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Post by bluelineshawn on Jan 28, 2009 12:03:57 GMT -8
It's almost a mile to Whittier Blvd. IMO a little too far to just wander unless you're going somewhere specific and know where you're going.
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Post by bobdavis on Jan 28, 2009 13:45:24 GMT -8
Regarding $100 hamburgers: Back in June 2006 I did a Gold-Red-Orange line trip from East Pasadena to the late, lamented San Val Discount (model train and aviation supply store) in Van Nuys. Every year in conjunction with the Big Train Show they would have the San Val cookout, serving grilled burgers in the parking lot, and running specials in the store. We model fans would enjoy the "free lunch", but would usually find some rail cars or accessories that we couldn't resist.
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Post by bobdavis on Jan 28, 2009 21:05:27 GMT -8
A post on Trainorders.com had a link to a site reporting a test run on the Eastside. Apparently it was a "clearance test" using one of the Breda units, but it was towed, not running on trolley power. So they had a car "running" before the end of the month--but just barely.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Jan 28, 2009 21:45:49 GMT -8
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Post by bobdavis on Jan 29, 2009 19:15:40 GMT -8
Quick look at LA Union Station: the rail blocks and the safety ground cables are back in place. Also some of the feeder cables are still not connected, not that this condition would affect moving the test train with the hi-railer truck.
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snuffy
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Post by snuffy on Jan 29, 2009 20:35:40 GMT -8
Can't wait to see it my self. it's much easier to take Gold Line to Little Tokyo than riding on Line 40 from Union Station!
Snuffy
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Post by metrocenter on Jan 30, 2009 14:35:08 GMT -8
On the "Eastside Flavors Map", the McDonalds near Indiana Station is listed. Aah, the flavors of the barrio! That video of the "clearance test" was pretty awesome...hopefully the actual operation will be a little faster!  |
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snuffy
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Post by snuffy on Jan 31, 2009 13:56:32 GMT -8
nothing too exciting but this is what I saw at Union Station yesterday.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Jan 31, 2009 17:26:07 GMT -8
Nice video. Can't wait to see those moving under their own power in East LA!
But I do agree with many others that the seats on the Bredas are too narrow. They are probably about an inch narrower per seat and the gap between seats is also an inch or so narrower. Not sure why this was necessary..
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snuffy
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Post by snuffy on Feb 13, 2009 17:49:11 GMT -8
Today, I saw HTT "precision maintenance grinder" units. sitting at near the 1st street bridge. I have seen these units at the Red Line yard before.
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Post by antonio on Feb 24, 2009 23:58:30 GMT -8
I also saw the grinder today, except it was on the 101 bridge moving towards Little Tokyo. I did a tour today (didn't have my camera though) and progress looks good except at the subway stations where nothing of the above ground structure is even taking shape (though if you look at the Metro Construction Committee handout you can see that the interior is nearly done while the mezzanines are in progress). The at-grade stations are coming along nicely and testing should start in about three or four weeks when the substations are powered up. The opening got pushed back a few weeks but its coming soon.
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Post by antonio on Feb 25, 2009 0:42:05 GMT -8
Also, Spokker in response to your question about things to do in Boyle Heights/East LA off of the Gold Line, definitely come check out the Eastside during lunch time. It's greatest asset for a non-resident is the food, especially along 1st St. The Metro Flavor Map is a start but it doesn't single out the places that are actually notable and worth a trip. Those places would be: Liliana's Tamales on 1st and Indiana (Indiana) which, if you go around Christmastime, you see a line stretching way out of the building. These tamales are the best in the city and they have great variety. For more upscale fare, go to La Serenata de Garibaldi (Mariachi Plaza), which in my opinion is the best Mexican food in the city at a sit-down restaurant. Many greasy taquerias are delicious, authentic and arguably better but if you are talking sit-down AUTHENTIC Gourmet Mexican food this is the place (there is one in Santa Monica too but thats just a secondary location). It blows a place like El Cholo out of the water. Its a true gem and not as expensive as you might think (but still a bit pricey)
There is also greasy, unhealthy but delicious food if you so seek it. Jim's Burgers (Mariachi Plaza) is a longtime local favorite. King Taco #2 (though often mistaken as the original) is the grandaddy of them all in terms of size and popularity (Maravilla). When people refer to King Taco this is the location everyone thinks of. It is open 24/7 on weekends. Few things are as satisfying as King Taco at 1 in the morning (don't be surprised to see a line). Also, not on Metro's Map and a little out of the way and great for a meal anytime but exceptional for breakfast/weekend brunch is La Parilla. There is one on Wilshire and Witmer in City West too but I've always gone to the one on Cesar Chavez a few blocks west of Soto. Exit at Soto and walk three blocks north to Cesar Chavez.
