We are having many directional bores for telephone wires along almost every road. The boring machine is directionally controlled and does a horizontal bore starting with an angle too show in your picture but it soon takes the horizontal track.
Little Green Men (Martians) and …
… the San Gabriel Trench
A group of us got the corporate dragster out and it in hotrod-style was a big hit on the 210 Freeway on the way to the San Gabriel Trench in the San Gabriel, CA area. Upon arrival at the trench, we found the TRAINS Newswire report of July 31, 2017 very true, with little green men, alien Martians, throwing switches after each train passed to make it appear that the trench was not in service …
It is trusted none here at the forum are gullible enough to believe that story. But the trench was found NOT to be in service contrary to that TRAINS Newswire that said it was in service.
Matter of fact, it is questionable if the trench will be in service anytime soon, as a NEW signal has been erected, across from the present shoofly one on the western end of the trench area, but that newly erected signal is still minus signal heads! (Note the just below photo's far left center)
That new signal apparently is at present electronically interlocked with the old one, because strange, presumably temporary wire piping connects the two!
Such linking new and old signal systems have been common with signal conversions, such as with past two-tracking, but it only looks dramatic here because of elevation differences and the necessity of covering the wires in the elevation difference.
A brief, more detailed report on both ends of the trench will be worked up in the next few days. Also, Humane Way in Pomona was visited too, and mixed feelings about that project resulted. In the meantime, if any visit the trench, please don’t be disappointed if you can’t find any little green Martians walking about waiting for the next train …
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
Status of the Eastern San Gabriel Trench …
… as of Saturday, August 12, 2017
Part “A” (of A-C)
Before we go to the east end of the San Gabriel Trench (San Gabriel, CA area), a photo from the far western side of the trench area looking east, from the Chapel Ave. overpass:
As seen above, the “trench” track (right) is obviously not in service, and has a maintenance-of-way switch for anyone authorized to access that trench track.
A blown-up view of the above photo showing the present intermediate signal, and all that signal piping to the future intermediate signals:
OK, now to the eastern side of the San Gabriel Trench, at Walnut Grove Ave. Thereat, TOTALLY CONTRADICTORY signage is present on the north side of the track!
Continued in Part B
Part “B” (of A-C)
Roadway barricades prevent vehicle access:
A makeshift walkway is present that allows the public to cross the track. (With contradictory signs, what should a person do?)
That wooden walkway seems like it is weakening, boards creaking, and gives one a sense that one might crash through to the track below. Weird sensation …)
Track equipment is still parked on the new trench track.
Continued in Part C
Part “C” (of A-C)
That above track equipment DOES belong to UP!
Another view of that makeshift walkway:
Looking west towards the new San Gabriel Blvd. overpass:
A final eastward view showing the trench track is NOT in service, proving that the newswire about the trench being in service was very much in error.
Of course, the newswire was based on a poorly written LOCAL newspaper report that expressed a non-railroad reporter’s opinion of a situation, and that opinion obviously wasn’t based on facts but just on what HE OR SHE narrowly saw and their comprehension and interpretation of what they saw. Short of sending a staffer or knowledgeable railfan out on every news happening, TRAINS Magazine is at the mercy of those that don’t always know what they are reporting about.
It is anyone’s guess when the trench track will be in service, from today to who knows when.
This will conclude the series. However, a Second Section follows.
Second Section
On Saturday, August 12, 2017 a stop by the Humane Way overpass over the Diversion was also made. There was little different from a few days before.
Some type of concrete units is on site.
An overview:
Wouldn’t You Know It?
K.P. accomplished his goals, and decide to head back to base. One last shot was taken, looking east.
About fifty feet after leaving the bridge, you guessed it, the Sand Train went by on that above right squiggly track.
Now, if I had stayed there, no train would have come, right?
In Hindsight, a Reverse Routing …
… Would Have Been Better!
AND, ABOUT SOMETHING VIOLENT!
K.P. was dispatched to three places in Fontana, CA on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Afterwards, the Sunset Route at Etiwanda Ave. (Loop Road) was checked out, then the northern Milliken Ave. Flyover, then the west of Vineyard Ave. on Airport Drive. All three are currently involved in the pipeline relocation. Afterwards, Pepper Ave. at the east end of West Colton Yard was visited. Finally, the Colton Signal Dept. was gone by, and things thereat very much were found to be different! (Note the pile of wood by the right corner of the CP box. Also, the un-placarded CP box had a cannibalized look to it.)
