Second Section
The Future Baldwin Ave. Underpass
El Monte, CA
These extra tidbit type posts deal with an underpass construction between the PHIMF (on the LA&SL) and the San Gabriel Trench (on the SP), and involves the ex-grade crossing of Baldwin Ave.at M.P. 493.60.
Three May 14, 2010 views from Baldwin Ave.:
Westbound: South is to the photo left.
Immediately above, that overhead high and wide detected in Part F is visible in the background just above the car crossing the track.
Eastbound: At the time a bunch of engineless double-stack well cars occupied the El Monte siding.
A Third Section immediately follows.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
Third Section
Unlike in the Second Section above, access is extremely limited now, but a shoofly appears to be being put in at the El Monte siding’s west end.
The west end, looking west:
Eastward:
Track equipment is nearby. View looks east.
This will conclude the “Focusing on Two Neglected Areas,” Second and Third Sections series.
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K.P. was briefly in Colton and the Ontario-Pomona, CA areas yesterday, Wednesday, August 28, 2013, and while only 33 photos were taken, there are a few news items to report, which short report should be ready for posting by tomorrow evening.
The heavier fencing looks to have a more robust supporting structure, as well. Aside from derailment protection, it may also be driven deeper into the soil to stabilize it in that area.
John Timm
Kp Those cables look like Fiber Optics. Remember back in the Anschutz Days Sprint laid Fiber all along the SP ROW . Along with the Fiber there are probably many utilities that must be relocated prior to excavating the trench.
With the completion of the Colton Flyover, I'm wondering how work is progressing on those three miles of second track on the west side of Tucson -- the three miles that, when they are completed, mean uninterrupted double track from El Paso to Estrella, AZ. I'd expect word that that second track is cut over any day now, but not hearing anything makes me nervous. Any Tucson'ers (or anyone else) know what's going on?
Thanks in advance.
Update as of Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Checking On a Few Activity Areas
Part I (of I-VII)
The Colton Flyover
Colton, CA
An eastbound on Main 2 was hoped would come along, but a westbound on Main 1 came to set our setting.
It wasn’t a very long train, but had a “local” nature to it.
As seen in the first photo above, what had transpired on the old ground level Sunset Route right-of-way since the last report was much grading.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-VII)
There was even a last grader of the day roving around in the evening light. Note the dirt marks on the flyover’s walling (left) as to how deep the grading had dug down. Also, the Pillar on the right, and how deep the grading had gotten!
Just above, from somewhere by the signal on the upper right, a single track is supposed to be laid across the BNSF at an angle and then come towards the camera. It looks to be a 30% angle. Diagrams K.P. has seen are about a 15% angle. So, what we are seeing may be an illusion because of telephoto lens compaction.
A heavier telephoto:
It appeared that a supervisor in a red car was traversing the alleyway between the tracks and residences.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-VII)
The Rancho Ave. overpass (left) and the new east side westbound mast signals thereat.
Barely visible above … A new fence has been installed.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-VII)
Ontario Happenings
Ontario, CA
Just WEST of the west switch of the North Ontario siding, a new crossover has been in the process of being installed. A previously shown view:
The current SP west side EASTBOUND absolute signal at CP AL520 NORTH ONTARIO (M.P. 519.7) now has a concrete burial base in the ground probably 10 to 20 feet in front of (west of) said signal, i.e., the new signals should be for WESTBOUND trains at the new CP AL519 NORTH MONTCLAIR. (Got that?)
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-VII)
By that makeshift Signal Dept. yard off of San Antonio Ave. in Ontario, between the SP and LA&SL mains, another new future CP box has shown up (placarded CP C038 ONTARIO)..
Below photo dated March 9, 2012: The present, just a few years old upgraded CP C038 ONTARIO bungalow protects the ex-SP branch line crossing with the LA&SL.
The box in the just above photo is about a mile away from the new, uninstalled box in the first photo above. At this point in the posting, make a mental note of where these two boxes are presently at.
From here on, the photos were previously shown over the months.