In terms of cultural/commercial destinations, check out El Mercado (Indiana) its the one of the only worthwhile one along the alignment (and it also has a culinary orientation). A few blocks from either Mariachi or Soto is Hollenbeck Park, which is a nice serene place during the day (don't get caught there at night though) even though they cut off half of the park when they built the 5 freeway. Its kind of a little sanctuary in a very bustling part of the city and is nice on a spring day but keep in mind its an old park (which is both good and bad). It really is worth checking out (emphasis on daytime). The rest of the destinations on Metros Destination Guide are just local services like librarys, hospitals, police stations, etc.
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Post by masonite on Feb 25, 2009 13:21:59 GMT -8
Also, Spokker in response to your question about things to do in Boyle Heights/East LA off of the Gold Line, definitely come check out the Eastside during lunch time. It's greatest asset for a non-resident is the food, especially along 1st St. The Metro Flavor Map is a start but it doesn't single out the places that are actually notable and worth a trip. Those places would be: Liliana's Tamales on 1st and Indiana (Indiana) which, if you go around Christmastime, you see a line stretching way out of the building. These tamales are the best in the city and they have great variety. For more upscale fare, go to La Serenata de Garibaldi (Mariachi Plaza), which in my opinion is the best Mexican food in the city at a sit-down restaurant. Many greasy taquerias are delicious, authentic and arguably better but if you are talking sit-down AUTHENTIC Gourmet Mexican food this is the place (there is one in Santa Monica too but thats just a secondary location). It blows a place like El Cholo out of the water. Its a true gem and not as expensive as you might think (but still a bit pricey) There is also greasy, unhealthy but delicious food if you so seek it. Jim's Burgers (Mariachi Plaza) is a longtime local favorite. King Taco #2 (though often mistaken as the original) is the grandaddy of them all in terms of size and popularity (Maravilla). When people refer to King Taco this is the location everyone thinks of. It is open 24/7 on weekends. Few things are as satisfying as King Taco at 1 in the morning (don't be surprised to see a line). Also, not on Metro's Map and a little out of the way and great for a meal anytime but exceptional for breakfast/weekend brunch is La Parilla. There is one on Wilshire and Witmer in City West too but I've always gone to the one on Cesar Chavez a few blocks west of Soto. Exit at Soto and walk three blocks north to Cesar Chavez. In terms of cultural/commercial destinations, check out El Mercado (Indiana) its the one of the only worthwhile one along the alignment (and it also has a culinary orientation). A few blocks from either Mariachi or Soto is Hollenbeck Park, which is a nice serene place during the day (don't get caught there at night though) even though they cut off half of the park when they built the 5 freeway. Its kind of a little sanctuary in a very bustling part of the city and is nice on a spring day but keep in mind its an old park (which is both good and bad). It really is worth checking out (emphasis on daytime). The rest of the destinations on Metros Destination Guide are just local services like librarys, hospitals, police stations, etc. Good information. Thanks. |
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snuffy
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Post by snuffy on Mar 1, 2009 19:04:41 GMT -8
Today, I was on Gold Line and train operator told us that the eastside extension opens on June 19th, 2009.
Snuffy3
Editor's Note: Information heard from Rail Operators is purely speculation and NOT official and should not be posted on this board or any board as a FACT. In material distributed to the Metro Board from the Eastside Construction team, initially a revenue operations date of June 27 was indicated and the latest report changed the opening to July 18. Normally an opening would be tied to the Shake-up.
Since no one on the executive level of Metro has identified the target date, why would an operator know? And don't you think that the Executive Staff would tell the Board before an announcement was made to employees and the public?
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Post by James Fujita on Mar 8, 2009 9:18:43 GMT -8
I don't know when they are going to start testing trains or if they already have (and not just towing them around), but I was at Union Station yesterday and they had a red signal light up and running....
any trains out on the line yet?
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Post by Justin Walker on Mar 8, 2009 17:01:59 GMT -8
I don't know when they are going to start testing trains or if they already have (and not just towing them around), but I was at Union Station yesterday and they had a red signal light up and running.... any trains out on the line yet? The above-mentioned Chief Capital Management Officer report indicates that actual train testing can begin in early March, with the activation of the traction power substations. |
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Post by wakko11 on Mar 8, 2009 23:41:25 GMT -8
I don't know when they are going to start testing trains or if they already have (and not just towing them around), but I was at Union Station yesterday and they had a red signal light up and running.... any trains out on the line yet? The above-mentioned Chief Capital Management Officer report indicates that actual train testing can begin in early March, with the activation of the traction power substations. So according to this report, they are going to begin revenue service of the train prior to the 1st Street Bridge being completed? That's interesting... |
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Post by Transit Coalition on Mar 9, 2009 9:41:05 GMT -8
So according to this report, they are going to begin revenue service of the train prior to the 1st Street Bridge being completed? That's interesting... The rail part of the First Street bridge is completed. The city will finish the road widening as indicated in the report. But that is only for auto traffic. |
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Post by metrocenter on Mar 9, 2009 12:06:18 GMT -8
The westbound lanes of the bridge have been converted into a rail median. As Bart said, the rail median appears to be ready for trains.
