It’s been called “the Impossible Railroad.”
This San Diego-based Short Line was the last link constructed
in the United States’ trans-continental railroads, and
much of its mainline was in Mexico.
Construction was amazing: cut-and-fill and bridges
to accommodate the route; the innovative “Redondo Loop”
to gain elevation into the Laguna Mountains; and many tunnels
and trestles needed to traverse an 11-mile stretch through the
treacherous Carriso Gorge—and then the operating years 1919
to 1932.
Its mountain-scenic route was proclaimed spectacular
for passenger travel and advertised to prospective tourists in
the east as “The way to see California was to see San Diego
first” through travel on the San Diego Short Line.
As result of how the route was constructed through
the Carriso Gorge, freight train service had to use slower speeds
and shorter trains due to tight turns. In addition to being of
national historical significance and relevant to its region of
operation, creating this railroad was an amazing endeavor by its
owners that resulted in an intriguing story.
Railroad modelers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts will
find something that interests them in this book!
135 Pages, over 125 photographs.
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