Mysterious CP SP785 COLFRED
Colfred, AZ
Part II (of I-III)
An Element that Tricks Observers
The next time K.P. was on site in Arizona, one of those two for the same track signals, the westernmost one, had been taken down, and was laying trackside.
The two CP signals for one track had tricked K.P., and the track layout continued to trick him
A close-up aerial of the new CP SP785 COLFRED shows that the new 30 M.P.H. switch for the siding which had been laid in conjunction with the two-tracking is a concrete tied one, so it is not a temporary installation.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colfred,+AZ+85352/@32.7070646,-113.8856345,101m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x80d5cf01eaaabef1:0x3f725adc447aff7!8m2!3d32.7044917!4d-113.9015963
The greatest fooling factor, however, is that the turnout ROUTE to the present Colfred siding likely is only a temporary arrangement, and NOT permanent as previously thought! So, when two-tracking continues west, another switch will be installed for a universal crossovers arrangement (the missing fourth switch), a new three-track wash bridging just west of the CP will be put in, NORTH side grading to the west will be put in, and Main 1 and the siding will both have LEFT side signals
.
Siding > --------------------- \Main 1 > \ < Main 1---------------------------------------- / \ / \----------------------------------------Main 2 > < Main 2
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.
Part III (of I-III)
An Example of Signaling Done Right
That diagram (of the future CP SP785 COLFRED) in Part II shows WEST side eastbound CP signals for the siding and Main 1 as left handed ones. While a somewhat common practice in the railroad industry, K.P. sees that arrangement as not a good idea, and a growing trend on the Sunset Route, likely to cut costs.
The just a few years ago then-new CP SP952 RED ROCK with 30 M.P.H. switches, likely such a slow speed in anticipation of the Red Rock Classification Yard being built a few miles to the west (but now in question), the signals thereat were done right, with the middle signal in the below photo a RIGHT positioned one instead of a LEFT one.
So, all this posting is how K.P. now sees matters in the Colfred area. This will end the series. However, a Second Section follows.
Second Section
Does any forum reader in or out of Arizona know the status of the Ruthrauff Road grade separation on the north side of Tucson area, technically just outside of city limits? This is the way it was on December 16, 2013:
Just east of Ruthrauff Road was that weirdly placed LEFT westbound (reversed as viewed from a train coming towards the camera) signal between Mains 1 and 2 (see center photo above). The grade separation (most likely an underpass) will require a temporary shoofly. Thus, the shoofly could alter the signaling with some or all of them relocated. After the grade separation is built, it is wondered if a cantilevered signal bridge will be erected to replace that left positioned east facing westbound mast sign .
This will completely end this posting series.
Based on what I'd seen from ADOT, both Ruthrauff and Ina will be build much like Twin Peaks and Prince are -- overpasses across both the UP and I-10.
So, no need for a shoefly that I can see.
eolesen (12-11):
An overpass, you say Eric?
Ruthrauff Road would have to be THREE road levels high!
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tucson,+AZ/@32.2943027,-111.0297614,203m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x86d665410b2ced2b:0x73c32d384d16c715!8m2!3d32.2217429!4d-110.926479
Sounds like this project will be more interesting than first though!
I wonder if the concept of an overpass at Ruthrauff Road might refer to the Sunset Route railroad tracks, i.e., a flyover.
Best,
K.P.
MikeF90 K. P. Harrier The “HTUA” board reportedly stands for High Threat Urban Area. Sources advise certain “Key” trains are limited to 40 M.P.H. while passing the limits of such boards. What an extremely dumb place for such a sign. If they wanted to be accurate and economical, the signs should be placed in Loma Linda, Devore, north San Fernando, Chatsworth and Mission Viejo. Stupidity and vandalism knows no economic or ethnic boundaries. Based on some well-holed rural traffic signs I've encountered, some other areas need a similar treatment.
K. P. Harrier The “HTUA” board reportedly stands for High Threat Urban Area. Sources advise certain “Key” trains are limited to 40 M.P.H. while passing the limits of such boards.
What an extremely dumb place for such a sign. If they wanted to be accurate and economical, the signs should be placed in Loma Linda, Devore, north San Fernando, Chatsworth and Mission Viejo. Stupidity and vandalism knows no economic or ethnic boundaries. Based on some well-holed rural traffic signs I've encountered, some other areas need a similar treatment.