K.P. saw NO electrical box labeled CP AL525 GUASTI as in the past, and presumably it had been transported to the Guasti siding in Ontario. (He will check that out next time …) The usual array of CP and intermediate signals boxes were partially gone. AND, while the community of Colton did NOT have any Richter scale activity whatsoever, the fenced Colton Signal Dept. had suffered WITHIN its gates a massive estimated 9.8 magnitude earthquake!
Just above, those about 20 crates of stacked-up switch motors in a straight line had been compressed to about half that distance, and wood and switch motors were lying every which way!
Exactly what had happened and when are unknown, but something weird and violent had taken place.
Within a few days K.P. hopes to post a few more photos of that Ontario to Colton stretch, including Maintenance-of-Way SWITCHES by Pepper Ave.
Situation Updates Ontario-Colton, CA
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Part I (of I-III)
At Etiwanda Ave. between Ontario and Fontana nothing new was seen except a thinning of pipeline equipment.
For a refreshing change, a train came right after K.P. arrived instead of always right before.
Above, maybe its only an imagining, but it looks like more space on the right of the approaching train has been cleared for a second track.
Looking west:
At the east slope of the Milliken Ave. Flyover, the new piping still is stationed above ground.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-III)
At the eastern end of West Colton Yard, just west of Pepper Ave., what looked like panel track (concrete tied) and two woodened tied switches were present.
Those two switches have old SP style frogs, either Maintenance-of-Way switches or old style switches, like that were present in the old Congress Yard in South Colton related to the now gone 9th Street street-running.
Musical engines (as in the old ‘musical chairs’ kids’ game)?
While K.P. was by Pepper Ave. a number of light engine movements took place, shuttling power to waiting trains. The LAST unit of those light engine movements was left behind and the power moved elsewhere. Whatever was done with those single units occurred after K.P. left.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-III)
At the Colton Signal Dept. fenced yard a lot of wood was across from the signal boxes, the background right one seeming like it was previously used.
That now compacted switch motor crates pile that looked like (“looked like”) a skip loader ran into them at speed:
It is unknown if just the boxes were damaged or some switch motors were damaged too, but things looked a real mess.
This will end the series.
K. P. HarrierThe LAST unit of those light engine movements was left behind and the power moved elsewhere. Whatever was done with those single units occurred after K.P. left.
Facing the 'wrong way' for outgoing consists? Is there a wye or table nearby to reverse ends?
A seemingly recent 'refinement' of operating power on NS where I watch them is to have as many engines facing 'in the direction of movement' as possible, rather than 'in pairs cabs-out' as I remember previously. Since I see the light engines facing opposite the 'rest' of the visible consists, that may be a factor here.
RME (8-22):
There is a wye by the engine servicing area, plus in essence a wye at the junction of the Sunset Route and the Palmdale Cutoff just to the east.
I’ve seen West Colton Yard off and on since its creation in 1973, and I’ve never seen power left as that shown above (Part II in above series, last photo). However, with those photos this photo was shot too, with TWO rear facing units.
Maybe those moving the power around had four trips of power to place at the east end of the yard, but by adding more power to a move they only had to make three trips … Other than something like that, your guess is as good as mine.
Take care,
K.P.
K. P. Harrier Situation Updates Ontario-Colton, CA Saturday, August 19, 2017 Part II (of I-III) At the eastern end of West Colton Yard, just west of Pepper Ave., what looked like panel track (concrete tied) and two woodened tied switches were present. (pic) (pic) Those two switches have old SP style frogs, either Maintenance-of-Way switches or old style switches, like that were present in the old Congress Yard in South Colton related to the now gone 9th Street street-running. (pic) Musical engines (as in the old ‘musical chairs’ kids’ game)? (pic) While K.P. was by Pepper Ave. a number of light engine movements took place, shuttling power to waiting trains. The LAST unit of those light engine movements was left behind and the power moved elsewhere. Whatever was done with those single units occurred after K.P. left. Continued in Part III
(pic)
K.P. if you had of stayed a few minutes longer you would have seen what those single units were for. They are the DPU's for the outbound train(s).
