Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today at around 4:30 p.m. the Marlboro Switcher put a loaded center beam flat car on the ground at the lumber yard in Anaheim at Santa Ana and Philadelphia St. The switcher was backing the car into the spur when it appeared to split the switch. Although I didn't witness the incident, I did get to watch them rerail the flat car using scrap lumber and old tie plates. One crew member noted that this was the first time that they had used this switch since that portion of track was rehabilitated a few weeks back.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I saw that! I was wondering what happened. I got a vid clip of the wigwag going since the train was blocking that area.
Buslady
(changed my handle on here to my coach car I rode on the Sunset)
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
Today at around 4:30 p.m. the Marlboro Switcher put a loaded center beam flat car on the ground at the lumber yard in Anaheim at Santa Ana and Philadelphia St. The switcher was backing the car into the spur when it appeared to split the switch. Although I didn't witness the incident, I did get to watch them rerail the flat car using scrap lumber and old tie plates. One crew member noted that this was the first time that they had used this switch since that portion of track was rehabilitated a few weeks back.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Typical local crew ingenuity. I always wondered if that happened periodically. They may have replaced the ties, but seem to have forgotten another essential: BALLAST! Without it, the track will still be very uneven. It still looks horrible, almost like they haven't done anything to it.
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 10-03-2002).]
Posted by Buslady (Member # 1266) on :
When did they take out the track that goes off to the left onto the main line?
One of my mapbooks shows it still there, so it must've been not to long ago? (the map isnt more than a yr old!) It looks like it went thru property where there's a newer bldg...and you can't even tell where it met the main line.
If by any chance you see a black saturn vue with a plate that says "strn vue" that be me. I go over there once in awhile to see if anything interesting's going on...wednesday proved to be the right day.
If I didnt have my non-railfan buddies with me I'd have probably watched them rerail that car...that seems like one hec of a feat to do! Amazing guys!
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I guess they got that line fixed up, I noticed now they're gone and a close look I saw those new ties are under the rails.
Just some of the railroad interesting things I spot driving around all day in a bus :-)
I replied to you, ATSF but I guess its not posted. Oh well...anyways, do you know when they took out the line that continued on from the Olive st. curve and veered to the left? I assume it went to the mainline?
quote:
Originally posted by Buslady:
There's a whole bunch of new ties by rancho del rio stables; I happen to look down from the 57 and saw those. I've never seen a train ever on that side of the line, but the other side sometimes a few cars parked.
[This message has been edited by coach34135 (edited 10-09-2002).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
It's only been in the past couple of years that I've taken a special interest in the Santa Ana Branch, and the tracks to the ATSF main line have been out of service since then. However, it's been only recently (within the last year or so) that the rails were actually removed. You can still see the "scar" in the road. The building that was built where the rails once were is several years old at least.
SP did once use this interchange with ATSF, but the track curved to left rather than the right as it does now at the State College Junction. However, it was not done with the daily frequency as is done today, as SP did not have to rely on ATSF for trackage rights to get to the actual Santa Ana section of the branch. When the I-5 rennovation began, SP's through line to Costa Mesa closed (you know, the old truss bridge along I-5), so they had to use ATSF on a daily basis at a junction that curved right so they could head in the direction of Santa Ana. This is the one at State College just before the Marlboro complex. I really can't tell you how much that interchange was used (BNSF and UP almost never interchange cars here) but it was probably used back when there were more industries on Santa Ana St. SteveD might actually know more about it that me, since he actually researched the history of this line.
On a side note, there is still a crossbuck guarding the now trackless intersection of Santa Ana and Olive, and the words "look out for the cars" are still legible on the post. This might be worth getting a photo of before it's removed.
Also, I saw the Hauler pulling out of Anaheim yard this evening around 9:45. The power was 3 "undefiled" (i.e., no UP) SP units.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The former SP trackage that ran in Santa Ana St. to the east of Olive St. did at one time connect with the AT&SF-SP Interchange and also served a citrus products company. The SP delivered tank cars of corn syrup to the facility (Anaheim Citrus Products ?) in the last years that it was used.
Interechange between the Espee and Santa Fe seemed to cahnge to the connection near State College Ave when that trackage was installed in the late 50s or early 60s when the Whirlpool and General Foods warehouses were built and a joint service agreement was established between the railroads. Both those companies are gone and little if any interchange occurs in Orange County.
Some other interesting features of the track are the following:
When the line was first built through downtown Anaheim in 1899, the eastern extension on Santa Ana St. extended about 1200 feet east of the Santa Fe line which required a crossing. This short trackage to the city limit appearently did not last very long since references to it in timetables are very few.
The SP used this trackage to reach a connection with the Union Pacific's Anaheim Branch. The SP had trackage rights to serve Fullerton from when the PE and UP consolidated trackage from the Whittier area to Fullerton. After the PE-SP merger in 1965, the SP served that area. The SP decided to serve the area from its Anaheim operation and a connection was made sometime in the very late 60s or early 70s. Surprisingly (or perhap not so due to competion)there was no interchange between the UP and Santa Fe/SP in Anaheim. The UP tracks just stopped in an area on the southside of Lincoln Ave (Center St)where the maintained a turntable for at time. The UP branch was completed in 1923.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
One of the significant commodities interchanged between different railroads in O.C. over the years was sugar beets.
For example, only AT&SF reached the Anaheim Sugar Company, so beets originating on U.P. or S.P. destined for that factory would have to had been transferred via the interchange tracks discussed above. Similar interchange occurred from SFe to S.P. for San Diego County beets headed for Santa Ana factories, at Santa Ana, and likewise, the reverse for outgoing finished sugar headed for Santa Fe destinations(some was spilled in a Santa Fe wreck on the Surf Line once that had been handed off in this fashion).
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The last few editions of the outbound Costa Mesa Local has seen several flat cars with ties heading out of Anaheim. Four per train since Monday. Does anyone know if they are rehabing that line and if there is enough traffic to warrent it? Also, for the last two weeks, the Costa Mesa Local has been leaving Anaheim before 7:00 am, one to two hours earlier than usual.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Apparently, traffic is sufficient for UP to upgrade the line. With two daily locals serving the branch and a daily manifest out to Anaheim that is often quite long, I'd say traffic is sufficient, although not what it once was. I saw the Marlboro on its return around 6:30 PM or so on Tuesday. A healthy 35+ cars long.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I caught the local crusin thru SNA by Lincoln, most of the cars on it were loaded with brand new ties.
Also today, I saw a rail worker checking the line along Lincoln and marking parts of the ties that may be needing attention. So I wonder if I will be seeing the MOWers
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
The last few editions of the outbound Costa Mesa Local has seen several flat cars with ties heading out of Anaheim. Four per train since Monday. Does anyone know if they are rehabing that line and if there is enough traffic to warrent it? Also, for the last two weeks, the Costa Mesa Local has been leaving Anaheim before 7:00 am, one to two hours earlier than usual.
[This message has been edited by coach34135 (edited 10-12-2002).]
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Re above reports of new ties seen hauled out of Anaheim on Costa Mesa Local and my own observation of empty centerbeams on returning local passing SARTC-cam, has anyone toured the route through South Santa Ana to see where ties are actually being dropped or replaced?
--curious expatriate(as in "Go Giants!")
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Wednesday night report by "Big John", whoever that is, for those who don't frequent TrainOrders:Caught the n/b whatever[presumably Marlboro Local based on time and size--SED] at 5:34 last night. Came out of work, looked down the street and there it was. At least one crud, about 12 bulkhead skeleton lumber flats, a few std flats and about 18 boxes. Caught up with it briefly on Olive and then again on Santa Ana. Unfortunately signals and other traffic were not cooperative so I was unable to pace or catch up to the front or to get a definitive car count. But it was going faster than I expected
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
thanks to SteveD for mentioning this board and thread to me...
Great to see such interest in Anaheim's UP local action. This is my link to the railroad world. I will add my observations to previous posts.
~ ~ ~
the repeatedly aforementioned HB local leaves the wye at about 12:30pm each day, returning around 4:30 or 5:00pm. they alternate between runs to HB and Paramount. There is one single customer in Paramount that recieves asphalt, generally in black tank cars. The HB local has lumber, tanks and a few box cars.
~ ~ ~
The Costa Mesa local takes lumber to Reliable Lumber, newsprint to the LA Times, chemicals to Behr, plastic pellets to the transfer station described by SteveD earlier on. There are a few small industries buried west in the industrial park west of Fairview Avenue near Susan St. Additionally, I have observed grey covered hoppers just north of St. Gertrudes, industry not noted. There maybe more, but these are the ones that I am aware of.
~ ~ ~
I did a drive by on the section of the branch used by the CM Local in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa. Yes Steve, tie replacement is in progress. I just email'd you, then found this thread and will add notes for the curious to read...
~ ~ ~
The M-O-W equipment is stored at the old Holly Sugar tracks that are adjacent to the SC Edison substation near Warner and Grand. (This is where those plastic pellet cars are stored, some sort of transfer station. 18 wheelers roll in and suck the pellets out.)
The big rig converted to rail use was on the other side (north side) of Warner. New ties installed from MacFadden to Flower crossings. Little or no replacement close to the exchange with the BNSF. Old ties strewn everywhere. The switch ties are still bundled. The M.O. for the other tie replacement was to do the standard ties first, then come back and get the switch ties. That looks like the plan here as well.
No bundled ties along Alton where the welded rail is... no ties (new or old) west of Fairview, towards the LA Times plant. Maybe they ran out of ties ?? Maybe that is as far as they are going to go ?? I saw one bundle of ties near the old Greenville silos where the bolted rail starts again, but nothing on the other side of Fairview, even though the rail bed looks pathetic. I recall the UP local guys discussing the poor quality of the road bed in this area once water is added... it all turns to soup. Once the rain starts, the derails are right behind.
I would really like to catch the ballast train on Santa Ana Street or Olive Street, I would appreciate a heads-up for sure !!
question ?? Will I be sent an email on replies to this thread, or do I need to check back for new posts... ??
dash-al
(aka anaheim-al on TO)
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 10-17-2002).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Great info on the Costa Mesa branch Anaheim Al. This past Monday I got an opportunity to chase the local down the line from Halladay St all the way to the LA Times Plant. Track looks great in some locations, terrible in others. Doesn't look like there are too many on line industries left. Lots of spurs have had their switches already removed. This evening I heard the Ana Hauler talking on the radio as it was departing Anaheim. They were giving their engine numbers and pickups along the line to their dispathcer, I think. I wasn't paying much attention until I heard them say that by the time they finished their pickups out of Los Nietos,they would be 8,500 feet long and that that was a long train. Does anyone know how many cars that translates to? I assume an ave freight car is 50-60 feet long? If so, that is one long train. I saw the power on the wye at Anaheim today. It consisted of 3 SDs all in SP colors with no UP patchwork.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
This morning at around 645, light power used for the Costa Mesa and Marlboro returned to Anaheim from somewhere down the East End of the branch. Sometime during the early, early morning it must have snuck out. When I heard him coming, I expected to see him going east with a cut of cars but was surprised to see him going the other direction. I've never seen this operating practice.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
That 8500 ft train probably had between 120 and 140 cars. Looks like they've hardly changed operating practices from the SP days - the Anaheim Hauler is still a monster. I remember as a kid waiting for it at the crossings. It always had three or four SD9's and a bay window caboose at the end.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
I grabbed some photos of the m-o-w tie replacement project and posted them at the link below...
Santa Ana Tie Replacement Images
I hope my html code works !!
here is the address, just in case...
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/santana.htm
------------------
photography is my elixir
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Your O.C. photography is MY elixer!
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
Very nice pictures!! Usually I see cars parked near the track looking northwards from Edinger, i wonder if they fixed that up too. I'm gonna scout the area over there.
Today on a trip I noted torn out tracks on Knott, I was heading to Western High. On the left it was torn out but on the right there were tanks being stored. Then going back to the 22, I crossed tracks a little up from there and I saw waaaayyy down the line the EoTD blinking
quote:
Originally posted by dash-al:
I grabbed some photos of the m-o-w tie replacement project and posted them at the link below...Santa Ana Tie Replacement Images
I hope my html code works !!
here is the address, just in case...
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/santana.htm
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I was at the Orange Empire Railway Museum today, and they have a new display of crossing signals from different eras, and included in the display was a warning bell that had been taken from one of the crossings on Santa Ana St. They also had several wig-wags that were very similar to the one on Lemon St.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
Are you talking about the Signal Garden? That's probably my favorite thing there. It's been there at least 2 years, I remember messing with it when I attended my first Spring Pump-In with my firetruck club.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
On Sunday at about 4:05, we were opening gifts at an "Elmo" birthday party for my 2 year old God Daughter when the sound of airhorns filled the air. Alyssa dropped her presents and made a mad dash for the door. Kids and parents quickly followed and were rewarded by a parade of at least 10 UP MOW track vehicles, some with small 2 axle flats in tow. The vehicles were spaced about 20-30 seconds apart so it made for a faily long procession. The hired Elmo actor never showed up but at least Alyssa and the other kids were treated to a parade down Santa Ana Street. Alyssa got 4 Elmo dolls, a lot of clothes and some Thomas The Tank Engine toys from her Nino! Got to start them off right!
By the way, this morning I overheard talk between the operator at Anaheim Station and the Costa Mesa Local about the ability of a 30 car ballast train to make it down to the end the branch and run the power around the train. The local advised Anaheim that the siding at Dyer was long enough only for about 10,50 foot cars and that there was no room at the Metrolink Jct either. The operator stated that the ballast train would be operating down the branch in about a week and a half. That would make in mid week. I believe the Huntington Beach branch was reballasted over the period of 2 weekends. Keep your ears open.
Lastly, it sounds like the Costa Mesa Local is going on duty at 5 a.m. verses 7 a.m. on a regular basis now. This means the Marlboro now consistanly gets out on time and gets back to Anaheim around 5 p.m.
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
The question that nobody has asked is why the UP is suddenly spending some money on these Orange County branches? Even the remnants of the Tustin branch are getting some grooming? A sale in the works perhaps?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The ballast train finally visited this branch today. It backed down Santa Ana St at 1205 p.m. with Y2552, UP 747 and 16 cars of ballast. It returned to Anaheim at 2:30 the same afternoon. As far as I know it did not make it down the segment from Santa Ana to Costa Mesa. I imagine they will do that later today or perhaps next Sunday. I think UP is rehabing these branches because of the poor shape they were in. Check out an earlier posting by Anaheim Al on this same topic. He has some great shots of this branch beyond Santa Ana.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I don't think UP has any plans to sell the branches. The Santa Ana and Huntington Beach branches alone still generate a good deal of traffic, enough to merit several daily locals and an often very long road train in each direction. UP is probably rehabing them because, as bsme25 noted, they were in very sorry shape. The rehab will help prevent derailments and ensure smooth movement of traffic on a branch line that still sees very frequent activity.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The ballast train went out again this morning at 8:30. It was right on the heels of the Costa Mesa Local. The gates and flashers at the west end of street running didn't even get a chance to reset. Same power same number of cars, 16. This time the train was going forward and the last car had a FRED. I understand the siding at the far end of the branch can only handle 15 or so cars so the train had to be short so the power could run around it. Hope the ballast train has to make a few more trips.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
If anyone gets the OC Register, there was an article in the Local section today about the storms over the last few days that mentioned a weather related derailment of a UP train on the Santa Ana Branch in Buena Park (5 cars and a locomotive derailed). It blocked a crossing for several hours. Must've been either yesterday or the day before.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Follow this link to a series of images from the ballast drop in the Anaheim area.
see to see the images
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3441
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
For Those interested in O.C. RRs at large, several auto club map aegments, vintage 1960+or-, including most rail lines, have been scanned into Trainorders Western Board by D Anderson(find them by searching for his name as 'author' in search function at bottom of thread list, and another good one of So.Cal in general under "John Signor Protege").
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Posts on another board yesterday noted O.C. freight brought to Anaheim from Dolores off a symbol from Roseville, so I'm wondering how much traffic comes in that way now vs. from Colton. Any clues?
Posted by jst3751 (Member # 1454) on :
test
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
test successful.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Tonight is the Orange County Railway Historical Society Meeting at 7:30 PM on the 5th floor of the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center(Amtrak Depot). Tonight's program is members favorite 20 slides(not necessarily limited to O.C. scenes). Socializing starts at 7:00 PM. Visitors and those wanting to become members are always welcome.Wish I could be there, but still recovering from steam-filled weekend on S.F. Peninsula:>).
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
A rather lengthy Costa Mesa job this morning.
Compared to the typical 6 or 8 loads for the Times.
Twenty three cars, with three switchers for power. I was not able to see the power, but it looked like two SW1500's and one GP-15, I think.
one lumber load.
one hopper.
one tank car (with hazmat id 3082 ??)
six CHTT boxcars
14 GVSR boxcars (typically LA Times paper)
none of the locals ran on Friday the 29th.
al de anaheim
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
This past Sunday, there were two sets of road power on the Wye at Anaheim. I guess things got backed up over the Holidays? Or perhaps one set came from Dolores? I've never seen two sets of road power at the same time at Anaheim.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
It's quite possible they ran two road trains due to holiday backup. Typically the Hauler originates out of Colton, although I noticed someone mentioned hearing some Hauler traffic was coming up out of Dolores, which is not the usual. I have seen as many as six units at the Anaheim wye before, so it happens now and then. I bet all six units left with the outbound Hauler, though.
Posted by Ranaldo20 (Member # 2075) on :
I have never ever seen the Santa Ana Branch in my life, since i am stuck in the southeast right now, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this post. I wish there were as many people this passionate about the locals here in Chattanooga, it would make my day.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I have a feeling that the Santa Ana Branch is very popular with local railfans because of its lengthy stretch of street running - fully 1.5 miles - through a residential neighborhood no less. It also helps that the locals run on very regular schedules and usually during daylight hours, plus there's all those old crossbucks and the working wig-wag - a railfan photographer's dream. I have a feeling most branchlines are neglected by railfans because the train frequency just isn't high or regular enough. The Santa Ana Branch is an exception, and it's my favorite branch line in So Cal.
There are pictures of the Lemon St. wig-wag in action at http://www.trainweb.org/dansrailpix/WIG_WAG_PAGE10d.htm
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 12-05-2002).]
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
Thanks to all whom have added to this lengthy discussion; I am going to have to take a half-day soon and get over in the early morning and watch the action.
Still Freight Starved in South O.C.,
Landon
------------------
If wishes were iron horses...
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
What do you mean freight-starved, Landon?
You just need to spend more 'quality' time trackside.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by LakeForestLandon:
Thanks to all whom have added to this lengthy discussion; I am going to have to take a half-day soon and get over in the early morning and watch the action.Still Freight Starved in South O.C.,
Landon
I prescribe a day at Fullerton!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I used to live in Yorba Linda overlooking the BNSF mainline. The action was great but nothing compares to the unique personality of this branch. 4 trains on a consistant schedule M-F. The same friendly crews. Trains powered with whatever switchers and road switchers West Colton can come up with. Light power to 53 car trains with 3 units on a local. Street running with a wig wag and wooden crossbuck. Does it really get any better in these times of intermodal freights with the same old modern power?
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
You forgot to add the hand-thrown switches and industrial switching nature at the south end of the branch.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro switcher and Huntington Beach Local ran today. The Marlboro left Anaheim around 1230 and returned at 110. I've only seen the Marlboro run on Sundays a few times before. The HB seems to run every other Sunday or so. Also, the road power on the Wye is solid unpatched SP with a old T2 in the consist.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
What days does the HB local typically operate? This is a train I'd like to follow, but I don't what time it leaves Anaheim or whether the frequency is less than daily.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
From what I can tell, the HB local goes on duty at noon and usually heads down the branch at around 1 or 1:30 between the arrival of the Costa Mesa local and departure of the Marlboro switcher. It runs M-F and about every other Sunday. It usually arrives back between 5 and 7 although last night it got back just before 9 p.m. I think it goes down the HB side of the branch from Stanton almost daily and across the Paramount side once or twice a week. Anaheim Al probably knows more specific details.
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
Speaking of the ex-PE branch servicing Paramount. I haven't caught that job as often. Does anyone have a date for the job to start coming in from the LBeach side?
On an aside: a story was related to me about a Humvee service writer at the Cerritos Auto Mall. The story was that, some time ago, a customer brought their Hummer(1) back into the shop complaining of excessive rattling. The SW took the customer for a test ride. Heading east on Artesia, he (purportedly) veered onto the tracks and rode them to Studebaker. At which point he inquired of the customer: "Did the rattle sound like that?"
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
If it's anything I saw an empty ballast train going thru Santa Ana by Lincoln.I saw it parked waiting for the Surfliner to clear, I stopped grabbed the camera and got a video clip! Must been doing more work on the Santa Ana tracks?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Darn, missed the ballast train. I thought they were done ballasting the entire branch. What kind of power did it have? What time did you see it?
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Today, Wednesday the 11th, I saw 18 ballast hoppers at South Anaheim. Two visiting GP38's were on adjacent tracks.
I don't know if they were empties or loads.
~ ~ ~
I used to call these storage tracks just north of Katella, "Beer Alley" when Coors occupied the warehouse on Lewis Street and rec'd 4 to 8 boxcars a day of brew. Harbor Distributing has taken over the operation, but does not ship by rail.
~ ~ ~
follow the links below to see the hoppers and SP 4859 and SP4838 at South Anaheim.
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/ballast-anh-3442-c60.jpg
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/sp4859-anh-3472-c60.jpg
~ ~ ~
Brian's post on the HB times are about what I have observed. They depart as early as 12:30pm
anaheim-al
------------------
photography is my elixir
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The crew hopping aboard a few minutes ago, just before 7:30am. Destination unknown.
Time for work...
------------------
photography is my elixir
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
Darn, missed the ballast train. I thought they were done ballasting the entire branch. What kind of power did it have? What time did you see it?
