Up Close at the San Bernardino Stop
Friday, April 21, 2017
Part “B” (of A-D)
By the tracks looking westbound (inbound):
Eastbound (outbound):
Continued in Part C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 “C” (of A-D)
A worker was inquired of about the old Metrolink stop’s tracks, and he stunned K.P. by saying they would remain as part of a museum display! It has to be wondered what type of equipment will be brought to the site.
Just as K.P. remembered to check out the new track arrangement, a Metrolink arrived blocking that trackage!
Continued in Part D
Part “D” (of A-D)
But a glimpse still could be seen after the train stopped.
Above, the illogical track layout as seen from UP ON the Mt. Vernon Viaduct overpass made sense at ground level. The tracks bend slightly and make perfect sense now. But that bend can’t be seen when up on the viaduct bridge.
A previously shown photo:
That just above previously shown photo explained: The center track that branches off to the bottom right is to BNSF’s Main 3, whereas the far left bottom curved track curves around to where that Metrolink train (above photos) ended up parked.
K.P. hopes to return when NO train is present to obtain better views of the track layout.
The elevator area again and the pathway buildings to Third Street:
The mile or so extension to the east hasn’t opened yet, but it should be within a month.
This will conclude the series.
Update as of Friday, June 2, 2017
Grade Crossings East of I-215
After taking care of dispatch matters in San Bernardino K.P. swung by the “E” Street grade crossing south of Rialto Ave. It was found that the new ‘transit transfer’ stop (the future end of the line) was STILL not finished, and construction gating blocked off the tracks and walkways.
A visit by “G” Street was made also, and the whole grade crossing was barricaded off, i.e., the grade crossing was closed.
In both cases, K.P. did not have the time to hike in for photos.
The “G” Street closure was totally baffling, as everything there seemed almost ready for trains. That “G” Street is a route for the local buses, Omnitrans.
Update as of Friday, October 13, 2017
A Visit to the San Bernardino …
… Depot Stop
Now that there WILL BE two San Bernardino stops, for clarification the the future Downtown stop is further to the east and the traditional one is by the old depot. That latter stop by the Depot is what we will focus on herein.
Inspired by reports of the new F125 engines are now operating on the Metrolink system, a visit was made to San Bernardino, but none of the new power showed up. Just the old …
Otherwise, the main photographic pursuit was the new overhead bridge, seen in the above photo in the background.
Access to be overhead bridge was easy. But …
… it was found that what was thought to be windows is just open air wire messing.
There is some glass in the structure, but the important viewing areas on the bridge is just wire meshing. That should go over well in cold wintery days with a strong Santa Ana wind!
A heavy telephoto blow-up looking west and the track layout:
The just above photo only will, if you click on it, displays larger to help you see the track-work. Do not be fooled by the cropped slanting of the wire meshing. Other parts of the original photo are slanted the opposite way.
Above, too, it is not clear what the old tracks on the left are or will be used for, but they go to a new manual switch by Rialto Ave.
The servicing tracks EAST of the depot were empty, and their status is unknown.
The signals on the not photographed tracks that loop around to the Downtown stop by "E” Street still have not been activated yet nor are commuter trains traveling east beyond the Depot stop shown in this post.
A new system schedule (timetable) is in effect, so if you want to visit the San Bernardino area make sure your get one or download one from the Metrolink website.
This will conclude this posting.
An Early Morning Visit to Town
K.P. visited the Metrolink / Amtrak stop in San Bernardino on Friday, October 20, 2017 before dawn, and was there on and on for hours. A new F125 was seen, as well as Amtrak No. 3. He was also able to walk the north platform between BNSF Main 3 and Metrolink Main 1, WITH, at one point, a freight zipping by!
A photo report on the findings should be ready for posting Sunday or Monday the latest.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Part I (of I-V)
Being on site so early, K.P. was witness to the arrival of Amtrak No. 3 on BNSF Main 3 on the north side of the north platform.
Earlier that morning an eastbound BNSF zipped eastward on the Main 3 (right). Since Metrolink uses Metrolink Track 1 (left) a platform is shared, but Metrolink patrons thus having to be aware that a freight train could wiz by at any time.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-V)
K.P. had gotten to San Bernardino about 4:20 A.M. to look for Metrolink’s new F125 diesel-electrics. One did show up from the overnight maintenance yard in Colton, but only one. Lighting was soon changed to red lights for the trailing trip to Los Angeles.
The new F125 was seen to have the back interior of the locomotive lit up, which K.P. understands Metrolink chose to leave the light on because of a regulation the light must stay on for a number of seconds after a crew person departs.
Now watch … The government will now find out the better lighting prevents autos from crashing into the sides of locomotives at grade crossings, and will mandate freight locomotives to have the hooded radiator area all let up inside shining out through the air vents or screening …
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-V)
K.P. made his way through the overhead to the south platform (SCAX Main 2) , arriving as the F125 and train was leaving, and managed to get these shots of the F125 backping away from the camera.
Another train from the maintenance facility very soon came and replaced the now departed F125 train.
After a while it left too.
Another train came, signal lined, and the dawn getting lighter and lighter.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-V)
Some Interesting Tidbits of the Morning
At one point there were TWO trains getting ready to depart. And TWO signals went to yellow over red, then both flashing yellow over red … and finally each green.
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-V)
It was noted Metrolink proudly has a declaration on the sides of at least one locomotive.
Interesting shot:
The north elevator area, looking east:
That open-air screening and the lit location sign:
It was an enjoyable visit, though he wishes more F125’s came by. Railbuffs shouldn’t have a problem visiting, but K.P. worries about the public, especially younger ones, in an environment of moving freight trains.
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