We come out of locomotive servicing with the DPU(s) at the rear of the loco consist. At the east end of the departure yard (Pepper Ave) we setout the DPU to usually an adjacent departure yard track. Then we place the head end locos on the train and then step over to the DPU and run it to the west end of the departure yard tracks and couple the DPU on the rear of the train. In your last photo there were two yard crews placing power on outbound trains at the time you took the photo. One crew is about to step over to their DPU and go west and the other single unit left on track 116 (leftmost track) is for the train in your picture in your most recent post. While you say you have never seen this procedure take place, it has been the normal procedure since DPU's have come into play. And this procedure takes place multiple times on each yard shift, every day, 7 days a week.
The track and switches that you photographed are "hand" built right at the location where you see them. They are being used for a track rehabilitation project in another part of the yard. They are moved using two front end loaders slinging the entire track/switch section to the final location.
UPENG95 (8-22):
Very informative reply post! And, quite educational too!
In my early twenties circa 1973 when the SP (“SP”) West Colton Yard opened, Pepper Ave. was visited quite often. In the last thirty years I increasingly didn’t visit it as much to now that I hardly visit it at all and only briefly when I do. So, spending some time there for a change last Saturday I saw things never before seen, things you mentioned, UPENG95, as commonplace now!
It is amazing how much UP changed West Colton Yard after the big merger with SP. I can remember BOWL tracks doubling as departure tracks. Now, the bowl tracks are just bowl tracks, and four departure tracks go all the way west to almost where freight cars are humped. Amazing indeed! Hey, while I have you, do you know what the situation is on the LA&SL in Riverside (CA), with the new railroad bridges over the 91 Freeway? There may be some kind of litigation because of the fatal collapse of the old UP railroad bridge, and that construction came to a grinding halt thereafter, and it has been that way for months and months now.
Best,
K. P. Harrier It is amazing how much UP changed West Colton Yard after the big merger with SP. I can remember BOWL tracks doubling as departure tracks. Now, the bowl tracks are just bowl tracks, and four departure tracks go all the way west to almost where freight cars are humped. Amazing indeed! Hey, while I have you, do you know what the situation is on the LA&SL in Riverside (CA), with the new railroad bridges over the 91 Freeway? There may be some kind of litigation because of the fatal collapse of the old UP railroad bridge, and that construction came to a grinding halt thereafter, and it has been that way for months and months now. Best, K.P.
It is amazing how much UP changed West Colton Yard after the big merger with SP. I can remember BOWL tracks doubling as departure tracks. Now, the bowl tracks are just bowl tracks, and four departure tracks go all the way west to almost where freight cars are humped. Amazing indeed!
Hey, while I have you, do you know what the situation is on the LA&SL in Riverside (CA), with the new railroad bridges over the 91 Freeway? There may be some kind of litigation because of the fatal collapse of the old UP railroad bridge, and that construction came to a grinding halt thereafter, and it has been that way for months and months now.
Houston, TX and Hurricane Rain
Out somewhere west of Houston, TX UP two-tracked the Sunset Route to I believe Sugar Land, TX. With all the rain and rain that it WILL GET till maybe next midweek, possibly to Wednesday, one has to wonder how the new second track is holding up, is it withstanding the flooding or is it being washed away?
And, then, what about that repaired Brazos River bridging in Richmond, TX (near Houston), is it hold up (or will it to the next flooding)?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Houston,+TX/@29.5851016,-95.7599552,418m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8640b8b4488d8501:0xca0d02def365053b!8m2!3d29.7604267!4d-95.3698028?hl=en
And, then there is Redlands (CA) Nostalgia
A new TRAINS webpage internet advertising photo (about the October issue of TRAINS) shows an eastbound Cotton Belt GP60 (and unknown pool consist power). The signal bridge therein is maybe (“maybe”) 500 feet east (background right) of the old Redlands siding in single-track days. That section was two-tracked circa 1976.
Likely copyrighted Kalmback link:
http://trn.trains.com/~/media/images/magazine/toc-images/2017/october-2017/trna1017_01a.jpg?mw=750
For TRAINS subscribers it should be interesting to see what the advertised article has to say.
The signals (and unseen related crossovers a mile or two away) in the photo of that above link are all different now, and show the influence UP had after the UP-SP merger.
