=======================================================
-> This is The 'SPORRS' Mailing List
-> Info File: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/infosporrs.htm
-> Note: Remember to include your name in each list post or reply.
-> Please delete all unnecessary quoted text from the original message!
=======================================================
For vacationing railfans and those not familiar with the intimate
details of Cajon Pass, you MUST go out of your way to shoot the Natural
Flyover just west of Frost, in the Victorville area.
This is one of those rare spots in American railroading where the north
track crosses over the parallel south track on a bridge ("flyover").
Reason? Remember that in pre-CTC days, Cajon Pass was a two-track ABS
operation, much like most of today's BNSF main line between Barstow and
Needles. Recall also that Cajon's south track is a 3 percent grade, so
it was always the downhill (westbound) track. In ABS days, (and on the
Needles Sub today) the south track is the eastbound main, north track
the westbound. So, for almost a century, westbound trains leaving
Barstow did so on the north track...then the north track had to change
to the south track for the run down Cajon. That's the reason for the
crossover. It's unnecessary on today's double-track, reverse-signaled
CTC'd Cajon Sub., but they have never bothered to spend the money to
eliminate this unique (and picturesque) spot.
It's also a nice photo spot because the very best angle here is on a
hill, well off railroad property. And it's quite common to shoot two
trains here at once.
To get to the flyover, exit I-15 at Bear Valley Road, just west of
Victorville. Go south about 4-5 miles to you get to the BNSF main line,
which you cross on a concrete bridge. Just after the bridge there is a
traffic signal. Go left at the signal about a mile (the name of the
street escapes me). You're paralleling the tracks here but they are out
of sight until you actually get to the hill looking down on the flyover.
Look to your left. Best times to shoot here are midday in spring and
fall.
I mention all this because the photographic potential of this spot is on
the endangered species list. Already there are plans to put tract homes
on the hill overlooking the flyover. Before you run out and attempt to
buy a house with this view, keep in mind that long-term plans by the
city of Victorville are to extend a city street and build a viaduct
right over the flyover, effectively ruining what is one of the most
unique shots on the Cajon Subdivision. It's just a guess on my part, but
this street construction would probably give the railroad an excuse
(and some public funding perhaps) to eliminate the flyover.
I check this from the air whenever I get a chance and there's no street
expansion evident...for now.
=======================================================
-> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects'
-> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/
-> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved
=======================================================
