Tehachapi Pass (was: Gateway to Space!)

[Chacal]

Great shots!
Remind me what route this is. "Gateway to space" doesn't ring a bell for me.

[Bananarama]

UP's Mojave Sub, aka: Tehachapi Pass.

[GSkid]

UP's Mojave Sub, aka: Tehachapi Pass.

Yeah...your thread title threw me off at first too. I know that sign in Mojave.... but it didn't scream "hey...I'm doing Tehachapi Pass" to me at first. I thought you were just extending the Cajon Pass route. I did find it odd why you would find the route from Barstow to Mojave so intriguing that you just had to make it. It's a pretty flat and desolate section of track.

I would change the thread title to Tehachapi Pass or UP's Mojave sub for clarification.

[Bananarama]

I would change the thread title to Tehachapi Pass or UP's Mojave sub for clarification.

My intent was to have some fun, post a few images, but not to make a formal announcement. While track and signals are complete, Mojave is the only area (so far) with scenery assets.

[dcushing]

Marc,

Any chance of getting a shot of the route map? Details not necessary, just from where to where and with what in between.

Duncan

[BNSFdude]

With this I want a brand new UP SD60M, SD40N, AC4400CW-CTE, and BNSF AC4400CWs, and SP Tunnel motors, lots of SP tunnel motors. A GATX tank train, and my wildest dreams to come true.

-Gimme Pig
Great work Marc!

[Bananarama]

Here's a map of the route:

tehachapi_map.jpg

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

What is that on the end of the branch west of Mojave, a switchback?

[Bananarama]

The branch leads to a cement plant at Creal. There is a bit of a switch back there, but not much of an elevation change from the main plant.

[GSkid]

The branch leads to a cement plant at Creal. There is a bit of a switch back there, but not much of an elevation change from the main plant.

I could be wrong, but you are first person I've seen take the route there and especially the branch to Arvin in any sim. Looking very good!

I'll be very sad when they double track some of this route. I understand their reasoning from a business perspective, but that and the daylighting of some of the tunnels just saddens me. It's like I'm losing a part of my childhood. I'm just glad I got to witness it in it's more original form. I have a HUGE preference for single track routes. Thank goodness that will likely never be the fate of the UP's coastal route here.

[dcushing]

Here's a map of the route:

tehachapi_map.jpg

Thank you very much, Marc. I appreciate your quick response and can't wait for the release of the route.

Duncan

[Chacal]

It needs loops at the ends.

[Bananarama]

It needs loops at the ends.

Talk to Otto.

[jmslakings]

It needs loops at the ends.

Talk to Otto.

RIMSHOT!

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Actually, that Cajon Pass modification BsB-Putnam-Trona off Otto's server is not that bad.
If you remove the obvious Otto touch, i.e. that unrealistic Mainline Light track, there is lots to explore and enjoy.
Huge yards and industries, that look eerie without any cars or locomotives.
The route map is so large, I cannot get a screenshot in 1920*1200 even.
The route modificaton was done by someone else who lived locally and who obviously knows his Mojave desert.
A pity he didn't push all the way to Bakersfield and included the Loop, but there is a balloon track return loop at the end of the Lone Pine branch

But that wouldn't have made Marc's WIP redundant, for Marc's work is in a class of its own.