In conclusion to my quick railfanning trip along Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line, I made my way over to my final stop to railfan at the Vincent Grade / Acton Metrolink Station. This station is actually situated right at the entrance into Soledad Canyon heading towards Los Angeles from the High Desert and is also one of the few Antelope Valley Line stations with two station platforms. The second platform situated at the Vincent Siding specifically was constructed back in 2016 to improve efficiency for scheduled Metrolink train meets. Additionally, AT&SF #3751 was also brought out and featured at the station for the opening ceremony. (Consequently however, due to train scheduling, the second platform is solely used only for Metrolink #219 when meeting with Metrolink #226.) Although the western theme comes off as a little tacky in my opinion, the surrounding location and history makes the architecture at this station appear rather appropriate. Even for this location, the station actually features an ample amount of amenities, including friendly security and overhead heaters within the trackside shelters that I’ve never seen before at any other station; those of which were certainly a nice relief from the wind chills on this day. Although the chill, wind, and clouds didn’t clear up as the day progressed as hoped, it was still certainly an excellent day nonetheless to watch the typical daily Metrolink commuter trains come and go.
Train 1 : Metrolink #216 with CabCar #646 & MP36PH-3C #897. Note, just to the north of the station is the highest elevation point within Soledad Canyon on the SCRRA Valley Sub and also hence the station's namesake.
Train 2 : Metrolink #209 with MP36PH-3C #898 & CabCar #670.
Train 3 : Metrolink #220 with CabCar #670 & MP36PH-3C #898. Friendly engineer and some nice loud horn action as he departs the station !
(Note the significant railroad grade through this station. Even standing on the ADA accessible platform, the other end of the station is still higher in elevation than eyesight level ! The grade is indeed truly as steep as you see it ! )
Thanks for Watching !
Негізгі бет Railfanning Vincent Grade / Acton - 12/14/18
Пікірлер: 9