The bridge is currently open for eastbound auto traffic only. Westbound auto traffic is detoured and will remain so until the bridge widening is complete (sometime after revenue rail operations begin).
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Post by erict on Mar 11, 2009 10:25:46 GMT -8
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Post by metroman on Mar 14, 2009 13:41:45 GMT -8
Today, I was on Gold Line and train operator told us that the eastside extension opens on June 19th, 2009. Snuffy3 Editor's Note: Information heard from Rail Operators is purely speculation and NOT official and should not be posted on this board or any board as a FACT. In material distributed to the Metro Board from the Eastside Construction team, initially a revenue operations date of June 27 was indicated and the latest report changed the opening to July 18. Normally an opening would be tied to the Shake-up.
Since no one on the executive level of Metro has identified the target date, why would an operator know? And don't you think that the Executive Staff would tell the Board before an announcement was made to employees and the public?
With all due respect, you would be surprised at how much accurate information the operators know. The operators involved with eastside testing are often in daily contact with mid, and sometimes, high level managers of the eastside project. Last week I had a conversation with a high level manager who said June 19 is the target opening date. However, there is doubt among many that the extension will be ready for service at that date. Considering the construction work remaining (especially at the underground stations), I have my doubts as well. |
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 14, 2009 17:36:54 GMT -8
I guess I can see where T/O's might get estimates before the board does, but I can also see where they might get 2nd hand info. I'll treat it FWIW until I get better info from Bart or someone higher up at Metro.
But I recall being told a couple of years ago that the T/O's didn't like operating the new Breda's and that they were having trouble even as board meeting after board meeting hailed them as a success. Now 2 years later we all hope that they work out, but the cars are still taking long to approve and public reports now indicate that Metro is underwhelmed by the cars' performance and is likely to not only not exercise the 50 car options, but may even exclude Breda from bidding on the next order.
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Post by metroman on Mar 14, 2009 21:49:09 GMT -8
I guess I can see where T/O's might get estimates before the board does, but I can also see where they might get 2nd hand info. I'll treat it FWIW until I get better info from Bart or someone higher up at Metro. My gut feeling is that nobody, not even those at the top, know exactly when the extension will open. It depends on so many variables - the construction company, subcontractors, signals testing, operator training, etc. And construction projects aways have delays. If you get a chance, go by 1st street & Soto. Even at street level you can see they have a long ways to go. |
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Post by Transit Coalition on Mar 14, 2009 22:10:02 GMT -8
I guess I can see where T/O's might get estimates before the board does, but I can also see where they might get 2nd hand info. I'll treat it FWIW until I get better info from Bart or someone higher up at Metro. But I recall being told a couple of years ago that the T/O's didn't like operating the new Breda's and that they were having trouble even as board meeting after board meeting hailed them as a success. Now 2 years later we all hope that they work out, but the cars are still taking long to approve and public reports now indicate that Metro is underwhelmed by the cars' performance and is likely to not only not exercise the 50 car options, but may even exclude Breda from bidding on the next order. Shawn: You make some interest points. It seems like the current Metro Rail team keeps having more and more issues with the Breda cars. And then I go to Washington, DC and talk to my friends who brought the Breda order forth and there are completely different ideas and relationships about the order. The DC guys got to DC two years ago and got a stalled car order working in DC and in LA they got the long delayed Siemens order working. Plus they got some Breda subway cars fixed that had been out of service for at least 3 years, before they got to LA, so their job history has some credibility. Since I came up on the bus side, you learn to hear tons of misinformation and complete bull from Coach Operators. On the other hand, rail operators many times seem to know a lot more and seem better educated about agency events. But, it can't be substantiated on a board like this when a T/O is the source of information about the opening date for a New Start. That is big public news. It is true that handouts to the Board for the last year show June 27 as the target date for Revenue Operations. However, two weeks ago the same report showed ROD slipping to July 18 and I asked some of the key staff people. One claimed they were hanging on to June 27 and the other (who actually calls the shots) thought the ROD was going to be pushed back to July. So, who should we believe? The Rail General Manager, the DEO of Community Relations or a Train Operator? |
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 15, 2009 18:38:22 GMT -8
I only heard from the operators that the cars are harder to operate because they are more "high tech" and that they can be "finicky". I know that Metro has excellent operators and mechanics, so my assumption has been that one of the best agencies around has been trying to make it work. And I'm sure that it will work, but it's maybe harder than it needs to be. Maybe that's a design issue, maybe a training issue, maybe management...I have no idea. I just look forward to Metro getting those problems behind them. But if it is management switching to a new manufacturer won't really help will it?
