Update as of Saturday, April 11, 2015
Part “A” (of A-D)
Views from Eastridge Ave.
(By the I-215 Freeway)
Riverside, CA
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 “B” (of A-D)
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 “C” (of A-D)
Views of the Revamped Mt. Vernon Ave. Grade Crossing
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 “D” (of A-D)
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!
This will conclude the series.
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/
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
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.
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! ***
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
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
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
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.
Update as of Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Checking Out a Few Key Areas
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
Part II (of I-III)
The Eastridge Ave. Area
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 III (of I-III)
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.
Great photo coverage, and I'm also puzzled by the alignment of the OERM track. Telephoto lenses distort our perception of 'reality', so we'll just have to wait and see.
K. P. HarrierWill all the PVL trains on the first day of operation, whenever it happens, have those new F-125 diesels?
Likely Metrolink will just make do with the existing fleet for a while. Reportedly the San Bernardino line has had some service cutbacks due to shortfalls in SANBAG's revenue; this might free up a trainset or two for redeployment on the (soon to be longer) 91 line.
MikeF90 (5-17):
If I’m not mistaken, the F-125 contract is a signed and done deal, so new power should be coming. Of course, if the manufacturer is running into complications with their new prime mover, who knows when the F-125’s might arrive …
About the San Bernardino Line, the City of San Bernardino has been in bankruptcy for some time, so its contribution for the Metrolink trains may be lacking, explaining the run cutbacks. A number of months ago I read that those in charge of Metrolink were going to turn around a run or two west of San Bernardino, maybe Pomona or Fontana in an effort to balance the books.
Since San Bernardino is in bankruptcy, Mike, I’m starting to question whether a run or two will ever traverse Perris-San Bernardino in going Perris-Los Angeles. With the Colton Flyover package, additional Metrolink trains were going to operate Riverside-San Bernardino. Since the City is in bankruptcy, I question whether those extra runs will ever happen now.
Best,
K. P. HarrierWith the Colton Flyover package, additional Metrolink trains were going to operate Riverside-San Bernardino. Since the City is in bankruptcy, I question whether those extra runs will ever happen now.
I think that would be a 'nit', since some 91 line trains have to visit the SB shops for maintenance anyway. Perhaps they don't have enough tracks at the depot?
SANBAG's useless, real money waster is the Metrolink SB Line extension to Redlands. They should have started with a paved BRT (ala Metro Orange) line with much more frequency that connects with their north-south BRT. Of course, using 'common sense' and SANBAG in the same sentence is a world-class oxymoron. Sorry that you SB county residents have to pay more for their 'services'.
Update as of Monday, May 18, 2015
The River Crest Drive and March Field Stop Areas
Part “A” (of A-C)
At the future March Field stop south of Alessandro Ave., a very large parking lot is being put in. Presently, the dirt has been graded and it looks like soon pavement will be laid. Very large piles of gravel are here and there, such gravel typically is associated with concrete laying.
This is the stop that patrons will have to use stairs (or ramps) to get to or get back to their autos from the tracks.
In the last photo above, radio transmitters are visible atop the Box Springs Mountains.
Part “B” (of A-C)
Looking north (inbound) from the River Crest Drive grade crossing, a derail and red flag was seen at photo time.
Looking outbound, a number of pieces of equipment are present on the spur thereat.
Plenty of sand and boulders are present … and concrete ties.
Part “C” (of A-C)
Another view:
That signal off the mainline is by something with a black tarp covering on it, and the red-like small wheeled machine of some sort.
The present River Crest Drive grade crossing’s old electrical box says it is at milepost (M.P.) 7. There are few places that have not had the electronics upgraded, or new rail laid, and this is one of them.
Forum readers may be interested on a new track that was laid and ballast-machined recently. (Top right track w/ the yellow machine on it, reshown photo southward from the Eastridge Ave. overpass)
K.P. traversed the Alessandro Ave. overpass and saw that new track. It ended before going under the overpass! So, the March Field stop south of Alessandro Ave. will have ONLY one track through it. Previously it was thought that if that switching track went through the station stop, derails and signals would have to protect the stop itself. But, by ending north of Alessandro Ave., that situation won’t exist. It is hoped to hike way in (“hike way in”) for a photo or two of that new track ending.
This will end the series.
K.P., thank you for this set of photos! How interesting that the area near the 215/60 interchange isn't as "complete" as trackage further inbound or further outbound.
KP does Metrolink own or will they dispatch this new line ? If so have you noted any ATS inductors installed ? The route seems to have many slow sections.
blue streak 1 (5-24):
Metrolink owns the Perris Valley Line trackage. A number of years ago BNSF sold the line to them in a package deal that included a number of other branches.
As far as what entity dispatches the PVL, grade crossing hotline signs of the past implied BNSF did. Recently, those signs were changed to a Metrolink hotline phone number, so assumedly Metrolink dispatches the line now.
Metrolink has a dispatch center in Pomona, on the old Santa Fe Second District line, and reportedly a new building is being constructed in that area.
A Coming Series
On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 K.P. was able to spend some time by the Perris Valley Line. The most prominent new feature was number plates on some signals.
Attaching number plates to masts seems to be on a northward progression from the end of the line in South Perris, because on the way back to K.P.’s base the mast signal at Mt. Vernon Ave. in Riverside was photographed in the darkness with NO number plate yet.
Hopefully, the above two photos will wet the forum’s appetite, as a post series should be put together in the next few days. The series would have been posted a few days ago, but a trip to Arizona for the "Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates" thread delayed it.