I thought they were done too! Maybe it came from more southward? I couldnt figure out where!
Lesse...it was about 2.45pm crossing 17th @ Lincoln, SNA. The ballast cars are assumed empty since I couldnt see any rock piled high. I wasnt sure what kind of hoppers there were til I saw the ballast chutes under the cars. Pulled by a couple SP marked engines, I didn't catch what kind. I was on the way to get my son from school .... so it was kinda last minute to get it recorded.
I'll send you the clip if you want.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by dash-al:
Today, Wednesday the 11th, I saw 18 ballast hoppers at South Anaheim. Two visiting GP38's were on adjacent tracks.I don't know if they were empties or loads.
~ ~ ~
That's sounding like the one I saw in Santa Ana! I wasnt sure of the engines but GP38 sounds about right. They were older I knew thay much!
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
Saw the HB local heading back to the wye yesterday at 310pm. Didn't get to post it in time... had to attend a Christmas Play.
Marty
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I dunno if it has anything to do with the locals, I was on the 605 yesterday going south and off to my right I spot lights, it was a pair of SP marked engines pulling those ballast hoppers, empties, plus some usual boxcars. I was just wondering if it was one one the trains leaving the anaheim area going out to some UP yard or something.
I know where they are doing work on the Santa Ana branch, along Alton. I spotted (while driving my bus as usual) a MOW machine on the line parked, I think it was a tamper. I didnt note if the ballast was new or not. Didn't look like it.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro Switcher ran for the second Sunday in a row. It left Anaheim with the Huntington Beach local's power at 12:50 with 10 cars and returned 35 minutes later as light power. It's especially fun seeing a local run on weekends as kids throughout the neighborhood run outside to wave as the train passes by. I'm wondering what determins the running of a Sunday local. Sure would like to see it more often.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The ballast train you saw off the 605 was probably heading toward the junction at Los Nietos (Pico Rivera). For those who have never been down there, this is the junction where the road trains come in off the UP line through Whittier and where the Whittier/La Habra Branch splits with the Santa Ana Branch. Oftentimes there are several engines or even a whole train tied up here.
The MOW equipment normally ties up on a spur on the Huntington Beach Branch just off of Beach Blvd. I was wondering where they went. Guess that answers it.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by atsf3751:
The ballast train you saw off the 605 was probably heading toward the junction at Los Nietos (Pico Rivera). For those who have never been down there, this is the junction where the road trains come in off the UP line through Whittier and where the Whittier/La Habra Branch splits with the Santa Ana Branch. Oftentimes there are several engines or even a whole train tied up here.The MOW equipment normally ties up on a spur on the Huntington Beach Branch just off of Beach Blvd. I was wondering where they went. Guess that answers it.
Hada feeling that one train was out of Anaheim.
I dunno about that MOW unit, just a tamper(me thinks) sitting there by itself on Alton between Bristol & Fairview.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Nice to know some old ex-PE trackage getting upgraded in O.C. Catenary next?
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The Huntington Beach and Marlboro switchers were Sunday-Friday jobs and usually work Sundays until this year. Now it seems to be hit or miss and usually only one operates and perhaps none. I would assume that the jobs are advertised as 6 day a week jobs, but work Sundays only if the is enough work or important work to be done.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
A short thread on t.o. board indicates the wigwag at Lemon/Santa Ana Streets in Anaheim was struck by a drunk driver earlier this week but that it was relatively undamaged. Any O.C Branch watchers have any more to add?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Rest assured, the wig-wag is no worse for wear. It's still swinging away. Guess Magnetic Signal Co. built 'em to last! I was out watching the Marlboro this afternoon, and got shots of it passing by the wig-wag. Power was two unusually clean UP SW1500's and 21 cars.
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 12-18-2002).]
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
I must have just missed you... I was a few minutes behind the Marlboro. The light was looking good... any good images??
-al de anaheim
------------------
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Just received the Fall 2002 issue of "Update" Central Anaheim Anaheim Redevelopment Agency publication. Under the headline, "Santa Ana Street Undergoes Changes." The Agency is developing a strategic revitalization plan for transformation of Anaheim's antiquated downtown industrial properties with vibrant and pedestrian friendly residential developments with complementing commercial uses. As part of this endeavor, the Agency has conceptualized improvments to Santa Ana Street with new "Boulevard" style housing and lush streetscape improvements with new medians and parkways, ultimately extending from Harbor Boulevard to East Street.
The two artistic renderings of this transformation shows a tree lined median down Santa Ana Street with formal street tree canopy...whatever that is. Absent from these rendering are the UP railroad tracks. As much as these improvements will increase property value, I hope the street trackage stays. There is no timetable for this transformation.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
Just received the Fall 2002 issue of "Update" Central Anaheim Anaheim Redevelopment Agency publication. Under the headline, "Santa Ana Street Undergoes Changes." The Agency is developing a strategic revitalization plan for transformation of Anaheim's antiquated downtown industrial properties with vibrant and pedestrian friendly residential developments with complementing commercial uses. As part of this endeavor, the Agency has conceptualized improvments to Santa Ana Street with new "Boulevard" style housing and lush streetscape improvements with new medians and parkways, ultimately extending from Harbor Boulevard to East Street.The two artistic renderings of this transformation shows a tree lined median down Santa Ana Street with formal street tree canopy...whatever that is. Absent from these rendering are the UP railroad tracks. As much as these improvements will increase property value, I hope the street trackage stays. There is no timetable for this transformation.
I remember reading the same thing, it STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!! They should keep the rails there, the kids like it!
The city does have to take in account those businesses that use the rails. Don't they have to make sure there's access for the railcars to get to those locations? It's not like the tracks a rarely used.
Up early for a trip yesterday, saw the 2 1500s beside the 5, getting ready to take the train over the street.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
I finally took a long lunch today, and went exploring, to get the lay of the applicable land. Didn't catch any action save a northbound Surfliner at Vermont. I drove past the wig-wag twice; while the bottom of the face plate is bent to the front, and shows some rust, the rest of the device looks fine. There is a pole right in front of the base of the wig-wag that shows impact damage; might have been a stop sign. The base looked fine.
I drove by the wye; it's been too long; from where did that two storey industrial building spring on the west side? A couple of cuts of cars visible, and 3 engines parked:
(If Altamont Press CA 13 is accurate)
SP SD40M-2 patched UP 2672
UP SD40-2 2787
SP SD40M-2 8635, not patched, but lots of graffiti
The crossing arm lights at Ball were activated both directions, but the arms were up. If anyone wants to call UP, that was still happening between 1:10 and 1:20 p.m. today.
While driving down Santa Ana Boulevard, one can see a few obvious low or settling spots in the rails. Also evident is a lot of asphalt piling up just off the outer edge of the rails. How is track like this maintained?
Thanks to Anaheim Al and everyone else for piquing my interest. While Fullerton is great for fast through freights, and passenger action, this is as good, because of the difference.
Anyone have any plans after Christmas and before New Years? Will the locals be running the 26/27th and 30/31st?
Thanks again!
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Rumors have been spread previously regarding the demise of the street trackage. The city wants to remove them, plain and simple. I recall seeing their removal in their 'master plan' for the city.
As far as rail customers are concerned, a possible scenario would be that the Marlboro (Weyerhauser, Hobbs Trucking-OC Register newsprint, Ganahl Lumber, Seville and Foamex) and the CM (LA Times, Behr and Reliable Lumber) jobs could be run out of Los Nietos via Metrolink rails ( ?? ).
Could the HB local then be run from the San Pedro branch once that connector is in ??
Who knows... ??
~ ~ ~
I would assume the locals will be running, but that is an assumption on my part.
al de anaheim
------------------
photography is my elixir
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The locals run every weekday save for holidays. Most likely, they won't run either the 24th or the 25th, so that means they will probably be making up for lost ground on the following days. The locals could be really long on these days.
The street trackage is maintained in a very simple way: do nothing until absolutely necessary and then rip up the road and repair the street. Somewhat inconvinient for motorists, but it gets the job done.
As for Anaheim's planned "upgrades," I certainly hope UP will put up a fight. It would be neat to see Santa Ana St. declared a historical landmark, but I doubt that will happen. I don't see how all those industries would continue to be served if they closed the street trackage, unless BNSF took over the remaining customers and you know UP would never allow that. I suppose they could operate via trackage rights over BNSF all the way from Los Nietos, but you know BNSF would not make it easy for UP to have that, especially with the congestion already existing on their line. I'm sure UP is aware of Anaheim's plans and hopefully will fight them. There are certainly ways to have an "upscale" street and still have trains run down the middle. Think Jack London Square.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Here is the current power duo that has been running on the Marlboro and the Costa Mesa job. They share the same power each day.
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1429&size=big&papass=
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
Traffic to the Huntington Beach area should not be affected by the removal of the street trackage, if it happens. The Huntinton Beach switcher do not use that trackage. The plan is for the UP to stop using the track between Paramount and Stanton when the connection with the San Pedro Branch is in service. The cities along the old PE want the freight service to end.
An interesting idea (but not likely)to avoid conjestion on the BNSF San Berdoo Sub if the UP started using it to connect with their trackage if the street trackage was removed is to enter the BNSF at Basta and use the UP branchline to Los Nietos.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
I checked out the west/south end today, on the way back to the office from an errand. Does anyone know the history of the derelict mine engine and passenger car behind National Casein? MOW crews were working north and south of Edinger.
Peace to all,
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Landon, when you report MOW work north&south of Edinger, should we assume you are speaking of the Huntington Beach Branch or the Costa Mesa Branch in S.A. (as depicted by Anaheim Al so elegantly a few weeks ago)?
If the Casein Co. referred to is the one off MacArthur, the equipment mentioned is privately owned and the passenger car is under rennovation, hence comes and goes for special work offsite, affording the occassional impression of a mixed train on that line
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
Ah, hoisted on my own petard of specificity...
Costa Mesa Branch in Santa Ana.
I hereby warn everyone that I plan on railfanning the UP locals in the area after Christmas.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Hey Landon, drop me a note if you might a like to have railfan companion along. I am off between 12-24 and 1-5, my wife has all sorts of "stuff" planned for me, but I am planning on several days of trackside time.
I think you have my email, but here it is again, jeff@yayax.com
here is a link to the UPRR site regarding schedules over the holidays.
http://www.uprr.com/customers/holidaysched_1225.shtml
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
That passenger car behind the building on MacArthur appears to be a former ATSF obs car, perhaps one of the shorty Superintendent's cars. The roof above the platform is cut up and thecar appears to have been in MOW service in the past. Will take plenty of TLC to ever get it off that siding again.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
The passenger car and engine in question have been sitting in that siding since at least mid-1998. I worked from 1995 through late 1998 on Hyland, and I remember the car being there while I worked up there.
Now I have to figure how to keep my scanner on the desktop in my (low-walled) cubicle at work without annoying everyone around me...
"Uh, boss, I have an urgent project meeting.. be back in two hours... yes, I need the scanner for the meeting, honest..."
If wishes were iron horses,
Landon
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Earpiece, Landon, earpiece.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
Spotted a local today around midday going down Lincoln. About 5-7 cars I think.
It is so cool to see the pair of SW1500s cruisin down the line.
As you all know I'm pretty much a rookie, what gives the Marlboro it's name? I don't think there's a cig factory around here. What are all the other locals and why are they called what they are?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
That must have been the Huntington Beach local, because I saw the Marlboro this afternoon and it had 20 cars. Most of the locals around here are named for the branch line they serve or where they originate from. I believe the Marlboro gets its name from the industrial complex that it switches, but don't quote me on that.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Marlboro is the name of the station along the Tustin Branch where the industrial lead to the north takes off. I never discovered the basis of SP giving the name to that point and don't believe it was ever marked by a structure of any kind, only a siding just west of the former SFe Olive Sub crossing. One interesting bit of geography within the complex thus served are two streets named Southern and Pacific which intersect in its interior.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 12-24-2002).]
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
ATSF- I forgot to mention Lincoln in Santa Ana crossing 17th, I usually see locals there because our bus yard is right around the corner and I think I 'live' there more than my own place!
The Southern / Pacific roads remind me up here in Rancho Sta Marg. there's an intersection of Antonio & Banderas.....
on a side note, i think it's interesting that this subject is very popular...4 pages and going since march!
[This message has been edited by coach34135 (edited 12-24-2002).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Another interesting book that has some history on the Santa Ana branch is the recent publication "Southern Pacific in Los Angeles" but Larry Mullaly and Bruce Petty. It includes a map of all of SP's OC branch lines in 1900. At one time, the Costa Mesa portion of the Santa Ana branch extended all the way down to Newport Breach and then ran along the coast as far as Huntington Beach, then turned inland and headed north, almost but not quite reaching the Los Alamitos branch.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Actually the Costa mesa section of the Santa Ana Branch extended directly to Huntington Beach as P.E.'s cross county line. The extension to Newport Beach was built by SA&NRR about 1891, extended up coast and inland to Smeltzer in 1897, acquired by S.P. at turn of century and extended further all the way to Stanton on Los Alamitos Branch by S.P.in 1907. Just a few clarifications for the faithful on Xmas 2002!
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Actually the current "Costa Mesa" section of the Santa Ana Branch extended directly to Huntington Beach as P.E.'s cross county line. The extension to Newport Beach(from S.A.), was built by SA&NRR about 1891, essentially along SR55r-o-w, later extended up coast and inland to Smeltzer in 1897(e-o-t on Petty's referenced map), acquired by S.P. at turn of century and extended further all the way to Stanton on Los Alamitos Branch by S.P.in 1907. Just a few clarifications for the faithful on Xmas 2002!
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 12-25-2002).]
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
Steve:
Just restarted a "want" on Abebooks.com: your "Rails Through the Orange Groves" are priced at between $300 and $500, per volume, per copy!
Merry Christmas!
Landon
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As expected, the locals out of Anaheim didn't run on Christmas eve or day. Hope to see some long trains and Sunday service to make up for the backlog.
Merry Christmas to all and thank you for giving this post so much support. Although I've never met any of you in person, I feel like I know you all. I know I'm going to run into Jeff and Bus Lady someday. I'm keeping my eyes open for bus 25. Steve D, has been a great resource. Wish you were still in Southern CA.
Brian
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
[QUOTE]Originally posted by SteveD:
[B]Actually the current "Costa Mesa" section of the Santa Ana Branch extended directly to Huntington Beach as P.E.'s cross county line. The extension to Newport Beach(from S.A.), was built by SA&NRR about 1891, essentially along SR55r-o-w, later extended up coast and inland to Smeltzer in 1897 [QUOTE]
This is the same line that served the Holly Sugar plant in Santa Ana, complete with an SW-1 up to perhaps 1974 or so? Remember seeing this while going to th beach when I was a kid.
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
Still waiting for todays "local" report... The photo posse was intent on chasing one of the local jobs today. I missed out... had committed to letting the wife go bargain hunting.
(Slurpee's and Metrolink do not compare.)
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
Cue "Also Sprach Zarathustra" from the 2001 soundtrack...
Jeff and I met this morning at the wye at 7:00, only to find out that the Costa Mesa Local crew had a 5:00 a.m. call! We caught the local at Warner, switching out some hoppers in the storage tracks there at the spot where the main heads west. After a couple of switch moves the local headed west for Alton. Jeff took pictures from several spots along Alton, as the local had to perform two run-arounds, and more right at the Times plant. After a leisurely breakfast, we caught the local heading back, Jeff getting more pictures. After switching out the lumber yard west of Grand (is it Reliable Lumber there in Santa Ana?), we caught it again at 1st Street, south of the Santa Ana depot. The power was SW 1500's UP 1181 and 1074, both ex-SP. On the return leg the local had 18, including 2 empty centerline lumber cars and 11 Golden West Service boxcars from the Times.
After the successful chase on the south end, we headed for Vermont and Olive in Anaheim, and several minutes later the local approached. We paced the engine all the way to Santa Ana Blvd. and West, just shy of the I-5 bridge. The wig-wag was in operation at Lemon. We drove over to Lincoln and Crescent, and watched the crew leave the empties in the siding across from the Anaheim High School District office. Returning to the wye, we were both surprised to see that neither of the other two sets of power had moved; apparently the H.B./Paramount Local was not called today.
Thanks to Jeff for the guide work; a most enjoyable chase!
Regards,
Landon
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
Merry Christmas to all and thank you for giving this post so much support. Although I've never met any of you in person, I feel like I know you all. I know I'm going to run into Jeff and Bus Lady someday. I'm keeping my eyes open for bus 25. Steve D, has been a great resource. Wish you were still in Southern CA.
Brian
Actually, ol 25 I had to leave at the district I worked at. Look for a big white MCI motorcoach with a pink stripe...5560 is my regular bus now...I work at Certified Transportation, you may have seen our buses all over SoCal!
Off to Arizona Saturday in 5560! woohoo!!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local returned to Ana at 11:30 this morning. Upon its return, it swapped out Y1074 for Y1365, an MP15 that the Ana Hauler brought in on Monday. The Y1365 is an interesting switcher. It has a roof mounted air conditioner, single chime airhorn, painted over classification lights and no ditch lights. This unit was here about a month ago on the HB local. An interesting note about the Costa Mesa/Marlboro switchers Y1181 and Y1074 is that they have been paired together since Oct 31st. They both have been in captured service for almost 2 straight months. I've only seen units stay for about 3-4 weeks before they are rotated out. I believe the HB local did run today as I saw 9 cars left on the HB leg of the wye this evening.
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
Nice writeup Landon. Someday I'll have to break free and catch those locals. Was the leisurely breakfast part of the guide fees?
As for the old PE trackage... It's a shame the ROWs are not still available. Interurban is what we really need to releive local congestion. Imagine being able to ride the old NPB line to the pier. Or west from Santa Ana to Long Beach.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
I have a map of the PE at its zenith. The PE never made a lot of money, if memory serves, but it could still exist if LA ever gets over the idea that rapid transit should be self-sufficient, not that the region is alone in this myopic opinion. Didn't the MTA pay almost $800 million for the old PE line that became the Blue Line from Long Beach to downtown?
Yes, I bought breakfast; Jeff drove from the wye, so it was the proper thing to do. I am sure anyone would have done the same. I brought the scanner.
We didn't go out of our way to converse with the crew, as they were consistently busy. The double run-around at the west end of Alton also included a run down the short industrial lead that runs north from the junction just west of Susan Street, west of Fairview. The crew had two different switch jobs there that we observed, one tank car and one hopper.
All in all I am most satisfied with my first real urban rail chase.
Peace to all,
Landon
[This message has been edited by LakeForestLandon (edited 12-27-2002).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I have a feeling that were Pacific Electric to return today in all it's glory, it would be far more successful than it was by the late 50's when they were shutting everything down. People these days are sick of sitting in constant traffic, and at it's zenith, PE went to many of the places that see major freeway traffic jams. A modern PE would probably be a thriving endeavor, although certainly now lots of people would be loudly opposed to the return of such an extensive system. Just look at all the complaining people are doing over the proposed light rail line in OC, and that hasn't even got off the ground yet.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by atsf3751:
I have a feeling that were Pacific Electric to return today in all it's glory, it would be far more successful than it was by the late 50's when they were shutting everything down. People these days are sick of sitting in constant traffic, and at it's zenith, PE went to many of the places that see major freeway traffic jams. A modern PE would probably be a thriving endeavor, although certainly now lots of people would be loudly opposed to the return of such an extensive system. Just look at all the complaining people are doing over the proposed light rail line in OC, and that hasn't even got off the ground yet.
I think there's too many goons here because of the light rail. They had signs during the elections "DO YOU WANT TRAINS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?" They make it sound like they were going to run heavy rail beasts on the street. So stupid.
Modern light rail is clean and quiet. im beign kicked off! BYE!
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I observed the Marlboro switching the lumber yard on Santa Ana St. this afternoon. They removed 1 empty center beam car. The only other loads they had today were 3 chemical tank cars. Power was Y1356 and Y1074, with 1356 leading, which is a bit curious as it has no ditch lights.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I finally got around to scanning some of my Santa Ana Branch photos into my computer and posting them on the web. Here's the link to them: http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/Santa_Ana_Branch.html
I will probably be adding more in the next couple of days.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
atsf3751;
Your site is currently unavailable due to "excessive bandwidth consumption - try again in two hours"
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Sorry about that. Angelfire is turning out to be a less reliable host than I expected. Sometimes it doesn't even let me sign on!!Just keep trying.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
I finally accessed it this morning.
Too pooped from our recent visit to O.C., which was so wedding focused that I couldn't do any railfaning:<(, to attend church back home today, enjoyed your great documentary very much--thanks a lot! BTW, see my seperate thread on Anaheim Street Running on this board which I really meant to be another post on this 5-page thread itself(oops).
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 01-05-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
That very unique MP15 Y1365 has already been replaced by SP 2568 on Friday the 3rd upon return of the Costa Mesa Local. It was in service on this branch for only 7 days. That will teach me! Get photos/videos when you get the chance. Also, the Marlboro switcher is going to run today. It went on duty at 11:00 a.m.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
atsf3751...
nice record of photos. 2756 has made several appearances in Anaheim over the past few years, an AC unit if I recall correctly (??)
I like your perspective on the wigwag. I have always been directly behind the appartus which limited my field of view...
Next time there I will try your Kodak spot.
Thanks for sharing !!
~ ~ ~
I will be posting several of the images from the chase that Landon and I had in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa. I didn't catch any still images on the street running as I broke in my Xmas gift from my wife ( !! ), a Panasonic VHS-c camera. I have had limited video experience, but it is fun !! I still prefer still camera images tho...
Yes Landon, a fantastic morning, seemed to fly by so quick... a GREAT DAY for sure !!
