A Wonder! And, Possibly a Bad Sign
Part III (of I-VI)
Soon thereafter, the Santa Fe got a clear signal, and rumbled past the empty platform.
Note the rare flashing yellow signal to the distant northwest.
Continued in Part IV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-VI)
That outbound commuter train soon showed up at the end of the line commuter stop.
It had the class unit, 888, of 888-902 for the MP36PH-3C’s.
And, it soon departed the end of the line stop for the overnight servicing (and between runs) area.
Continued in Part III
Part I (of I-VI)
It was a semi-wet Thursday, December 22, 2016, and the purpose for being in Perris (CA) was accomplished, to photograph the Orange Empire Railway Museum’s new addition, the San Diego Trolley U2 two sectioned No. 1008.
K.P. can’t remember if he rode this “trolley” or not, but he rode a few of them. What stands out in his mind is the horn, or whatever it is called. Click-click … or maybe it was a quack-quack …
Leaving the museum the “force” (yah, right!) moved this forum contributor to visit the Perris Valley Line’s South Perris stop. What was on the mainline was astounding, a BNSF local freight!
That freight was at a red over red signal. Opposite that CP Mapes inbound signal was the outbound sign, a red over flashing red for an arriving outbound Metrolink.
File away a mental note about that BNSF power in the second from the top photo, and the new water at the scene. Such water will be noted in Part V.
Continued in Part II
Update as of Sunday, December 18, 2016
A Few Odds and Ends
Part “C” (of A-C)
There were the typical four train sets laying over during this weekend.
This will end the series … However …
The “Force” and Two Unbelievable Things
The Orange Empire Railway Museum (OERM) was visited Thursday, December 22, 2016, and some exciting things were seen and photographed, especially their new addition, the San Diego Trolley’s red U2 No. 1008. Afterward, on “A” Street heading back to base, the “force” impelled K.P. to at least check out the Metrolink South Perris stop. The unbelievable was seen there, a BNSF local! Later, in an effort to photograph the flood-like water at a bridge along Case Road, K.P.’s car unbelievably almost slid into a large pool of water that was trackside. An AAA contracted tow truck had to extricate the car. The implication is that a Perris Valley Line train might land in the water someday if the water saturated track roadbed collapses! Photos on all this in several days …
Part “B” (of A-C)
For the first time K.P. found by the South Perris stop, along Case Road, large areas of water. It had rained for a day.
What will things look like if it really rains hard for a couple of weeks?
Continued in Part C
Part “A” (of A-C)
The last time K.P. was along the Perris Valley Line in the South Perris area, he had gotten the call to return to the Hemet area. As he was eastwardly on Case Road approaching the South Perris stop he passed a new ATS sign and ATS ground unit. The focus on this trip was to photograph that ATS equipment.
Those type of units were famous on Santa Fe high speed passenger train routes, such as through the Mojave Desert between Barstow and Needles. They were most closely associated with signals, but a few locations were between signals and used the ‘time’ principle.
The above pictured unit is of the latter type. The Perris ATS unit (above photos) works on a time principle. An outbound train (coming east to the South Perris stop) running at the proper speed should take X seconds (or whatever time length is involved) to go from Point A to B, the B point is where the ATS unit and sign are at. If the train equipped with an ATS unit passes the ATS ground unit before it should, the train’s brakes are fully applied.
The speed limit for passenger trains (equipped with ATS gear) is 30 M.P.H. here, as per the signage.
Continued in Part B
Second Section
Is that a Perfect Extension for the PVL?
Leaving the Hemet-San Jacinto area (the latter is where the AT&SF “San Jac” train run name was derived from) in darkening light that was impractical for photography, the vehicle big mountainous hill was gone up that Friday evening, November 19, 2016. What a sight it was! Highway 79 was log jammed, and southbound commuter traffic was barely moving! It was discerned then that an extension of the PVL from South Perris to Hemet, or even San Jacinto, seems practical. Highway 79 seems to be the only route from Beaumont to San Jacinto, and with the mountains there, is basically land locked. It was determined then to return sometime (“sometime”) in the future to get photos!
So, Friday K.P. was dispatched to San Jacinto-Hemet, Saturday to Barstow, and Sunday a very surprising dispatch back to San Jacinto-Hemet happened! Photos were had this time, though with much less traffic on the Sunday in better but darkening light.
Imagine that road packed in the morning with going away from the camera cars, and packed and barely moving for the evening commuter rush coming towards the camera! It has to be wondered if plans are being made to extend the PVL to Hemet or even San Jacinto. In that light, it is wondered if a direct run from South Perris (or San Jacinto or Hemet) to San Bernardino, and west to Pomona and Los Angeles would be a hit. Seeing that hill log jammed with near night commuters makes one wonder!
Update as of Friday, November 19, 2016
Perris Area Odds and Ends
Part IV (of I-IV)
Views from “D” street …
Inbound:
Outbound:
Maybe someday the Line and schedules will be oriented toward family outings and visits to the City park on “D” Street.