The HTUA extends 10 miles beyond the limits of the cities/metro areas they protect. A portion of the Blair Subdivision has a HTUA because it's within 10 miles of Omaha. Even though on the Blair at that point there's not much there beyond fields and trees.
High Flammable and Crude Oil Key trains are the ones restricted to 40mph.
Jeff
looks like they plan to drop I-10
Project Link:
http://www.azdbe.com/projects/archive---unpublished-project/i-10-ruthrauff-road-ti-final-design/overview
Design concept:
http://www.azdbe.com/docs/default-source/projects/design-concept-report.pdf?sfvrsn=0
The Secret Zone
More commonly known as the San Gabriel Trench in San Gabriel, CA, on an onsite visit Monday, December 12, 2016, the project was found to be nowhere near the expected track laying stage. But, fencing and walling now gives an observer (that knows of the trench’s existence) the feeling the end goal is to make the trench, the tracks therein, hidden – incognito, if you will.
Above, note the bridge on the far right, and the crossing gate on the far left.
Wait till you see what the San Gabriel Blvd. roadway walled fencing arrangement looks like! That walling is still incomplete, however, but one can even now discern the Secret Zone aspect that is present.
On another matter, on each side of the trench floor is now a fully covered drainage system.
The above photo is at where such a system can be photographed from the side. Normally, it can only be photographed from a top bridging above the trench.
Overall, the documenting photo session took way, way longer than the expected few hours. A report will be worked up in the next two or three days on the findings. (See note on bottom of post.) A few teasers, however: Under the Ramona Street’s new bridge, there was a wood tie switch lying down in the trench! The Walnut Grove Ave. grade crossing necessary ‘lowering’ will be way, way less severe than originally expected, and the photos prove that. Overall, the visit’s findings were much more than expected.
Was the CP Box Gone?
That new electrical box for CP AL525 GUASTI that has been in the Colton Signal Dept. fenced grounds for somewhere near five years now …
Photo dated June 6, 2016
… appears (“appears”) to be gone. On a visit to Colton later the night of the “Secret Zone” visit the box was nowhere to be found. It may be behind another newer box, or was transported to the Guasti area.
The Wigwag and Street Running
Colton, CA
The status of the track (just off the Sunset Route and in conjunction with the Colton Flyover construction over three years ago) down 9th Street and its wigwag in Colton was checked. The track is gone (mostly), and so is the wigwag.
The blacktop laid in the gone track’s old position was done crudely, and likely will have a smoother layer put on top sometime later.
This will end the post. The “Secret Zone” posting series should be ready for posting in two to three days. (Re-see the note below)
-----------
THIS posting was hoped to be posted this morning, however the websites photobucket.com AND trainsmag.com seem to be incompatible with each other, and were so trouble K.P. gave up trying to post anything. Totally separate preparation posting sessions will be attempted, with a computer restart between them. Depends on how things work out, posting may take four or five days now. A day was lost just trying to post this simple post!
(THIS post was in a separate, fresh computer restart session. It almost worked flawlessly!)
In response to KP's musing regarding govt help electrifying western routes I would say as a Trump watcher that sooner or later there will be some railroad brass meeting with him. My guess is that since Trump knows railroads are critical infrastructure that he will listen with an open mind as to the concerns of the industry. I wouldn't expect to see handouts but rather an easing of punitive regulations and taxes in general..And possibly some sort of investment tax credit. Remember Trump is a builder so there will be a cost/benefit analisis and if the deal doesn't pencil, it won't get built. Should be interesting to watch.
Hopefully Trump will like railroads and what they can do. Bush the younger hated railroads and he tried to cut Amtrak's federal outlay to zero. What he failed to realize there is not a rail passenger system that pays its way through the fare box. Even London and NYC with daily ridership in the 7 million range only gets about 65% of their cash needs from the fare box. DART only gets 16% of its cost from the fare box. We need to start thinking like the rest of the world and build a great rail transit system.
Status of the San Gabriel Trench …
… as of Monday, December 12, 2016
Posting Schedule:
Saturday, December 17, 2016, Parts A-I before 6 P.M. Pacific Time
Monday, December 19, 2016, Parts J-Q before 6 P.M. Pacific Time … The Monday posting may be up to 12 hours early
This posting series will be presented generally as photographed, a loose here and there westward documenting, with a return eastward here and there manner in addition.
Part “A” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
Walnut Grove Ave.
Looking west, the new single-track grading comes towards the camera. And, those wooden poles MikeF90 advised us of that presently are in the way of track laying.
