Category Archives: Los Angeles County

Acton, Los Angeles County, Railroads, Streetcar

Mystery Streetcar near Acton, California

Back in 2004, I noticed something odd about a structure I saw alongside Sierra Highway (former US 6) in Soledad Pass just east of the summit. The building looked like an old gas station, possibly a Mobil Oil station, which made sense for the location. However, upon closer inspection, I saw something very unusual inside. The building was constructed around a former Los Angeles Railway streetcar, possibly a “Type-B Huntington Standard” car which was produced between 1902 to 1912. At the time, the building was slowly being torn down, so I made sure to get as many photos as possible. Little remains of the site today and it is not known where the car ended up or if it was dismantled at the time.

Complete structure from Sierra Highway. Note the windows and doors which don’t quite look right.
From the back, you can start to see the streetcar elements more. Also note the writing “Tire and Battery Service”.
Streetcar partially exposed with car number and former headlight location.
Detail of car front with number.
Closeup of number. I think the space above the 7 was for the trolley pole rope.
Interior view showing the original wooden roof.
Interior view showing one of the car ends.
Castaic, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, Los Angeles County, Old Bridge, US 99

New Video – Palomas Creek Bridge

Did you know there is a bridge from 1930 in Castaic? It was the first built along the Ridge Route Alternate and, after all the upgrades and bypasses, it is still there. Learn about its history and more from the Historic Highway 99 Association of California.

Amusement Parks, CoasterTalk, Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita

New Coaster Video

I’ve been working on another video series, CoasterTalk, which will discuss all aspects of amusement parks throughout Southern California. The first episode covers a recent discovery at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Other videos will showcase some of the other rollercoasters in the park as well as various bits of history that you can find, if you know where to look.

Burbank, California, Geology, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, I-15, Los Angeles County, RoadTalk, San Bernardino County, Southern California, US 466

New Videos!

Two new videos have come out recently. The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has produced a video on the North Burbank Underpass, a structure removed in 2014 along old US 99 in Burbank, California. The second video is on the Cronese Cat near Baker, California along the 15.

Highways, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, History, Los Angeles County, Old Alignment, Ridge Route, Ridge Route Preservation Organization, US 99

New Video – Ridge Route Basics

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California, in conjunction with the Ridge Route Preservation Organization, has produced a video on the basics of the Ridge Route and some of the features that make the road unique. Learn about the curbs, rails, footprints of all types, tire tracks, and more that can be found on the road. They also talk about the different pavement types on the road as well as how you can get up there and see the road yourself.

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has also produced other videos talking about other sections of the highway, including the bridges over the Santa Clara River and Castaic Creek in their “History along US 99” series.