An Exciting Trip to Arizona!
March 21 and 22, 2012
Part C; Section 7 (of 1-10)
Something New from Red Rock, AZ Eastward!
Still at the Arizona Public Service Corporation grade crossing, looking east:
That grade crossing placard shown in the post above this one was on a new, un-activated yet electrical box. Note the not installed yet black 'knock over' part on the photo's lower left, such parts commonly associated with dragging equipment detectors.
Here too, the grade crossing gate(s) will be relocated, or at least changed from a concrete base to a metal base.
Continued in Section 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
Part C; Section 6 (of 1-10)
The next grade crossing to the east is the oddly named "Arizona Public Service Corporation." New intermediate signals have been erected on the east side of the road. BUT THESE SIGNALS BOTH HAVE LOWER EAST FACING WESTBOUND HEADS!
So, the single-crossover back at possibly CP EAST RED ROCK may be a universal crossover ... OR, a two lower heads in a row type arrangement may be in play.
The name of the road is kind of strange, but that is what the grade crossing control box is placarded.
From that grade crossing, a view looking west: Track laying has not reached this area yet. Barely visible right of center is an old spur to the Arizona Public Service facility, and that spur now has a new, not in service yet entrance signal!
A westward telephoto:
Continued in Section 7
Part C; Section 5 (of 1-10)
Towards the east end of the north side Red Rock siding, the newly laid south side future Main 2 (nearest to the camera) looks ready for trains. The landmark famous to railfans Red Rock water tower is in the background.
A side view looking north. The future Main 2 is the concrete tied lower track.
Eastward just BEFORE the present east end of the Red Rock siding, the new, future Main 2 (lower left, nearest the camera) ends by turning into the present Main:
This location will probably be another single-crossover, likely named CP EAST RED ROCK, with two-tracks eventually heading eastward. The switch and ballast is too well manicured to only be a temporary maintenance-of-way turnout. The frog appears to be of the moveable type, which just isn't used in maintenance-of-way temporary installations.
The Red Rock siding is only 8337 feet long, so for the sake of argument, say the distance between the two single-crossover CP's is only 8000 feet. That seems an unusually short distance. With some trains 9000 feet long, one would think the distance between the two single crossover CP's would be at least 10,000 feet.
As freakish as it sounds, and it is rare, but two westbound trains on each track have been known to meet two eastbound trains on each track! With the single CP arrangement, unscrambling the 'mess' requires one of the trains to make a backup move to the next CP (or uncontrolled hand throw crossover, which is increasingly rare). With the two CP's arrangement, a dispatcher merely has to put one train between CP's and everything is cool!
Maybe the new two CP approach stems from one too many single CP nightmare backup moves ...
Continued in Section 6
Part C; Section 4 (of 1-10)
A new CP box has been placed right by and to the south (right) of the present old west end siding box just east of Park Link Rd.
The box had its east facing doors open.
One of the ever popular Signal Dept. work trailers was on site also. Note the yellow roadway sign on the left: It has already been upgraded to say "2 Tracks."
The EAST westbound signals for the future single-crossover CP are lying down north of the tracks at an appropriate distance from Park Link Rd. The just below photo center mast has no stem, so will be fore Main 1, whereas the far left mast has a lower stem, so will be for Main 2.
Continued in Section 5
Part C; Section 3 (of 1-10)
To refresh the forum's memory of how things use to look, the following two March 13, 2011 views are reshown:
A westward view from Park Link Rd.:
Eastward looking:
Even earlier, on August 5, 2008, this never before posted "ungraded" westward file photo was shot:
Also on that date, this previously shown eastward photo was taken:
All this makes for an interesting evolutionary view of the two-tracking for Park Link Rd. in Red Rock.
Continued in Section 4
Part C; Section 2 (of 1-10)
Now we come to the Red Rock area itself, specifically to the Park Link Rd. grade crossing. Looking west, the new track (left) is finely laid here, and looks quite manicured. New west side eastbound absolute signals are lying on the ground.
The laying down, future Main 1 west side eastbound signal: Note its base towards the photo bottom.
This CP, possibly to be called WEST RED ROCK, will only have a single-crossover!
Looking east, the old Red Rock siding is visible ... along with the south side (right) new second-track.
