Tehachapi Double-Track Project

[jagged ben]

Here is a link showing some ongoing progress:  http://www.trainmaster.ch/XC-50.htm

This makes it seem like Tunnel 10 will be left in place.   I still have some doubts, considering that tunnels usually have ongoing issues with maintenance, safety, drainage, radio signals, and so on.   IIRC in recent years there were several tunnels removed on Cajon (anyone have more info?). 

I'm doubtful that the term 'shoo-fly' is being used correctly in the photo link.  It doesn't seem that the new track will be temporary or that the existing main will be moved.

As for Cajon, it was only two tunnels, and the reason was the triple tracking, not maintenance issues.  While the events in Cajon might suggest that Tunnel 10 is a goner, I think the different geology will prove otherwise.    Most of the 'rock' in Cajon is really crumbly, practically dirt, probably making digging a new tunnel more of a project than removing the old ones, which were short.   The rock on the southside of Tunnel 10 is solid, and should make for a stable slope to the cut for the new track. 

[jagged ben]

Also the official source on that page suggests both tunnel 10 and tunnel 2 will remain.

[lock4244]

When SP and ATSF disappeared from the loop, I'd say things were never the same. Every time I look through my copy of Smollinger's 'Tehachapi' I sigh... yes you can't read the lettering on the SP diesels, but that was part of the charm. And Santa Fe in any era 

[GaryHinshaw]

A new shot, a new angle:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=566072&nseq=8

While you're at it, check out this photographer's other unique angles on the Hill:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=75120

[Scottl]

I agree with the comment in this one, I never realized how high up the pass was until I saw this perspective.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=564886

[Hamaker]

Thanks so much for updated photo of tunnel 10.  I used to live a mere 30 miles from the loop.

[ednadolski]

Amazing images.   That one shot of the Loop thru the new cut could almost make me change my plans to include the new double-track section, if I had the room to do it justice.

Ed

[jagged ben]

While you're at it, check out this photographer's other unique angles on the Hill:

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=75120

I've been collecting photos of the pass for almost ten years now, they span 50+ years of railfanning efforts, and this angle is entirely new.  effin amazing. 

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=564374  [Edit: link fixed now]

[GaryHinshaw]

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=56437

The Anaheim wye?     I'm guessing you meant this one:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=564374

and I agree it is amazing!  I imagine there was some significant trespassing involved in getting many of these shots. 

Oh, and that's a heck of a long train coming out of Tunnel 10 in that first shot.  It seems like it violates the laws of physics.

[TLOC]

I finally understand why so many find this area so interesting. The photos are stunning.

TomO

[ednadolski]

I'm guessing you meant this one:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=564374

and I agree it is amazing!

Sigh, that one makes me wish I had the space (and time!) to do my tunnel module too!

Here is a side question for Tehachapi foamers:   anyone know what the "CP SP <mile>" on the signal shed signs stands for?  My guess is CP is "Control Point" for the CTC, and "SP <mile>" is the mileage marker on former Southern Pacific trackage.  The SP designation is meant to uniquely distinguish the mileage from similar numbers on other subdivisions.   Or maybe I am entirely off base.

Ed

[GaryHinshaw]

My guess is CP is "Control Point" for the CTC, and "SP <mile>" is the mileage marker on former Southern Pacific trackage.

Correct: miles from old SP HQ in San Francisco.

[jagged ben]

Thanks for catching my truncated link Gary. 

Fixed now.  (Sorry Anaheim Wye, but interesting as you are you don't get to stay.)

[James Costello]

I've been collecting photos of the pass for almost ten years now, they span 50+ years of railfanning efforts, and this angle is entirely new.  effin amazing. 

Wowsers - straight to the wall of the layout room! Inspiring!

Another new one:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=565684&nseq=6

[basementcalling]

Definitely a different view on the route and area. Never really thought of Tehachapi as being so rugged and steep in the surrounding terrain, just a mountain pass routed along a road in my mind before seeing some of those images.