On a related note regarding the Breda lrv design, I was on the Orange line yesterday and I'm pretty sure the NABI seats are wider than the new Breda seats. I wonder why they made the seats so small? It just makes the aisle slightly wider for no apparent benefit.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 15, 2009 18:40:27 GMT -8
Oh and as far as the opening date, I have nothing marked on my calendar yet. I doubt that we'll have a firm date for several weeks now. I pretty much agree with everyone else that anytime in June looks optimistic at this point.
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Post by James Fujita on Mar 15, 2009 20:50:12 GMT -8
Didn't think I'd see anybody working on a Sunday, but there they wereI had a bus to catch or I would have taken more than one picture.... |
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Post by bobdavis on Mar 15, 2009 21:43:02 GMT -8
Looks like they're finally getting the feeder cables hooked up. It seems like the cables have been hanging there for months. About time--there was an item in the LA Times about a clearance-test train getting loose in the underground section; apparently the adapter coupler connecting the LRV to the tow truck came unhooked; no harm, no foul, and the car never left the tunnel but it would certainly encourage the project managers to get that trolley wire "hot" so the cars can run on electric power like they are supposed to.
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Post by Transit Coalition on Mar 15, 2009 22:14:37 GMT -8
I only heard from the operators that the cars are harder to operate because they are more "high tech" and that they can be "finicky". I know that Metro has excellent operators and mechanics, so my assumption has been that one of the best agencies around has been trying to make it work. And I'm sure that it will work, but it's maybe harder than it needs to be. Maybe that's a design issue, maybe a training issue, maybe management...I have no idea. I just look forward to Metro getting those problems behind them. But if it is management switching to a new manufacturer won't really help will it? On a related note regarding the Breda lrv design, I was on the Orange line yesterday and I'm pretty sure the NABI seats are wider than the new Breda seats. I wonder why they made the seats so small? It just makes the aisle slightly wider for no apparent benefit. Oh and as far as the opening date, I have nothing marked on my calendar yet. I doubt that we'll have a firm date for several weeks now. I pretty much agree with everyone else that anytime in June looks optimistic at this point. Shawn: I agree. Metro Rail has good people and eventually they will figure out the Breda operation skill sets required. Now, with all the technical specs developed for the Breda car, the other manufacturers were invited to bid. I think Siemens didn't even bother. At the time, Breda said they could match or exceed all the technical requirements and they won part 1 of the bids, which were based on technical ability. Then they won on part 2, which was price. Starting over to rebid the order with the economy in bad shape might get better pricing for the order. But, perhaps we might get Light Rail vehicles with older technology. Metro wants to rehab the Blue Line cars, which some know as "Rust Buckets" and are state of the art 1980's technology. Now, as far as the Breda seats, I understand they are industry standard seats. Why don't you bring a tape measure and check out the different cars and see if the Breda seats are less wide. As far as opening date goes, we will know, as Transit Coalition will have a table during opening weekend and we will be asking for volunteers to staff the table. Also, there will be a pre-revenue service tour of the East L.A. Gold Line and we will invite TTC members to join us. And finally, don't forget, we are looking for volunteers to staff our table for National Train Day on May 9. Yes, today, Sunday, March 15, there were three trucks working on the wire at Union Station. The southbound track has been welded together, so the rail appears to be continuous and connected. The northbound rail weld appears to be the final track work to complete. |
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Post by bobdavis on Mar 16, 2009 13:38:56 GMT -8
I've had some old home movies transferred to DVD's, and one of them shows the Orange Empire line crew stringing trolley wire with Pacific Electric tower car 00157. This car is of wood construction, so the workers can work on "hot" trolley wire. The film shows new wire being strung; it's tied to the existing wire and is fed from a large reel inside the car. It passes through a slot the roof that has trolley wheels on either side. A large knife switch disconnects the car circuits from the trolley pole and connects them to the slot wheels, so the car can draw power from the wire as it's fed out by the car's motion. This is how they did it in the old days; probably much too simple and straightforward for modern engineers.
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