Update as of Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Checking Out a Few Key Areas
Part III (of I-III)
The Eastridge Ave. Area
Riverside, CA
Looking southish, outbound, all kinds of equipment are seen. Note the siding’s background end seems to have been severed from the mainline.
A closer view: Note the bulldozer right of center.
The above piece of equipment travels to the background making a big cloud of dust.
So much dust was made, in fact, that the photo was delayed in being taken, as nothing could be seen until the dust dissipated.
In the above view, too, on the upper right, a second track had been put in, likely for freight traffic only, and was being manicured. The Moreno Valley / March Field stop is more or less just beyond Alessandro Blvd. that is barely seen across the top border of the first photo in this Part III. It is not clear at this time if the PVL mainline will have some type of protection (like signals and derails on the freight track), as that freight track will be between the mainline and the station stop.
Because the PVL construction is moving so swiftly to completion, and the startup of commuter service could be before 2016, what is the status of the F-125 locomotives Metrolink has on order? The new model is supposed to be delivered in 2015, so one would think they should be showing up pretty soon …
Will all the PVL trains on the first day of operation, whenever it happens, have those new F-125 diesels? That is another angle of the PVL some are eagerly watching.
This will conclude the series.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 II (of I-III)
In the Moreno Valley area on the east side of Riverside, near where the 60 and I-215 Freeways meet, an inbound view from the Eastridge Ave. overpass.
A closer view of the derail protected spur with what appears to be a signal like one of Union Pacific’s “entrance signals,” except higher.
Above, the CTC signal for the Alessandro siding (present name) is on the lower right, and concrete ties are seen on the far left.
Continued in Part III
Part I (of I-III)
Downtown Perris
Perris, CA
A north-like view from 7th Street: The farther 4th Street is seen across the photo center. The manual switch strangely seems to have had a turnout route section added.
In the above view, one would hardly believe there was a 6th Street grade crossing that is no more.
The PVL track (below photo top) is nicely ballasted, with the Orange Empire Railway Museum track nearby (bottom).
The NEW grade crossing panels and alignment of the OERM track oddly don’t line up with the grading and route for it (left).
Looking north towards the Perris stop, a bicyclist starts over the new track alignment, with the south side outbound signal (right) by 4th Street in view. Way in the distance, the north inbound (to Los Angeles) signal is seen.
Continued in Part II
Another Dispatch …
This One on Tuesday, May 12, 2015
A bit of time here and there was had, and K.P. took advantage of it as much as possible. Hot on K.P.’s very limited list was the new track section and the new angled alignment between the Perris Valley downtown stop and before the curve to the South Perris stop.
The outbound new signal can be seen on the above photo’s upper right.
Too, the OERM track is unlaid still, and the PVL part of the manual crossover is visible in the background.
K.P. was also able to hike up on the Eastridge Ave. overpass north of the Alessandro siding (in the vicinity of the I-215 and 60 Freeways), and what dust was being kicked up by some vehicle amongst many track machines and pieces of rail equipment alongside the I-215 Freeway!
A report should be forthcoming in a few days.
K. P. Harrier smileponys (3-31): Signals! IF you do go up on the top of the Box Spring Mountains area, and are as out of shape as you say you are, it is recommended that you park up by the transmitters and just take a walk for a block or two, or three, and not hiking ‘all the way’ in. We all don’t want you to have a heart attack in our behalf! (Hehehe.) Seriously, they say it is best to gradually work up to longer hikes. Hey, smileponys, when I was out the PVL way last Tuesday, I saw a new outbound signal south of the downtown Perris stop, and that put the signaling in that area all in order. Next time I’m out that way I should be able to take some photos of the new signal. If the placement of that new signal wasn’t radical enough, wait till you see the signal they erected at the top of the Box Springs grade! The new grading on the east side of the single-track mainline and also the west side’s new single-head signal AWAY from the mainline is totally baffling! The signal is almost as one of UP’s “entrance signals” that they use on spurs connecting to the mainline, except this signal is full height and has one three light head. The next time I’m out that way should prove most photographically rewarding! Enjoy life, if you can after hearing at least one mind boggling thing herein, K.P.
smileponys (3-31): Signals!