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VII)
The present situation at AND by CP C038 ONTARIO …
LA&SL west eastbound signal by Sultana Ave.:
The east westbound signal by Campus Ave. and the old Ontario Signal Dept. small fenced yard:
The branch, looking north:
Continued in Part VII
Part VII (of I-VII)
WEST of Sultana Ave is an uncontrolled track that follows the LA&SL west.
That wood tied manual switch of unknown speed apparently will be replaced sometime in the future with a 30 M.P.H. concrete tied dual-control CTC switch.
From that switch by Sultana Ave. the old track undoubtedly will be rebuilt and likely connect to the two switches lying east of Mountain Ave.
From the yet future CTC switch west of Sultana Ave. the switches to the west seem to be all manual throw switches, so at this point in time, while the new switch will be CTC, beyond the switch westward likely will be dark trackage.
That new CP C038 ONTARIO box presently in the Signal Dept. yard by San Antonio Ave. (Ontario) may (“may”) replace the one at the diamond with the old branch. However, it would seem more likely that the second box would be installed by the new switch, and BOTH boxes be used in controlling the CP. But, time will tell on that.
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On Friday, August 30, 2013 K.P. had been scheduled for some time for a dispatch to Highland. During some free time involving that dispatch, the Colton Flyover was visited again. Progress and activity on the old right-of-way was found to have been rather dramatic. The fine grayish sand that tracks are usually laid on was present now on the far western end. Some switch ties were present, and a frog and switch rails were between Rancho Ave. and 3rd Street. A train even came over the flyover on Main 2. A photo-report should be ready in one to three days …
The photo above showing the Rancho Ave. overpass (left) and the new east side westbound mast signals thereat. Why are there 3 signal masts for 2 tracks ?
Steve
Replies
narig01 (8-29):
There is already an unsightly temporary walling between the last house (on the west) and the new metalwork.
The above previously shown photo was shot on October 21, 2012.
Maybe (“maybe”) the idea of the bolts …
… is that in the event of a derailment the bolts would snap off, thus protecting the whole I-beam walling from having to be replaced, but yet given wayward freight cars sufficient resistance to keep them on the right-of-way and out of neighbors’ yards and houses.
If I ever encounter a worker out that way I should ask them what the deal is on that kind of I-beam walling.
Super Hunky (8-30):
Reference the San Gabriel Trench … That fiber optic cabling concept you theorized was exactly what I was thinking. But, it sure is taking a long time for those professionals to do the relocations
billio (8-30):
Contributor eolesen in his January 10, 2013 post mentioned Zoe Richmond of UP as stating the remaining Arizona section would be in service “[sometime] in late 3Q [2013],” which I interpret as before October.
You may be wondering, billion, when K.P. would get back to Arizona to photograph that section of the two-tracking. It has been put on the back burner, so to speak. That is because … The Arizona Department of Transportation’s website advises that the overpass construction at Prince Rd. in Tucson (key for K.P.) will be finished in mid-January, 2014. K.P. finds is desirable to take photos from THAT overpass in the Stockham area. So, a visit to that area is hoped to be had sometime mid-January to the end of February, preferably closer to mid-January.
steve24944 (8-31):
That mysterious third mast signal by Rancho Ave. in Colton, CA that has no track by it that you inquired about will soon have a track by it! Switch parts and concrete ties have already been delivered to the area (photos pending).
Up here in the High Desert about 30 miles northwest of Colton it was raining cats and dogs a few minutes ago, as the expression goes. I was able to make contact with the Mrs., who is watering her dad’s plants and lawn right now while he is on vacation out of state, and she said it is sunny and hot there. So, if any track or signal work is going on today, a Saturday (such days don’t mean anything to railroad two-trackers), there is nothing to hinder them from continuing in their rearranging the Colton Crossing area.