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I will be adding some more photos of trains going by the wig-wag within the next couple of days. I also shot Y1365 on the point of the Marlboro, but I have yet to finish that roll of film, so it will probably be a few weeks before I post them. I'll let everyone know when they're up.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local went out today at 0730 with 20 cars! Haven't seen the Costa Mesa Local with this many cars in a long time.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I've posted several more Santa Ana Branch photos on my site, including more shots of wig-wag action. You can get "linked" by first clicking on my profile.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
1-6
I chased down a local who was carrying tanks, took video of them working. Near the Pond, on that track that goes by the stable. Gotta video of them cutting out 2 tanks, then backing into a gated siding and I assumed they dropped at least one. came back and them picked up the 2 cut tanks and continued on down by the stable.
I saw the freshly painted 1500, it'll be decorated by local artists soon.
Posted by railsub (Member # 394) on :
Santa Ana Backs Off Its Threat to Block 2nd Metrolink Track
By Jennifer Mena, Times Staff Writer
Despite residents' concerns about the wail of late-night whistles and the rumble of trains, Santa Ana has decided not to fight the completion of Metrolink's addition of a second set of tracks between downtown Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano.
City officials had threatened to sue to stop the project but instead struck a deal that calls for Metrolink to spend $1.6 million on improvements near the new track, including decorative fencing, double-pane windows for at least eight homes and a wall from Fairhaven Avenue to 17th Street.
The $16-million track addition will eliminate a bottleneck along a 1.8-mile stretch between 17th Street in Santa Ana and La Veta Avenue in Orange, where trains have to stop and idle so that oncoming trains can pass. The land on which the second track will be added is owned by the Orange County Transportation Authority.
...The double tracks "should reduce the noise and vibration since you will not have any idling while another train passes," said Metrolink spokeswoman Sharon Gavin. Resident Clementina Navarette isn't buying it. She said the second set of tracks is being installed to accommodate more trains. "There's too many trains already," she said. "The noise is terrible." Twelve years ago, she and her husband, Pablo, bought a house next to the track because it offered four spacious bedrooms for their three children and Clementina Navarette's mother. Pablo Navarette, a retired cannery employee, said he and his wife can't afford to move, so they are resolved to putting up with whatever nuisances are coming. "It's hard to be positive about what's going to happen when it's happening so close to your house," he said.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
quote:
Originally posted by railsub:
"There's too many trains already," she said. "The noise is terrible."
Unless people enjoy sitting in traffic, they ought to realize that one additional Metrolink = 100+ more cars off the road. One additional freight train = 100+ trucks off the road. Safety and efficiency are increased, and yet there are those who still complain...amazing.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by atsf3751:
Unless people enjoy sitting in traffic, they ought to realize that one additional Metrolink = 100+ more cars off the road. One additional freight train = 100+ trucks off the road. Safety and efficiency are increased, and yet there are those who still complain...amazing.
That and if they dont like the noise why did they move there in the first place? If ya dont like it, get out!
I can't wait to see how they are going to double track that along Lincoln. They have room but they're going to have to do some major work there.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Last evening i drove by Ana Station and saw both sets of local power tied down for the evening, however the SP 2568 was missing on the Costa Mesa/Marlboro. It wasn't with the hauler power either. Curious what happened to it. This mornining at around 6:20, the Costa Mesa Local left Ana with the Y1181 and 1 single boxcar.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
and I caught the CM job returning to the yard at 10:00am. they were running light and back home early... "early friday" has a nice ring to it, eh ??
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Finally got around to processing the images from the CM Local chase.
Hey Landon... that was a great day !!
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THE PHOTOS
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4743
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 01-13-2003).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I finally caught a working Huntington Breach local today, totally by accident. Driving down Beach Blvd. at 5PM, the gates went down and a train with UPY 1206 and UP 1572 ambled across with about 15 tank cars. It headed off toward the Paramount side of the branch. Unfortunately, traffic was bad, and so I couldn't chase it.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
Is the Marlboro Local Sunday schedule fixed or as needed? Is the call always at the same time?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro Sunday edition seems to go on duty between 11:00 and noon. It usually returns back to Anaheim almost right away, sometimes within the hour. Its frequency of operation is less than once a month. The Anaheim Hauler runs Sunday-Friday. If you see road power on the wye at Anaheim on Saturday, there is a good chance you'll see a Sunday Marlboro. The Huntington Beach Local was running almost every Sunday. Haven't seen much Sunday action for the last few months. Todays (Monday) Costa Mesa Local went out with 21 cars, 16 of which were the Golden West VCY boxcars destined for LA Times? If so, that's the longest cut of cars I've seen for the Times Plant.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Rare occurance at Anaheim today. Two sets of road power on the wye. On the East leg SP 7629/SP 8673/UP patch 2665/SP 8703. On the West leg SP 8663/SP7655/UP patch 8638 on D&RGW T-2. One set from West Colton and one set from Dolores?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The Golden West boxes are for the LA times plant, as a general rule. The amount of paper they get seems to fluctuate a lot.
Hope you got photos of that Rio Grande unit. D&RGW is getting rare in just about any form!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Y1181 has been replaced by GP15 1579 on the Costa Mesa/Marlboro Local. No big deal except for the Y1181 being in continuous service on the branch since Oct. 31. Almost 3 months without getting some type of service in the shops. Pretty durable old switcher! I have a feeling we'll se it back before long.
Posted by Cthetrains (Member # 2148) on :
do you guys realize what kind of affect this post would have if anyone whose opinion matters to the rail services got a chance to read these comments?..Someone should find a way to let that happen
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Cory (o:}=
Posted by Cthetrains (Member # 2148) on :
do you guys realize what kind of affect this post would have if anyone whose opinion matters to the rail services got a chance to read these comments?..Someone should find a way to let that happen
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Cory (o:}=
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
The Y1181 has been replaced by GP15 1579 on the Costa Mesa/Marlboro Local. No big deal except for the Y1181 being in continuous service on the branch since Oct. 31. Almost 3 months without getting some type of service in the shops. Pretty durable old switcher! I have a feeling we'll se it back before long.
I hope it comes back, it's a good lookin little engine!! I got it on video at least.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
hey ya'all...
Yeah, about once a month on the Sunday stuff.
I grabbed a few images of the double set of power at the wye. The word must have been out as I ran into two other Orange County rail-photoguys... Kevin V. (OCKV) and Chris W. (ECCRCHRIS).
I posted a few of mine at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=33492#post33492
~ ~ ~
and the aforementioned 1181 on duty with 1074 as the power for the Costa Mesa Local with one of the Golden West boxcars in tow.
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/up1074-1181-anh-2918-c90.jpg
I am starting to see these Golden West cars getting patched back to SP road numbers.
One Sunday they run, we should all gather trackside to photograph and video their street running. That would be a sight, eh ??
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by dash-al:
hey ya'all...Yeah, about once a month on the Sunday stuff.
I grabbed a few images of the double set of power at the wye. The word must have been out as I ran into two other Orange County rail-photoguys... Kevin V. (OCKV) and Chris W. (ECCRCHRIS).
I posted a few of mine at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=33492#post33492
~ ~ ~
and the aforementioned 1181 on duty with 1074 as the power for the Costa Mesa Local with one of the Golden West boxcars in tow.
http://members.trainorders.com/anaheim-al/up1074-1181-anh-2918-c90.jpgI am starting to see these Golden West cars getting patched back to SP road numbers.
One Sunday they run, we should all gather trackside to photograph and video their street running. That would be a sight, eh ??
Sounds like fun, I think the UP crew might even get a kick out of that!
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Dash-al (aka Jeff), your photos are excellent. So you did get one of the DRGW T-motor after all. I haven't seen one of those myself in ages. There are very few remaining in DRGW paint, and that one looked to be in pretty good shape. The grayscale certainly does a good job of minimizing the UP reporting marks.
I also like the one of UP 5256 on Santa Ana St. That's an ex-DRGW unit too, by the way. GP40-2's aren't a very common sight on the street trackage.
Oh, and BTW...this IS the 200th post!!! It's quite amazing that this thread has lasted so long. It's huge by the standards of ANY forum. Santa Ana St. certainly has a dedicated following!
By the by...does anyone have any idea how to post photos to THIS message board? I've seen it a couple of times, but can't figure out how to do it.
Posted by Cthetrains (Member # 2148) on :
I'm thinking cut-and-paste should work. If not, it's fairly simple to use HTML coding to refer to an image without having to type the image data in by hand.
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Cory (o:}=
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Ok, I finally figured it out. Took a while, though. You have to put the link in for the entire website for the thing to show up. I thought this thread could use a few "examples" since no one's actually posted any photos yet. You can find more of the same at http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/index.html
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 02-03-2003).]
Posted by Cthetrains (Member # 2148) on :
nice angles for those pics..
I saw a couple of those units go through here a few days ago, with a cabless in the middle.(unfortunately, no camera).
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Cory (o:}=
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Nothing super newsworthy, but the Costa Mesa Local left this morning at 810 with 25 cars. Haven't seen a Costa Mesa with that many cars in a long time. Also, the VCY boxcars for the LA Times Plant are usually blocked together. This morning, they were dispersed throughout the train. No Sunday Huntington Beach or Marlboro Locals this past weekend. It's been a long while since either have run on a Sunday.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
same here nothing interesting
last week i got lucky and had to drive a group to Ocean View High which is a block from a crossing..lo and behold, the HB local...so i quickly dumped off the kids, parked the coach and hung around the crossing and waited for them to get done at the end of thetrack...whatever they were doing down there. Gotta couple ok shots.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Regarding the HB local, UP is installing a new connection down in Paramount where the HB local currently delivers oil to a refinery there several times a week. This would greatly shorten the length of the run required to reach the refinery, but would eliminate about 1/2 of the HB local's duties and may cause the part of the line that runs between Stanton and Paramount to be mothballed or abandoned.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
The probable demise of the old P.E. diagonal is more than "may", as discussed in whole seperate thread on this board on that subject.Also note Paramount thread on Trainorders.com
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 02-13-2003).]
Posted by The Chief (Member # 2172) on :
Wow. After more than 200 posts, maybe you guys should think about starting santa-ana.com -- not on Angelfire, obviously!
- - - The Chief
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
After about a month of status quo on this branch, Friday brought about an interesting change. A single GP38-2 UP 2417 showed up on the Costa Mesa/Marlboro Local. Then today (Saturday) on a day that the Anaheim Hauler normally doesn't run, two Haulers loaded up the sidings with cars. I wasn't around today but when I drove past Anaheim Station, at around 6:45 p.m. there were cuts of cars on both the Huntington Beach branch and the Santa Ana branch between the east and west legs of the why which tells me both the Huntington Beach and Marlboro locals ran today. I've never ever heard of them running on a Saturday. Hope this means they will be running tomorrow also.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
One of the many hollywood uses of SARTC has been as a dummy Salinas depot in "Memoirs of Invisible Man" starring Chevy Chase and Daryl Hannah. I just watched them boarding an Amcan with compartment(ha!) headed for San Diego(in attempt to evade their pursuers--at least the 1992 producers identified the actual depot with the actual route even if falsley naming it for the SJV town). Nice to see them running around the OCRHS clubhouse.(BTW, this movie ran this morning in the SF Bay Area but you OC folks might spot it down there sometime, too.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Before leaving for Yosemite a week ago, I grabbed a few images of the Anaheim street running on Santa Ana Avenue. You can see the images through the following link:
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5647
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Nice Work, Jeff, as always. I saw a couple b&w views of the curve at the west end of S.A. Street(vicinity of your second shot)at the county courthouse once back before the fwy and attendent overopasses. The land was apple orchard and the photos had been pulled from court files just prior to destruction due to possible historical value. I never learned of the legal question for which the old pix had been made but I assume it had to do with a train encounter where the track entered the street there. Glad you're back--check your e-mail.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 02-23-2003).]
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
I noticed both the Whittier threads got dropped from this board..too bad they couldn't have simply been added to this thread to preserve all the O.C. related info in one place(like six pages isn't long enough already?) Dunno if those other threads expired on an automatic timeclock or were manually stricken by webmaster or original sponsors, but presume any additional thoughts or observations about Fullerton, Brea, etc., will come here instead?
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Three unpatched SP SD40's are at the wye today, lead by SP 8615.
One of the gates & flashers was taken out by an automobile (assumed) on Broadway at the wye. This was on the leg(s) heading towards Stanton. The crew was there around noon today hoisting the replacement apparatus in place.
Also to note, UP 1367, an MP15 is now on duty on the HB/Paramount local. I don't recall seeing this switcher here before.
The Marlboro local just passed my office window. UP 2417 (GP38-3) and UP 1579 (GP15) leading the way. I was not able to count the cars, but it seemed about twice as long as normal. One odd load for this local, a bulkhead flat car with re-bar, most likely destined for the Weyerhauser yard that generally recieves lumber and other building materials.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 02-27-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Marlboro mishaps! The Marlboro local clipped a vehicle at East St today. Minor damage to vehicle and no injuries. The lead unit, UP 1095 (SW1500) sustained no damage that I could tell. Impact was just behind the left pilot on the steps. The local did, however, tie up traffic for about 35 minutes on Santa Ana St while submitting their report to APD. Shortly after leaving the scene and arriving to their first spot, I heard the crew over the radio stating that the UP 1095 would not go into reverse. Major problem for a switch engine I would imagine!
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Sounds more like a CAR clipped the Marlboro, not the other way around! Sounds like the result of a careless driver. You can see the train coming for quite a distance, and thus it shouldn't be too much of a problem to stay out of its way!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
It looks like the vehicle was trying to make a left turn on to East St from Santa Ana going west and probably froze in the turn pocket when the train came around the bend on to the street trackage. Regardless, the locals always tiptoe down Santa Ana St affording the driver plenty of time to get out of the way.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
East Street ??
I don't think that East Street crosses the UP (maybe West ??).
I have post some photos of the power in and around OC at:
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5850
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Oops! That's correct, it was West St not East.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Dash-al, I saw your photos of UP 1367. It sure is a very unusual looking MP15. I wonder what kind of rebuild job it's undergone. The lettering is different than from most UP units - looks like a scheme from a number of years ago.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by The Chief:
Wow. After more than 200 posts, maybe you guys should think about starting santa-ana.com -- not on Angelfire, obviously!
- - - The Chief
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/socalrail/
[This message has been edited by coach34135 (edited 03-06-2003).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I finally caught a Marlboro today after not being able to go down there for longer than I'd prefer to remember. There was a healthy assortment of cars (18) including another flat car of rebar and multiple lumber and chemical loads. The power was 2 GP38-2's - 2417 was leading, didn't catch the other one. Both were very clean - no graffitti at all. Also, in Anaheim yard, there were four road units in the wye including two tunnel motors. One was a UP repaint but the other was an unrenumbered SP with the older style lettering.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The road power from the Anaheim Hauler that you observed today didn't arrive into Anaheim until almost noon. Since the Hauler usually arrives at 3 or 4 in the morning, it was nice to get some day time video of it arriving today. The Costa Mesa Local only had four cars today, probably because the Hauler had not arrived yet. Tomorrow morning might bring a lengthy Costa Mesa!
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
I wonder if it was the A.Hauler that I saw at DT Jct. from my early Surfliner yesterday then on my way to an L.A. connection with Starlate back to Bay Area. Several SP units were waiting some distance north of the diamond with a long manifest.
I assumed the Hauler was long home and put to bed, so didn't bother trying to squeeze a shot out the window--whuddathunk, but if so it rounded out a nice sojourn back to O.C., including a skimpy overpowered Costa Mesa Daylight slipping thru SARTC between Metrolinks while awaiting my referenced Surfliner.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-07-2003).]
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-07-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yep Steve, I bet that was the Ana Hauler you saw in a rare daylight appearance. Sorry I missed you this trip. Today's Marlboro Switcher left Anaheim at 1455 with a whopping 45 cars. In a rare move, it dropped off a center beam lumber car off on the main track at the lumber yard at Olive and Santa Ana. I assume it will spot the car on the spur on it's return trip.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
Yep Steve, I bet that was the Ana Hauler you saw in a rare daylight appearance. Sorry I missed you this trip. Today's Marlboro Switcher left Anaheim at 1455 with a whopping 45 cars. In a rare move, it dropped off a center beam lumber car off on the main track at the lumber yard at Olive and Santa Ana. I assume it will spot the car on the spur on it's return trip.
I too saw the Hauler this AM, I noticed a pair of road engines heading in as I was going 5 north in my bus. For once I wish I wasnt in the bus!
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Bri, By "dropped off", I presume you mean left behind rather than dropped onto ties a la your video?
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
yeah, left behind.
I drove past just after 4:30pm and it was still there. Right at the spot of the derail on the video.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
Hey they said just now(7am today) on the news there was a UP derailment in Carson in the middle of the night, was that the Anaheim Hauler? Or does it even go thru Carson? hehe
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
hehe? heck no. more likely candidate would be Harbor Hauler, which nonetheless could use old S.A. Branch between Studebaker and Firestone(one option) and thereby be(barely) on-topic.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
This morning (3-12-2003), the CM job is doing some of the switching for the Marlboro at the Weyerhauser plant. Boxcars appear to be backing up at South Anaheim and on the sidings along the 5 freeway.
Power is UP 2417 and UP 1693.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Car counts alone along the I-5 can be decieving, although I used to watch them, too. There are two sequential storage tracks with one typically used to recieve the incoming Hauler cars and the other to accumulate outgoing cars. The two used to be seperated by a trestle over Carbon Creek where it emptied into Crescent Basin, but I believe that has been reduced to a mere culvert with fills on both sides.
After reviewing Dave Crammer's 1995 article about operations of the Huntington Beach Local(which encompassed all the branches radiating out of Stanton) in "SP Rails--Motive Power Finale", I am reminded that of the two I-5 sidings mentioned above, the westernmost one was called "Long Pass" and the other or more eastern one "Extension" Even after the SPINS program redesignated them as north and south storage tracks, scanner observation between Hauler and yard office would typically reveal instructions like "train to the Pass, power to the wye".
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-14-2003).]
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The many boxes have been shuttled over to South Anaheim. As of this morning, there were about 30-35 boxcars on the two storage tracks.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
In the days of multiple haulers, the SP would run some of the haulers to South Anaheim via the streets.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
In Rails Through The Orange Groves, there is a photo of a Hauler going down Olive St during the day. Wish that was still the operating norm. Speaking of multiple haulers, there appears to have been two early this morning. There are two sets of hauler power on the east leg of the Ana wye today. The sidings must have been loaded up because one of the haulers left its cut of cars on the Huntington Beach branch. Didn't see the outbound Costa Mesa Local today. As of 0730, it still hadn't left Anaheim and I had to get the kids off to school.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Regarding the boxcar shuttling, I'll bet that's how the Marlboro and CM locals sometimes end up with 50+ cars. They probably dump most of them off at South Anaheim when they run out of space over at Anaheim Yard.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local returned to Anaheim at 1245 as light power. Roadswitchers 1693 and 2417 (GP15-1 and GP38-3)
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Re the multiple Hauler power sets reported on scene on Paddy's Day. I wonder if that suggests some cars are still coming in from Dolores on a seperate train, or maybe one set was just left over from the weekend?
Or how's this for a fantasy story: the cars left on the Stanton Branch were dragged in via the new Paramount connection rather than shoved back from the wye!
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-18-2003).]
Posted by Paul Jansson (Member # 1388) on :
For those interested in such things, there is an MKT gondola in relatively good condition sitting along I-5 just north of Euclid. The herald on both sides is relatively unscathed, obviously it has not spent much time in SoCal. It is the northernmost car in a long cut. As of about 1:00pm.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There is a set of "Saturday" Hauler power on the Wye at Anaheim today. Hopefully there will be a Sunday Marlboro or Huntington Beach Local.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by Paul Jansson:
For those interested in such things, there is an MKT gondola in relatively good condition sitting along I-5 just north of Euclid. The herald on both sides is relatively unscathed, obviously it has not spent much time in SoCal. It is the northernmost car in a long cut. As of about 1:00pm.
darn ya beat me to it hehehe...
the KATY on the side really caught my eye as I drove by on the frwy....
then i saw some movement going thru the beach blvd xing....ttheen i had to continue on to my pickup location
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I caught the Marlboro returning to Anahiem very early this afternoon at 2:30, which is they time they are typically heading out. Either that, or it was a very late inbound Costa Mesa. The power was UP 1693 (GP15-1) and a UP GP38-2 (didn't get number) with 13 cars trailing. It had a Tiona titanium dioxide car in the consist. I've seen these cars along I-5, but never on the Marlboro, which made me wonder if this was perhaps a late Costa Mesa.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yes, that was a very late Costa Mesa Local. As of 1540, the Marlboro is still switching around at Anaheim. Looks like it is going to have a long cut of cars.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yesterday's Marlboro (Thurs) finally left Anaheim at about 1545 and didn't return until 1850. Today's Marlboro didn't leave until 1550. I don't know what time it returned. Both the Costa Mesa and Marlboro locals ran with the HB local's power, SW1500 1095 and GP15-1 1579. The HB local had a large paper banner on east facing GP38-3 2417 stating "PARAMOUNT, LAST RUN". Hope someone recorded this event.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
This morning at about 0545 I overheard Anaheim Station calling the LOH25 advising them that there was a ribbon train parked in front of the depot and that the engineer on this train was not qualified. I assume meaning not qualified for a run over Metrolink? The ribbon train backed to the North Siding, which I found out was the siding just to the west of Western Ave in Buena Park and the Anaheim Hauler pulled around it. As of 1430, the ribbon train was still in the North Siding with 3 UP six axle road units. The lead unit was the 9105. I don't know where it is going to drop its welded rail. All branches leading out of Anaheim have already been rehabilitated except for the Paramount Branch. Keep your ears and eyes open. Also, the Costa Mesa Local used the power that the HB local used for it's last run down the Paramount Branch and still had the large "PARAMOUNT, LAST RUN" banner on the engineer side of the lead unit.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
How's this for likely use of welded rail last reported at B.P. at "North Siding".