IF you do go up on the top of the Box Spring Mountains area, and are as out of shape as you say you are, it is recommended that you park up by the transmitters and just take a walk for a block or two, or three, and not hiking ‘all the way’ in. We all don’t want you to have a heart attack in our behalf! (Hehehe.) Seriously, they say it is best to gradually work up to longer hikes.
Hey, smileponys, when I was out the PVL way last Tuesday, I saw a new outbound signal south of the downtown Perris stop, and that put the signaling in that area all in order. Next time I’m out that way I should be able to take some photos of the new signal. If the placement of that new signal wasn’t radical enough, wait till you see the signal they erected at the top of the Box Springs grade! The new grading on the east side of the single-track mainline and also the west side’s new single-head signal AWAY from the mainline is totally baffling! The signal is almost as one of UP’s “entrance signals” that they use on spurs connecting to the mainline, except this signal is full height and has one three light head. The next time I’m out that way should prove most photographically rewarding!
Enjoy life, if you can after hearing at least one mind boggling thing herein,
K.P.
moreno valley view from the top daytime
Riverside westward view from the top at night fall
a close up & personal view of the very tip top point of the KVCR TV antanna array such an amazing shot some times i truly amaze even myself ^_^
lastly i was able to find the perris line tracks from on top of the mountain using my cameras long range zoom got a pretty decent view of the tracks near the River Crest Drive grade crossing area it's times like this i really enjoy my cameras 2000X digital zoom feature
here's likes to the full album
my photobucket account
http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/PinkiePieTime/library/My%20Box%20Springs%20MT%20Hike%20to%20the%20M%20on%20April%208%202015
and if that fails then here they are on my facebook account
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.537796899693044.1073741856.100003882158123&type=1&l=caadd24efc
MikeF90 mvs Metrolink service could begin as early as October, according to the following two articles which basically state the same thing: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-california-commute-20150421-story.html http://www.lamag.com/driver/metrolink-extension-to-perris-could-open-by-october I saw the LA Times article previously and noted a discrepancy - the article says the Poarch / Gernert grade crossing will be closed, but KPH's photos clearly show new crossing protection installed. I attempted to get an explanation from the RCTC staff, but their website contact form only wanted to sign me up for their newsletter.
mvs Metrolink service could begin as early as October, according to the following two articles which basically state the same thing: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-california-commute-20150421-story.html http://www.lamag.com/driver/metrolink-extension-to-perris-could-open-by-october
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-california-commute-20150421-story.html
http://www.lamag.com/driver/metrolink-extension-to-perris-could-open-by-october
I saw the LA Times article previously and noted a discrepancy - the article says the Poarch / Gernert grade crossing will be closed, but KPH's photos clearly show new crossing protection installed. I attempted to get an explanation from the RCTC staff, but their website contact form only wanted to sign me up for their newsletter.
I heard the same thing from strait from the horse’s mouth when I spoke with a supervisor over at metrolike customer service center a couple of weeks ago but so far to my knowledge nothings set in stone just yet but the construction’s looks wellon its way to completion a little earlier than originally expected I believe as a result they are shooting for a late October 2015 launch of service on the new Perris valley portion on the 91 line you guys know I’m going to be on that first train to run the new portion for sure and as soon as I can confirm that final definite start date and time table information I’ll be sure to share it here first
mvsMetrolink service could begin as early as October, according to the following two articles which basically state the same thing: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-california-commute-20150421-story.html http://www.lamag.com/driver/metrolink-extension-to-perris-could-open-by-october
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! ***
Metrolink service could begin as early as October, according to the following two articles which basically state the same thing:
http://www.lamag.com/driver/metrolink-extension-to-perris-could-open-by-october/
Update as of Saturday, April 11, 2015
Part “D” (of A-D)
Views of the Revamped Mt. Vernon Ave. Grade Crossing
Now, there is new track through and on each side of the grade crossing. Looking outbound with the Box Springs Mountain as the backdrop.