Unfortunately, at the time, K.P. never thought of seeing if that electric meter was operational (top photo, photo center).
Looking east, the welded rails stationed trackside seem to be each a quarter of a mile long.
Such rails are positioned on each side of the track.
Continued in Part B
Part “B” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
Unobstructed westward views:
A key “drainage” photo: Not so evident here, but as water from heavy rains flow down the trench walls, it will be caught and channeled through a concrete funneling system, as is just left of the white pickup truck.
Continued in Part C
Part “C” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
The two-track wide trench is presently only single-track wide on the far eastern end because of the temporary shoofly.
As a construction transition FROM the trench to Walnut Grove Ave., note the difference in ground angle on the left (temporary) compared to the right.
More on this later.
Several Blocks EAST of Walnut Grove Ave.
The relocated high and wide detector:
Immediately west of the high and wide detector is a container, with an electrical hookup!
Is that electrical hookup for the rats to watch on TV the newly returned to the west coast Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League?
Continued in Part D
Part “D” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
A Brief Return to Walnut Grove Avenue …
… was made, and a westward view was taken from the EAST side of the street to give perspective to the trench returning to ground level.
Another return to the Walnut Grove Ave. was made later, and the photos taken at that time give the future tracks coming out of the trench a whole new perspective that K.P. wasn’t expecting!
About Earle Road
The industrial business lined road WEST of Walnut Grove Ave. called Earle Road had too many cars parked along it for K.P. to park and get a few views of the San Gabriel Trench. More about Earle Road later …
The Apartment Complex by Rubio Wash
South side across from the Rubio Wash railroad bridge, there is a large apartment complex. It was checked out for possible photo-taking view opportunities of the Rubio Wash bridging and the San Gabriel Trench, but the walls thereat were too high.
A previously posted May 21, 2016 photo from the north side looking south is shown so the forum will have an idea about the apartment complex being talked about:
The Nightmare of San Gabriel Blvd.
Temporary sidewalks are still present, and what the future sidewalk’s meaning is not clear, but K.P. fears the worst.
Views of the tracks may (“may”) be partially hindered by the walling’s height. Time will tell on this.
Continued in Part E
Part “E” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
San Gabriel Blvd.
The walling seems to have lights being installed, likely dim ones.
Even when the temporary chain link fence is gone, it doesn’t appears views of the trains below would be easy.
Even now trains on the shoofly are hard to see with the installed fencing
About the best views are with shoofly trains, and even with them views are cluttered!
Continued in Part F
Part “F” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
Ramona Street
The temporary south side of the trench wood walling is now gone, but a long wire meshing fence has replace it going east.
The announcing the series teaser photo:
An eastward view of the trench from Ramona Street:
Continued in Part G
Part “G” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
A heavy telephoto through those small fence cross-wiring:
Above, the laddering on the above photo’s right seems to be permanent.
Another view with a white vehicle driving through the trench:
Just above K.P. thought that everything eastward was seen … and then he looked down! Wow! A switch!
Continued in Part H
Part “H” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
That switch as viewed from the south side of the trench:
The south side fencing with the access area railings to the steps that actually goes down into the trench.
A final eastward view showing the north walling being worked on:
Continued in Part I
Part “I” (of A-I, Overall A-Q)
Now some westward views … This one is an overview:
It is unknown if the very troublesome digital Nikon dual focusing system is inherit with all models or just some, but it is maddening sometimes trying to get a focused picture. A westward view of the San Gabriel Trench from Ramona Street (above view) illustrates the situation. The camera wants to focus on the forefront fence while the photographer wants the background trench to be in focus. Anyone know any magical words to say and stroke the camera with?
With the below photos the camera surprisingly cooperated …
Those I-beams separating the finished south side trenching (left) and the tracks (right) seem to be super close together, and inordinately thick.
Continued in Parts J-Q, to be posted Monday, December 19, 2016 by (“by”) 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time, but may be posted up to 12 hours early.
K. P. HarrierViews of the tracks may (“may”) be partially hindered by the walling’s height. Time will tell on this.
Would a selfy stick work?
Electroliner 1935 (12-17):
The ‘selfie stick’ was not in my lingo, so I had to check the Internet to find out what it was. Once what they are was grasped, to answer your question I would say for non-professional camera users a selfie might work because of their generally very light weight. But for professional DSLR’s with a telephoto lens attached, it would seem their heaviness would suggest that they would be impractical. Myself, with a DSLR I think I would use a six foot aluminum ladder over a selfie. Of course, how would anyone explain use of either to a cop who probably has no concept of what a railfan is?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfie_stick
A selfie is an interesting concept, though!
