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?
Update as of Friday, November 19, 2016
Perris Area Odds and Ends
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.
Continued in Part II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-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.
Continued in Part III
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:
Continued in Part IV
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.
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 Sunday, December 18, 2016
A Few Odds and Ends
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
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 “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 …
A Wonder! And, Possibly a Bad Sign
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.
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.
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.
Part IV (of I-VI)
And, then the last car passed.
Thereafter, a brief review of the station stop uncovered a problem with the seating after it had rained.
In effect, that water on the seats makes the stop basically without seats for a while.
Continued in Part V
K. P. HarrierIn effect, that water on the seats makes the stop basically without seats for a while.
There's that darned dihydrogen monoxide, again. And evil surface tension.
If I was going to railfan there, I think I'd make sure I brought along a towel...
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...
Part V (of I-VI)
Now, about something bad! Back out on Case Road, the South Perris stop was passed, and it was desirable to photograph one of two nearby bridges with water by it.
Those two photos were shot after something bad had happened. This:
Unlike when the car was on the south side of the street, off the north side the car lost half its grip on the dirt, and the car started SLIDING downward towards the water, to the right!
After that incident, the car wasn’t going to be driver further and risk going into the water, and help was summoned. About 45 minutes later the towing service arrived, and with the truck’s flashing yellow lights flashing blocked half of Case Road and extricated the car. It was dark now, and cold!
Leaving the scene, much mud continued to be flung off the tires for SEVERAL miles!
If you compare the south side SOLID ground in Part I’s second photo’s lower right, the water on the north side of Case Road must have saturated and weakened the north side dirt. Will the embankment of the track be weakened too, possibly with a departing or arriving commuter train landing in the water because of the track collapsing?
Scary thought! It had rained for only a day or two. What if it rains for two weeks? Or, rained for maybe a month like it did in 1969?
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VI)
Later, miles north, traversing through the I-215 and 60 Freeways interchange, traffic was very slow going through that super poorly designed NEW bridging and beyond. So a known shortcut was taken. Several minutes later the Metrolink Hunter Park stop was arrived at, and an almost empty parking lot was stopped at and photographed, on a Thursday workday!
A parking lot guard from afar making their rounds was very suspicious and came my way to check on me. As that guard got closer they recognized me from before, and we had a great chat for several minutes just like we had before. That guard was all smiles seeing I wasn’t a villain with evil intent!
Millions of dollars was spent for a very, very empty parking lot! Again, it might fill up with heavy advertising, possible when the new F125 locomotives arrival.
This will end the series. However, a Second Section follows.
Staffers at the Orange Empire Railway Museum (OERM) on December 22, 2016, when asked when their new San Diego Trolley U2 No. 1008 arrived, said just a couple of months ago.
So, the implication is that the new interchange track from the Perris Valley Line to the museum was actually used ‘a couple of months ago.’
Views from December 18, 2016
Continued …
Second Section (Continued)
Since Metrolink is not in the freight business, and BNSF has freight rights on the line (including delivering passenger equipment), when delivered that San Diego Trolley car it likely came south on the BNSF track (left, wood tied track) along the I-215 Freeway.
Just an interesting thought …
Likely the No. 1008 came on flatcars, as the PVL does not have catenary, nor are its couplers compatible with freight cars.
Close by to No. 1008 was four New Jersey Transit commuter cars.
If they are new too to the OERM, they may have been delivered with the U2. There had been such east coast New Jersey cars at Metrolink’s Colton facility, but in reviewing the few visible car numbers in past photos, none matched the ones at OERM.
This will conclude the “Second Section” posting.
K. P. Harrier Unlike when the car was on the south side of the street, off the north side the car lost half its grip on the dirt, and the car started SLIDING downward towards the water, to the right!
Not a four wheel or all wheel drive vehicle I presume. What type tires does it have?
The San Diego U2 car was trucked up from Diego. The NJ cars have been at OERM for a couple of years. The other NJ cars may be at OERM not sure. They were striped and will be used by CDF for training.
usmc1401 (12-27):
Thanks for advising the U2 trolley No. 1008 was trucked up from San Diego. I’ve credited you for that info in the “San Diego Trolley with Photos” thread in the Transit forum.