Looking inbound:
From just a two mast grade crossing to many masts.
Quite a change from days past!
Part “C” (of A-D)
At the Mt. Vernon Ave. grade crossing, looking south, a center divider was put in, with bright yellow markings.
Both sides of the track have gates and flashers.
White lines on the black pavement suggest a pathway for pedestrians.
Continued in Part D
Part “B” (of A-D)
Views from Eastridge Ave.
(By the I-215 Freeway)
What is believed to be like one of Union Pacific’s “Entrance Signals” is seen in the center background, away from the Perris Valley Line main track.
Above, on the background right is the River Crest Drive grade crossing where photos were taken previously. That spur that is by the background signal curves to the right, then to the far left, where a yellow track machine is parked
A highly blown-up view of that signal away from the main track:
Looking southward again, the siding ends, by the industrial tracks in the background.
A southish heavy telephoto:
Above, sub-ballast is seen right of the background single-track. So, the paralleling industrial track coming up from Perris that is supposed to be present may end in this area, between Eastridge Ave. and Alessandro Blvd. If so, the future station stop will have an industrial track that patrons will have cross to get to the PVL track.
Continued in Part C
Part “A” (of A-D)
As southwardly viewed from River Crest Ave., a signal away from the mainline was posted about in the last post series, and it was theorized it might be as one of Union Pacific’s “Entrance Signals.” K.P. returned to the area, this time climbing up on the Eastridge Ave. overpass. An absolute signal (for trains approaching the camera from the background northwest):
Looking the other way, both interlocking CP type signals had been erected on the south side of Eastridge Ave.
Continued in Part B
Electroliner 1935 (3-27):
Yes, that artist’s conception of the Moreno Valley-March Field stop is quite an impressive grounds layout. Different, but impressive!
The handicap ramping reminds me of the Industry stop on the Riverside Line …
… and, with an ironic twist of name coincidence, a stop for the MetroLink operations in St. Louis, MO area.
Take care,
Update as of Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A Little Different from the Usual Things
Riverside-Perris, CA
Part XIII (of I-XIII)
The old wooden bridges have given way to the cement kind.
At the South Perris future Metrolink stop, no furthur advancement was observed in laying a cement platform.
Part XII (of I-XIII)
Looking southeast, a dump truck is unloading ballast. Note the drainage on the lower right.
A machine was working the ballast to the right height.
Workers adjust the wheel height.
Continued in Part XIII
Part XI (of I-XIII)
The 6th Street grade crossing has been permanently closed.
The old grade crossing has been dug down for drainage, and an old crossbuck sign is lying down.
What the grade crossing looks like now. View looks east.
Continued in Part XII
Part X (of I-XIII)
Thousands of feet of wires were being threaded:
The north side of the street has a combined cantilever flashers unit and an attached gate mechanism.
A last look at the 4th Street grade crossing, with the old Perris Depot in view:
Continued in Part XI
Part IX (of I-XIII)
Looking north on the OERM future track. Look at all that rubber marking on the NEW grade crossing panels!
The electrical box door was open for a good look at what was inside.
Continued in Part X
Part VIII (of I-XIII)
At 4th Street in down Perris, south of the commuter stop, an outbound signal has been erected, crossing gates put up, and an electrical box put in.
Continued in Part IX
Part VII (of I-XIII)
Coming southward, the last curve before the downtown Perris stop, on this trip there was a rail carrying quart-mile continuous welded rail buggy of sorts.
How such a beast is moved around K.P. has never seen, but this time it has one long rail on it.
From that same general photo location, two southish views, of a mast signal with south side inbound heads
Continued in Part VIII
Part VI (of I-XIII)
There are a lot of boulder-rocks by River Crest Drive, and that signal mentioned above is visible. But, way in the background a two-headed absolute signal is present, for the CP that passes underneath Eastridge Ave.
