A Visit to Yuma-Wellton, Arizona
Saturday, September 22, 2018
New Signals and Second Guessing the Illogical
Part “A” (of A-B)
This post highlights some photos taken on the above date, a trip that found the NEW signals in the Yuma-Wellton, AZ stretch finally activated, but in such a way as there is an illogical aspect to that activation, and K.P. makes some interpretive predictions with this two-part series.
The first photo is of CP SP738 EAST YARD (M.P. 737.5), the end of two-tracks at a WYE switch, which wye was common in Southern Pacific days. Surprising, a new cantilever signal bridge was erected. Old file photos show the OLD cantilever signal bridge with only a single head, whereas the new, left signal (for Main 2) on the bridge has a red over type signal.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/ZqVWPC66/2018-0922-01.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In that above photo, the track ballast is old, indicating the equilateral (wye) switch was never changed out to a left-handed one, which would be needed to match the new red over type signal (left) now present.
For logical theming, we now go over to CP SP771 WELLTON (M.P. 770.8). Main 1 (the north track, left mast) has a red over signal, theoretically for an eastbound to cross over to the single-track Main to the east. The top single-head red is for a flashing red over red to go on to the Phoenix Line, which the railroad now termed here the Roll Industrial Lead. That ABS line has a manual derail, explaining the red over signal.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/3ryZRTHt/2018-0922-02.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It just so happened when K.P. was by CP SP771 WELLTON, a local came off the Roll Industrial Lead.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/23RyjvfN/2018-0922-03.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/WpQwqHNT/2018-0922-04.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In the town of Wellton, from Ave 29E, an eastbound view showing CP SP771 WELLTON in the distance:
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/ydxkLsTt/2018-0922-05.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A telephoto of CP SP771 WELLTON from the same Ave. 29E: Note the WYE switches are still present.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/Vvb5cgpF/2018-0922-06.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
While we are at Ave. 29E, a view of the new cantilever signals there, now in service.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/9MkzSK8M/2018-0922-07.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So, the new signaling, WHILE NOT UNSAFE, does NOT presently conform to the CP trackage. Perhaps sometime later, the track may (“may”) be rearranged to match the new signals at CP SP738 EAST YARD and CP SP771 WELLTON.
K.P. has long been thwarted in checking out CP SP753 DOME and the known old wye switch there, and what type of new signaling is over there.
An easily accessed location is the western end of two-tracks at CP SP743 FORTUNA (M.P. 742.8). A new color light signal was erected here too.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/43rW2RLW/2018-0922-08.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Above, note the lower head on that west side eastbound signal only has two lamps. Theoretically, it should have a third lamp, for a red over green. Maybe CP designers didn’t want to confuse trainmen with a red over green for a 30 M.P.H. switch, seeing the east end of the four mile or so section of two-tracks has a 50 M.P.H. turnout.
Above too, note that the old, smaller CP box present in past views is gone! A new box, of the standard new type, is west of the west eastbound signal, by the public road where the camera was located.
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/bN33ctVD/2018-0922-09.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
PHOTO LINK:
https://i.postimg.cc/8zcw1zxy/2018-0922-10.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Continued in Part B to be presented Friday, September 28, 2018 by 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, though posting may be earlier. About 10 more photos will be shown.