Triple Track Cajon

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Cajon Pass

Timeframe: circa 2007- 2008

Length: 3 hours 15 minutes

Comprehensive coverage of the 3rd mainline addition in Cajon Pass. This show includes construction footage of the third line. A bonus cab ride, as well.

A single factory pressed DVD. Main Chapter Menu by locations. On/ Off narration.

Format is 16×9 hi-def for the main section. The remainder is 4×3 in standard.

This show features nearly 16 miles of mainline from Verdemont to Summit. The story begins with extensive coverage before and after new construction. The BNSF broke ground for a third main in 2007. Through trains are running, as the heavy equipment operates. A huge project! It was completed in 2008. Excavation of Hill 256 to make room for the third track. Many intriguing views from this phase. A highly detailed narrative. Dave Drui provides excellent narration.

Blue Cut, Cajon, CP Walker, Hill 582 and Silverwood are additional chapters.

The locomotives are modern era. Large 3rd generation types are dominant. Obviously, there is much more in a three hour program.

To the Trains… 👉

Construction

A pre-construction cab ride shows part of the line. Sullivan’s Curve here. At Cajon Wash, a pile driver works on 1 of 5 new bridges to be built. Additional cab rides include travel into tunnels 1 and 2.

Tunnels 1 and 2 are daylighted. Trains traverse both tracks in this 2007 scene. Fascinating scenes of the tunnel removal stages.

Track 3 is complete. Another 51 trains per day travel through Cajon Pass.

Cajon Widescreen.

Verdemont Summit footage from 2008. Four blue/ yellow warbonnets with a BNSF unit. Hi-def, wide-screen video section.

In the DPU age. Occasional, manned helpers are still employed on Cajon.

New signals as seen at Cajon Crossing. BNSF 4436 on the point of  double-stack move.

Union Pacific on a general freight passes former Tunnel 1. Note the wildlife ramp that has been constructed here.

UP 5514 leads a freight. Takes the Silverwood connector to West Colton

BNSF 7552 on a quartet of engines with The Kaiser Hauler. They descend into Cajon Canyon. This train will get sideswiped later that day in Rialto by a Metrolink commuter. Out of area and is not within this show.

Two ex: Santa Fe warbonnets on the head at Summit.

Slowing to a stop. BNSF 4623 on point. Two locomotives run light and deliver a fresh road crew.

Bonus section is a cab ride. Runs at 35 minutes. Meet with an unspecified Amtrak oncoming in the distance. No narrative or on-screen details. Single front facing camera. This runs about 35 minutes long.

Triple Track Cajon

The modern, standardized version of railroading is not my cup of tea. The US conveyor belt is efficient. Based on largely Intermodal traffic. Two types of container cars. TOFC, trailer on flatcar. COFC, container on flatcar.

The main widescreen portion runs at two hours. Predominantly BNSF and some Union Pacific.a

Outstanding videography! Many new viewpoints and angles. Excellent live audio. Balanced with a relaxed narrative. 

Now, if you are a modern railfan. This might be perfect for your interest.

I see why old timers mourned the passing of the steam age. The same can be said for those who grew up years before mergers and mega mergers occurred. Variety in locomotives and equipment was the key.

Well, that was then, and this is now. This is a high quality Pentrex show. If you enjoy double-stacks to oblivion. Here you go!

Rating: 5 Stars