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. …

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Old State 136 near Keeler, CA

The Owens Valley in Inyo County, California is home to many fascinating highway relics. One road in particular toward the southern end of the Owens Valley southeast of Lone Pine, State Highway 136, had a very unique and rare feature – old railroad grade crossing markings. Until 1964, it was known as State Highway 190 …

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Streetcar Tracks Exposed – Part 2

Ongoing roadwork in the North Park neighborhood in San Diego has exposed yet more streetcar tracks. This work is a part of a bikeway project which will add raised median islands and pedestrian signals to enhance safety along the route. The tracks for the #2 San Diego Electric Railway line are temporarily exposed on 30th …

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San Diego Electric Railway Exposed in North Park

The City of San Diego has a project underway known as the University Avenue Mobility Project. This will add a median to University Ave from Florida St to Boundary St and a transit lane in both directions. This work, which has begun in earnest in the past few weeks, has exposed more of the San …

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Featured Image – 10/29/2020 – Magic Mountain Train Station

Former “Spillikin Corners” train station

Back in the 1970’s, long before it was known as “Six Flags Magic Mountain”, it was simply known as “Magic Mountain” and had an area known as “Spillikin Corners”. At the time, it had a train which ran in a loop, not unlike so many other parks of the era. The train was gone by the 1980’s, and the area is now known for rollercoasters such as “West Coast Racers” and “Apocalypse”. This train platform was adjacent to the path that led between “Apocalypse” and “Roaring Rapids”. Sadly, these last remnants of old Magic Mountain were removed in 2018. The photo shows the last remnants of a platform which last saw use more than 35 years ago, likely longer. Do you have memories or photos of the trains there?

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