trains can traverse the interlocking at the same time each on diverging routes ?
Part “B”, Section 7 (of 1-9)
The CWR train actually was now below ground level, as the yellow equipment in the background shows.
The dust is kicking up again.
A couple of below ground level workhorses:
Continued in Section 8
Part “B”, Section 8 (of 1-9)
One thing that stands out is many very high lighting poles.
Continued in Section 9
Part “B”, Section 9 (of 1-9)
With those high poled lights, the storm light is arresting!
A high landfill with drainage is also present.
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Part C will continue the coverage of the Santa Teresa, NM facility, and be posted Sunday, June 16, 2013 by 9:00 A.M. PDT
Replies
Some have inquired about blue strobe lights. It has been awhile since that has come up here at the forum, and K.P. is unsure of his footing on the subject, so will hold off comment until another time. Of course, others are welcome to convey information on the subject.
BarstowRick and blue streak 1 (Both 6-13):
K.P. knows something from sources of several years ago, so will attempt tackling this matter, but contrary to normal reply order, will address blue streak 1’s inquiry first because the answer will assist in building a case for the reply to BarstowRick.
The focus is on this February 15, 2010 photo, looking SP west from Hamilton Blvd. in Pomona, CA:
What you are seeing, blue streak 1, are track arrangements for TWO time periods. The foreground switch is for the future, whereas the background crossover is the current track layout that will be done away with.
For BarstowRick, the best way to explain matters is through diagraming of the future track arrangement:
It is hoped that the above satisfactorily addresses both of your inquiries.
Best,
K.P.
typically a blue flag or blue light meant that either M.O.W. or housekeeping employees are working on the tracks or various train cars.
I'm well aware of the meaning of a blue flag, and the trackside warning strobes shouldn't be confused with that anymore than a yellow strobe on top of a work vehicle would be confused with a yellow flag or yellow signal.
The permanent TAWS locations all seem to be around control points. Most signal cabinets are located either at a CP or a grade crossing. Grade crossings already have a warning system; this helps afford the same level of protection without having to declare a work zone.
There's a lot of information on this available at the Regulations.Gov website. Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FRA-2001-10235 and you can peruse the various decision letters and applications.
E
Part “C” (of A-H), Section 1 (of 1-8)
On the widest part of the new UP grounds, material of a greenish nature of unknown purpose are stacked up.
The above storm lighting adds to an otherwise just a stationary scene.
More odds and ends:
Continued in Section 2
Part “C”, Section 2 (of 1-8)
On that wide, elevated plateau area a somewhat medium length construction train of unusual equipment and colors is present.
Continued in Section 3
Part “C”, Section 3 (of 1-8)
That unusual equipment of odd color continues by some type of mixing facility, possibly for concrete making.
Continued in Section 4
Part “C”, Section 4 (of 1-8)
More related equipment nearby.
Continued in Section 5
Part “C”, Section 5 (of 1-8)
That unusual train’s power comes into view as we now are moving closer to the tracks.
At this point we are real close to the mainline trackage now and a train zips by.
Continued in Section 6
Part “C”, Section 6 (of 1-8)
At this location, a full view of the train’s length is seen.
By CP S1277 STRAUSS idle power is parked (left), and another westbound (center) passes with empty well cars. The sky still has a sinister took to it.
A row of powerless ballast cars is parked nearby.
Part “C”, Section 7 (of 1-8)
As we move eastward towards those parked ballast cars, a staging area is found rather full.
All kinds of items are staged here.
Part “C”, Section 8 (of 1-8)
The fenced part of the staging area has some familiar buses in it.
Very nearby, by intermediate signals (right), new full headed signal masts have been erected.
A final view west is had and the sun is found close to setting completely …
… and K.P. still has six hours of I-10 driving ahead to get to the lodging base! It was reached between 1 and 2 A.M.!
In reviewing the location, it was surprising how little new buildings had arisen since last October. Perhaps by next year the facility will have a more developed look.
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Continued in Part D dealing with Arizona … U.S. 191 and the Sunset Route, Chow Time in Benson, Fantasy Land at Marsh Station Rd., and the Colossal Cave Rd. Area
Posting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 2013 by 9:00 A.M. PDT, but likely will be posted must earlier.
Quick update on the Sunset Avenue grade separation in Banning -- funding has been secured and work should start next year:
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/the-pass/the-pass-headlinesindex/20130614-banning-funding-committed-for-sunset-avenue-underpass.ece
Loosely Scheduled Bits and Pieces Reporting
Part I, Section A (of A-C)
Ontario, CA
An afternoon dispatch for K.P. with much free time afterward allowed the Ontario-Pomona, CA area to be checked out Saturday, June 15, 2013. MikeF90’s recent enlightening photo posts on the west Ontario-Montclair area were instrumental in K.P. focusing on certain areas for this series.
Two previously shown K.P. photos looking west from the east side of San Antonio Ave. (Ontario) at a makeshift area that was being used by contractor Skanska.
MikeF90 had mentioned a new signal bridge of some sort in those grounds, hence K.P. investigated …
It was found that those grounds no longer seemed to be being used by Skanska, but by UP’s own signal department. Many containers typical of signal supplies were present also.