K. P. HarrierMetrolink has a dispatch center in Pomona, on the old Santa Fe Second District line, and reportedly a new building is being constructed in that area.
The new dispatch center at about 2720 N. Garey is now or very close to being operational, with the old one acting as a backup and also used for a PTC test lab.
BTW I finally received a reply to my inquiry several weeks ago about the Poarch/Gernert grade crossing. To quote the RCTC:
"Once Metrolink service becomes operational later this year, this rail crossing will be fully closed to public access. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use this rail crossing to respond to needs in this area."
This presentation was delayed because of a trip to Arizona to document the present Sunset Route two-tracking situation.
Update as of Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Part I (of I-IV)
Number Plates A-Go-Go
The not in-service yet intermediate signals on the new Perris Valley Line are starting to receive number plates. The first set out of the South Perris inbound has received them.
A side shot:
Just above, the right, inbound intermediate signal does NOT seem to have a “P” plate, but the left, outbound one does. “P” plates are most commonly used in the railroad industry for ‘Permissive,’ allowing a train to pass a red signal WITHOUT stopping, but at restricted speed.
Note the panel on the ladder preventing unauthorized persons from climbing up the mast ladder.
Part II (of I-IV)
At 4th Street in downtown Perris, the south of the Perris stop intermediate signal there (for outbound trains) is now equipped likewise with a number plate.
Its counterpart, on the north side of the station stop for inbound trains, had a number plate also.
Part III (of I-IV)
That north side of Perris intermediate signal’s number plate:
Just above, previously in the old days the “San Jac” track, the very old track came towards the camera somewhere in the signal ladder area. Below, looking south or outbound, the crossing gate mast on the left was just about center of the old track.
K.P. first saw number plates while southbound on I-215, on the intermediate signal north of Van Buren Blvd.
Nighttime had taken hold, but, with a good flash ability now, it was desirous to photograph the new intermediates at Gernert Road towards the top of the Box Springs grade, but that grade crossing was all closed off for several days, probably for turning a dirt road grade crossing into a totally paved one.
The Mt. Vernon Ave. grade crossing down the grade a few miles was went to next and K.P. aimed the camera.
Those intermediates did NOT yet have number plates.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-IV)
Earlier in the Day, the Citrus St. Grade Crossing
Near the junction with the BNSF, the Citrus St. grade crossing was traversed by K.P. earlier in the day. A group of cars were tied down to the north.
As seen above, NO mast signal yet has been erected for the PVL trains coming towards the camera from the left.
Looking south, or outbound:
Above, the most prominent new feature is the industrial siding south end signal (right).
Way in the background, it looks like the ground is cleared for maybe an industrial curved siding. At this point in time, the distant outbound signal makes little sense having two heads. The old Union Pacific Riverside Industrial Lead track won’t connect to the PVL with an interlocking, will it?
Closer, it appears that to put up an industrial signal on the north end of that siding would be difficult (lower right).
The grade crossing at Citrus St. is looking now like a future quiet zone type.
Update as of Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Inbound-Outbound from Columbia Ave.
Looking outbound, it looks like new rail and ballast has been put in place, but the ballast hasn’t been evened out yet. In the background, but on the curve, a bunch of old ties are stacked.
Above, strangely, sub-ballast is directly across from the platform.
Inbound, the same treatment of uneven ballast is seen.
That orange engine in the background is BNSF ex-Santa Fe warbonnet GP60M No. 109. That unit was the first red and silver unit K.P. saw after Santa Fe ordered new units in that paint scheme!
The Marlborough stop platform.
Above, it looks like the night lights will reach all the way to Columbia Ave.
A southward view from Columbia Ave.:
On this dispatch, just one area could be stopped at, but at least the above views could be shot and shared with the forum.
Another Unexpected Development!
In recent days, it was reported that the east (south) end of an industrial siding (“an industrial siding”) had been installed just north of Alessandro Blvd. in eastern Riverside, and that it was K.P.’s then hope to return to that area soon with time to photograph that then new development. K.P. returned alright, Friday, June 12, 2015, but found that even ANOTHER track had been laid, but was not yet ballasted!
Seeing that TWO tracks were now going under Alessandro Blvd., the implication was that the Moreno Valley / March Field Perris Valley Line (PVL) stop would indeed have two-tracks going through it, one track for Metrolink’s PVL, the other for BNSF branch freights.
The grueling 14-hour day had much free time, and a few other select spots of activity were photographed as well. A report for the forum on all this should be forthcoming in two or three days.
Update as of Friday, June 12, 2015
The Alessandro Blvd. Area to the BNSF
Part “A” (of A-G)
The Perris Valley Line northward out of Perris basically parallels the I-215 Freeway, but south of Cactus Ave. the line branches off a bit, and runs northwestward and goes under Alessandro Blvd. Between Cactus Ave. and Alessandro Blvd. key things were observed.
In the below view, the Cactus Ave. overpass is seen. The track is the several years ago rerouted San Jac freight line. The cleared right-of-way just this side of the San Jac line is in preparation for PVL track.
Above, a belted machine is on the graded right of way, and track (or at least ties) seems to be on the right-of-way southeast of (behind) the belted machine. TWO signals are seen, the back one (northwest facing for southeastward trains) and the near one (southeast facing for northwest trains). So, the arrangement will be like in downtown Perris, where a train leaving the stop in either direction will be governed by a signal.
Looking northwest from Alessandro Blvd., the PVL line is partially laid, without ballast yet.
The new siding (left, unsignaled) is for freight.
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