travelintrev Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 "In March 2008, NCTD launched its newest addition, the east-west SPRINTER light rail. The 22-mile rail system connects Oceanside, to Escondido" I've just spent a couple of enjoyable weeks in Carlsbad. My Girlfriend is a bit of a rail fan so had arranged a number of "Surprises" for me. First up is the "Sprinter", We also managed trips on Metro liner and Coaster, Saw some Amtrak & found both model railroads & a museum! Photos are in order from Oceanside. (some from the train others from the car) The route is pretty twisty and there is some freight activity as there is a small yard to the east of Escondido terminus. The route can be followed on Google maps.Unfortunately the sun was in the wrong place for many pictures,but I hope those that are here are of interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorious NSE Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 Lucky they didn't call it "Pacer" I guess. Thanks for the great photo's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-59 Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Good photos! That line is about as close to a 21st century interurban as we have, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted January 5, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 5, 2015 It's a great service especially handy for visiting Stone brewing, Lost Abbey Brewing etc!, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PhilJ W Posted January 5, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 5, 2015 Rolling stock looks European, German built perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold tetsudofan Posted January 5, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 5, 2015 Sieman Desiro such as the DB-AG VT642 Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supaned Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 Available in HO scale from Piko if anyone fancies doing a repaint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted January 5, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 5, 2015 They are German built hence to access these units the platforms have a fold up extension on the platform to the doors that moves out of the way to allow clearance for American built Locos and freight cars. Very tempted to model Oceanside in N scale!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold John B Posted January 12, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 12, 2015 My "local", as I live in Oceanside. Let me know if you ever want any pictures, Ian! The resurrection of the Escondido branch is something I wished I'd captured on camera. Less than 10 years ago the line was freight only, in a really run-down and dilapidated condition, with some of the ropiest trackwork you'd see anywhere. NCTD (who also operate the Coaster from Oceanside to San Diego) ripped out all the old trackwork, built new stations, and even a new (Desiro Unit only) deviation to serve Cal State University in San Marcos (the bridge with the unit crossing above is part of that deviation). BNSF sold the operating rights for the nighttime freights on the branch to Pacific Sun RR - they have a small roster of GP38s in black and yellow livery based at Stuart Mesa yard just north of Oceanside, where the Coaster and Metrolink (Oceanside - LA) trains are maintained. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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