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Re: Maps/Images of Elmira-Vacaville RR line
Author: Al Stangenberger
Date: 08-01-2011 - 15:31
In this case, aerial photo interpretation is aided by a good topographic map of the area.
The USGS Geographic Names Information System is helpful - search for Elmira, CA and use that result to access "Google Maps in GNIS".
IMHO this interface to Google Maps is the easiest way to switch between topo maps, aerial photos, and other useful stuff.
Given the map, aerial photos show a short piece of the ROW in northeast Elmira. It is also fairly easy to find on photos in the eastern Vacavile area near the airport and to the north.
Regarding the SN Vacaville branch and its connection to the SP, the topo maps on this site are old enough to clearly show how the SN accessed the Vacaville and Wilotta branches. When these maps were published, the SN's main line to Sacramento was still intact, and the line from Vacaville Junction ran east across the north end of Travis AFB to Dozier, where it connected to the SN main line.
After the SN's line to Sacramento was severed by construction of the deep water shipping channel to Sacramento, a connection was built from the SP at Cannon and the SN used trackage rights on the SP from Sacramento to serve these branch lines, and the little remaining business on the main line.
The USGS Geographic Names Information System is helpful - search for Elmira, CA and use that result to access "Google Maps in GNIS".
IMHO this interface to Google Maps is the easiest way to switch between topo maps, aerial photos, and other useful stuff.
Given the map, aerial photos show a short piece of the ROW in northeast Elmira. It is also fairly easy to find on photos in the eastern Vacavile area near the airport and to the north.
Regarding the SN Vacaville branch and its connection to the SP, the topo maps on this site are old enough to clearly show how the SN accessed the Vacaville and Wilotta branches. When these maps were published, the SN's main line to Sacramento was still intact, and the line from Vacaville Junction ran east across the north end of Travis AFB to Dozier, where it connected to the SN main line.
After the SN's line to Sacramento was severed by construction of the deep water shipping channel to Sacramento, a connection was built from the SP at Cannon and the SN used trackage rights on the SP from Sacramento to serve these branch lines, and the little remaining business on the main line.