U.P. intends to rebuild entire Tustin Branch and extend it accross Irvine Ranch, thus fulfilling S.P.'s original proclaimed intent to push through toward San Diego! Actually I suspect it is for use in B.P. industrial park, where new ties were seen distributed already on my visit last month.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Steve, I think you are right in that they will be laying rail in the BP industrial area. I drove past this morning and noticed that the power was gone. I'm still hoping they will be laying rail somewhere on the Tustin or Santa Ana branch. I'd sure like to see some six axle road power running down Santa Ana St. If they do run this train down to Tustin or Costa Mesa, it will certainly be Saturday as I will not be in the area on that day.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The power for the Costa Mesa/Marlboro is gone from Anaheim Depot as is the ribbon train. There is a three unit set of SP road power on the west end of the north siding where the ribbon train was. Does anyone know where the ribbon train may have gone? I've been it watching all week long and now it seems to have vanished. As per my prediction, it would go to work this Saturday since I wouldn't be around.
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
So, how will the new connection from the San Pedro Sub affect operations in Anaheim? Will any of the locals, or the Hauler, operate via a different route?
Thanks in Advance,
Landon
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The only change that I am aware of is the HB local will not have to traverse the Paramount Branch. It has been returning from it's run at about 3 to 4 p.m. verses 7 to 8 p.m. as was the case when it visited the Paramount refinery. The HB is still running daily, however, I'm not sure that will continue. The loss of the refinery business from this end is at least several hundred loads and empties per month that this job no longer handles.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
The power for the Costa Mesa/Marlboro is gone from Anaheim Depot as is the ribbon train. There is a three unit set of SP road power on the west end of the north siding where the ribbon train was. Does anyone know where the ribbon train may have gone? I've been it watching all week long and now it seems to have vanished. As per my prediction, it would go to work this Saturday since I wouldn't be around.
I saw railstrip cars parked along the 5 around manchester/beach area on thursday. ALong with a few MOW looking vehicles. I could look real good, going by it at 55 in the bus.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I was out watching the Buena Park switcher this afternoon and notices a set of SP road power parked at the siding next to I-5 just beyond Knott Avenue. All three were clean unrenumbered SP units, although I didn't see any welded rail train.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Rail was reported being dropped on "Tustin Branch" around noon today on another board.
If this is same mystery RW train reported here earlier, Brian's prediction of it finally coming into view while he's out of town was correct. Too bad, too, 'cuz that means he wasn't home recording the move past his trackside Anaheim home. Interesting note about the unpatched SP power at B.P., tho.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As of 9:15 this evening, the Costa Mesa/Marlboro power was still absent. I presume that's the power being used on the ribbon train. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open to see if it returns sometime tonight or early morning.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today the Marlboro left with a single unit, east facing UP 351 which was dropped off by the departing Friday evening Anaheim Hauler. The missing normal power is still gone. I'm presumming it's on the rail train. I overheard the crew on the radio stating that the remaining unit, the UP 1095, was "red tagged" and couldn't be used. I wonder what the Huntington Beach Local is going to use today for power.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
UP 1693 and UP 2417 (the missing power) brought the empty welded rail train from the Marlboro area at 11:30am today. I was able to see the train at the Cerritos crossing very near to MP 512, South Anaheim and again while street running on Santa Ana Avenue.
The aforementioned power then was on duty for the Marlboro local and was observed from my office switching out the Weyerhauser plant between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
I haven't had a chance to discover where the rail was dropped, but that sure seems like a lot of rail just for old Tustin Branch... Maybe it is as SteveD suggested, they're gonna lay rail all the way to San Diego !!
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Thanks to a heads up from Anaheim Al, I got to video the rail train traversing Santa Ana Street. Always neat to see something different on the branch. Like Anaheim Al was saying, it sure does seem like a pretty big capital investment to be laying welded rail on the old Tustin Branch. Also, I observed the cut of cars that the HB local brought back today. It had a string of about 10 black tanks! I'm wondering if the HB local did another run down the Paramount Branch. I'm going to investigate tomorrow.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
A.A. posted: "I haven't had a chance to discover where the rail was dropped, but that sure seems like a lot of rail just for old Tustin Branch... Maybe it is as SteveD suggested, they're gonna lay rail all the way to San Diego".
------------------
Although I never saw an actual legal decision(nor any newspaper account reporting it or the legendary standoff between S.P. and Irvine Ranch employees), I presume it was issued and still in effect, baring S.P. or its successor from trespassing accross the ranch to build such a road. I guess they had no problem with OERM's S.P. loco running on the ranch to remove SFe industrial trackage, though, or the occassional S.P. power that conveyed trona or auto trains over BNSF Surf Line a few years ago. Could be that S.P. only made a lotta noise in order to get San Diego to cough up some terminal real estate back in the 19th century, knowing Irvine would balk, but the company that built the Santa Ana Branch was, after all, the Los Angeles& San Diego R.R.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by SteveD:
A.A. posted: "I haven't had a chance to discover where the rail was dropped, but that sure seems like a lot of rail just for old Tustin Branch... Maybe it is as SteveD suggested, they're gonna lay rail all the way to San Diego".
Today in the bus on the 57, I looked down at the line by the Pond and wow! CWR was laid beside the old tracks. So that's where at least some of it went.
I wonder if they will lay CWR at Santa Ana St, would make their ride a little smoother.
[This message has been edited by coach34135 (edited 04-09-2003).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Sounds nice, but it seems unlikely. Laying CWR on the street trackage creates the logistical problem of having to shut down several blocks, then dig up the street, pull up the old rail and ties and lay the new. You're probably looking at a several week job. I doubt the city of Anaheim would allow UP to create such a traffic nightmare.
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 04-09-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The redevelopement plans for downtown Anaheim, which includes Santa Ana St, is to remove the street trackage altogether. The artists renditions of what Santa Ana St will look like are quite impressive. However, I have a feeling that the city will have to incorporate this line into their plans. Too much traffic, no alternative route and the railroad was there first. I imagine the trackage on Santa Ana St will have to be eventually rehabilitated as it is in pretty bad shape. All branches out of Anaheim have been already rehabilitated with CWR being dropped on the old Tustin branch. I can't imagine UP not laying CWR down Santa Ana and Olive Streets in the near future.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Rebuilding all the street trackage in Anaheim would indeed by a strain, but on a historical note, the streets were in fact there before the railroad. However the R.R. has a franchise to occupy the streets indefinitely, a measure the city fathers were apparently willing to make to get S.P. to come downtown after local passengers and citizens had to settle for the the inconvenience of aWest Anaheim
terminus originally(where the yard office is now).For many years SP had an alternate route past town along the I-5 r-o-w but gave that up long ago for highway construction. Later U.P. had an alternate route into Anaheim via La Habra and Fullerton but gave that up when abandoning its Anaheim Branch thru Fullerton for Metrolink expansion along BNSF. Now it would take some pretty generous trackage rights concessions from a major competitor or SCRRA to access the city w/o street trackage.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-15-2003).]
Posted by LakeForestLandon (Member # 2111) on :
So anyone going to F.R.P.A. Rail Days in three weeks?
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
FRPA Rail Days? Mighta, but it falls on same weekend as two Bay Area events (GGRM Spring Open House, and CP Maggie BBQ) closer to my current home.
BTW, might I suggest such inquiries be attached to thread already opened on Rail Days subject on the TW Events page, so I don't get hopeful the number increment for this thread night mean some added news has been posted on on this thread's subject?
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-14-2003).]
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by LakeForestLandon:
So anyone going to F.R.P.A. Rail Days in three weeks?
(raises hand) MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
Steve
I think that saying that the old SP direct line between West Anaheim and West Anaheim Jct. was removed for freeway construction is a bit of an over statement. However in the 1930s, the construction of Manchester Blvd. as Bypass US101 was, I guess, much like a freeway opening today.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I've added band-new Santa Ana and Huntington Beach branch pages to my website. I also added some new photos of some BNSF locals too. Go check it out!
http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/index.html
...and here's a little preview just for those of you who long to see a little street-running action
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I was jolted out of bed this morning at 0640 to the sound of airhorns. In my sleep induced stuper I thought it was a weekday not Easter Sunday. Much to my surprise, the Marlboro was running today. It departed Anaheim as light power 2417/1696 and returned 45 minutes later with 5 "TOE" boxcars in tow. The Sunday edition of the Marlboro typically goes on duty at around 1000-1100. I've never seen it this early on a Sunday. I wonder why it was so important to have an Easter Sunday local pick up those 5 boxcars. I'm not complaining. Wish it happened more often. Also, the engineer was someone I don't think was a regular to this line. He blew his horn loudly and frequently all the way down Santa Ana and Olive Street. Probably not necessary for an early Sunday morning run, but it was music to my ears. Interestingly, both the 2417 and 1693 (neither which is of SP herritage I think) have been fitted with SP type airhorns which, in my opinion, play a tune unmatched by any other. On his return trip I heard him enter Olive Street which gave me about a 7 minute heads up. Happy Easter everyone!
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The Sunday operation has been interesting of late. Lets look at what was scheduled in the past.
The Costa Mesa was many years ago a seven day aweek job, but later was reduced to M-Sa and more recently just to M-F. The Maralboro and Huntington Beach switcherd have been Su-F job for sometime, however recently one or the other or both have been blanked on Sundays.
I don't know how the jobs are bulletined and what the limits of work are. Watching Sunday operation and the times that the jobs went to work I got the impression that one of the crews would have to work, but could go either direction. It seemed that they would come in at the HB time.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Originally posted by bsme25:
I wonder why it was so important to have an Easter Sunday local pick up those 5 boxcars.
Thats obvious, he wanted to get that job done so he could go home and get his easter dinner!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I figured those five TOE boxcars for some reason had to be picked up by the Sunday evening Anaheim Hauler, hence the early Sunday morning pickup by the Marlboro. As of this afternoon, those five TOE boxcars were still sitting on the western most siding in Anaheim. So again, just wondering why a holiday Sunday local. Not complaining, just wondering. Also, today's returning Marlboro had 38 cars. It arrived Anaheim at about 1820. The Huntington Beach local returned this afternoon with a single boxcar.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
Who usually gets the TOE boxcars The Register or Weyerhauser or someone else?
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
These Tee-Ohh-Eee's go to the Weyerhauser Paper facility at the Ball Road crossing. I would guess that Weyerhauser needed the empties switched out, and loads brought in. UP-Anaheim is using the South Anaheim storage (stub ??) tracks to hold the loads for Weyerhauser. During times of high volume, the CM local will switch out empties and loads in the morning, then the Marlboro doing the same in the late afternoon.
I haven't counted the cars in the past few weeks, but 20 to 30 cars can staged in various spurs and sidings, between Ball Road and Cerritos, plus the storage tracks at South Anaheim.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
re: 38 cars on the returning Marlboro
I saw the CM local running light back to Anaheim station a few days ago. I found the empties at the interchange tracks at CP College. There were a good 18 or 20 cars there. Therefore, I don't think that all of those 38 are from the Marlboro job.
My assumption... No room to park those cars in front of the station, nor in the sidings along the freeway (what are their names ??), so... leave them at the interchange tracks, let the Marlboro build their train without added congestion, then have the Marlboro pick-up the empties on her way home... ??
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Freeway Siding Names: Long Pass and Extension, also North and South Storage Tracks, respectively, check your SPINS book, now that you're a proud owner:>).
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I just took a closer look a the track dropped to the sides of the line by the Pond(forgive me, I can't keep track of all the names of these lines) and the track pieces are connected together by old conventional style brackets...the track itself didnt look like it was switched to new stuff yet, maybe they are just dropping new non-CWR? Am I missing something.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
There is a Huntington Beach thread on trainorders.com that includes pix of the dropped CWR in the vicinity of the S.A. River...looks like ribbon rail to me, and pretty heavy, too,(maybe 120#?).
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-29-2003).]
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-29-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro ran for the second Sunday in a row. It left Anaheim at about 0630 as light power 2417/1693, and arrived back at 0710 with 5 boxcars just like last Sunday. It seemed that the only time the Marlboro would run is if there was a Saturday Hauler. There were no haulers this Saturday or last Saturday shattering that operating theory.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro ran now for the third Sunday in a row. It left Anaheim at 0745 with the usual 2417 and 1693. Unlike the past two "light power" Sunday's, this time the local actually had 1 SP boxcar. As with the last two Sunday's, the Marlboro returned within the hour at 0835 with 2 SP boxcars, 3 TOE boxcars and an empty center beam lumber car. All this again with no Saturday Hauler. The locals that I witnessed this week were pretty heavy. The Monday Costa Mesa left with 20 cars, I didn't see the return trip. Monday's Marlboro left with 20 cars also and returned with 26. Thurs Costa Mesa left with 19 cars and Friday's Marlboro returned with 18. Wonder what the car count was on the other locals that I didn't see.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I saw a very interesting train roll through Fullerton today on BNSF, and I am wondering if it might have something to do with the laying of CWR on the Tustin or HB branch, because it was an empty UP welded rail train. The power was an SD60M and SD70M "flag unit." Has anything like that been on the branches lately? It seems very odd that they would route a train like this through Fullerton unless it was coming from this general area.
Also, I was out on the Santa Ana Branch on Friday afternoon, and although I didn't see anything, I did notice a large number of boxcars at South Anaheim, and my hunch that they would run a Sunday local (although I didn't see it) did turn out to be correct.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
i saw it too i thought it was interesting. it looked empty right? i was up on the parking structure as it went by
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There are two sets of hauler power on the wye at Anaheim. One 3 unit set on the East leg and one 6 unit set on the West leg of the wye.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa left Anaheim this morning at 0550 as light power and returned at about 0620 as light power. Will they run the local just for the sake of running it, like how they used to have to protect a schedule?
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Maybe it wasn't CM at all(unless you heard radio i.d. as such), maybe it was extra switching move related to track gang reported on t.o. as scene between S.A. River and Main St. on Tustin Lead yesterday.
Posted by ecrrchris (Member # 2292) on :
Went by the West Anaheim wye today and there was a lot, and I mean a lot of UP going on there. Hi rail trucks, weld trucks, 4 tailers parked near the local power and 3 parked in front of the hauler power.
Is it possible that this is the equipment from the work going on near by? I dont recall ever seeing that much MOW equipment or vehicles at the yard there.
Chris
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
CM Local returning back to the station with empties at 8:28am. This is the earliest I have seen them return past MP 512.
-al
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
If the Costa Mesa gets any earlier, it will be yesterday's train!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim very early this morning at 0535 as light power, 2126/1095. That's probably why if returned so early. I believe it returned with 3 empty center beam lumber cars and 5 VCY boxcars.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
quote:
Originally posted by Myford Browning:
If the Costa Mesa gets any earlier, it will be yesterday's train!
Why do you think we nicknamed it the Costa Mesa Daylight, 'er Starlight?
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 05-28-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Did anyone see the Marlboro Local today? I overheard him on the scanner saying that their power was having a difficult time moving the train. Just curious how long it was this afternoon.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Marlboro returned to Anaheim at 1550 with 1095/2126/1579 and 14 cars. Wonder how long the train was when it left Anaheim. I haven't seen a 3 unit set of power on this local for a long time. By the way, does anyone know how the track rehabilitation program is doing on the old Tustin branch?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
A very very long procession of work equipment just made it's way down Santa Ana Street just now going towards Anaheim Depot. Got some pics and video. Kind of caught me by surprise to see any weekend activity. Lost count but is was in excess of 30 pieces of equipment. Took a good 10 minutes or so to see the parade go by. Guess they are all finished on the Tustin branch. Wonder where they are going next?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
My guess would be the Huntington Beach branch between Stanton Jct. and Anaheim. They recently dropped CWR there, so it looks like that stretch is next on the list for an upgrade.
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----ATSF3751----
So Cal Railroad Photography
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
A track geometry car left Anaheim just before 0800 this morning. It traversed down Santa Ana street and is going to make it's way down the Tustin branch before returning. The Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim at 0610 with 15 cars.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The UPY 1219 replaced the UP 2126 yesterday on the Marlboro. UPY 1219 is a patched SW1500. It's nice seeing an SP painted locomotive on the line again as they are getting rare out on this end. The last SP painted unit on this line was Feb 13, 2003, unpatched SP 2568. The last solid SP consist was on Aug 5, 2002, SP 2508, unpatched, and UPY 1230, a patched SW1500.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The power they currently use for the Buena park switcher is two SP painted SW1500's along with a UP GP15-1. I believe one of the switchers is the 2568, and I'm not sure about the other one. I discovered where they park the power while driving around the industrial complex trying to figure out where they tracks go. I believe the Buena Park switch job operates Sunday-Friday around 2PM or so.
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----ATSF3751----
So Cal Railroad Photography
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The Costa Mesa Local rolled past MP 512, South Anaheim, at 7:36am today. Several lumber loads and the typical GoldenWest boxes of newsprint for the Times. I was not able to see the power.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim this morning at 0540 as light power and returned 35 minutes later at 0515 also as light power. The car loadings this week have been the lowest I've ever seen it. A total of 14 cars so far this week for the LA Times Plant. That seems about a third of normal. I haven't checked the Wye at Anaheim yet but I'm wondering if the Hauler didn't arrive yet today.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
You're probably right about the Hauler not arriving this morning, because I drove down I-5 around noon, and there were hardly any cars in the yard and usually there are lots.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
All I can say is WOW...300 posts! I can't think of ANY single forum that has stayed alive for so long.
Well, anyway, I went out chasing the Marlboro Local today, and coming out of Anaheim it had an SP unit on the point (UPY 1219, an SP patch job) and 20 cars. I caught it switching all throughout the Marlboro complex. I was surprised at the length of time they blocked some grade crossings while they performed their switching moves - 10 minutes in one case. They returned with 15 cars and UP 1095 in the lead.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
quote:
Originally posted by atsf3751:
You're probably right about the Hauler not arriving this morning, because I drove down I-5 around noon, and there were hardly any cars in the yard and usually there are lots.
Based on cargo description, Hauler could have been train dumped at Commerce, but it doesn't run thataway.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There was a real low rail joint at Santa Ana St and West St. It got so bad that the rail eventually broke and became misaligned. For a good part of the day on Friday a track gang with at least a dozen workers dug up the area around the joint, replaced the track and patched everything up. Looks like they did a real great job. The work didn't intefere with either the Costa Mesa or Marlboro Locals. Also, there was a Saturday Morning Anaheim Hauler that dropped a bunch of TOE boxcars off on the long passing siding at Anaheim. Heads up for a Sunday morning Marlboro Local!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Marlboro local left Anaheim this afternoon at 1510 with the usual Y1219/1095 and 35 cars! My guess is that it will be returning late back into Anaheim.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There is another ribbon rail train and ballast train roaming around somewhere in OC. If anyone hears or sees anything, please post the information.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Thanks for the heads-up phone call Brian !!
Rail was dropped the entire length of the HB line, all the way back to the wye and then along the 5 freeway past Euclid. After the rail was dropped, the Marlboro crew drug the ballast hoppers to the Stanton wye. It was an easy chase as the crossing were all dead, possibly the handiwork of the rail dropping ??
Other details on Paramount/Bellflower thread at: http://www.railforum.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000300.html
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Overheard Anaheim Station calling the Costa Mesa Local this morning telling them to contact the work train at South Anaheim before they come through. Is he talking about the ribbon train?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
At 0935 1584 and LLPX 2235 left Anaheim down the Santa Ana Branch as light power. I'm assuming this is the work train power. LLPX 2235 I believe is a GP38-2. I didn't get a real good look but it was painted in UP colors with no lettering except the numbers.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
A ballast work train departed South Anaheim at 12:15pm. At 12:30pm they were on the Ganahl spur near Cerritos and Lewis streets. I am guessing that they will continue further east towards Marlboro and the Foamex
plant.
Power for the train is UP1584 (GP15-1) facing east and LLPX 2235 (GP38-2??) facing west. It would be an interesting opportunity to catch the 2235 street running back to Anaheim station with empty hoppers in tow !!
A short string of loaded hoppers are still at South Anaheim, maybe 8 to 12 cars.
If you are interested in additional details, feel free to email me at jeff@yayax.com
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I watched some interesting operations with the Marlboro Local today and ran into Brian (BSME25) too.
The local left a long string of empty box cars and centerbeams at South Anaheim and then proceeded to return light down the runaround track to switch the Weyerhauser facilty. They came back with four more empty boxcars and then did something that I thought was quite dangerous and illegal by the rule books - a Dutch drop.
