The UP Gila Sub is the ex-Southern Pacific Sunset Route that runs 255 miles from Yuma, AZ, to Tuscon, AZ. When I found out of a possible signal replacements coming this summer, I made plans to go get the remaining SP signals. Now going to Southern Arizona in May isn't my idea of fun, but the signal plans made it now or never. Plus UP has been putting double track in along this route, and those plans also have replaced alot of the old SP signals. Roughly only 85 miles of original SP trackage is left with old signals along the Gila.
Between Dome and Wellton, there is 16 miles of original SP double track. The 2nd track was built in 1926, with the original main built by the end 1879. While it shows 2 main CTC, the trackage is signaled basically in one direction like traditional ABS. There are a few unique split curve signals in this area to where the signals are spaced apart for each track. Here a Los Angeles, CA, (Savage Pacific Services) to Marion, AR, intermodal train passes one of these sets near Ligurta, MP 760. The Gila Mountains loom in the background.
Photo: shot on remote shutter.