Continued in Section 3
Part C (of A-F); Section 1 (of 1-10)
We now come to the first of three intermediate signal sets EAST of the Wymola double-crossers and the nearby staging area. The second-track through here has been laid, but not in service yet, hence, the left mast's turned aside signals. A worker is doing work in the new electrical box, which, like so many others now, is not right by the signals as in the past, but perhaps fifty feet from the signals.
The second of three intermediates, the midway point, and as such the mast signals have no lower heads.
Just above, the right signal is the last one eastward that has been activated. Since the line is presently only technically single-track, the track "1" lower plate has been blacked out just like the whole number plate on the left signal has.
The third of three intermediates, graced by a parked ballast train keeping the new signals company:
With the just above photo, check out that middle still scarlet and grey SP GE unit!
What is unusual about that last of three intermediate sets is that the future Main 1 signal (right) has a lower west side eastbound head, but the left, future Main 2 signal does NOT have a lower head! In other words, the next CP to the east will only be a single-crossover and NOT a double-crossover!
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Continued in Section 2
K. P. Harrier ANDY117 (3-27): I especially liked the two close-up detail shots of the signal heads, the latter photo of which showed excellent detail of the ladder. Those particular ladder cross-rods have a spiral reverse-grooving design! I have never seen THAT before. I wonder if that is for good footing ... On the other hand maybe the reverse grooving is to discourage trespassers from climbing on the signal. They probably would rarely have gloves with them for such spur of the moment adventurous ideas ...
ANDY117 (3-27):
I especially liked the two close-up detail shots of the signal heads, the latter photo of which showed excellent detail of the ladder. Those particular ladder cross-rods have a spiral reverse-grooving design! I have never seen THAT before. I wonder if that is for good footing ... On the other hand maybe the reverse grooving is to discourage trespassers from climbing on the signal. They probably would rarely have gloves with them for such spur of the moment adventurous ideas ...
Those ladder cross-rods shown in the last of Andy117's photos on pg 164 with the unusual design are a very close match for ordinary "rebar" (reinforcing steel bar) rods used in concrete construction. These rebar rods are commonly made from recycled steel and are readily available at a relatively low price (compared to some other types of steel products) in many parts of the country. Here's a link to an image of such a product:
http://www.whitecap.com/pages/articles/rebar/rebar-standee
Workers are compacting new asphalt with a small tandem roller at the shoulders of the crossing surface panels for a smooth road surface after the track was laid or rehabbed.
I'm wondering if two blocks ahead there is a red signal or another control point one block ahead displaying another diverging indication?
Part B; Section 9 (of 1-9)
Wymola, AZ Eastward to Red Rock
A whole bunch of signal masts have been staged by the old Wymola siding ...
... and with those signal masts are a whole bunch of accompanying truck trailers ...
... and I mean a whole bunch of trailers!
It is unknown if the masts in the first photo above came from the masts stacked up at the Signal Dept. LAST YEAR in Casa Grande or not ...
... but there sure is a bunch now at Wymola!
Track equipment is nearby on newly laid, un-ballasted, concrete tied track.
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There seems to have been a major shift in the railroad's thinking concerning CP's and mainline track layouts, a thinking that has never before been seen on the Sunset Route's two-tracking. Sunday, April 1, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part C: "Something New from Red Rock, AZ Eastward!"
Part B; Section 8 (of 1-9)
Readers of this thread will undoubtedly remember various odds and ends have been at the Wymola staging area over the last few years ...
... and how a small amount of signal masts (like six) were at that staging area, among various other odds and ends.
Both photos above were previously shown.
But, now, look what is there ...
Continued in Section 9
Part B; Section 7 (of 1-9)
The second, new, un-ballasted track that starts just east of the Wymola siding goes over a culvert, with plenty of riprap as flood protection.
Between the west and east ends of the Wymola siding was a midway, long standing moderately sized staging area.
Part B; Section 6 (of 1-9)
The new CP SP943 WYMOLA is in service ... at least part of it. The WEST eastbound signals:
The EAST westbound color lights:
In the above photo, NO second-main has been laid eastward (towards the camera).
HOWEVER, a second-track from the east, from the Red Rock area westward TO the Wymola area has been laid!
Part B; Section 5 (of 1-9)
More on the Picacho, AZ Area
By the CP and right along the paralleling Camino Adelante Rd. much work was taking place.
In the above photo, look at all those poles on the left, with what appears to be floodlights on them. Such floodlights inspired K.P. to look back on his file photos, and sure enough, those poles were NOT present on the evening of September 20, 2011 under the old track arrangement.