Continued in Section B
Part I, Section B (of A-C)
Because of a limited view (above), another angle location was searched for, and such was found on public property just south of the LA&SL track, south of the new but probably temporary signal department.
Continued in Section C
Part I, Section C (of A-C)
In that new Ontario signal yard was a slanted electrical box with a location clue on it …
Montclair, CA
The Monte Vista Ave. grade crossing was gone to, and immediately a base for a cantilever signal bridge was discovered to the EAST:
Why such a cantilever structure is being put in here is unclear, but it may (“may”) have to do with the spur branching off to the left (northwest) in the photo above. Theoretically, a train on the spur AND Main 1 could block a sight path to a Main 1 mast signal, confusing an approaching westbound Main 2 train crew, especially at night and from a distance. Hence, UP appears to be putting both main’s signals high up and unobstructed.
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Further reports for this Bits and Pieces series will be posted as time permits.
Part “D” (of A-H), Section 1 (of 1-11)
In Arizona: U.S. 191 and the Sunset Route
A few miles south off of I-10, U.S. 191 goes over the Sunset Route: Views look eastbound.
A westbound view:
Part “D”, Section 2 (of 1-11)
Getting closer to those intermediate signals:
Those intermediate signals are on the left of the below ‘Primitive Roadway’ sign.
In K.P’s opinion, 35 M.P.H. is way too fast for the road. Let the would-be visitor be forewarned!
Part “D”, Section 3 (of 1-11)
Since Highway 191 has little traffic on it, with a relatively good view of approach vehicles, stopping on the bridge for some in the driver’s seat shots were successfully accomplished. Westbound:
Eastbound:
Proof that this was U.S. 191 … and the terrain:
Part “D”, Section 4 (of 1-11)
Chow Time in Benson
K.P. made a couple of stops (both ways) in Benson, AZ, at Denny’s restaurant on the north side of I-10 at Ocotillo Rd.
Why this is even mentioned is because all west facing window table seats on the above photo’s left affords a great view of the Sunset Route tracks as viewed through the two right windows, which have seats by them too!
K.P. had thought the tracks were in another world far, far away … but was pleasantly surprised at seeing a westbound (rightward) through those two windows! The above photo was taken outside the restaurant when no train(s) was present.
Part “D”, Section 5 (of 1-11)
Fantasyland at Marsh Station Rd.
Westbound on I-10, the exit before Marsh Station Rd. is Empirita Rd. A stop was made there ‘just to see’ if anything was happening. Just some track equipment was on the old Main 2. Then a horn was heard. Then again! Was it true? Yes, it was! A WESTBOUND was coming on the ex-Main 2 now “South Track.” K.P.’s fantasy was coming true!
And, it stopped at a red signal by Marsh Station Rd. (bridging on lower left).
Part “D”, Section 6 (of 1-11)
By the time K.P. got to Marsh Station Rd., the train apparently had gotten a yellow signal and took it!
After a while, the signal went yellow. Yes, the signal circuitry for westbounds DOES work on a track mainly used for eastbound traffic!
The signal eventually went to flashing yellow. Thrilled at the experience, K.P. turn around, and to his surprise, another westbound was almost at Marsh Station Rd.
Part “D”, Section 7 (of 1-11)
The flashing yellow quickly went to red when passed.
Part “D”, Section 8 (of 1-11)
Then, the DPU’s passed.
What, another westbound!
Part “D”, Section 9 (of 1-11)
This time K.P. was prepared!
Continued in Section 10
Part “D”, Section 10 (of 1-11)
There it goes …
The mast signal then went off. Apparently, no other trains were lined into the circuitry to keep the signal on.
OK, now for a shot about why K.P. focused on Marsh Station Rd. in the first place!
The old low railroad bridge over I-10 is now gone, but it is believed it was in the freeway dip in the distance in the photo above.
The area has been severely graded, and one would hardly recognize the location now.
The whole area is kind of in disarray, with a person trying to get on I-10 westbound from Marsh Station Rd. having to get on the eastbound I-10 …
… and go to Empirita Rd., and come back westbound under Marsh Station Rd.
Continued in Section 11
Part “D”, Section 11 (of 1-11)
The Colossal Cave Rd. Area
While officially the former Main 2 is timetabled at the North Track (it is the South Track east of Cienega Creek), the railway paint markings don’t reflect that.
In other matters, at Colossal Cave Rd. looking eastbound, one sees a new communication tower erected.
Such-like towers have been springing up near and along the Sunset Route. It is unknown if such is of UP’s doing or not, but the close proximity to the tracks leans this one to the conclusion they are the doings of UP. Of course, the tops seem to be cellphone related, and UP isn’t in the cellphone business …
Whatever the situation, they are an impressive sight to see in person, kind of overwhelming in some respects …
Part E will cover the “Two-Tracking West of Tucson, AZ,” and will be posted Thursday, June 20, 2013 by 9:00 A.M. PDT
Part F will also deal with the same subject, and is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2013.
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