Take care all,
K.P.
steve24944 The photo above showing the Rancho Ave. overpass (left) and the new east side westbound mast signals thereat. Why are there 3 signal masts for 2 tracks ? Steve
Sometimes the tracks come first, sometimes the signals do.In our own trackage-expansion project near Bellwood, Illinois, we all of a sudden had three or four triple-headed signals sprout up in a newly-graded area. It took a while, but when the new tracks came in (and some of the old ones were shifted, and some old signals were removed), it began to make sense. It looks to me like a couple of the masts would have been better served by a bridge (especially since so many have been built along that line), but that was probably precluded by the need to shift things in the area, including track, station platforms, walkways, etc.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Update as of Friday, August 30, 2013
Part “A” (of A-F)
Upon arriving in the general Colton area, the 3rd Street south of the tracks cul-de-sac was visited first. Much grading and digging was going on!
There was a yet to be assembled concrete tied No. 16 switch parts set laid out. K.P. has never seen a No. 16 switch before.
A number of rails were stacked up, probably to put under a switch in assembly so it can be slid into position when finished.
Continued in Part B
Part “B” (of A-F)
Some type of switch part was present, with form bent rails. Whatever part of a switch this goes to, it does not look traditional UP, and awfully heavy duty. The writing on the box (left) indicates the switch is a No. 16 one. As K.P. recalls, most spring frogs are typically No. 15’s. A maverick No. 16 might be being used for the BNSF Connector, on the touchy slow speed curve that trains are timetable restricted to only 10 M.P.H. on.
A grader was working on site.
A strange but kind of cute beast:
Continued in Part C
Part “C” (of A-F)
We now go to up on the Rancho Ave. overpass, and right away see a large corrugated pipe being positioned at ground level into a newly dug narrow area on the new grading.
There was plenty of miscellaneous equipment carrying out various assignments here and there:
Above, a westbound (rightward) BNSF tank train of some sort heads to Los Angeles, passing over the noisy diamonds that are still in place.
Continued in Part D
Part “D” (of A-F)
The below photo was just composed as an interesting view. When inspecting the view later, it was noted that the Mt. Vernon Connector did not appear to be in place anymore (or at least covered over with ballast and sand), and a switch had been possibly installed by the erected signals in the southeast quadrant of the Colton Crossing.
As usual, a water truck was making its rounds.
Continued in Part E
Part “E” (of A-F)
It had been hoped a train would come on the new Main 2 over the flyover. At the critical time when K.P. had to leave, one came! And, a rather weird one at that!
It was one of the few times K.P. has ever seen a long train movement with just a single unit as power!
Above, the West Colton Yard “Balloon" track is out of view on the other side of the top hill and track. Main 1 goes on the north side (photo right) of the Balloon track. Main 2 goes on the south side (photo left). After so many weeks of seeing trains traversing the Colton Flyover on Main 1 going to the north side of the Balloon, it seemed unusual now to see a Main 2 train routed to the south side.
Continued in Part F
Part “F” (of A-F)
One last grab shot before K.P. left to return back to the assignment in Highland.
Above, on the upper right, a local is seen switching an industry off Main 1. Also, on the far upper right, a red signal is seen, presumably of CP SP542 LOMA LINDA. It does and does not appear to be like the signal arrangement now known to be there. But, K.P. is inclined to believe it is only an illusion … but what an illusion it is!
Just for the record, a previous eastward view of CP SP542 LOMA LINDA, dated December 5, 2012 before the new color lights (including the new cantilever structure) was put in service.
In returning to K.P.’s parked car, one last photo was taken, of a bunch of ballast in the makeshift route between “K” Street and the parallel to the Sunset Route alleyway.
This will conclude the series.
Came across this article relating to a major improvement planned for the Port of Tucson Yard.
Lloyd
Super Hunky Here is a Google Map Link to the Facility: https://maps.google.com/?ll=32.125398,-110.839069&spn=0.01581,0.026715&t=h&z=16 The article states that the new track is to loop around to connect so trains can run through the facility. Will be interesting to see how that is accomplished. Lloyd
Here is a Google Map Link to the Facility:
If you scroll slightly to the right, you can see a stub siding coming off the Union Pacific main line on the opposite side of Kolb Road, with a string of covered hoppers sitting on it at the time of imaging.. It wouldn't take much to connect this siding to the Tucson Port trackage and create a loop.