The east side westbound lower signal heads of the new CP SP938 EAST PICACHO have four bulbs each.
The four miles between CP SP938 EAST PICACHO and CP SP943 WYMOLA of two-tracks have these intermediates midway.
Because both intermediate masts have lower heads in both directions, the 40 M.P.H. speed limits at Picacho and Wymola will probably be lifted eventually. But, that is yet to be seen ...
Part B; Section 4 (of 1-9)
The next day, on Thursday, March 22, 2012, K.P. returned to the new CP SP938 EAST PICACHO, and what a sight was seen! The Picacho Rd. grade crossing was completely blocked off and workers were doing an unrecognized something to the grade crossing!
Part B; Section 3 (of 1-9)
When K.P. arrived on site, he hardly could have come at a better time! The west side eastbound signal for the Main (future Main 1) had a crossover aspect displayed ... the current 40 M.P.H. red over FLASHING yellow!
K.P. is uncertain if a red over green can currently be displayed, in view of connected present wiring. The two-track two-blocks each arrangement beyond is very similar to CP C055 STREETER on the LA&SL in Riverside, CA. The highest display the lower head's two-bulbs can give is [red over] flashing yellow. The below photo was shot on July 26, 2010 before the CP was temporarily deactivated in order that a shoefly could be put in so the Magnolia Ave. underpass could be built.
In light of onsite inspections by K.P., every indication (NOT signal-wise) is that the 40 M.P.H. Special Instructions to trainmen in Arizona is only temporary, and the CP will be brought up to its full 50 M.P.H. turnouts potential in the future. But, don't quote me on that.
Part B; Section 2 (of 1-9)
Looking east at the CP SP938 EAST PICACHO's three- to two-track single-crossover switch-work:
In the darkening light (see the freeway headlights on the upper right), only a few grab shots could be taken. But, who cared. The CP was going to be visited the next day anyway. But, the best laid plans of men and mice ... (More later.)
Each track of the CP has where trainmen are at.
Part B (of A-F); Section 1 (of 1-9)
On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, when K.P. first arrived at the new CP SP938 EAST PICACHO at dusk, a ballast train was parked on the future Main 2 (left). Note the temporary, mobile derail on the left.
Looking the other way, eastward, the new three-head color light signal:
Just to its south are two of the three west side eastbound signals, at the Picacho Rd. grade crossing.
I'm not sure what happened to part II, but to answer KP yes, this will probably be the next segment to go. There's no real challenging terrain until the hill at 868, and as those pictures show, UP is already clearing the area. At the very least they could extend the double track to the west end of Shawmut. I'll be curious to see if they keep the current alignment of the siding as main 2, or try to bring it in next to track 1. I'm glad to hear everyone is enjoying the pictures!
Great pics, KP. Cool to see some views from out there.
Just as info, the new 2MT out there between Toltec and Wymola has been cut in as of 3/26/2012.
So... 67 miles of beautiful two main tracks now ~ SP876 Estrella to SP943 Wymola. Very cool.
--Robert
Thank you to both Andy and K.P. for the picture updates. Thanks, K.P., for the information about the stretch of tracks from Toltec to Picacho.
This is very interesting to see!
Part A, Section 7 (of 1-7)
The Picacho, AZ Area
The EAST wye junction switch to the Phoenix Line reportedly will be called West Picacho, i.e., CP SP937 WEST PICACHO. From the CP's northeast side looking westbound. The Highway 84 / 87 overpass is on the below photo's lower right.
The above just left of center foreground un-activated signal is only one of three east side westbound signals. The other two are on a cantilever signal structure.
In the above photo, note the UP worker on the far left ladder; also the worker by the structure's top right head.
In the above photo also, note the lower head of the left signal: It has FOUR bulbs, the lunar likely for a yellow of lunar indication here in advance of a lineup into the spur on the eastside of Eloy just to the west of here.
What a good view of the Sunset Route action those workers must get! Or, at least a view of the new track layout!
This CP seems to be very different ... at least for an observer actually on site. The length of the CP seems to be compressed, and NOT so long, but that may only be an optical illusion. More will be mentioned in a post about the next CP to the east.
