Pomona, California
These searchlights located at MP 510.2, along with 2 other sets, were the only ones left still operating along the ex-SP Sunset Route in the LA basin. Unfortunately, they were removed about 4 years ago when UP and Cal Poly Pomona (adjacent to the right-of-way) reached an agreement to bypass two road crossings that caused significant delays to students. The plan called for the line to be rerouted through Cal Poly's agricultural studies fields and connect to the LA Sub (ex-LA&SL) which parallels the Alhambra Sub (Sunset Route) and rejoin the original alignment at Pomona Junction, about 3 miles away that in turn created an island of unnecessary trackage where these sentinels stood proudly for over 6 decades.
So on November 17, 2015, as I pointed my camera to photograph UP 8574 West, little did I realize that this would be the last train I'd ever photograph splitting the pair as it raced west toward LATC, but if it had to be my final shot, at least it was in gorgeous afternoon light!
Pomona, California
These searchlights located at MP 510.2, along with 2 other sets, were the only ones left still operating along the ex-SP Sunset Route in the LA basin. Unfortunately, they were removed about 4 years ago when UP and Cal Poly Pomona (adjacent to the right-of-way) reached an agreement to bypass two road crossings that caused significant delays to students. The plan called for the line to be rerouted through Cal Poly's agricultural studies fields and connect to the LA Sub (ex-LA&SL) which parallels the Alhambra Sub (Sunset Route) and rejoin the original alignment at Pomona Junction, about 3 miles away that in turn created an island of unnecessary trackage where these sentinels stood proudly for over 6 decades.
So on November 17, 2015, as I pointed my camera to photograph UP 8574 West, little did I realize that this would be the last train I'd ever photograph splitting the pair as it raced west toward LATC, but if it had to be my final shot, at least it was in gorgeous afternoon light!