Just as the SW1500's were crossing Cerritos Ave., they sped up and the brakeman uncoupled the boxcars. The engines quickly ran ahead and escaped through the switch to the runaround track. A brakeman riding the boxcars jumped off, ran ahead of and then IN FRONT OF the moving cars, jumping onto the other side, while they rolled across Cerritos Ave. with only the power of gravity to propel them. Another guy quickly lined the switch and the cars rolled into the standing cut of empites with a loud bang. The switch was then relined and the engines pulled ahead, coupled up to the cars, and pulled them back to Anaheim Yard. No local went to Marlboro today.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yesterday (Tuesday) I attempted to track down the ballast train on the Tustin Branch. Instead I found a string of hoppers with no power at West Anaheim. I also ran into Mark (ATSF 3751)and got to see a few minutes of switching by the Marlboro. I had to leave due to an earlier commitment so I missed all the real action. Apparently, the power for the ballast train is tying up elswhere. I missed the return of power yesterday but witnessed the Eastbound move this morning. This morning I heard Anaheim Station tell the work train to shut down the 1584 due to "bad lab work" whatever that means. The work train asked Anaheim if they could drop off the 1584 on the Wye with the Hauler Power because they didn't want to lug it around. Apparently they ended up dropping it off on the engine spur because the Hauler had not arrived yet. Anyway, at about 0725 i heard the familier sound of Amtrak's melodic airhorns. I paid it no mind since I'm a mile or so from the Metrolink line. As the horns got louder I realized that something was crossing Manchester and about to enter Santa Ana St. The now east facing LLPX 2235 approached very slowly as light power, blowing it's 5 chime airhorns very liberly all the way down Santa Ana St, even pausing at the vehicle stop sign on Citron. From what I can tell, the only real segments of track that still need to be rehabilitated is the stretch from just beyond Olive Street to the end of West Anaheim Yard. And of course Santa Ana St could use some major work. It's going to take somemore exploring to figure out what still remains to be done. I'm keeping my ears and eyes open for the return of the entire ballast train today. That train has gotta be out of ballast soon!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Ballast train returned to Anaheim Station at 1328. It backed very slowly down Olive and Santa Ana Streets with 20 hoppers. The train tied up on the West leg of the Anaheim wye blocking in the power for the Marlboro Local. As of 1350, the ballast train is still on the wye. No hauler power on east leg of wye today.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The ballast train will be heading down the Santa Ana Branch again tomorrow. My guess is, behind the Costa Mesa Local. Marlboro local just went out at 1410 with only 4 cars.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
my friend reported to me that he was a CSX unit on the hauler on monday, he said there were 4 units...UP UP CSX SP
anyone see this? I never seen CSX on there!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Interesting Marlboro local operations yesterday &-3-03. The Marlboro left Anahiem with 20 cars at 1505. At around 1900 I heard the crew of the Marlboro trying to guide the driver of the carryall to thier location on Lewis. The driver couldn't find thier location so two crew members ended up walking to Ball Rd and Lewis St. I was making a left onto Lewis just as the carryall picked up the crew. I heard them tell the rest of the crew that they were on their way to pick them up. I drove to an ally that led to the tracks and found the Marlboro in two parts. The UP 1095 was in front of a long cut of cars on the mainline and the UPY 1219 was coupled nearby to one covered hopper on an industrial spur. The rest of the crew was not there, the engines were turned off and the carryall never returned to that location. This is the first time I am aware of any Anaheim locals tying up anywhere other then the depot. Do they routinely split the power to get their switching done twice as fast? I often wonder how they can leave with 30 plus cars and return with 30 plus cars in just a few hours. Again it was only around 7 p.m. so I'm sure they didn't go dead on the law. If anyone knows what happened, let me know.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
I have some photos to share...
LLPX 2235 street running at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8201
Ribbon rail and CSX power at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8076
After capturing the F40 images shown in the link above, I had the pleasure of chatting with OC operations guru, Myford Browning at Fullerton. Great to talk with you again...
~ ~ ~
I saw that same drop you described 3751. I don't know if that is illegal, but similar techniques (minus the running in front of the moving cut of cars) can be seen on the Marlboro on a regular basis. From what I saw, the brakeman's concern was the car that was preparing to accelerate as soon as the engine cleared the crossing. He ran ahead of the rolling box cars waving his hands frantically. I am cure he was mumbling something under his breath !!
That sounds rather odd, spliting the power. My first guess is that something split a switch or popped a wheel off the rail ?? I wasn't able to track down the Marlboro due to a commitment to work in a fireworks stand.
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
thanks for the link with the CSX power! wish i'd have seen it.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As of Sunday late afternoon, the Marlboro Local is still sitting where it was left on Thursday. Upon inspection, nothing seemed to be derailed or anything. Tomorrow morining will be interesting. There is only one GP15-1 sitting at Anaheim Station.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The Marlboro parked at South Anaheimso thats why the one local unit at Anaheim Sunday afternoon.
I don't think splitting power would help since there is only one engineer and no fireman on switch crews today.
I don't know (do I know anything?)about the Marlboro tieing up a S. Anaheim, but I did note a simular event over on the BNSF the weekend before. The Second La Mirada Roadswitcher that work the Kimberly Clark Spur in Fullerton was tied up there the whole weekend (normally works Monday-Friday). This job runs with a caboose the local was set up to back to the mainline with th caboose first but was sitting at the small yard at State College Blve dead.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim this morning with a single unit, the UP 1579, a west facing GP15-1, and 13 cars at 0935 (about 3 hours later than usual). I don't know if the Hauler brought in more local power this morning. If not, the Huntington Beach Local will have to wait for the return of the Costa Mesa. Also, there is a lot of talk on the air about the work train. So, it's around somewhere also.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro left Anaheim at 1600 with the Y1219 and 18 cars. Obviously, sometime today the Y1219 got back to Anaheim. Maybe the Costa Mesa Local grabbed it. The Marlboro quickly returned at 1710 with the Y1219 and 15 cars. The UP 1095 was buried 5 cars deep in the consist. Didn't get video or photos. Wasn't expecting him back this soon.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
-al's observations...
It looks like a double whammie... A minor derail near Ganahl Lumber and UP 1095 ran outta fuel. The Marlboro crew chased off a small group of taggers. They were last seen running down Lewis Street.
The CM died on the law, not sure what happened there. A problem (derail ??) near Reliable Lumber. The HB was blocked by the empty ballast hoppers and tied down their power somewhere on the HB branch.
SP 8581 and SP 8598 (both unpatched and very clean by UP standards) pulled the empty ballast hoppers out of Anaheim at 1900 or so.
Short hauler to West Colton... Only empties from the Marlboro.
LLPX 2235 may be around for a few days as local power ??
Observant-al
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Wow, what a weird day out on the OC branches. This morning's Costa Mesa Local went out with the LLPX 2235 and 12 cars. Since the Costa Mesa Local died on the law, I would assume the train will come back with the power and train from yesterday also. I'm bummed to have missed the ballast train. I've missed it now both times that it has had 2 SP units. Once almost 6 months ago and then yesterday.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
more from Anaheim...
The hauler power was odd today, two SD60M's, Have the SD40's been seeing duty, or is this something new ??
3 windowed UP 6159 was the lead unit, followed with UP 6297.
~ ~ ~
Jeff shakes his head in disbelief. I should have called you Brian. I won't forget next time...
~ ~ ~
Photos from Anaheim at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=55863
What do you guys think of that control box ??
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anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Good Lord found Santa Ana Branch a blessing?
In reviewing a history of the Irvine Ranch recently I came accross a quotation attributed to the editor of the Anaheim Gazette, upon the arrival of the S.P. to the region. "With this [railroad] system in operation, there is assured a paradise of wealth and refinement in Southern California. All praise to God, Who has smiled upon our land with an exceedingly gracious smile." I never saw the citation in the newspaper personally, but trust the author. All O.C.'s glory and success can be attributed to the rail line featured on this thread--you bet! This contrasts only slightly with the opposing view which held the railroad to be the devil incarnate.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 07-09-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local arrived back at Anaheim at noon as light power. The Marlboro left Anaheim at 1320 also running as light power. ?????
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The CM left their empties on the interchange track at CP College. It will be a huge empty on the way back to the station. Ganahl also had many empties. The Marlboro just got finished switching out Weyerhauser Paper.
Also to note, a big rig hi-railer is at South Anaheim at what I call the "School Siding", I should look at the SPINS and see its correct appelation. The hi-railer has four or five gons and an Espee caboose in tow.
Both of these would be prime suspects for some video footage, but my camcorder is at home. Still images will have to do today.
Brian, LLPX 2235 will be leading on the way back to the wye...
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
OK, here's the interesting events of Thurs July 10. 0711, Costa Mesa leaves Ana with 1069/LLPX 2235 with 7 cars and ET device (rare). 0805, the big rig hi rail thingy (I'm sure that's the technical RR term) with a gondola in tow heads SP east. Costa Mesa Local returns at noon as light power. 1323, Marlboro Local leaves Ana as light power. 1537, Marlboro returns as light power. 1617, Marlboro leave Ana again, this time with 9 cars. 1650, Marlboro returns to Ana with 33 cars. That's 7 train movements down the branch in one day. Would have been nice to see a ballast or rail train also just for the heck of it.
Thanks for the heads up Jeff!
By the way, anyone know when the Circus Train is scheduled to make it's way to town?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Todays branch highlight featured an infrequent Saturday morning Anaheim Hauler. It completely filled the .8 mile "Long Siding" with cars, maybe with two or so car lengths to spare. I've never seen that many cars deposited here at one shot, even when the Hauler has run in multiple sections. I'm going to keep my ear to the ground for some possible Sunday action!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The MOW big rig hi-rail truck with 2 gondolas in tow just arrived Anaheim from the Tustin Branch at around 0915. He is now heading down the Stanton Branch.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I was going to go out and watch the Marlboro today, but my truck got a flat tire! Such is the luck.
Does anyone know when the circus train is coming to town? The circus is supposed to open in Anaheim on July 25.
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 07-14-2003).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The Marlboro local left Anaheim today around 3:25 with 23 cars. UP 1069 and LLPX 2235 were leading. It switched the lumber yard on the street, removing an empty and depositing another car before proceeding to South Anaheim.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
There are two SP units right now on the Buena Park switcher. One us is SP 2568 and the other is patched UPY 1219, which had previously been on the Marlboro Local.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Just got back into town, figured I'd take a quick look at the Anaheim Wye to see what was up. Was rewarded by two sets of Hauler power on the east leg of the Wye and an intact 20 or so car Hauler on the Stanton Branch. That's a total of 3 trains since Saturday? Didn't get a chance to see if either the sidings were full of cars but I would assume so since the third Hauler didn't deposit it's cars. Too bad the Haulers don't venture to South Anaheim anymore.
Posted by Paul Jansson (Member # 1388) on :
In addition to the 3 sets of road power today, I see the circus train made it down to where its set out north of Katella. Does anyone know when it made the trip down Santa Ana St.? It was sitting at Commerce siding on the Commerce/Walker line on Friday evening.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I caught a late-running Marlboro in Anaheim at 4:30 today. Possible they were thrown off by the arrival of the circus train? Power was UP 1069 and LLPX 2235.
The circus train (or half of it, anyway) is sitting over in the South Anaheim yard. Considering that the passenger cars alone pretty much take up the whole yard, where will the store the freight train part of it when it arrives? The Tustin Branch?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I wonder if one set of power that I observed on the Anaheim Wye on Sunday was used on the circus train. From what it appears, it sneaked into town at some obscure hour. I'm hoping Jeff got some photos...hoping!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Circus wraps up tonight in Long Beach so I'm assuming the rest of the circus train will be through tomorrow morning as Jeff stated on the Circus Train post. I'm going to try to stay in the area all day Thursday so I don't miss the train. Todays Anaheim Hauler power is a single Rio Grande T-2.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I must say, a beautiful site at the Anaheim wye today. Pristine D&RGW SD40T-2 5401! Needless to say, I spent about half a roll of film on it. There's gotta be less than a dozen of 'em left. The Marlboro was good today too. The LLPX unit was leading. It has an Amtrak-like horn - sure sounds nice.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
A ribbon rail train just passed MP512 (South Anaheim, SP's former Tustin Junction) at 9:25am on Thursday, July 24th. Destined for the Santa Ana Branch ??
Circus train due in at 11:00am. Skies murky and grey.
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The circus train arrived today with very grungy UP 4908 and 9843. It stopped at Anaheim Station at 0939 for about 5 minutes to pick up a crew member from the Costa Mesa Local. The train then proceeded to South Anaheim, crawling down Santa Ana and Olive Streets with the power from the Costa Mesa Local, UP 1069 and LLPX 2235, following a few car lengths behind. I missed the initial action at South Anaheim but essentially, the Circus train stopped on the runaround, the Costa Mesa power hooked on to the rear of the circus train and disconnected all but the first 5 or so heavyweight "horse" cars, pulled the cut of cars clear of the runaround and pushed it down the Tustin Branch. The cars were left on the main line at Cerritos and Sunkist St. The power then proceeded back to South Anaheim, hooked up to the heavyweight cars, pulled them out and backed them down the Tustin Branch. I don't know where those cars ended up. The circus train power then made its way back towards Anaheim Station arriving at 1125. The 1069 and LLPX 2235 returned to Anaheim Station at 1150. I assume regular operations will now resume and we should see another 4 trains before the day is over. Jeff mentioned earlier that a rail train made its way down the branch earlier this morning. So, counting the light power movements, this old branch has a chance of seeing at least 9 total train movements today.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Alas, neither the Costa Mesa or Marlboro Locals ran today. The Anaheim Hauler didn't even get in until about 3:35 PM. Still a great day out on the branch. I have no idea how to post pictures. If anyone wants pictures of the Circus train, e-mail me. Just be forewarned that they are not nearly the quality of Jeff's or Mark's work.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
No Costa Mesa Local for the second day in a row. I'm assuming that the rail train is out on the Santa Ana branch and as a result, the local can't get by? Also, today's Hauler features a single UP SD40-2.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The Marlboro probably didn't run because of the Circus Train blocking the Tustin Branch from about Sunkist to Main St. Don't know why they wouldn't run a Costa Mesa, though.
Brian, I would like to see your pictures since I didn't see it come in, and only caught the last stages of the unloading. You know my email.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
On Friday, the Marlboro went out at 1454 with the Huntington Beach Local's power and 15 cars. It returned at 1712 as light power then headed down the branch again at 1804 as light power. I left the area so I never got to see it return. There were no outgoing Haulers on Friday or Saturday. The accumulated power from the previous two inbound haulers just sat on the wye. The Sunday outbound hauler departed tonight at 2245 and met the "short on time" inbound hauler on the long siding. Lastly, for the first time since May 4, there was a Sunday Marlboro Local. It departed Anaheim at 0815 as light power, SP 4816/UP 1095 and returned at 1120 with 25 cars. I dread when the Circus train leaves and things go back to normal.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
For the 3rd straight workday, there has been no Costa Mesa Local. Also, I haven't seen or heard from the rail train that went down the Santa Ana Branch on Thursday. I'm wondering if it is still blocking things up.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Just as I finished the last post, got a heads up from Jeff that the returning rail train hit a semi truck at Santa Ana and Anaheim. Must have been a minor accident because the train stopped for only a few minutes before continuing on its way. It arrived Anaheim Station at 1230. I guess that explains why there have been no Costa Mesa Locals for the past few days. The rail train was powered by UP 796 and SP 7956.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro Local ran with the power from the rail train today. 14 cars going out at 1610, 7 cars coming in at 1805.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Interesting stuff in Anaheim today...
SP 7956 (GP40-2) was on duty today, saw her twice, once pulling the
empty ribbon rail train back from the Santa Ana Branch on Santa Ana
Street. Then again as the eastward facing unit on the Marlboro, see
link below.
UP 739 - SP 7956 ran into a big rig right in front of the old UP (??)
building at the corner of Anaheim Blvd and Santa Ana Street. Nothing
serious, thankfully...
Hobbs Trucking won't be getting cars for a few days. The switch to the Hobbs spur has been a problem ever since I have
hung around South Anaheim. Not sure where the problem is this time
(switch or not ??), but no cars until the circus train is gone
and the track is repaired.
Oh yeah, Circus train cars everywhere.
~ ~ ~
Here are links to a few of today's catches...
SP 7956 at the distant signal on the Tustin Branch: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6112
Circus sign, "Watch your step, but don't enter !!" http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6115
Circus train flat car: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6117
The Marlboro spotting a hopper: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6119
Pulling out of Neville: http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6120
~ ~ ~
that's it for now...
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local is back. It headed out of town this morning at 0705 with SP 7956 ,UP 796 and 24 cars.
Posted by MikeKimura (Member # 361) on :
Wow is this a long thread! Since the Huntington Beach Local is my neighborhood train I'm always interested in the UP Orange County train info.
Have you guys all seen these pages?
http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/about_UPinOC.html http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/UP_Anaheim.html
http://trainweb.org/carl/ResidentialCarsInAnaheim/compressed/RinglingBrosTrainCoaches.htm http://trainweb.org/carl/Anaheim/AnimalCarsInAnaheim.htm
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Glad to see you like my site. I'm trying to document as many of the operations as I can so that other people become interested enough to check it out.
This thread has certainly morphed beyond being a normal discussion thread. I'd say it's become more of a weblog for all the local Santa Ana Branch fans to post the latest information on what's going on with this line. I don't think Trainweb's western US rail forum would have the same following or frequent posting if it weren't for this thread.
So I guess my point is - keep it up everyone, keep it up!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Both inbound and outbound Haulers have been running weird schedules as of late. The inbound hauler has been arriving mid mornings or early evenings on several occasions. On Weds, both Haulers meet at Studebaker during daylight. The inbound hauler went dead on the law there and a patch crew was sent to get it. Last week, the outbound hauler only made it as far as Los Nietos before going dead on the law. And of course, there is a Saturday morning hauler today which came in about 4:15 this morning. On a side note, all 4 units assigned to the Costa Mesa/Marlboro and Huntington Beach locals are road switchers. 2 of which are unpatched SP Geeps. For some reason, these OC branches always seem to get freshly painted or at least clean UP units while every other branch around LA or Colton gets beat up SP or D&RGW Geeps and switchers. I prefer the later as I have not yet succumbed to UP taking over my beloved SP. The last time an SP Geep was assigned to this branch...June of last year.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The skinny I heard on the haulers is due to a management change, creating choas all over Southern California. Something about a new superindendent or the same super with new ideas... really screwing up the "system" and the system. Many rails are taking days off (or similar, I am real familar with the RR terminology, maybe laying off ??). So there are crews with extra board guys... blah, blah, blah... I decerned a "you asked for it, you got it" attitude.
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
More on the Circus train in Anaheim, some info at the end duplicates BSME's post. Two images on my thread at TO on the western board at this link. http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?f=1&i=262488&t=262488
The UP local crew (the Marlboro) shuffled some of the RBBX cars around Friday evening
as the circus begins to prepare for their move out of Anaheim. The Marlboro is a Sunday
to Friday job, but looks like they got their Sunday work done on Friday, eh ??
The animal cars that had the wheel problem has been repaired, and the track as well. It
sounded as if a brake was stuck ( ?? ) and ruined two wheels and some track near the
Katella crossing.
The equipment flat cars were taken down the Tustin Branch and shoved as far back as the
57 freeway, almost to that crossing at the access road to the Pond parking lot at Phoenix
Club Drive. Next, the two animal cars that were stored on the Ganahl Lumber spur were
taken back across the diamonds to South Anaheim. Both of these cars suffered some
vandalism in the form of aerosol graffiti while on the runaround track approaching Ganahl
and Diversified. I couldn't decipher any animal rights messages, just picked out a tagger's
name that I have seen on other rolling stock.
I wonder if the Circus has paint and rollers on board ?? Maybe a quick trip to Home
Depot is in order ??
The other two animal cars were picked up from the stub track on the south side of Katella,
then all four animal cars were dropped at South Anaheim, presumably to keep an eye
them and prevent further vandalism. Pity those crew members with their rooms near
these cars. Phew... them animal cars have a very annoying odor.
Some attempt has been made to remove the graffiti, rather unsuccessfully. Hopefully it
can be painted over before rolling out of Anaheim on Monday. Now they not only smell
bad, but they look bad too.
Sounds like the UP Marlboro crew will be on hand at South Anaheim around 3:00pm on Monday to
build the train, about a three hour task. Probably ( possibly ?? ) UP power/BNSF crew to be used to go to San Diego. Then the same power to take the circus on to Reno, Nevada. Last year there was a "who is gonna supply the power" issue, if I remember correctly... It may all happen again.
~ ~ ~
Other Anaheim observations:
SP 7659 (GP38 or GP40 ??) and SP 4816 are mated to different UP units in local service out of Anaheim (SP 7659 with UP 796 and SP 4816 with UP 1693). 4816 features Roman lettering and not a spec of graffiti, well worth the time to capture a few images, while SP 7659 sports more of an urban paint scheme with some light graffiti on the long hood.
Rail replacement in and around Anaheim continues. Several sections near the RBBX cars were repaired and/or replaced last week. The Anaheim "yard" is still filled with a variety of m-o-w equipment.
al de anaheim
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
cut-n-paste from the Santa Ana Branch thread
~ ~ ~
More on the Circus train in Anaheim, some info at the end duplicates BSME's post. Two images on my thread at TO on the western board at this link. http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?f=1&i=262488&t=262488
The UP local crew (the Marlboro) shuffled some of the RBBX cars around Friday evening
as the circus begins to prepare for their move out of Anaheim. The Marlboro is a Sunday
to Friday job, but looks like they got their Sunday work done on Friday, eh ??
The animal cars that had the wheel problem has been repaired, and the track as well. It
sounded as if a brake was stuck ( ?? ) and ruined two wheels and some track near the
Katella crossing.
The equipment flat cars were taken down the Tustin Branch and shoved as far back as the
57 freeway, almost to that crossing at the access road to the Pond parking lot at Phoenix
Club Drive. Next, the two animal cars that were stored on the Ganahl Lumber spur were
taken back across the diamonds to South Anaheim. Both of these cars suffered some
vandalism in the form of aerosol graffiti while on the runaround track approaching Ganahl
and Diversified. I couldn't decipher any animal rights messages, just picked out a tagger's
name that I have seen on other rolling stock.
I wonder if the Circus has paint and rollers on board ?? Maybe a quick trip to Home
Depot is in order ??
The other two animal cars were picked up from the stub track on the south side of Katella,
then all four animal cars were dropped at South Anaheim, presumably to keep an eye
them and prevent further vandalism. Pity those crew members with their rooms near
these cars. Phew... them animal cars have a very annoying odor.
Some attempt has been made to remove the graffiti, rather unsuccessfully. Hopefully it
can be painted over before rolling out of Anaheim on Monday. Now they not only smell
bad, but they look bad too.
Sounds like the UP Marlboro crew will be on hand at South Anaheim around 3:00pm on Monday to
build the train, about a three hour task. Probably ( possibly ?? ) UP power/BNSF crew to be used to go to San Diego. Then the same power to take the circus on to Reno, Nevada. Last year there was a "who is gonna supply the power" issue, if I remember correctly... It may all happen again.
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
just a quick note-
mow workings spotted at fairview on that little bit of track. a small semi/flatbed with a gondola. They've been working in this area every day or so I've been going thru there to fairview on my way to the fair.