K. P. Harrier And, then there is Redlands (CA) Nostalgia A new TRAINS webpage internet advertising photo (about the October issue of TRAINS) shows an eastbound Cotton Belt GP60 (and unknown pool consist power). The signal bridge therein is maybe (“maybe”) 500 feet east (background right) of the old Redlands siding in single-track days. That section was two-tracked circa 1976. Likely copyrighted Kalmback link: http://trn.trains.com/~/media/images/magazine/toc-images/2017/october-2017/trna1017_01a.jpg?mw=750 For TRAINS subscribers it should be interesting to see what the advertised article has to say. The signals (and unseen related crossovers a mile or two away) in the photo of that above link are all different now, and show the influence UP had after the UP-SP merger.
Wow. Its been over 20 days since someone posted anything about Sunset Route changes. This has to be a record gap as I don't remember going this long without an update. I hope everything is fine with K.P. and the others that usually post wonderful updates.
Wonders of the Phoenix Line,
Wellton Signal Conversions, and
the Aztec Demarcation!
K.P. traveled in a counterclockwise loop from southern California to Arizona and back Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2017, and confirmed reports of Positive Train Control signal conversions in Arizona.
Supplies now in Wellton, AZ:
On Ave. 29E at dusk looking westbound and the vertical part of a new cantilever signal bridge:
The conversion appears to be in the very early stages, but the old SP spacing is being completely revamped in that Dome-Wellton area, and quite different from the LA&SL Yermo, CA (near Barstow) to Salt Lake City, UT conversion a year or two ago.
The east end of the Aztec siding was converted to color light signals. The new CP box was now the traditional type used by UP, replacing the old (yet modern type) SP CP box, which K.P. found rather odd. This, thus, appears to be more than simply a signals conversion.
The Phoenix Line continues to be devoid of thru trains. The western end and in the Phoenix area continues to see activity. K.P. focused on the signal spacing and heads in the Highway 85 area of Buckeye, and came to a different conclusion than previously. Also, he was very surprised that the signals in the Roll area (far western portion of the Phoenix Sub) were still in place and very much alive, but with a totally unexpected twist!
There were also some conversions to color lights in California, too, believe it or not!
At this point it appears the report to the forum will be on a multi-day schedule. In a few days things might be more clear schedule-wise.
Just checked the ACE website for the latest agenda; it states that the SG Trench project should be complete around Feb 2018 and the Temple Ave 'diversion' by Nov 2017. Not sure why the latter is taking so long .....
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
Unexpected Trip to Arizona
September 16-17, 2017
Schedule:
Friday, September 22, 2017: Fortuna to Gila Bend, AZ
Sunday, September 24, 2017: Buckeye, AZ on the Phoenix Line; Beaumont to Glamis, CA
Posts should be up by 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time on the scheduled date.
Part “A” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
This Southern Californian got a surprise email from MikeF90 (thanks, Mike!) that indicated some other forums reported some kind of activity in the Wellton, AZ area. Since things seemed to be delaying and delaying on Sunset Route projects here in California, K.P. decided to travel east to Arizona and find out what the sketchy reports were all about.
From California to Arizona, there was NO two-tracking nor anything obvious in the Yuma, AZ area.
K.P. checked out CP SP743 FORTUNA away from Yuma, but no new color lights had been installed there.
The back way semi-following the tracks to the Wellton area was driven, and NEW, turned aside, not activated yet color light signals started to be seen by where Highway 80 gets close (and goes under) to the tracks.
Part “B” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
The signal spacing in this area is being altered. Here, at a ‘private’ dirt road grade crossing new mast signal had been erected.
The heads up close: Note how far apart the heads are on these signals!
The heads being so far apart, when one sees a newer mast signal elsewhere the heads appears too close together! It is an unreal phenomenon!
Here is a real gem of a photo: The present two-track signals have block signals every other block in one direction and every block the favored, normal direction on each track. The new signaling won’t have that carry over arrangement from the old SP days.
While the above new left mast signal has been erected, the right one hasn’t yet.
Part “C” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
The next signals east have an old cantilever structure. It is not clear at this time if new color lights will be erected here or the new spacing will pass that area by.
The same with the old CP SP768 WEST WELLTON with 30 M.P.H. double crossovers in darkening sunlight at sunset:
In K.P.’s opinion the 30 M.P.H. universal crossover CP will continue, but mast color light signals will be erected. Then, too, the whole CP could be eliminated. There simply was insufficient mast signals erected in the area yet to say something diffinitive on this.