K.P.’s cellphone buzzed. It was time to get back to the dispatch assignment and head to Hemet. This will end the series. However, a Second Section follows.
Part III (of I-IV)
South of the downtown Perris stop the right-of-way has rod iron fencing on both sides. Such is seen by the switch to the Orange Empire Railway Museum.
And a nice and decorative end of 6th Street was erected:
Part II (of I-IV)
The tail cab car moves rightward.
The arriving train had an ‘eagle nose unit’ for power.
Views of the revamped cab cars pilot ‘cow catcher’ area:
As seen above, the design is much better than previously, but in K.P.’s opinion a cab car is no match for an engine in a grade crossing collision with a roadway vehicle.
Part I (of I-IV)
During some free time on K.P.’s dispatch to San Jacinto (north of Hemet, which is east of Perris), the straightaway to and at the South Perris stop was focused on.
From the east side of the South Perris stop, the electrical boxes, communications tower, and outbound signal (far right) is seen. And, the quite empty parking lot.
An inbound view by Case Road: An outbound train has just arrived. It is one of those Riverside-South Perris shuttle runs.
Just above, on the left, an alarming site is seen. NO PARKING signs across from the South Perris stop! Photographers on Case Road can stop along the roadway except at the stop itself. One has to now hike in for photos at the stop itself, or park across the very busy two lane street.
The train soon leaves the South Perris stop and enters the layover tracks.
K. P. HarrierDesigner Weeds? On Friday, November 18, 2016 K.P. was involved in a maverick dispatch to Hemet (CA), with several hours of free time. The Perris Valley Line in Perris (south stop) was checked out. This is what the South Perris parking lot looked like:
On Friday, November 18, 2016 K.P. was involved in a maverick dispatch to Hemet (CA), with several hours of free time. The Perris Valley Line in Perris (south stop) was checked out. This is what the South Perris parking lot looked like:
K.P.:
Am I correct in thinking those are more cars parked in the parking lot, then I have seen in previous pictures?
Designer Weeds?
It was a sad sight to see, with weeds overgrowing the very empty parking lot. It is hoped SCRRA didn’t pay for the growth of ‘designer weeds’. Reportedly, ridership is still very poor. K.P. knows of NO advertising for the Line. Likely the line is not being promoted because Metrolink is waiting for the new F125 diesels to be delivered.
The shade covering area is just right of center in the above photo.
Saturday, K.P. had another maverick dispatch, to Barstow, by the northern end of the historic California Southern (AT&SF) San Diego to Barstow line via Perris built in the 1880’s.
A small amount of other photos will be posted when time is available. One photo is a somewhat alarming one, of ‘No Parking’ signs on Case Road immediately south of the South Perris stop.
While it was seen AFTER K.P. had gotten the call to return to his assignment and thus no photos are available (at least at this time), but by Case Road an Automatic Train Stop sign and induction unit was seen to have been put in place.
Hopefully, a short report can be put together in the next few days.
Well I also would assume it would be more costly in the sense that on the west side was mostly raw land and traditionally part of the San Jacinto River floodplain zone which made the cost of acquiring cheaper. The other side on the east would have been more far more costly and dealing with multiple land owners who'd want a lot of money from the Rail Transport to build a station. Not just the right of way easement, but also the property to the south of the frontage road which I believe is Jackson Avenue. But between Shermn and Grove Lumber is a huge piece of land. Still the cost would no doubt be outrageous.As far as extending to Murrieta & Temecula, that would be kool. In the past I always wondered why the route was not originally constructed along the old Hwy 395 route. With a few minor route alterations for grade of course. It would never have had the washout issues of Railroad Canyon route. The I-215 (hwy 395) route is far more gradual and offers multiples ways of easing off the plateau there. Are the old grain elevators still in extistence in downtown Murrieta ?
earthinterface (9-29):
Even though you’ve been with us for some time, earthinterface, we’re glad you decided to come out of the shadows!
There are two answers to your inquiry, at least as far as I can see. First, there is no room east of the I-215 Freeway for terminal tracks or a parking lot. The tracks are basically landlocked.
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7550518,-117.1923763,1597m/data=!3m1!1e3
The above Google Maps view can be enlarged or widened at will, and I think you’ll readily agree the east side would not work for a terminal, whereas the west side there seems to be plenty of land.
Second, there has been some talk (and newspaper accounts) of not only extending the Perris Valley Line to Hemet, but also possibly following the I-215 Freeway south to Murrieta or Temecula. If such was ever done, a south Perris WEST side terminal and parking area would be the most practical.
Take care,
K.P.
mvs MikeF90 Per an article yesterday in the Riverside paper, Metrolink is taking action to improve its near non-existent ridership on the PVL extension. The morning 'inbound' departures will leave about an hour earlier starting October 3, thus making an 8am Riverside workday start possible. A few commenters have also requested midday or weekend service ............................................... ............................................................ ............................................... <crickets> ................................................ I just hope the ridership gets better. I enjoyed the midday round-trip I took in June, and I'd like to do it again later in the year when cooler (and get dinner at Mission Inn).