(hey did anyone go to the fair?? didja see a big coach with 'shuttle' on the destination sign? that's me!)
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There are two sets of power on the Wye at Anaheim from the Saturday and Sunday Hauler. All 5 units are SP...only 1 patched unit.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I originally thought the Marlboro Local was going to switch the Circus train but it sounds like light power, symboled E-L-A-N-A-N, is going to be heading down the branch sometime this afternoon. As of 1420, it was still out somewhere on the mainline. It will be coordinating moves with the Marlboro so there should be a lot of radio traffic just prior to it's arrival.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Three things. First off, the power for the circus train went through just before 1500. Last year, the circus train was switched by 2 roadswitchers. Today's power was 3 six axle units which leads me to believe the circus train is not going down the Metrolink but staying on the UP for now. That wouldn't make sense but neither does the power that UP sent. Secondly, with the exception of street trackage and a few trouble areas. the OC branches have been upgraded to 20 MPH according to the Anaheim Train Master. Lastly, the wig wag at Lemon Street in not operational. Sadly, If it's in the mechanism, I wonder if the signal maintainers have the ability to fix it.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
quote:
Lastly, the wig wag at Lemon Street in not operational. Sadly, If it's in the mechanism, I wonder if the signal maintainers have the ability to fix it.[/B]
I'll be really bummed if it's replaced :-(
Hey if they dump it one of us should buy it from 'em hehehe...
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I heard today's Marlboro local doing it's normal switching chores at around 1400. A few hours later, the scanner fell silent and the local never appeared. I made a quick trip to Anaheim Station where I found the power sitting on the mainline. The crew was talking to a RR Special Agent within the confines of the gated grounds. I had to leave the area but on return at around 2130, I heard the local on the radio switching. It finally returned to Anaheim at 2325 as light power. It was a treat seeing the local make it's way down Santa Ana Street so late in the evening.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Sometime late Tuesday evening, the Buena Park Local took the power from the Huntington Beach Local, the single SP 7956. This morning, the Costa Mesa Local took it's normal power and headed down the branch at about 0730. Before it got onto the Metrolink, the Huntington Beach crew called saying they needed one of the units off of the Costa Mesa. The Costa Mesa had 15 cars today and after much debate as to whether their train could make it over the "Santa Fe", left the SP 4816 at South Anaheim. The Huntington Beach crew drove to the location and returned to Anaheim on the 4816 at 0825.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Weds Marlboro left Anaheim at 1650 with 24 cars and the repossessed SP 4816 from the Huntington Beach Local. The train didn't return till real late. I don't know how late but it was well after 2200. Today's Costa Mesa Local had to split it's engine consist again with the Huntington Beach Local and left Anaheim at 0625 as light power (UP 1693) and returned long hood forward with 15 cars at 1110. The Anaheim Hauler arrived this morning at about 0545.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The Marlboro went out today around 2:45 with 10 cars and a single GP15-1. I observed that the wig-wag was back in good working order (took several photos of it in operation). Whatever was wrong with it was apparently minor. Besides its usual moves at Weyerhauser and Ganahl, the local switched a car of plastic pellets into the plant near Cerritos St. and a car of vegetable oil into the plant just of Cerritos at Sunkist.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
More interesting things on the branch. Today's Anaheim Hauler arrived very late between 1230 and 1300. The hauler had it's normal six axle EMDs but also featured 2 old six axle GEs, the 438 and 491. I think they are C30-7s but I'm not exactly sure. I didn't know those units were still around. The hauler delivered 2 roadswitchers (UP 693 and UP patch 1485) and 1 weird looking switcher...maybe an MP15 (UP 1366). There is a rail train laying rail, of all things, between Studebaker and Anaheim. It was seen at Western St at about 1505 with 4 road engines, all UP, headed East, or West by UP timetables. The Marlboro is using the 1693 and SP 4816 today. As of 1535, it is still switching it's cut of cars on the long siding.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro crept out of Anaheim at about 5 MPH, at 1440. The lead unit was smoking heavily and both units seemed to be working really hard. I soon found out why. A 59 car Marlboro Local! The longest Marlboro I've seen previously has been 53 cars. I wonder how late the local is going to be out tonight.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
A seven car work train backed down Santa Ana St. today at 0920. SP baywindow caboose, 6 gondolas and the semi-truck hi-rail thingy. Wish they would use real power on this train...it would be more dramatic!
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The UP GEs on the hauler look real beatup. The 491 has no number in the number boards. The UP may be short of power and getting conjested. A UP Engineer at the swap meet last week said that he noted more problems lately.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Costa Mesa seemed more like a road freight. It was led by UP patch 1485, GP60, UP 1366, switcher, and UP 438 and 493, the six axle GEs that the Friday Hauler brought in. Four units, 15 cars. I'm hoping Jeff finds out what's up with the GEs.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
regarding the GE units...
they are parked on the interchange track (near the St. College crossing) with the grey hopper that has been there for a week or two or myabe longer...
they both appear to be destined for the scrap yard... minus number boards, some doors, controls, lights, etc, but they both still have plenty of rust and peeling paint.
rather photogenic in my eyes.
assumed that both will become razor blades in the near future...
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Marlboro Local ran with another dead GE C30-7. This C30 looked pretty intact, just very faded. It left Anaheim at 1610 with 18 cars.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I too saw the Marlboro with the aforementioned C30-7 (470) and photographed it at Cerritos St. There is a huge number of cars all over the branch stashed in just about every siding - apparently the remnants of that monster train from the day before. There were 26 boxcars in South Anaheim before the Marlboro arrived, and it dropped 16 more boxcars along with the C30-7. These cars were in addition to those that it ran down the street with and appear to be the empties from Weyerhauser. There were also cuts of cars near the end of the branch in Orange, and lumber cars sitting on the passing siding at South Anaheim. Looks like the Marlboro crew will have a busy time switching for the next few days. Look for long returning trains. Power for today's local was UP 1485, a patched GP40-2, and UP 1366, an MP15DC.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Follow the link below to a photo of the two dead units that were at CP College this morning. I drove by at dusk tonight, but both are gone now. I might have seen UP 470 in the distance on the interchange track with a hopper near the diamonds ( ?? )
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up491-up438-dead-1181-c75.jpg
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The GE units that were at the UP-BNSF interchange at CP College was probably move to Adams Steel's scrap yard by the First La Mirada Roadswitcher. The RS works the Olive Subdivision during the late morning Monday-Friday. The scrap yard is located long the SR-91 freeway and the Olive Sub and they have scrapped a few other units.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Santa Ana Branch Fans:
Another ribbon rail train is in Anaheim. It is tied down at South Anaheim on the storage track. UP 4605 is on the point with CP 5773 trailing.
That is not a typo; Canadian Pacific 5773, an SD40-2 flag unit. Very cool catch if I say so myself. Additional markings on the cab are: DRF-30P. Any ideas on these markings ??
I hope that Brian was able to get some video of the street running.
~ ~ ~
Here's a few of my catches from this afternoon...
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/cp5773-anh-1223-c75.jpg
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/cp5773-anh-1320-c75.jpg
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up4605-anh-1323-c75.jpg
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up4605-anh-1308-c75.jpg
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/cp5773-anh-1227-c75.jpg
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I headed down to Anaheim Station this evening with my three boys to see the Anaheim Hauler's departure. The conductor was very friendly and came up to us to chat about his train. Tonight's Hauler is going to be over 9000 feet long when it leaves Los Nietos...156 cars. The conductor went on to say that there have been big problems in West Colton. There hasn't been enough room to hold all the trains as of late and things are getting real congested. That would probably partially account for the weird arrival times in Anaheim over the past few weeks. It's always nice to hear that so much traffic is still being generated in OC.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The ribbon rail train just passed my office near MP 511 at 9:38am, heading towards the street running on Olive and Santa Ana Street.
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
While loading up my car in my front yard and hooking up the watercraft for a fun filled weekend, the Costa Mesa Local returned to Anaheim down Santa Ana Street much to the groups delight. It went out at just after 0500 this morning so I kind of expected an early return. What I didn't expect was the return of the rail train. A few minutes after the Costa Mesa went by, my Goddaughter started jumping up and down saying another train was coming. I didn't pay her any attention until my oldest son confirmed her suspicions. I was able to set up my video camera and snap a few stills but the sun was terrible. If Jeff were here, I'm sure his shots would have come out just fine. My video camera's view finder is not working so I'm blindly aiming my camera in the general direction of the oncoming train. We'll see if it turns out. The train was the same that Jeff had photographed and posted the other day. Nice seeing road power, especially the CP SD40-2 on this branch. I do believe the entire Tustin and Costa Mesa Branches are completely finished or about to be finished. It may be another half century before we see a train like this again. On a side note, those UP C30s that were at CP College in fact were taken to that scrap yard off of the Olive Sub Main and the 91 Freeway.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Too bad I missed all this interesting stuff happening. I've been sick for the past couple of days so my plans to go out were scuttled. Now I will be leaving for Berkeley tomorrow so I won't see the Branch for quite a while =( Keep taking photos and sending them to me.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
On August 6th, I captured the Marlboro job pulling out several boxcars from the spur that serves (served ??) the O.C. Register's facility on Lewis Street in Anaheim. This was the first time I have noticed railcars on this spur in the last 2-3 years. I didn't even know that the spur was live.
Typically, the boxes filled with newsprint are dropped on the southern most spur that is closest to the Katella crossing, at Hobb's Trucking..
Here's the image of the Marlboro crew on the ground. http://www.yayax.com/gateway/switchlist-anh-0981-c75.jpg
~ ~ ~
And the Marlboro shoving into Hobbs:
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up1693-hobbs-0969-c75.jpg
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 08-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 08-18-2003).]
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
re:On a side note, those UP C30s that were at CP College in fact were taken to that scrap yard off of the Olive Sub Main and the 91 Freeway.<
We went over to that junkyard, and thru the fence we saw a BN C30-7 and a sad BNhigh nose hood-less GP9, #1618.
There's also a blue & yellow engine there, I wondered if that's the junkyard's engine to move stuff around there.
Couldn't see any UP C30s though.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Kinda makes one wonder if the GEs got cut up already or wandered off in another direction? Maybe when BNSF picked them up they ran better than their own locos and they made a little impomptu swap.
BTW I havn't been by Adams in years so wouldn't have a clue what they're using to switch now. At one time a contractor used a switcher there (Pacific Rail Services?) but later that arrangement was superceded by Adams bringing in a trackmobile that they ran themselves.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
No Anaheim Hauler or Marlboro Local today (Thursday).
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
"wouldn't have a clue what they're using to switch now. At one time a contractor used a switcher there (Pacific Rail Services?) but later that arrangement was superceded by Adams bringing in a trackmobile that they ran themselves."
come to think of it, i think that was a Pacific Rail Services engine. :-) buuut i could be wrong.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
I saw one of the GEs at the east end of the yard at Adams Steel on Thursday. I saw it from across the river.
Posted by coach34135 (Member # 1979) on :
I went tooling around Santa Ana St practicing 10sp in my gorgeous
Over near the Block, (not sure what that area is where they store boxes) I saw at least 2 of the switchers sitting. and they were working along the 5 around 2-3ish.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The UP track gang with their parade of equipment went down Santa Ana Street towards Anaheim Station just before 0900 this Sunday morning. All the grade crossing signals from Citron to Anaheim Station have been out of service since last Thursday.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The rail gang just left Anaheim Station going back towards South Anaheim. First piece of MOW equipment went by at 1618, the last piece of MOW equipment went by at 1635.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Costa Mesa Local went out this morining at 0740 with 1095/1693/SP 9207 and 18 cars. The SP 9207 (SD45T-2?) was dead in consist and I assume is also on its way to the scrap yard like the C-30s.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Gads, I wish the La Habra Childrens Museum could snag one of tese retired locos to augment its static rolling stock collection.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa Local power left the engine spur just before 0800 today, did some switching on the Long Siding and Extension but never took it's train down the branch. Marlboro ran normally today.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Brian...
Did you note the power for the Marlboro ??
The typical power duo of 1693 and 1095 were on the engine track yesterday afternoon.
Just curious....
~ ~ ~
Also to note... Mark has a photo of Anaheim street running in a photo contest at railroadforums.com. User voting will be the first ten days of September.
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8880
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 08-30-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Hey Jeff, the Marlboro ran with it's typical power on Thursday but ran with the Huntington Beach's power on Friday, the patch 1485 and UP 1366. The 1485 is labeled as a GP40-2 but it sure looks like a GP60 to me. No Labor Day trains today.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa never returned back to Anaheim on Friday. Don't know if it went dead on the law or ran out of fuel or what the deal was. It returned to Anaheim this morning at 0730. I was hoping it would go out again and make it's typical Monday round trip but it just tied up at Anaheim Depot.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The Costa Mesa not returning on Friday explains the fact that one one local set of ppower was at Anaheim on Sunday. The were two hauler sets, a 3 unit and a two unit.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Looks like the welded rail project is nearing completion between South Anaheim and West Anaheim. Still some m-o-w equipment on the spurs that are visible looking south from the Ball Road crossing. All that is left is for Olive and Santa Ana Street to have concrete panel tracks installed.
I wonder about the flagmen standing all day in the sun and the heat. Are these m-o-w employees or otherwise ??? They don't look like stereotypical m-o-w workers.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The rail gang has been working on laying rail on the long siding and the extension. Who would have ever dreamed that a siding on a branch would ever have such an upgrade! What a project Santa Ana and Olive Streets will be. I'm hoping that project is going to be put off for awhile as I'm sure that will spell the demise of the wig wag. As bumpy and chewed up as the asphalt gets around and between the street trackage, I really don't like the look of the concrete panels. Since Anaheim is going to put forth so much money into the historic redevelopment of the downtown area, it would be nice it they just accepted this rail line through this part of the city and incorporated some type of look and feel that would make it blend in with the project such as perhaps cobblestone! Just a far fetched dream. By the way, the flagmen are not UP MOW workers. They are basically minimum wage, non union workers from a private company. At least the ones I spoke with were.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Saturday Activity! At 0745 the Hi-rail truck thingy drove by with 3 gondolas and an SP baywindow with am intact but non functioning roof mounted marker light. Am I the only one who has a problem with a truck pulling a train? By the way, no Hauler yesterday. The "long siding" is pretty full of MOW equipment and I'm wondering if there is no place to deposit the train. If that is the case, wouldn't be nice to see the Hauler go all the way to South Anaheim like it used to?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
When the long siding gets full, I have seen them leave cars for a time on the Huntington Beach Branch. There are also a couple of long sidings in Buena Park that they could drop cars at, and in fact there used to be another Hauler train specifically for that purpose. Then again, I suppose that is also the reason why the Marlboro occasionally gets up to 50 or 60 cars.
BTW...who's gonna put up the 400th post =)??
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
For those who don't regularly frequent Trainorders.com, there are a lot of pix there from yesterday of current S.A. Branch upgrade work in vicinity of Santa Fe Springs and Carmenita, worth a visit.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The inbound Anaheim Hauler has been running real late again after a few weeks or normality. On Tuesday it arrived after 1800 and last night the crew died on the law at around 2300 and tied up in La Mirada, unbeknownst to the outbound Hauler crew who were expecting their power at any moment. The outbound Hauler crew advised the inbound crew to pull up to the front of the station and they would take over from there. That's when they were advised of their predicament. I never heard any further radio traffic nor did I ever hear the arrival of the Hauler, nor did I make the small effort to take a walk to Anaheim Station, so as far as I know, it may have never arrived. Does the crew still get paid even if they don't have a train?
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
Not exactly on the Santa Ana branch, but there are a couple of heavy duty flats in Anaheim. The four-truck kind, each of which is carrying something that resembles either a generator or a large diesel engine. Visible from the I-5.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Those 2 heavy loads have been sitting there for a week now. I'm curious where they might be headed.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
No problem John, the Ttrack along the freeway was the Santa Ana Branch before the name change to an industrial spur
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
No problem John, the track along the freeway was the Santa Ana Branch before the name change to an industrial spur
[This message has been edited by Myford Browning (edited 09-22-2003).]
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Usually the heavy generators go to So Cal Edison on the HB Branch. I've never seen anything of that kind on either the Marlboro or the Costa Mesa.
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
Years ago the So Cal Edison station in Orange had a spur coming off the Tustin branch. I never saw any cars on it and it was removed years ago when the trackage east of the ATSF Olive sub was removed.
[This message has been edited by john1082 (edited 09-22-2003).]
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
When the SP applied to abandon the track from Marlboro (ahort distance east of the Olive Dist. crossing) to Villa Park after the Villa Park Orchards closed the packing house there, So Cal Edison protected the ababdonment. The limited amount of traffic that SCE 'generated' did not justify keeping the track and maintaining the grade crossing protection and track. This was around 1981, I think.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Until just a few years ago, the Tustin Branch still crossed the Metrolink at Marlboro and made a connection with the old PE line that paralleled the Metrolink main line for a mile or so. Two industries were served. One I think was a scrap industry that required an occasional gondola and the other industry serviced used fairly long cuts of covered hoppers on a regular basis. The later of the two industries is still served by a connection that was added off of the Metrolink Olive Subdivsion main. Does anyone know if this industry is still serviced by the UP. It would require the Costa Mesa Local to back a quarter mile or so down the Olive Sub from the San Diego Sub. It seems like it would be a lot of business to just give up. Anyway, the inbound Anaheim Hauler has been running off schedule again. It went dead on the law again yesterday at Valley View and it went dead on the law again today somewhere.
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
The covered hoppers still get delivered but I don't know if it is done by the UP or the BNSF.
>Does anyone know if this industry is still serviced by the UP. It would require the Costa Mesa Local to back a quarter mile or so down the Olive Sub from the San Diego Sub. It seems like it would be a lot of business to just give up.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
I have seen the La Mirada Local (BNSF) switch-out hoppers at the industry just south of Katella.
Posted by Russ Bellinis (Member # 2377) on :
quote:
Originally posted by john1082:
Not exactly on the Santa Ana branch, but there are a couple of heavy duty flats in Anaheim. The four-truck kind, each of which is carrying something that resembles either a generator or a large diesel engine. Visible from the I-5.
I saw those loads from Crescent St., I think they had stickers marking them for SCE. I think they are some sort of transformer.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
I just added my growing up with trains in Orange County to my Railfanning Page with a few pictures of the old Santa Ana Branch. Enjoy.
Chris
http://www.trainweb.org/chris/Growing.html
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Costa Mesa Local went out at 0810 with 26 cars! In addition to the normal VCY boxcars for the LA Times Plant, there were a number of tank cars and lumber cars.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The transloading facility at Orange (between Walnut and Collins) was served by both the Santa Fe and SP/UP. The other customer on the ex PE was an Iron works at Collins that got steel delivered, but no longer uses rail (there was a name change of the company).
When Metrolink proposed removing the diamond at Marlboro, the plan was to install a connection at Marlboro. However as work was beginning, the UP decided to abandon that idea and use the trackage right from CP College that the Coata Mesa switcher uses. Since a connection was installed between Metrolink and the industrial track near Collins, the Marlboro switcher did serve the customer for about a month and then stopped serving them. The Santa Fe continued to serve the tranload facility. A significant amount of traffic seems to have been transfered to a transload facility at Olive at the Adams Steel area.
Recently it seems that more business has may have returned to Orange and I have noted Covered Hoppers on the interchange at CP College (St College Blvd).
One proplem for the UP to serve the customer from CP College is that the train needs to use track #2 beween CP College and CP Maple (Orange) and the wye at Orange can't be used
so there would be so significant backing.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As of yesterday (Monday), the Anaheim Station Trainmaster no longer refers to the OC locals by their name. The Huntington Beach Local is now the LOA30, the Marlboro Local is the LOA31 and the Costa Mesa Local is the LOA32. I was trying to find the meaning of the symbols on some other web sites. From what I understand, the "L" is for local and the "O" refers to the merchandise which in this case is "other". Can't figure out what the "A" stands for. The Anaheim Haulers have the designation LOH25 (westbound) and LOH44 (eastbound). Again, I don't know what the 3rd letter stands for, in this case "H". Lastly, the LOH25 didn't get in until about 0730 and the Costa Mesa Local didn't run today.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Marlboro made it's way all the way down the Tustin Branch today and didn't return to Anaheim until 1935, well after dark, with 29 cars. I can't describe it, but there's something very therapeutic about seeing the local running down Santa Ana Street after sunset. Funny, I don't feel the same way seeing the Costa Mesa before sunrise!
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Three unpatched Espee ladies on the Anaheim Hauler for today. My memory says, SP 8566 (tunnelmotor with the comfort of "southern comfort" primered over), SP 2568 (SW1500), and SP 8635 (SD-40) as the lead unit. All had their fair share of aerosol grafitti.
Also in Anaheim, South Anaheim that is, is a work train of m-o-w flat cars with a single GP-38 for power. UP 609, a patched espee with a former UP number of 2105. Any help on the lineage on the Southern Pacific side of the ledger ?? The .pdf file I have of Don Strack's roster does not have a GP-38 with either UP number.
Photos of the work train and some of the cars are at: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10091
UP 1485 (patched espee Geep) and UP 1366 are the current power duo for the Costa Mesa and the Marlboro Local.
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 10-02-2003).]
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Long Pass vs. the extention; Clarification Needed.
Long Pass is closer to the station than the extention ?? My assumption.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I believe you are correct. The long pass is closest to Anaheim Station although I believe the extension is really longer in length. Also, great photos of the work train. I'm really bummed that I missed it. I'm hoping it comes back with the same power. I'm speculating that they are going to load all the MOW equipment onto the flats. I did some poking around and found a long string of MOW equipment on the siding off of Howell Ave and Lewis. It's been sitting there since at least Weds. Lastly, a Saturday Hauler arrived Anaheim at around 0700. Maybe a Sunday Marlboro!