The only limitation would be a requirement to elevate Kolb Road up and over the track. The land on both sides of Kolb Road is undeveloped in this area.
Hey, Scotty! Did You Beam Up All the UP and Flyover Workers?
On Monday, September 2, 2013 in early afternoon K.P. visited the Colton Flyover site again in Colton, CA. There were no workers anywhere, not construction workers nor UP workers. The strange atmosphere was as if Scotty of Star Trek fame had beamed everybody aboard an orbiting the earth Enterprise space craft … Oh, yah. It was the Labor Day Holiday! No wonder everybody was gone!
Several select areas were focused on, and 110 photos were taken. A selection of the results and commentary should be ready for posting in a day or two (or three). Things are progressing at the Colton Flyover site, with a few surprises too.
Tidbits and Follow-ups
Part I (of I-III)
Putting Matters into Perspective
In Riverside, CA, westbound the LA&SL branches off from the BNSF in the Pachappa area, on the alternate Sunset Route. That branching off goes over the 91 Freeway. The following three reshown photos from September 30, 2012 are to refresh the memory as to what was there, with an emphasis on a CLEAR VIEW of the tracks for the residences on Panorama Rd.
North side of 91 Freeway looking south:
Houses and the LA&SL:
A telephoto of the houses with the LA&SL crossing the view:
Part II (of I-III)
An August 18, 2013 northward reshown view of the new railroad bridge construction:
Now that we have the setting …
For the crane lovers among us:
But note the big pile of dirt.in the above two crane photos! There used to be a clear view of the railroad track and 91 Freeway as perceived in the photos in Part I above.
From the railroad track, looking northeastward, the pile of dirt is discernible on the right:
Part III (of I-III)
By the above freeway widening in the Pachappa area is a clearly understood sign now to discourage locals from using the railroad bridge over the 91 Freeway as a shortcut.
An eastward looking sidewalk view with that pile of dirt in the scene, as well as the “No Trespassing” sign:
One would hope the pile of dirt will be gone by the construction project’s finish.
One has to wonder if the ‘No Trespassing’ sign popping up is totally coincidental and as a result of the construction, or if someone at the railroad has been reading THIS thread and seen photos of bridge trespassers and thus the sign magically appeared … I guess we all will never know …
A Memo to Super Hunky and cacole (both 9-1):
That was most interesting news coming out of the Tucson, AZ area.
If I understand the project correctly (and location), it is almost as if a model railroad was evolving into a real world railroad!
LINK: Sideways Eyeglasses Model Train Look of Tucson Looping
Since the above aerial wasn’t shot yesterday, the following questions came to mind about what is present there now: Will the train power stay with the intermodal cars on a single-track loop while the cars are offloaded / loaded, or will the facility have multiple tracks, so at one train’s arrival the power could disconnect and hooked up to a return train and moved out? Is the facility easily photographed from public property?
If either of you, Super Hunky or cacole (or anyone else for that matter), have any answers, this intrigued mind would sure like to know …
Stay safe everyone,
A little background on the Sprint cables. SP, like all railroads had a communication system associated with their railroad. Initially it was microwave and some sections might still be. It stretched from Portland Oregon to Los Angeles to st. Lewis, to Chicago, and to New Orleans. When AT&T lost their monopoly on long distance service Sprint offered competitive long distance service. Initially it was awkward. You had to dial a local access number, enter your account number, then the number you wanted. After a while SP decided to get out of the long distance business and spun Sprint off. Sprint did bury many miles of fiber along the SP tracks. For SP's communication needs they leased lines from Sprint. In time Sprint became a full telephone company by buying several local phone companies. In east Texas Sprint provided our local dial tone for several years. Sprint went into cellular and spun off their wire line business which morphed into Century Link which bought the one remaining baby bell. Cannot remember their name but they provided the local phone service in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain area. Century link is still our local provider in east Texas. We jokingly say someday we will no longer hear "Number Please".
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