Norden Searchlights: The Last Stand

After decades of service…

The searchlight signals at Norden were special to many railroaders, railroad photographers and historians. The US&S Searchlight Signals withstood the test of time, enduring decades of brutal winters atop the infamous Donner Pass Route.

While an exact installation date is not known at this time, railroad historians estimate the searchlight signals were installed in the mid-20th century. The bridge support they stood upon is believed to have been installed in the 1920’s with an interlocking machine, followed by semaphores and eventually replaced by searchlights.

At nearly 7,000′ in elevation, Norden is effectively the “top of the hill” for the railroad. The true summit is located in Tunnel 41 (“The Big Hole”), which passes under Mount Judah (8,243′). Being that Norden is on the western side of the summit, it is subjected to heavy snowfall. With an annual average snowfall of 140″, keeping the railroad open is difficult. The Union Pacific Railroad uses a variety of methods to keep the tracks clear of snow and trains moving.

Union Pacific’s “snow fighters” work throughout the winter months, removing snow from the right-of-way. The snow fighters consist of snow cats, flangers, spreaders and the famous rotary snow plows. While these are effective in battling snow, the railroad also uses snow sheds. At Norden, a snow shed protects the crossovers (definition: a crossover is a pair of switches that connects two parallel rail tracks, allowing a train on one track to cross over to the other). Crossovers are especially vulnerable to snow and ice build up since the switches actuate. Any build up of snow between the switch can render it out-of-service. Searchlight signals guarded both ends of the Norden snow shed.

*After crossing over from the #1 track, a westbound flanger gets a clear signal down the #2 track at West Norden. The crossover is still lined #1 to #2 and is visible in the foreground.*

*Union Pacific’s rotary snow plows cut through heavy snow at Norden (February 2017).*

The DPU’s of the MRVNP (left) patiently wait for an opportunity at the Big Hole while the high priority ZG2OA races west down the #2 track at Norden. The single track through the Big Hole makes Norden a common place for train meets.

*Heading east on the #1 track, Union Pacific 7952 ducks into the Norden snow shed while dragging a heavy manifest over Donner Summit.*

*A flanger set races past the searchlight signals at East Norden.*

With only single track through “The Big Hole” (1.3 miles east), these signals and crossovers were often utilized by the dispatcher to move trains and keep the railroad running efficiently. The original mainline between Norden and Eder (also known as track 1), was retired in the mid 1990’s due to dwindling traffic levels. This left only a single track (through the Big Hole) connecting Eder and the western slope. Because of this, Norden was often a great place to watch rail traffic and train meets.

A Particular Interest

Over the last several years, I had taken a particular interest in photographing the Norden Searchlights. Knowing that replacement plans were scheduled, it was just a matter of time before the classic signals would be replaced.

Searchlight signals are being replaced nationwide due to legislation passed by Congress. Many searchlight signals have already fallen across Northern California. Because of this, documenting searchlight signals has become one of my special projects.

Fortunately, the Norden searchlights provided many unique photo opportunities. At over 7,000′ in elevation, capturing the signals in all four unique seasons was a challenge. Fall colors, followed by snow and a springtime thaw were quickly replaced by smokey skies during the California summers.

In addition to the Norden signals, Union Pacific replaced many of Southern Pacific’s target tri-lights and signal bridges. The target tri-lights have a similar shape to searchlights, but sport three individual signal lights. The signals at Cisco and Troy were replaced prior to the searchlights at Norden. Fortunately, the signal bridge at Truckee still stands… for now.

*Thunderstorms build across the Sierra Summit as the Union Pacific MOGRV passes under the signal bridge at Cisco. These signals were replaced in addition to the searchlights at Norden.*

*The UP 5781 passes under Truckee signal bridge after a cold morning trip over Donner Pass. The Truckee signal bridge is still in service* (as of November 2022). Unknown on replacement timeline.

Replacement

On the morning of November 23rd, 2021, I traveled to Norden to document the signal replacement process. The week prior, signal crews had completed extensive work and were preparing for the “cut over” to the new signals.

The signal foreman requested track & time as crews prepared to physically turn the signals. The process appeared relatively simple from an outsider’s prospective. The new signals were energized and tested while the old signals were de-energized and rotated. I am sure the real complexity of the signal replacement process happens in the signal box, where computers and fuses control the indications.

Within a couple of hours, the process was complete and the new signals were in service. Dispatcher 9 impatiently waited for the release of track & time since there was a high priority Z train and Amtrak’s California Zephyr waiting to come west. Once track & time was released, the UP 7834 quickly arrived leading the ZG2LT 21. The UP 7834 became the first train to pass the new signals.

After the signals were cut over, crews began work to remove the signal masts from East Norden. Utilizing some heavy equipment, the crews were able to quickly remove the masts. The signal bridge would be a little more challenging and would be removed during the following week.

*A signal worker prepares to place the new “Darth Vader” tri-lights in service at West Norden.*

*The signal gang performs the finishing touches before placing the new signals in service.*

*Just before the cut over, the Norden searchlights shine red one last time.*

*New hardware guards the signals at West Norden.*

*The last signal head is prepped and ready to be placed in service.*

*With the new signals ready, the Norden searchlights are placed out-of-service.*

*Within minutes, the decades of service are brought to an end.*

*The ZG2LT heads west under the out-of-service searchlight signal bridge.*

The replacement of the Norden Searchlights serves as a good reminder that nothing lasts forever along the railroad. An image you may capture today could hold increasing sentimental value as things change in the future. So get out there and shoot!

Here are some of my favorite moments from Norden over the years.