It has become twilight and the main north-south grade crossing in Wellton has half of a new cantilever signal bridge erected. View looks westbound.
A closer view of the new upright structure and the old control box stenciled with 29E [Ave.]:
We all find a comfortable spot to pitch our tents and spend the night under the stars. (Yah, right …)
Continued in Part D
Part “D” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
We all wake up bright and early, and after a bite to eat prowl around now in good light of day. We initially focus on the cantilever signal bridge part lying on the ground about a block east of 29E Ave. that more than likely will be attached to that upright section by the 29E Ave. grade crossing as seen in the last two photos in the previous post.
At this point in time there appears to be only this cantilever signaling for the whole area. In modern times, with three tracks through the grade crossing, erecting such a cantilever structure avoids train crew confusion when a LEFT signal is between tracks, in this case Main 1 and a lead or switching track.
With NOT all the signal heads attached yet to the horizontal cantilever section laying on the ground, K.P. can only make a guess about the signal arrangement here and the one at CP SP770 WELLTON further to the east, which might (“might”) be something on the very, very radial side that we have NOT seen before! Back to 29E Ave. future signals, on the laying down cantilever part the background left LOWER INTERMEDIATE head should have a yellow AND A NORMALLY OFF FLASHING RED (for when a train is routed ahead to the Phoenix Line or more correctly the Roll Industrial Lead now). The presently not attached yet Main 2 west side eastbound signal should likewise have a top two-lamp head and a SINGLE LAMP lower head, for yellow over yellow for anticipation authorization at CP SP770 to traverse the wye switch and head east on single-track. If it will not turn out that way, then something unexpected and really exotic is planned, which is highly unlikely.
Continued in Part E
Part “E” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
An eastward view:
Back over by 29E Ave., a west view, with the new cantilever structure on the left and the old cantilever structure in the background, with normal (“normal”) direction of travel heads, but, as mention just a bit ago, the opposite traveling trains used two blocks for each signal. Got that?
Continued in Part F
Part “F” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
Off the Sunset Route at CP SP770 WELLTON, the Roll Industrial Lead (the far western part of the Phoenix Line) branches off northeastwardly. There had been some question if that western portion was still signaled or not. It was found the OLD signal bases and housings are still present, but the heads are now the new, contemporary color lights. Obviously they replaced the old heads that probably severely lacked parts.
In the third photo up (middle), K.P. wonders if the signal department improvised with the number plate by buying stick-on numbers at a Yuma hardware store …
Continued in Part G
Part “G” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
That long truss bridge southwest of the signal in Part F:
Halfway back to the I-10 Freeway, another OLD signal is seen with a NEW head:
Heading east, the old, now mostly empty fenced yard by CP SP783 COLFRED is seen, and the west end of the Colfred siding:
The forum will remember this was near the west end of the LAST two-tracking in Arizona.
Continued in Part H
Part “H” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
Let’s just say K.P. was surprised at the Aztec siding, and caught totally off guard. That caused more extra mileage than he wants to admit … and what horrible frontage roads that half of K.P.’s fillings came out over …
The WEST end of the Aztec siding:
The west end now has TWO CP boxes! (What is to the east explains why …)
Little shorty east side westbound target signals:
Continued in Part I
Part “I” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
The EAST end of the Aztec siding, at CP SP812 AZTEC, new color light signals are in place and are continuously on, at least when K.P. was there.
A new CP box is present.
The new CP box in relation to the west side eastbound signals and the famous water tower:
The new east side westbound color light signal in relation to the I-10 Freeway.
Continued in Part J
Part “J” (of A-J, Overall A-Q)
More of the Eastern Part of Aztec
A close up of the east side westbound Aztec signal:
Above, note the RIGHT bracket stem is longer than the left one!
The next color lights head east and meet up with those associated with CP SP819 STANWIX, the beginning of two-tracks eastward.
Gila Bend, AZ
Finally, we come to CP SP854 GILA BEND, but nothing signal upgrade-wise is taking place here for miles before.
We now go up north a ways on Highway 85 to the western side of the Phoenix Line, in Buckeye.
-------------
Continued in Parts K-Q to be presented Sunday, September 24, 2017 by 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time … The western Phoenix Line in Buckeye will be investigated, and some developments east of Indio in California will be posted about.
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