Best,
K.P.
K. P. HarrierA Wonder! And, Possibly a Bad Sign Part VI (of I-VI) Several minutes later the Metrolink Hunter Park stop was arrived at, and an almost empty parking lot was stopped at and photographed, on a Thursday workday! (...snip...) A parking lot guard from afar making their rounds was very suspicious and came my way to check on me. As that guard got closer they recognized me from before, and we had a great chat for several minutes just like we had before. That guard was all smiles seeing I wasn’t a villain with evil intent! Millions of dollars was spent for a very, very empty parking lot! Again, it might fill up with heavy advertising, possible when the new F125 locomotives arrival.
Several minutes later the Metrolink Hunter Park stop was arrived at, and an almost empty parking lot was stopped at and photographed, on a Thursday workday!
(...snip...)
Thank you for sharing these neat pictures from the Perris Valley Line. Here are my thoughts:
Happy New Year!
Finally, Some Replies
Electroliner 1935 (12-26):
The vehicle was a standard passenger car with standard tires. Even if it had four-wheel drive type tires the ground was so saturated with water the vehicle would have probably slid SIDEWAYS regardless. As it was I didn’t move the vehicle further as it probably would have ended up in the trackside water!
mvs (12-31):
It is unknown what time the Hunter Park stop was visited, but the nice security guard thereat at the time said there was only one outbound train remaining.
It could be such a stop as you suggested, but I can’t believe designers didn't know that.
I am somewhat familiar with UCR but where would the stop itself for it be located?
This forumist doubts that extending the weekend trains to Perris at this time would help, but he firmly believes Metrolink is just waiting for the new EMD F-125 diesels to arrive, and then the PVL will be heavily advertised. The diesels are probably being built right now, but the modification parts that the manufacturer is waited for, whatever they are, are holding up those deliveries. Probably five to seven more of the F-125’s will show up within just one week sometime in the future. After that, they will probably be advertised heavily and the PVL will see new passengers to the line come out of the woodwork, as the expression goes!
Take care,
The F-125’s
Photos of F-125’s 909 and 910 in delivery state are now at a train photo site, three linked below.
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637518
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637519
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637520
Maybe we will soon see some advertising about the PVL …
K. P. Harrier The F-125’s Photos of F-125’s 909 and 910 in delivery state are now at a train photo site, three linked below. http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637518 http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637519 http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4637520 Maybe we will soon see some advertising about the PVL …
Where is this Keller Yard? Is it a Metrolink facility?
Why are there two BNSF GP60Ms in fresh BNSF colours in the shed? It's a while since I've been to California (or the USA) but the GP60Ms I saw were in older BNSF or red and silver...
Peter
M636C (2-13):
Personally, I’ve never heard of Keller Yard. But, it appears to be the old Santa Fe coach yard in downtown Los Angeles (CA, USA).
Keller Yard Aerial (Google Maps)
The name ‘Keller’ apparently is in reference to the nearby Keller Street (pointed out on the aerial by a red, upside down teardrop).
The location where the Metrolink Station is looks kinda remote, if I were in charge, I'd just reopen the original ATSF depot vs build a new station 5 miles south of it.
Does the Perris Valley Line have any potential for ridership growth?
K.P., check out the LAPD Air Support Heliport to the immediate northwest of Keller Yard with 10 helicopters on the roof.
M636CWhere is this Keller Yard? Is it a Metrolink facility?
Not sure about the AT&SF days, but Metrolink (re)built this small yard a few years ago. It is used for storing train consists at mid-day close to Union Station, reducing the need for shuttle moves to their yard about a mile north.
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! ***
M636CWhy are there two BNSF GP60Ms in fresh BNSF colours in the shed? It's a while since I've been to California (or the USA) but the GP60Ms I saw were in older BNSF or red and silver...
Progress Rail has been rebuilding them as GP60-3s, though the first few were done at MPI.
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