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Three things to report. First, today's Costa Mesa (LOA32)left Anaheim at 0540 with a solid string of 12 VCY boxcars and returned at 0850 with two VCYs and three empty center beam lumber cars. Secondly, the string of flats for the MOW equipment is still sitting at South Anaheim and lastly, this mornings Anaheim Hauler (LOH25) has unusually modern power, 2381 and 6317, both wide safety cabs.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Since my posting on the 8th regarding the rare appearance of "modern power" on the Anaheim Hauler, that train has seen the same type of power every day except this past Saturday. Saturday's Hauler had a single T-2, UP 2947. This morning's Hauler arrived at 0420 with SD60M 2384, unpatched D&RGW 3117 and unpatched SP 8590. Half of the work train at South Anaheim is already loaded with MOW equipment and it appears that the rest of the equipment is staging in the gated compound at Anaheim Station. I imaging this train will be leaving within the next few days.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
With the trackwork completed on the Tustin and Santa Ana branches and the likelihood of ever seeing so much rehabilitation action on these branches, I had been closely monitoring the status of the string of flats at South Anaheim that were going to haul away all the MOW equipment. Understand that for the past few months I have been working out of my house and very little slips by without it being recorded on film or video. This illusive train slipped in on the only weekday afternoon that I was not at home. Jeff called me to give me a "heads up" that the train was coming but unfortunately, it didn't matter. What where the chances of that happening? Determined to not let it leave without me documenting its movement, I had been making at least two trips a day down to South Anaheim and listening closely to the scanner. Alas, this train eluded me again. It left sometime between 1800 and 2100 when I was volunteering my time to my son's annual Pop Warner football cookout. I'm assuming the power was the UP 2947 and unpatched SP 8590 as those two units were missing from the Anaheim Wye when I visited it this evening. Jeff, I hope you recording this train's departure! Yea, there are greater tragedies in life, but...
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Hey Brian...
Got your message and drove by the wye on Monday, late afternoon. The interesting power was blocked by parked cars... DOH!!
DRGW3117 looked good, and three windowed wide cabs are my favorite, oh well.
I noticed the work train is gone on my way home after dark this evening (on 10-14-2003).
Not much to report from what I have seen, UP 1485 and UP 1366 are still the power for the Marlboro.
I am not able to listen to the scanner much, are the crews still referring to the jobs by their names or their symbols. I would assume that you still hear "okay Marlboro, shove..."
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
A little more info on UP local symbols.
L= Local
Next letter = a region: O=So CAl, R=Nor Cal, etc
last letter = an area: A=Anaheim, Los Nietos, B=Montclair-Mira Loma, F=Oxnard-San Fernando Valley, L=Guadalupe, P=Mojave Flyer, S=City of Industry-San Gabriel Valley, W=Torance-El Segundo, H=Hauler D=West Colton-Indio local
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
So far this week, every Hauler has had at least one SD60M in the consist. Yesterday's (Tuesday) had 3 SD60Ms and today's Hauler has one on the point. It looks like it may be a sad trend. Today's Marlboro Local used the Huntington Beach Local's power, 1095 and 1089, both UP painted SW1500s.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today, Oct 16, no Anaheim Hauler, no Costa Mesa Local, no Huntington Beach Local and a very short, 4 car, Marlboro.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Myford, thank you very much for the UP symbol information. It makes a lot more sense now. Today's Costa Mesa went out at 0610 with only 5 cars and returned at 0825 as light power. I thought it would have been a lot longer since it didn't run yesterday.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Over the past few weeks, the locals have been running very short. I haven't seen a train longer than 23 cars for the entire month. It seems to be running in the 10-12 car range or even less. The long pass, extension and South Anaheim haven't been full of cars as had been the norm. Maybe the lull before the storm. Also, the Hauler has consistantly been running with modern UP power. Generally a combination of only 2 units. The days of solid SP lashups seem to be over at least for now.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Maybe because of the fires in Cajon and San Bernardino traffic has gotten delayed somewhere?
Of interest to you Brian, although I am in the Bay Area now, I've gotten word from a friend of mine that there are two unpatched SP SW1500's on the Buena Park Switcher right now (as of 2 days ago).
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
quote:
Originally posted by atsf3751:Of interest to you Brian, although I am in the Bay Area now, I've gotten word from a friend of mine that there are two unpatched SP SW1500's on the Buena Park Switcher right now (as of 2 days ago).
Speaking of Buena Park...
Can somebody fill me in on the operations at Buena Park. I know very little, but assume that they are on duty out of the Anaheim office.
Days and hours ??
Cars are cut from the Hauler ?? Empties then added on the return to West Colton ?? Or do they retrieve them from Anaheim or Los Nietos ??
Other industries served besides those in the "Southern Pacific Industrial Park" ??
Thanks...
jeff from costa mesa
------------------
anaheim-al
photography is my elixir
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Jeff, I can tell you that the BP Switcher is a Sunday-Friday job and appears to work in the mornings and evenings mostly. Most of the switching is concentrated around the Southern Pacific Industrial Complex, but they do go up about as far as Beach Blvd. where cars are occasionally stored. I believe they may also switch the Ganahl Lumber (formerly Buena Park Lumber) hardware store there.
There are also a couple of industries in Santa Fe Springs and Norwalk, although I don't know how far down they go. I've seen them work about up to Carmenita, maybe a little past that. I know there is another switch job out of Los Nietos that does Norwalk, although I've never followed that one. I never had much luck getting action photos of the BP Switcher, although I did catch them idling quite often.
There used to be a hauler train that ran specifically for the Buena Park area, but this has been long gone. Now the Anaheim Hauler drops cars for the BP Switcher and picks up empties on the way out. I'm pretty sure Long Pass siding in Anaheim is only for the Malboro, Costa Mesa, and HB locals, or they would never get all the cars to fit there.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
After reading this thread, I just had to get out and find these two unpatched SP locomotives in local service. I spent the better part of yesterday (Saturday, November 1st) hopping around Orange and LA county, checking out a few railyards. The links in the middle of the text will take you to the corresponding images. The skies were blue and the sun was perfect in all but Buena Park. I continued past the limits of the Branch, but add those additional hops for your reading and viewing pleasure.
~ ~ ~
1st stop, Anaheim Wye.
Five SW1500 switchers on the engine track adjacent to the yard office. A fuel/service truck was there and each lil'locomtive got a once over by the mechanical tech. The other member of the service team was in the cabs, checking wipers, lights, emptying trash and such.
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/upy1144.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/sw1500a.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/upy1212.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/upy1212a.htm
There are no signs of the track and tie replacement crews. The only remnants of equipment are two ballast regulators-type machines on the bad order spur and five porta-potties. No hauler power on the wye, Saturday is their day off, I think ??
UPY 1212 - patched, formerly SP 2649.
UPY 1144 - patched, formerly SP 2565.
UPY 1206 - UP colors.
UP 1095 - UP colors.
UP 1089 - UP colors.
~ ~ ~
2nd stop, Buena Park.
Two SP switchers, both unpatched, idling at their typical spot across from the Georgia-Pacific plant near the wye in the middle of the Southern Pacific Industrial Park. SP 2568 features a red dot on the cab, above the road numbers. SP 2718 has a faded white diamond in the same position. Any ideas what those symbols delineate ?? I recall a TO post about spark arrestors, or such.
SP 2568 - unpatched and well faded. (destined to become UPY 1147).
SP 2718 - MP15AC, unpatched. (destined to become UPY 1447).
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/sp2568a.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/sp2568.htm
~ ~ ~
3rd stop, Los Nietos.
Two GP38s tied down and shutdown near the water tower. That was it. Kinda disappointing. All quiet here, until we tried to leave and my truck's security system would not allow the truck to start. I stuck around the gate while Jerry and John headed over to the east side of the diamonds at Los Nietos on the BNSF.
Shortly after they left, a hauler pulled in with a nice variety of freight. Mostly tank cars, several lumber loads, a few boxcars, three reefers, a string of flats with open topped containers of garbage or contaminated soil, and one empty new style auto-rack, possibly bad-ordered. The hauler was lead by a patched SP SD40, UP 268X. Also in the consist were SP 8658, UP 2284 and a UP SD70, I think. Too bad SP 8658 wasn't on the point. All photos of the hauler are on Kodak film, both batteries had died and were on the charger in the dead truck.
UP 749 - GP38-2L ( "L" -- ?? )
SP 4801 - unpatched, light graffiti. (destined to be UP 565).
Interesting past to UP 749. Formerly a CRP&I (Rock Island) locomotive, then MP 2249, then UP 2249, and now UP 749. No dynamic braking.
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up749.htm
We caught a few BNSF stack trains and three or four Surfliners, then headed to the Metrolink platform at Commerce.
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/jerry.htm
~ ~ ~
4th stop, Commerce Platform.
As we arrived, two road units were building a stack train in the former BNSF Auto-veyor yard. One being an old B23-7 Santa Fe engine. I got several acceptable images, none were excellent, even though the light was awesome !!
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf2845.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf4270.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf4270a.htm
~ ~ ~
Last stop, Hobart Tower.
Kinda quiet here. One long westbound stack train in the yard, sticking out past Hobart as they cut the train into sections. Power was BNSF 5443 (H-1), BNSF 4490 (peach pumpkin), and BNSF 875 (warbonnet)
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf5443.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf4490.htm
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/bnsf875.htm
And the parting shot... A hawk ( ?? ) with prey in his talons on the top of the power pole just above the Hobart Tower roofline. He watched the shove and ate dinner.
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/hawk.htm
Oh well... It was a great day of railfanning !!
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
A rather long Marlboro today with plenty of boxcars, tank cars, and center-beam flats filled with lumber. I was not able to count the cars, but it was in the 20 to 25 car range. UP 1400 (patched SP GP38 ?) and UP 1042 (SW1500) are the power.
Good to see a more "normal" Marlboro.
jeff
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yesterday's Marlboro was 27 cars long. I actually got to watch him gather its cars at both the long siding and extension. It was quite a lengthy process to assemble the train in the order they wanted it. Listening on the scanner, the switching crew now refers to the train as the "31" rather than the Marlboro. I guess that's progress. The Marlboro didn't arrive back till well after 1900. On a side note, the LOA30, Huntington Beach Local, has only been hauling 3-5 cars a day. I wonder when that is going to become an as needed job or tri weekly.
Posted by eggman (Member # 2709) on :
BSME-
What time has the HB Local been running lately?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Huntington Beach Local goes on duty at 0800. Unlike the Costa Mesa or Marlboro locals, the Beach tends not to spend too much time gathering its cars at the long siding and extension and usually leaves Anaheim between 0845 and 0900. Depending on how far down the branch the local goes, he'll be back between 1030 and noon. Although I haven't seen it in person, I understand the track speeds along the entire branch got doubled to 20 MPH. Today's Huntington Beach started switching early at about 0735 and as of now, 0805, is still switching down at the extension.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Todays Marlboro returned to Anaheim at 1815 with 32 cars! The power was the Y1042 SW1500 with no ditch lights and GP40-2 patched 1400.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Costa Mesa local went out at 0720 with 19 cars today. Lots of lumber, and of course the regular cars for the Times Plant. There is a lot of freight sitting out on the Long Pass and Extension today. I'm hoping to see a long Marlboro later this afternoon.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yesterday's Costa Mesa went out with 19 cars...today's Costa Mesa went out with a single center beam flat. The UPY 1042 has been replaced with UPY 1115 a very clean patched SP SW1500.
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
A look at the past for the Orange County Rwy Historical Society newsletter by Clifford Prather
Derailment of 1542
Unfortunately many of the railroad items that appear in the press involve accidents. In this article that included photos, the Southern Pacific Santa Ana Local with the Baldwin S12 1542 and a caboose plus six cars derailed at Katella Ave in Anaheim. The ill-fated train was struck by a gravel truck that caused the 7:45 AM derailment and in the process created a large loop of rail in the air. The date of this event was in the early to mid 1960s, however the exact date was not documented by the young collector.
During the period of time that this accident occurred there were several trains that used the SP to Santa Ana. In the morning the SP local would run down from Anaheim and switch the industries in Santa Ana and down to Dyer (Warner Ave area) where the Holly Sugar factory was. Between Santa Ana and Dyer was the Kerr Glass factory that received sand and shipped carloads of product. The Pacific Electric train to South Santa Ana and Costa Mesa used the SP line to Dyer after the PE’s line through Santa Ana was abandoned around 1958. The PE normally used SP switch engines in the 4600 series (TR6A) and operated out the joint SP-PE yard at Los Nietos in the afternoon. The PE crew would often go to beans (meal break) at Pop’s Steak House on 4th Street in Santa Ana.
The SP operated a perishable hauler that picked up reefers loaded with citrus or vegetable during the evening and then moved then to a location to be picked up by a through freight. The SP had anumber of Baldwin switcher assigned to Anaheim, plus some EMD models such as NW2s and SW8s. There was a vegetable shipper at Dyer that would be switched by the Perishable Hauler. The railroad was operated by yard limit rules and the locals could move around without authority of a dispatcher. This created some interesting moments when the PE was returning from Costa Mesa and the hauler was heading to Dyer.
A seasonal operation was the sugar beet train to the sugar factory at Dyer. The operation varied from time to time with sometimes the train that delivered the beets switching the beet dump during day or an engine assigned to Santa Ana doing the switching and another train delivering the loads and pulling the empties. Eventually, Holly Sugar purchased SP 1000 (SW1) and used to switch the beet dump as Holly Sugar 1.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The image link below shows the Costa Mesa local at CP College, waiting its turn to get onto the main. This was the December 1st job, a longer train than normal, probably due to the holiday. Five lumber loads and eleven boxcars. Power for the local was UP 1400 (formerly Cotton Belt SSW 7645, a GP40-2) and UPY 1115 (formerly SP 2530, an SW1500)
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=41299
December 2nd's Hauler featured three SD60s for power. There were unit numbers UP 2210, UP 6338, and UP 2294. 6338 stood out as one of the 6300 series locomotives that the paint had an adhesion problem. Similar to UP 6331, seen in this link. http://www.yayax.com/gateway/up6331.htm
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 12-03-2003).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Hey Myford, great information. Judging by this information and the reference material from Steve Donaldson's writings, this was a pretty busy and important line in its heyday. It must have been pretty interesting to see all that action. Steve gave me a copy of the SP Industrial Numbering book which details every spur along the branch in the mid 80's. It's amazing how much has changed and how few industries there are compared to 20 yrs ago. It must have been something to see in the 50's and 60's. I still feel fortunate to be able to see four trains a day during the week on this line and an occasional Sunday surprise.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
" I still feel fortunate to be able to see four trains a day during the week on this line and an occasional Sunday surprise."
and I feel fortunate to have you guys report on them w/ or w/o pix., from 500 miles away
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
-al's branch observations:
Didn't see anything moving today as I toured parts of the Santa Ana Branch. Long Pass, the Extension and the Buena Park storage tracks all filled with loads. Two odd open hoppers (one a DRGW) at the west end of Long Pass. The rest were the standard bill of fare.
~ ~ ~
Plenty of power, everywhere...
Hauler Power on the Anaheim wye:
Six SD60s, all UP. 6329, 6331, 2514, 2510, 6106, and 2429.
Local Power on the engine track:
Four switchers, the aforementioned and photographed patched UPY 1115 and patched UP 1400; then two yard engines in UP colors, a GP15 (??) and a SW1500, road numbers not noted.
Buena Park job:
Three units, patched SP GP40P-2 (UP 1374), patched SP SW1500 (UP 1219), and lastly, UPY 1042 (formerly WP 1503).
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Monday's Anaheim Branch Events:
Today’s Anaheim Hauler had 3 unpatched SP SDs, a very rare event as of late. 8598/8685/8578
The Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim at 0703 with 19 cars and returned at 1125 with a more typical 7 cars. At it's departure time, there was heavy fog necessitating a slow crawl along Santa Ana St. and plenty of whistle blowing.
The illusive returning Huntington Beach Local returned to Anaheim at 1034 with a single tank car. I don't think it's running daily Monday-Friday anymore.
The Marlboro Local left Anaheim at 1458 with 28 cars and returned after dark at 1835 with 16 cars.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As reported on Monday, the Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim with 19 cars. That number tapered off as the week went by. Today (Friday), the Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim at 0555 with only 1 boxcar and returned at 0720 as light power. The Huntington Beach Local has consistently been running with only 2-4 cars in its consist. Listening to the radio traffic, all the locals are now using the "LOA" terminology except when talking to the Metrolink dispatcher. That's the only time I hear the old "Costa Mesa" and "Marlboro" names used anymore.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yesterday's (Weds) Costa Mesa Local left Anaheim at 0520 with only a few TOE boxcars in tow, did some switching around South Anaheim and returned back before 0700 never making it down the Santa Ana branch. Today's Costa Mesa also left with a few TOE boxcars and did some switching around South Anaheim before heading down the branch. I'm wondering if these were time sensitive shipments or if the Costa Mesa was just helping out the Marlboro?
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Those TOE boxes are generally for the Weyerhauser plant on Ball Road. I noticed a string of maybe eight boxcars on the storage tracks at South Anaheim. I hope they are starting to pump up some volume. The locals seem to be getting shorter and shorter.
I did notice the CM returning around 10:00am, I think. They had grey hoppers and GW boxcars in tow.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
O.C. dead all holidays?
I know A.A. has traveled north, but no one else has posted anything on Western page since before Xmas either?
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
On 12-30--3 I was at the Orange depot to see a few trains pass. Around 2:45 I noted that the DS had cleared a westbound signal for a LA bound Surfliner, Red over Green indication. A few minutes later I noted that the signal indication changed to Red over flashing yellow. This told me that the second signal beyond Orange had changed to Red. This signal is the signal that protects the UP Tustin Branch (or what ever it is called now)and perhap the Marlboro had requested permission to cross and the DS decided there was time to knock down the route on the Metrolink line and time out the signals to allow the UP to cross before the Surfline arrived at CP College. I headed over to see if I was correct and discovered the Marlboro with thw 1400 and 1115 switching Ganahl Lumber. They spotted some cars and pulled pulled 5 center beams. This was all the work that they had east of the Metrolink crossing for the day and re crossed the Metrolink line after waiting for the Surline and just before a Metrolink train
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
The Marlboro ran today, Sunday the 4th of January. They brought back 20 empties just before 4:00pm. Power continues to be a patched pair, UPY 1115 and UP 1400. Before heading over to the wye, I was able to observe switching on the runaround track near Ganahl Lumber as they switched Diversified.
Two sets of hauler power were on the wye, with an unpatched Southern Pacific SD40-2 as the lead locomotive, SP 8645. Grey primer covers the long hood to cover graffiti. The unpatched power seems to always end up in Anaheim ?? Also on the wye were UP 8687, a snoot nosed tunnelmotor and UP 1909, a standard cab GP60.
~ ~ ~
Silgan Plastics on Cerritos Avenue appears to be moving, with an "available" sign on the property. Silgan receives grey hoppers of plastic pellets.
Lastly, the Quik-set facility at the corner of Olive Street and Santa Ana Street is being demomolished. The parking structure is gone, with the main buildings next.
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 01-04-2004).]
[This message has been edited by dash-al (edited 01-04-2004).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
It was good seeing the Marlboro running on a Sunday. Both the long pass and extension had been filling up with freight. The locals have not been running during the holidays and holiday eves but the Haulers have been bringing in cars just about every day so it seemed logical for the Marlboro to run. It went out at 1350 with 32 cars and as Jeff mentioned in the previous post, returned with 20 cars just before 1600. The last time the Marlboro ran on a Sunday was July 27, 2003.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Ahhhhh, life breathed into my old O.C. branches again. tnx, fellas
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Monday's Costa Mesa Local went out with 34 cars! Anything over 15 is newsworthy. Out of the 34 cars, 21 were destined for the LA Times Plant. Today's Costa Mesa Local went out with 19 cars, 10 of which were destined for the Times Plant. Although I'd like this trend to continue, I'm sure it's all due to the down time of the locals during the holidays.
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
On Monday this week I followed the Marlboro with UP (SP) 1400 and UPY (SP) 1115. 19 cars including 6 tank cars, it went all the way to Orange and switched Foamex. It got dark before it left the plant, so I left as well.
Yesterday's Marlboro had 20 cars and UP 1400 and 1115 for power. South Anaheim is getting pretty full with empty boxcars all over the place.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
An Orange resident reports to me that he observed the Marlboro heading back to Anaheim Friday night with ten tank cars.
Branch Line "Cans" return to O.C.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
On Monday, 1-12-2004, I saw one, maybe two, steel coil cars on the Marlboro heading towards Orange. I tried to track them down after work, but came up empty. Does anyone know where these cars may have went ?? I have seen coil cars at the end of the tracks near Freedom Way ( ?? )in Orange. That was probably about two years ago. I recall an air conditioning duct manufacture mentioned as a rail customer.
~ ~ ~
SP 8655 (SD40-2) and SP 2718 (MP15AC ??) were on the wye earlier today, both unpatched and looking marvelous !! A photo of 8655 is at the link below. Two patched SP locomotives continue on daily assignment for the Costa Mesa and Marlboro jobs. UP 1400, patched SSW GP40-2 (formerly SSW 7645) and UPY 1115 (formerly SP 2530), an SW1500. If you squint enough, you don't even notice the patches...
Also in the Anaheim hauler consist with 8655 and 2718 were patched UP 8810 (formerly SP 8271, a tunnelmotor), patched UP 2752 (formerly SP 8676 SD40M-2 with a 45 body), patched UP 2679 (formerly SP 8603, also a SD40M-2), and UP 2422, an SD60M as the lead unit with a three window wide cab.
http://www.yayax.com/gateway/sp8655-anh-3928-c85.jpg
Posted by MontanaJim (Member # 2323) on :
wow, 458 replies to this post??? this is incredible!!!!!