The next time K.P. is out that way he hopes to take some photos northward and southward from the Eastridge Ave. overpass of the signaling thereat. But, it should be understood that the signal AWAY from the mainline (which mainline crosses River Crest Drive) does NOT conform to standard practice, and should theoretically have two heads in advance of the turnout capable CP. Because it doesn’t, it most likely is like one of Union Pacific’s ‘Entrance Signals” that confirms a dispatcher's verbal radio authority to enter the mainline.
Up and Over Flyover, City of Industry, CA
Mobile, AZ
This new spur track by River Crest Drive may (“may”) allow freight cars normally put in the Alessandro siding to be put here, thus allowing the Alessandro siding to be available for commuter train meets.
Continued in Part VII
Part V (of I-XIII)
A spur has been put in, that angles away from the future PVL main track.
Above, if one looks real carefully, a single-head mast signal is seen!
Another angle: A signal appears (“appears”) to be away from the mainline.
Just above, the I-215 Freeway can be seen in the distance.
The mainline curves, but the spur goes kind of straight. It is barely visible by the signal.
Continued in Part VI
Part IV (of I-XIII)
Farther southeast, the Spruce St. grade crossing had flashing signs. Note the lengthy duration of the road closure!
From here, the Mt. Vernon Ave. grade crossing was visited, or attempted to be visited, but it was still closed. So, it wasn’t an extended weekend closure, but is as over a full week, like Spruce St. will be!
Now, we go over to a mysterious area, by the River Crest Drive grade crossing, M.P. 7. The track sure looks dilapidated! Looking inbound (sort of northwestward):
Continued in Part V
Part III (of I-XIII)
Another northward view:
A southward view: It looked like a siding was going to be put in as the grading suggested it, but the tell-tale sign against that was a new cement culvert on the lower left of center.
Looking east on Marlborough Ave., note the steepness of the road and the background mountainous terrain.
Continued in Part IV
Part II (of I-XIII)
Another southward view:
A northward (inbound) view: Note the cement platform has a vertical curve in it.
Workers (far left and far right) were threading wires and cable into concrete holes. Sometimes workers could be heard, “We have two-thousand feet left.” Sometimes it was as only 1000 feet, etc.
Part I (of I-XIII)
This report will be on a geographically north to south basis, operationally, west to east..
At Highgrove, nothing has happened yet at the junction of the BNSF Transcon and the San Jac Line.
K.P. got falsely excited by the Citrus Street grade crossing, because it looked (“looked”) like the track had been taken up in preparation for a switch being inserted there, but it was only sand covering the rails.
When Marlborough Ave. was reached, the local was parked on the branch, the future PVL mainline.
Above, the lead unit is BNSF No. 159, a GP60, once in the 8700’s, but now in the 100’s like the GP60M’s. Several GP60M’s in the Nos. 100-162 were lost to wrecks early on in there carrier, and the latter numbers filled those gaps, allowing all the GP60’s to be renumbered into the 100’s latter half.
A Number of Things Seen on a Dispatch
On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, as expected, K.P. was dispatched from his base of operations in San Bernardino County to deep into Riverside County, and much of the Perris Valley Line was checked out on the way. A full photo report should be forthcoming in two or three days (hopefully). As a teaser … A wide angle photo view taken on the south side of downtown Perris, looking southish from 4th Street: A new color light signal (right) was erected with a single north side head to face north for outbound trains, plus an electrical box and crossing gate mechanism.
About that color light signal’s placement in relation to other such signals, K.P. has NOT seen that type of arrangement in decades! More in the report …
K.P. also checked out the status of the San Bernardino Line’s extension in downtown San Bernardino. That extension, in theory, could see an Inland Empire-Orange Country Line train or two traveling from San Bernardino to Perris and back, so a post or two will be included on that just for the forum’s awareness.
Fairbanks-Morse made a direct reversing (non-OP) engine used in Ferry and Tug applications.
That truck driver on the engine may be wrong. Have heard of a tugboat engine from WWII that had no transmission and would run back wards every other start.
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