MikeF90 Per an article yesterday in the Riverside paper, Metrolink is taking action to improve its near non-existent ridership on the PVL extension. The morning 'inbound' departures will leave about an hour earlier starting October 3, thus making an 8am Riverside workday start possible. A few commenters have also requested midday or weekend service ............................................... ............................................................ ............................................... <crickets> ................................................
A few commenters have also requested midday or weekend service ............................................... ............................................................ ............................................... <crickets> ................................................
I just hope the ridership gets better. I enjoyed the midday round-trip I took in June, and I'd like to do it again later in the year when cooler (and get dinner at Mission Inn).
MikeF90Per an article yesterday in the Riverside paper, Metrolink is taking action to improve its near non-existent ridership on the PVL extension. The morning 'inbound' departures will leave about an hour earlier starting October 3, thus making an 8am Riverside workday start possible. A few commenters have also requested midday or weekend service ............................................... ............................................................ ............................................... <crickets> ................................................
Per an article yesterday in the Riverside paper, Metrolink is taking action to improve its near non-existent ridership on the PVL extension. The morning 'inbound' departures will leave about an hour earlier starting October 3, thus making an 8am Riverside workday start possible.
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! ***
Friday, September 2, 2016 Trips Report
Riding the Perris Valley Line …
… and Having Twice the Fun!
Part “Y” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Before leaving the area, K.P. went back to the angled Ellis Ave., at the grade crossing, to photograph that last intermediate, the one mentioned in Parts A and Y. He parked and after walking a few steps, saw the signal was lit, and that another train was bearing down on the grade crossing.
The signal was yellow over flashing red.
A final, parting shot:
In a rather odd but logical thing to say, a staffer mentioned the train sets would be parked until TUESDAY. Monday was a holiday. Logical, but that sounded out of the norm.
It was a cool day (meaning fun-wise). If you can, by all means ride the PVL. Reportedly, some sort of schedule change is in the works, within a month. And, when the new F125 locomotives start being used, it wouldn’t be surprising if Metrolink starts advertising the PVL heavily. Having experienced the slow lugging up the steep (probably 3%) Box Springs grade, quite a bit more horsepower may make for a faster ride up the mountainous terrain.
It is hoped this series has given forumists a nice bit to chew on.
Part “X” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Almost back at the South Perris stop, the last intermediate signal is passed.
Above, all that K.P. saw was the yellow. More later …
The parking lot was so empty.
In all fairness, it must be said the farther parking area had quite a few cars, way more than last visit.
After alighting everyone, the train moved to the maintenance area.
Continued in Part Y
Part “W” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Every time K.P. passes this area he is scared to death that rock will start tumbling down and hit the train!
The area is a rocky one.
And, we go by that south side, long jungle greenery area again!
Traffic on I-215 is crowded and slow moving this time, and our train passes them.
Continued in Part X
Part “V” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Our train is finally gotten back to, and interior shots are taken of the older car.
The two lane Mt. Vernon Ave. is again crossed.
Continued in Part W
Part “U” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
We walk a west side platform southwest, and see a covered seating area with cool mist coming down.
The two northwest platform sidewalk has handicapped ramps.
These tracks are dark territory with manual switches. Note the background signal is BEYOND the switch.
Continued in Part V
Part “T” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
A UP comes by and at BNSF CP WEST RIVERSIDE crosses all tracks and gets onto the LA&SL to go to Los Angeles.
Note, we were just on the platform the power and its long train is passing!
Continued in Part U
Part “S” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
The sharp curve that leads to the BNSF Transcon is next, and a Transcon train zips by.
Then Riverside itself:
A picture upon exiting:
A view of the train from the overhead bridge:
Continued in Part T
Part “R” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Then comes Blaine Street again and the high up embankments after the street is passed.
A bit to the northwest, UP’s old Riverside Industrial Lead is come upon, that for decades crossed the PVL ex-Sante Fe line.
Continued in Part S
Part “Q” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
Some places on the Box Spring grade are high up.
There’s that blocked off trail again.
Continued in Part R
Part “P” (of P-Y, Overall A-Y)
The train come out again, it is boarded, and off we go. We soon come to the Perris stop where Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) buses have bus stalls.
That Moreno Valley-March Field stop is come upon again. The parallel freight track seemed to have little activity this day.
That eye catching stairs and ramp walkways …
Continued in Part Q
Part “O” (of I-O, Overall A-Y)
We straddle Case Road and one of two river-type bridges.
And see the South Perris parking lot.
Off the train, the run starts going to the maintenance area.
We then eat a final sandwich that had been packed.
-----------------
Continued in Parts P-Y to be posted by 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time Thursday, September 15, 2016
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