Saw this photo today and recall prior references to Hill 582. It looks perhaps like a memorial to railroaders who died in the line of duty. Can someone pls provide the history of the monument and where about’s it is located on the pass. My guess is that its just about Alray, but just a guess.
Thx
I was there 2-1/2 years ago as the guest of chad thomas- if he sees this thread I’m sure he’ll chime in with all the particulars. I don’t remember what exactly the memorial was all about. The hill is located approximately halfway between Cajon Junction and Summit- you have to get off Highway 138 and wind your way around some pretty rough dirt “roads” (and I use the term loosely) and cross one of the rail lines to get to it. I did manage to make my way up to the top of that hill with my minivan, in spite of having it loaded to the roof with most of my son and DIL’s belongings (I helped them move home to Iowa starting the next morning).
Here’s one of my shots from the south end of the hill looking northeast… I believe Summit is just off to the right of the top of this shot.
Chad and his dad took us up there, too, in spring 2007. I think the monuments are more to departed railfans than to railroaders. Nothing fancy or professional, but meaningful nonetheless. Brian, we had enough fun in our little car–I can’t imagine going there with a van!
I would like to go again, now that another track has been added–it was in the pre-construction stage when we were there.
Hi guys, I just got off the road and was just lurking a bit before dinner. Give me a day or two and I’ll respond when I get some time…[;)]
For the history of 582 the socalrailfan site mentioned above has that info and is way more reliable then my memory, so I’ll just refer you there. But I have been an on and off Cajon regular for 20 years and have a few pix of the place (which in my opinion is the all around greatest railfan show on earth [swg]) Though the ones posted here are all from the last 1-3 years.
The namesake signal with a westbound (downhill) train.
The one and only Carl Shaver and his lovely wife Pat (Nice shirt pattern Carl [;)][swg])
And my dad returning from the point
Sorry Brian, I don’t have any pix of you hosted [:I]
Here is a view of the plaques from the same trip with the namesake signal in the background
Another shot of the signal (pre triple track)
An earlier shot of the plaques before they were temporarily removed dureing a spurt of vandalism in the summer of '06.
A better shot of the plaque that I believe is in tribute to the one(s) that started the whole 582 thing.
Some new additions on my last visit in August 08, after the new track.
From left to right, A homegrown Hill 582 sign, A Chard Walker memorial plaque, the Alray tunnel portal (eliminated) concrete and the 582 signal plate.
The Chard Walker plaque
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Chad.
That’s just fine- maybe the next time we hook up I’ll be alot more photogenic.[:D]
Anytime Brian [;)][:D]
Hi Guys,
Thanks very much for the info. Great photos. I’ll have to see if I can find it next time I get out west.
Thanks again for your replies.