I have a Nikon and don't have a problem with focus. I shoot in the aperature mode at f8 to preserve depth of field and let the camera pick the shutter speed. All I can say is "works for me". Give it a try.
Norm
Selfie stick - an item of derision to some, who have been known to go after them with cutters...
Had a young lady on the train one day who was taking lots of pictures of the scenery - with her in them... It was really quite amusing.
Seriously, though, it wouldn't be hard to construct a "selfie stick" out of some sturdy enough material, which, along with a cable release, would certainly allow for enough reach. The proper sized tubing, along with a bicycle handle grip and a plate to secure the camera to, should do the trick.
In fact, I'd consider coating the stick with some of that stuff they seal up screen-door boats with so you could rest the stick against the top rail of such a fence. without it wandering around.
If you really want to get carried away, get one of those extendable painter's sticks from the local do-it-yourself emporium and modify that...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Every selfie stick I have seen is designed for a cell phone which is very light. Hanging a heavy camera such as a Nikon with a heavy telephoto lens probably would cause the stick to break and cause the photographer to utter a string of four letter words. There probably are heavy duty sticks out there but I have no checked them out.
K. P. HarrierThe ‘selfie stick’ was not in my lingo, so I had to check the Internet to find out what it was.
They say you should learn something new everyday so you did. Another alternative would be to acquire a drone, get an FAA license for it and go that way. I've seen some amazing photos and videos taken using drones.
tree68Seriously, though, it wouldn't be hard to construct a "selfie stick" out of some sturdy enough material, which, along with a cable release, would certainly allow for enough reach. The proper sized tubing, along with a bicycle handle grip and a plate to secure the camera to, should do the trick.
I think the weight and size of a good SLR camera and large (and expensive) telephoto lens would be ilke the old circus act balancing a large weight on a pole. Awkward and risky. Having used hot sticks when working on an overhead trolley wire, I wouldn't put a camera on one.
Electroliner 1935 tree68 Seriously, though, it wouldn't be hard to construct a "selfie stick" out of some sturdy enough material, which, along with a cable release, would certainly allow for enough reach. The proper sized tubing, along with a bicycle handle grip and a plate to secure the camera to, should do the trick. I think the weight and size of a good SLR camera and large (and expensive) telephoto lens would be ilke the old circus act balancing a large weight on a pole. Awkward and risky. Having used hot sticks when working on an overhead trolley wire, I wouldn't put a camera on one.
tree68 Seriously, though, it wouldn't be hard to construct a "selfie stick" out of some sturdy enough material, which, along with a cable release, would certainly allow for enough reach. The proper sized tubing, along with a bicycle handle grip and a plate to secure the camera to, should do the trick.
A friend and I visited the locomotive sidings on the narrow gauge in Whyalla South Australia late last month. There are chain link wire fences about ten feet tall there. A friend wanted a photo of a GT42CU-ACe. He had a monopod with him to which he attached a Canon 70D fitted with an 18-135. Setting the rear LCD so he could see the framing in the raised position, and using the optical finder to set the zoom before raising it above the fence. He set the self timer for five seconds to take the photo. That would seem to meet all the requirements described above here.
Part “J” (of J-Q. Overall A-Q)
From Chapel Ave., Alhambra, CA
Eastbound views from Chapel Ave.:
As seen above, a UP crew was doing something to the track or related to it.
The above Alhambra eastward views give quite a different perspective than the westward ones from Ramona Street in San Gabriel as was shown in Part “I” (rhymes with eye).
K.P. couldn’t resist take the below photo, a catch-all type sign.
He often parks in a parking lot right next to that sign. It may be a nonpublic parking lot, but no one seems to mind if one parks in the parking lot for a little while (at least so far).
Continued in Part K
Part “K” (of J-Q. Overall A-Q)
Some views from Del Mar Ave.
For one of the first times since the trench was dug, K.P. took photos from the EAST sidewalk.
Looking west:
Looking east:
The steps down into the trench are slightly blurry because the camera wanted to focus on the fencing.
Continued in Part L
Part “L” (of J-Q. Overall A-Q)
A telephoto’s view is so narrow the fencing doesn’t trick the lens’s focusing. There are those steps again (left and background).
The fencing presently has a certain weakness (but great for railfan photographers), in that fools could drop things down onto trains.
Continued in Part M
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