To get an aerial overview of the wye area, the following link is provided:
An Aerial of the Picacho Wye Area
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Next ... Friday, March 30, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part B: "More on the Picacho, AZ Area" and "Wymola, AZ Eastward to Red Rock."
Part A, Section 6 (of 1-7)
At this point in the presentation, and to round out our visual sense of the area, we momentarily divert to the Phoenix Line. Within a half a mile north of the north wye switch, is the Milligan Rd. grade crossing. The Highway 84 / 87 overpasses are on the left, visually in the distance by the left crossing gate.
Looking NORTH up the Phoenix Line, the present intermediate block signals are seen. Other block signals are seen all the way back, with the new, future signals on a single mast in the near background.
Looking the other way, southward, the north wye new signals are seen.
Part A, Section 5 (of 1-7)
This view looks southeastward, with the bottom track the west wye track from the Phoenix Line.
In the above photo, the signal on the far right is away from the present single-track main. The crudely ballasted future Main 1 is barely visible between the present main and western wye track.
That above described wye connection will likely only be for Main 1. K.P. understands this CP (the box in view) will be (is) identified as CP SP936 HIGHWAY 87.
Another view: I-10 is in the upper background.
That WEST wye switch is relatively close to (and just east of) the Highway 84 / 87 overpasses.
Part A, Section 4 (of 1-7)
The Eloy-Picacho, AZ Area
The east side westbound signals on the far eastern side of Eloy: Note that the right signal only has a lower single-bulb head, most likely for red over flashing red for allowing entrance to the south spur, or whatever it will be classified as.
A look at the north side of the CP:
That east side westbound signal with a single bulb head: The maintainer cages appear to only be half cages.
Part A, Section 3 (of 1-7)
Looking eastward, the present intermediates are in the middle of this new CP by M.P. 935. Reportedly, this CP is identified as CP SP935 LA PALMA. That name probably derives from the north-south non-grade crossing street named La Palma Road.
The west side eastbound signals, you will recall, is the strange location of three mast signals.
Having been on site, K.P. got the impression that the strange south side track (third, background signal) will NOT have a western connection back to Main 2. Such a track is for unknown purposes.
The new CP box (right), when photographed, had the CP name placard reversed.
Part A, Section 2 (of 1-7)
Though the new signals' heads were turned aside, they were lit. View is from the north side, looking southward. The angled Sunshine Blvd. is on the right.
The photo used in the announcing this thread post series, looking northward.
A heavy telephoto looking east: The next CP is visible in the background.
In the just above view, the Highway 84 / 87 overpasses are in the background.
Posting Schedule for "An Exciting Trip to Arizona!"
On Wednesday and Thursday, March 21 and 22, 2012, K.P. was in Arizona seeing for himself what had been and is transpiring on the Sunset Route two-tracking! Resultant reports to the forum will be as follows:
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): Part A: "The Eloy-Picacho, AZ Area" and "The Picacho, AZ Area."
Friday, March 30, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part B: "More on the Picacho, AZ Area" and "Wymola, AZ Eastward to Red Rock."
Sunday, April 1, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part C: "Something New from Red Rock, AZ Eastward!"
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part D: "The Marsh Station Road Reroute ... and the New Electric Poles," East of Tucson, AZ
Thursday, April 5, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part E: "The Salton Sea Area of Southern California - WEST"
Saturday, April 7, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: Part F: "The Salton Sea Area of Southern California - EAST"
Currently unscheduled: "Arizona's Two and a Half Sunset Route Tracks -- The Phoenix Line in the Hyder Area"
A SPECIAL NOTE: Since K.P.'s Arizona trip, word has been received that the second-track between Toltec (to the west) and East Picacho is now in service! The text of this series was composed from the standpoint that the second-track was not in service yet, as it wasn't when Arizona was visited. However, bits and pieces of unconfirmed information will be conveyed in the report from time to time, as K.P. perceives the unconfirmed information is source-credible.
Part A (of A-F), Section 1 (of 1-7)
A view from Sunshine Blvd. looking west, almost into the setting sun: The second head on the south (left) mast was never pressed into service.
Looking east: On the right mast, the lower, single-lamp head has finally been installed.
Thanks for sharing the photos.
I still wonder if Estrella (M.P. 876) to Gila Bend (M.P. 854), right up your alley, will be next for two-tracking after the present Toltec to Tucson area is totally two-tracked.
K.P.
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The series "An Exciting Trip to Arizona!" begins right after this post.
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