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
The Marlboro went all the way down to Orange today with 14 cars, the most I've ever seen on this segment of the branch. Most of these cars were tanks that appeared to be destined for Foamex and Neville Chemical, but as Jeff mentioned earlier, there were two additional coil steel cars today, oddly enough one at each end of the train, and both CSX. No idea where they might be going. This is my last Marlboro chase for a while, as I am returning to the Bay Area tomorrow.
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
Another longish Marlboro today, about 20 cars long.
Same power as previously reported.
I caught her street running on both Santa Ana and Olive Street during my lunch hour.
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
wow 400 posts here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whats so special, im in the amtrak forum!!!!!!
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
quote:
Originally posted by CoastStarlight99
Whats so special
Well, the Santa Ana Branch is a Union Pacific (former SP) line in Anaheim where the trains run down the middle of the street for a couple miles. There are a lot of interesting operations and photo opportunities on this line that you can't find anywhere else. I have a website with lots of photos from the Santa Ana Branch. Take a look, if you're interested.
http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/socalrailfan/UP_Anaheim.html
[This message has been edited by atsf3751 (edited 01-20-2004).]
Posted by Myford Browning (Member # 1987) on :
The Costa Mesa was through Orange on the way back to Anaheim at 9:33 AM. The train had a SW1500 long end forward, a ex SSW GP40-2, two empty lumber flatcars, 8 boxcars and a red flag in the last coupler.
The BNSF 1st La Mirada Roadswitcher passed through Orange at 10:07 with a new paint GP7 and another blue and yellow unit plus a lumber load, 7 covered hoppers and a caboose
Posted by dash-al (Member # 2020) on :
two images of the street running from earlier this week... Enjoy !!
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=47011
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=47010
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
No Costa Mesa Local today. The Anaheim Hauler didn't arrive until about 9 this morning and finally, the HB Local used the Costa Mesa/Marlboro power today. Otherwise, very short locals all week long.
I will try to do daily updates on the following site if anyone is interested. I welcome your contributions also. I will still post any note worthy events on this site also.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Orange_County_Railroad_Branches/
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Friday Feb 6, no Costa Mesa or Huntington Beach Locals running today. Probably because the Anaheim Hauler didn't arrive town until just before noon.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Todays Anaheim Hauler did not arrive Anaheim until 2034. The power was spotted on the mainline just in front of the depot and departed at 2155 as the outbound Anaheim Hauler, LOH44
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
In absence of any fresh reporting here for past week, two threads of O.C.interest may be found on t.o. today (one quite germain under "Los Nietos" heading, and another pertaining to "Brea Industrial Lead")--happy hunting, and tnx to RFlange & others who posted there.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 02-17-2004).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Well, I think the crossbuck installation is now complete on Santa Ana and Olive Streets. The new crossbucks are covered with Silver (White) conspicuity tape similar to DOT C-2 seen on truck trailers and newer railroad locomotives and rolling stock. The wood posts are also covered with the same tape on the sides facing the conflicting flow of traffic. On one set of crossbucks for every gradecrossing there is a reflective blue sign that reads: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD To report stalled vehicle blocking crossing or other emergency call 1-800-848-8715 Refer to crossing #______. Non of the crossing numbers have been filled in yet. Here's the rundown of grade crossing protection that has been completed as of Saturday Feb 28, 2004. From West St. to Vermont Ave.
West St. - No changes, already protected on the Santa Ana St crossing with cantilever signals and both sides of West St. with flashers and crossing gates.
Ally between West St and Illinois St – Previously had no grade crossing protection. New crossbucks on both sides of ally just installed today.
Illinois St - Previously had no grade crossing protection, now has two new crossbucks.
Ally between Illinois and Indiana St - Previously had no grade crossing protection. New crossbucks on both sides of ally just installed today.
Indiana St - Previously had an old Southern Pacific Stenciled crossbuck on the North side and an unstenciled crossbuck on the South side. Both removed and replaced by new crossbucks.
Ally between Indiana St and Ohio - Previously had no grade crossing protection. New crossbucks on both sides of ally just installed today.
Ohio St - Had unstenciled crossbuck on South side only. This pole supporting the crossbuck was unpainted and had an old SP plate on it indicating its location by milepost. Other crossbucks in the area had similar plates but this was the only one that I was aware of that was not painted over. It was removed and replaced by new crossbucks.
Ally between Ohio St and Citron - Previously had no grade crossing protection. New crossbucks on both sides of ally just installed today.
Citron - Had two unstenciled crossbucks and a very unique crossbuck on the northeast corner with a bell but no flashers. The unstenciled crossbucks were removed and replaced by new ones.
Ally between Citron and Resh - Previously had no grade crossing protection. New crossbucks on both sides of ally just installed today.
Resh St - Other than the wig wag on Lemon St. I thought this was the second most unique site because of the wooden crossbucks. This probably was a survivor from the steam era. Gone now and replaced by a new crossbuck.
Herritage Village Senior Living driveway directly across from Resh St - Had no protection, now has a new crossbuck.
Ally between Resh St and Janss - Previously had no grade crossing protection. This ally originates on Santa Ana St and runs South. A new crossbuck was installed on the North side of Santa Ana St on the far side of the RR tracks. Interesting placement!
Janss St - Previously had no gradecrossing protection, now has a new crossbuck.
Police station driveway directly across from Janss - Had no protection, now has a new crossbuck of its own.
Alley and Library driveway between Janss and Harbor Blvd - Had no protection, now share a brand new crossbuck.
Harbor Blvd - Unchanged. Has cantilever flashers on both sides of Santa Ana St and a Southern Pacific stenciled crossbuck on the North side of Harbor off to the side where it won't do any good but, as of today, the only original crossbuck still surviving.
Helena St - Previously had no gradecrossing protection, now has a new crossbuck.
Clementine St - Previously had no gradecrossing protection, now has a new crossbuck.
Lemon St - Had a "Look out for the cars" stenciled crossbuck and wig wag on the south side of the tracks. The wig wag survives still but the old crossbuck has been removed and new crossbucks have been installed on both sides of Lemon.
Anaheim Blvd - Unchanged. Has flashers and crossing gates on both sides of the track.
Claudina St - Had "Look out for the cars" stenciled on the north crossbucks. The south crossbucks were unstenciled. Both replaced with new crossbucks with "2 Tracks" indicated.
Philadelphia St - Unchanged but another unique signal installation. Flashers at the termination of Philadelphia St but the RR tracks veer off of Santa Ana St just prior to this signal location. Traffic off of Philadelphia turning right or left would get a stop indication if a train were present but this traffic never actually crosses the RR tracks. Flasher also points east down Santa Ana St. Westbound traffic is also indicated to stop when a train is present but does not cross the RR tracks either. Cantilever signals protect the crossing of the RR tracks on the eastbound lane of Santa Ana St.
Santa Ana and Olive Intersection - This intersection had a crossbuck clearly stenciled "Look out for the cars." Although the track in this portion of Santa Ana St had been removed for about two years, the crossbuck still existed until this afternoon.
UP grade crossing on Olive - This is where the tracks reentered street trackage. The tracks cross the southbound lane from a blind ally and then proceeds down the middle of Olive St. This busy grade crossing previously had no protection. Now it has a new crossbuck. Badly needs an active warning device here.
Ellsworth - Had unstenciled crossbuck now has a new reflective crossbuck.
Water St - Had a Southern Pacific stenciled crossbuck. Yanked in favor of the new and improved.
South St - Unchanged. Cantilevered flashers on the east side, flashers on a cantilever mount, but no cantilever, on the west side.
Alleyway between South St. and Valencia St - Previously no protection, now a new crossbuck.
Valencia St - For the life of me I can't remember what existed there if anything. Regardless, it has a new crossbuck.
Vermont Ave - This busy gradecrossing has a traffic signal that flashes red when a train is present. Two new crossbucks were added to supplement that protection.
All these installs were performed by a private contractor, not the Union Pacific.
Posted by Jesse (Member # 486) on :
470 replies?!! This has to be a record...haha...sorry I dont really have an answer to this original topic. I'm from the east coast (Rochester, NY). I know a good deal about east coast railroads but not much on the west. How's the BNSF been lately?
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Monday's (3-15) inbound Anaheim Hauler LOH25 went dead on the law at 0700 just after making it's final setout at the Long Pass in Anaheim. The Anaheim Trainmaster then ferried the crew of the Huntington Beach
Local, LOA30 to the now light power and brought the LOH25 crew to Anaheim Station. Interestingly enough, the LOA30 crew used the
Hauler power to switch around its cut of cars rather than dropping off the power at the Wye and retrieving its own power. I had to get to work but I don't suspect the Huntington Beach Local used road power for it's trek down the branch.
Posted by SP2552 (Member # 3132) on :
I watched a pair of Union Pacific SW1500's switch the Weyerhauser paper plant sidings between Carmenita and Valley View (in Santa Fe Springs). They have been switching around 8:00 to about 10:00 at night. Today I caught them at 3:00 switching at least 20 boxcars. After that, they pulled onto the mainline and did a Dutch drop at another siding. I watched them switch for about 30 minutes. Does anyone know more about the switching that the Buena Park Switcher?
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
While doing a little websurfing today, I noticed Anaheim Library has finally digitized a number of its historical pix., including several of rail roads. If interested, go to the Library home page and click on historical pictures, then transportation.
On the City's own home page, there is an "Old Photos" page which includes a nice (balloon) aerial view of Santa Ana Street spanning from the S.P. depot to the Olive Ave. I could only get the left half covering the immediate vicinity of the depot (as used in "Orange Groves")to print large, and if any one can figure out how to print the right half(packing houses, etc., to print large also, I'd like to hear from them.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-18-2004).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Friday 3-19-04 Today's Huntington Beach Local, LOA30, was without power. The Y1144 died sometime during the night. Not to be detered,the crew of the LOA30 used the Hauler power 2684/2516 to switch its cut of cars at the Extension. I was hoping to see road power go down the branch but by the time their switching was completed, the
mechanical crew had the Y1144 running again. The LOA30 departed Anaheim at 0937 with the Y1144 and 3 loaded center beam lumber cars.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I made it down to the end of the Costa Mesa branch today and observed a mere three box cars at the Times Plant. During the several trips that I have made to the end of the branch, the only industries still using rail service west of the transloading facility in Santa Ana off of Warner and Grand were the Times plant and a small facility off of Alton Av which seems to always have a single tank car spotted on its spur. Much to my surprise, I found a long string of covered hoppers spotted on a spur off of the line that turns north at Susan St and Alton Av. On the mainline, a single tank car was tied down. I tried to find what industry they were spotted at but everything was locked up for the weekend and I had my three boys and my god daughter so I didn't feel like taking them all for a hike. I thought this segment of the line was spiked but apparently not. This may have been the destination of the string of nine hoppers I reported earlier last week on the Costa Mesa Local.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Night&Day again on SARTCcam, depending on which direction one looks, still. Someone go kick that thing, again?Kicking done, wiping needed(cams blurry and still mislabled as to direction.
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 03-22-2004).]
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-21-2004).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
On Friday evening, several more truckloads of concrete street panels were delivered to Anaheim. I'm wondering if we are going to see Santa Ana and Olive Streets get new track and panels. There has been some pretty major street upgrades and redevelopement projects going on around downtown Anaheim over the past year or so. I'm sure Santa Ana and Olive Streets will eventually also get these upgrades.
Posted by ScottO (Member # 3201) on :
Hi all....been lurking for a while and finally decided to post.
Went by the Anaheim Wye this morning (4/20) in time to see the crew leaving a MP15AC SP 2747. It was connected to an SD60M UP 2349. Tooks some photos and left.
Came back towards noon and the was more power. SD60 UP 2208, SD60M UP 2247, SD60M UP 2362 and another MP15AC SP 2729. Another Photo Op.
ScottO
Posted by Superchief (Member # 3112) on :
correct me if im wrong but i am sure that the santa anna branch crosses the river and goes into the industrial district over by foamex. I also think that the line used to go to tustin through villa park but was taken out
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
"Wrong" might be too strong a word, but it was in fact the Tustin Branch you are referring to(once ran thru Villa Park and now all removed, except stub accross S.A. River near Sports Arena as far as Marlboro, where industrial lead runs to Foamex). All a legitimate topic in this forum as access is via the S.A. Branch as for as South Anaheim(old Tustin Junction). Nicely illustrated by photo pages created by some contributors here(see also Yahoo OC Board).
[This message has been edited by SteveD (edited 04-24-2004).]
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Sunday April 25 brought rare local action down the Santa Ana branch. The Marlboro Local left Anaheim at 0911 with the 7279/Y1144 and 11 cars and returned as light power at 1005. The last time the Marlboro ran on a Sunday was January 4. And that was due to the Holiday schedule in which there was no local service from December 31st to January 3. The last time prior to January 3rd was July 27, 2003.
Posted by ScottO (Member # 3201) on :
MofW was out on the branches today working around the Locals.
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Doing any specific kind of maintenance?
(that you noticed?)
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
One of my huge appeals for branchline operations has been train infrequency and weed infested jointed light rail. Up until just recently, just about all of the OC ex SP branches have met the light rail/bad track criteria. With the recent track work that UP has performed, just about everything looks up to mainline standards. All except for Santa Ana and Olive Streets which is starting to look pretty shoddy. On Monday on my way to work, I followed the Costa Mesa Local out by about 10 minutes and observed a big chunk of rail missing at Santa Ana and Anaheim Blvd. How the train got over that is a mystery to me but I got to use the UP 800 number for the first time. It was actually answered by a real human being who took down the information. When I passed by later in the afternoon, the track had been repaired. I posted two pictures under files. On Tuesday morning, a hi-rail made its way over Santa Ana and Olive Streets stopping frequently to inspect the track. On Wednesday, a section of broken rail was replaced at Santa Ana and Harbor Blvd. The returning Costa Mesa local was allowed to tiptoe over the broken rail before the track crew was able to replace it. Santa Ana Street trackage is full of small sections of jointed and welded patchwork. This morning, two more truckloads of street panel was delivered to Anaheim.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
626, an RCL was spotted Monday morning on the East Wye of Anaheim with the Hauler power.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Orange_County_Railroad_Branches/
Posted by SteveD (Member # 43) on :
Anybody actually see any RCLs in operation in O.C.?
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted here. I'm back in town from school for the next couple weeks (then I have to head back). Basically, what I want to know is if the CM and Marlboro are running the same schedule as when I left them, or have things changed? Brian, if you would email me or just post it here...thanks
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Hey Mark,
Welcome home. Both the Costa Mesa and Marlboro have been pretty much running close to the same schedule. However, it seems like both locals are running about an hour later. The Costa Mesa typically left Anaheim between 0545 and 0645. Lately, it has been leaving after 0700. The Marlboro typically started assembling their train at 1300 but now seem to be starting closer to 1400.
As mentioned on the OC Branchline Yahoo group, it appears some major work down Santa Ana and Olive St are in the works. Anaheim is real good about giving prior notification about road work/closures so I'm hoping for a heads up from the city. Get photos before those sterile concrete panels are put in.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Orange_County_Railroad_Branches/
Posted by atsf3751 (Member # 1538) on :
I have posted all of my photos from my trips down to SoCal in recent months at railroadforums.com.
Here's the link: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16671
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
A small portion of abandoned street trackage just west of Claudina was pulled up and crudely filled in by a private contractor on Tuesday afternoon.
I noticed a new sign on the Huntington Beach Branch between Broadway and Chrone St. It is a white reflective sign with a number 1 over number 2...1/2. Anyone have any idea what this means.
Circus train coming to town. Last year the circus train ran in two sections. I completely missed the first section but was lucky enough to catch the second part. On Aug 2, all three of my boys start football conditioning hell month so I have decided to take next week off of work to do some preconditioning and agility drills with them. It just so happens to correspond with the time the Circus train should arrive. Needless to say, I plan to do these drills very close to home with a scanner on my hip, a whistle around my neck and a camera within arms reach.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today saw a rare Sunday edition of the Marlboro Local. The LOA31 with the DRGW 3086/UPY 1089 departed Anaheim at 1432 with 4 cars and returned at 1514 as light power. Upon its return to Anaheim, the power remained on the mainline. At 1632, the Circus Train pulled up to Anaheim Depot with the 2276/2291/2418 and 35 cars. The LOA31's power then proceeded to South Anaheim with the Circus train right on it's tail. It was amazing to see how many people lined Santa Ana and Olive St, many with cameras, as the train slowly made its way down the street, blowing its whistle almost continuously. The power for the circus train returned at 1638 and the LOA31 returned to Anaheim at 1859. Six train movements on a Sunday! All this action and I didn't have my video camera with me. Expect to see the second section of the circus train on Tuesday or so.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The second section of the circus train arrived Anaheim this morning at 1033 with the 6326/2300 and 21 cars. The train made a brief stop in front of the depot to pick up a crew member then proceeded down Santa Ana and Olive St with the Huntington Beach Local following by about a minute. The circus train went down the old main line at South Anaheim, then the Huntington Beach Local pulled all the cars except the animal cars back west and then pushed them down the Tustin Branch. After this set of equipment cleared the Metrolink crossing, the Costa Mesa Local running light power, snuck behind both trains and returned to Anaheim. I didn't see the last move but I'm assuming that the Huntington Beach Local returned to the animal cars and pushed them back down the Tustin Branch also. The circus train power started it's return back shortly after but ended up striking a car while returning to street trackage from Olive to Santa Ana St. Both the power from the circus train and Huntington Beach Local got back to Anaheim just past noon.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
As previously noted, an RCL unit made the local lineup in Anaheim. That quickly changed. This morning the UP 905 replaced the RCL unit UP 645 which apparently went bad order. The Buena Park Local also had engine issues and made a rare visit to Ahaheim to pick up the RCL unit UP 598 which was in the consist of the Anaheim Hauler. While the Buena Park Local was picking up the 598, the Huntington Beach Local, finished with their pickup, pulled alongside the depot with the Y1448/Y1208 and three tank cars. The Buena Park Local's power, Y1141/Y1137/598 departed at 0831 allowing the Huntington Beach Local to back down the main, pull forward on the West Wye and resumed it's trip down the branch.
The Y1208, a patched speed lettered SW1500, on the Huntington Beach Local has not been to Anaheim for at least the last 2 1/2 year.
Today's Anaheim Hauler consist included the patched 7906, an SP T-2. Haven't seen a T-2 in Hauler service for a long time.
The out of service street trackage on Santa Ana Street just East of Anaheim St was being removed yesterday...ties and all.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
There was a Sunday edition of the Marlboro yesterday. Unlike the other Sunday editions, this one went out with a fair number of cars and didn't return as light power. It left Anaheim at 1455 with the 905/1089 and 23 cars, returning at 1624 with four cars.
I don't think the Marlboro ran on Friday. When I drove past Anaheim Station at a little after 1500, both sets of local power were already tied up on the engine spur.
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
I drove along the street-running section of this line Saturday. There are a lot of new crossbucks along the route, including some at each alley. I only saw one vandalized.
Are they planning on adding "grade crossing panels" along this route? There are a bunch of those panels stacked up near the West Anaheim wye.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Yes, the new crossbucks were installed recently. And yes, I've been told that the plan is to install concrete panels and new welded rail down both Santa Ana and olive streets.
Two interesting visitors are sitting on the Wye at Anaheim, the Y169 and Y598. They arrived on the Sunday Hauler and have been shuffled in front of and behind the Hauler power all week. I overheard the Monday Hauler crew mention that these units are to be taken to South Anaheim. I don't know why they would take them there. Maybe training or maybe for work train duty for Santa Ana and Olive Street. What exactly is a platform unit? Is it like a slug? It sure is unattractive in its primer gray with most of its windows plated over and no fuel tank.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
See this Yahoo site for more updated information.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Orange_County_Railroad_Branches/
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
I just found out some sad information today. As it turns out, both the LOA30 (Huntington Beach Local) and the LOA31 (Marlboro Local) will be going RCL. This means two engineers will be bumped off their jobs. The sled and RCL unit will be going to South Anaheim for the training of the brakemen.
Also, the trackwork on Santa Ana and Olive Street is supposed to start by the end of this month.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today turned out to be a tragic day for yours truly in the football pool but at least is wasn't all that bad for I got to witness a rare edition of a Sunday Marlboro Local...perhaps the last with a real engineer. The LOA31 departed Anaheim at 1405 with the 905/Y1141 and 12 cars. It returned as light power at 1455.
The east wye at Broadway was completely submerged in water this morning. I guess it rained harder then I thought last night.
Lastly, two patched SP SW1500s on the HB Local. An occurrence that is becoming more and more rare.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
The Monday Hauler arrived on time despite the derailment in Whittier.
The Costa Mesa Local got a real late start Monday. It departed Anaheim at 0905 with the 905/Y1141 and 14 cars.
Some type of construction started just beyond the engine spur at Anaheim Station. The barriers at the end of Adams St as well as the pavement has been removed. Perhaps extending the engine spur to make room for the RCL sled or adding a bumper? Just speculation.
Today's Anaheim Hauler has not yet arrived. Went dead on the law in La Mirada.
As of this posting at 0715 on Tuesday, the Costa Mesa has not yet departed Anaheim. Another late start.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Orange_County_Railroad_Branches/
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
Today's Costa Mesa Local went out with the HB Local's power, two SP SW1500s. Both were patched but it was still nice seeing two SP painted units. When the local made the hard right hand turn from Santa Ana St to Olive St it just stopped. I heard the engineer over the radio say that his locomotives stopped pulling. After about 30 seconds, with a huge smoke bellow, it continued on its way. I wonder how it did over the Metrolink.
There is a lot of activity around Anaheim Station. Several truckloads of ballast have been dumped and some grading is taking place east of the engine spur.
Posted by bsme25 (Member # 1505) on :
For the second consecutive Saturday, the Marlboro Local ran. It departed Anaheim at 0759 with the patched 588, sled Y164, SP 2756 and 8 cars. It returned at 1102 as light power. When contacting the Metrolink dispatcher to cross over at CP State College, the crew referred to the local as the "UP Marlboro Extra."