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La Habra-Yorba Linda-Fullerton Line

Introduction:
  LA HABRA-YORBA LINDA-FULLERTON The La Habra-Fullerton Line was built as an extension of the Whittier Line into the rich citrus country hitherto largely the domain of the Santa Fe. The La Habra Line and its Fullerton branch were never intended to be important passenger lines, except if projected extensions to Corona and Orange were constructed (they never were). ROUTE: The La Habra Line followed the route of the Whittier Line as far as Santa Fe Springs (los Nietos), then continued eastward as a single track line to La Habra, Yorba Linda and Stern. Both lines were entirely on private way. MILEAGE: Los Angeles 0.00 Santa Fe Springs 14.50 La Habra 22.19 Laon Junction. 22.54 Brea 25.00 Yorba Linda 30.63 Stern 32.08 Laon Junction. 22.54 Bastanchury 25.11 Fullerton 27.60 HISTORY: The La Habra Line was built by LAIU in 1906, 1907 and 1908 to a point 9.73 miles east of Los Nietos; from that point to the end it was built by PE Land Co. in 1909 and 1911. The Fullerton Line was built by PE in 1917. Trackage between Yorba LInda and Stern was abandoned on 1941. Passenger service on the La Habra-Yorba Linda was abandoned on January 22, 1938 and on the Fullerton Line on the same date. EQUIPMENT: Rolling stock assigned to the La Habra-Yorba Linda and Fullerton Lines was similar to that used on the Whittier Line. 800s and 1350"-1"360 Class combos, plus a 200. TRACK: The La Habra-Yorba Linda Line was built with 60 lb rail, redwood ties and dirt ballaStreet The Fullerton Line was 75 lb. rail, treated ties and dirt and gravel ballast. ELECTRICAL FACILITIES: In addition to the substations on the Whittier Line, these lines were fed by substation No. 11, Brea. FREIGHT: Citrus products were good for considerable freight revenue. Packing houses at Leffingwell, La Habra, Yorba Linda and Fullerton produced 80% of all carloads for the combined Whittier-La habra-Fullerton Lines as of 1938. Most revenue came from La Habra ($48,452), then Whittier ($38,957), Yorba Linda ($25,652) and Fullerton ($23,116). Average freight revenues per mile of line for these three lines in 1938 was a modest $4,809. PASSENGERS: (Fare & Transfer) Year Passengers Car Miles Revenue 1913 246,907 206,223 $ 65,930 1914 260,782 210,394 71,537 1916 227,770 208,976 52,353 1918 181,580 206,821 33,796 1920 230,912 218,358 46,848 1922 198,771 193,114 40,481 1924 144,656 175,976 27,884 1926 100,105 164,874 16,750 MISCELLANEOUS: As of 1927, Fullerton riders were required to make two transfers to get to Los Angeles; they first rode a 220-Class one man city car to Laon Junction., then transferred to a 800 which took them to Santa Fe Springs, where everyone transferred to a Whittier 800 for the final lap of the journey into the big city. Little wonder Motor Transit took away the Fullerton passenger business! Passenger revenue for the La Habra-Yorba Linda and Fullerton Lines was (as shown above) $16,750 for the year 1926; out of pocket operating expense was estimated to be $33,000 plus $850 more for taxes. This resulted in a net out of pocket loss annually to PE of approximately $17,100. Railroad crossings encountered by La Habra-Yorba Linda cars east of Santa Fe Springs were: MP 10.61* SP Santa Fe Springs. Stop, go MP 15.25 UP Leffingwell Spur. Stop, flag MP 18.75 UP Near Laon Junction. Stop, go MP 24.35 SF Carlton Slow, go Railroad crossings on the Fullerton Line were: MP 20.82* SF Bastanchury Slow, go MP 20.93 UP Sunny Hills Slow, go * Miles from Slauson Junction. CAR STORAGE: Overnight car storage was provided at Yorba Linda and Fullerton Stations. The Fullerton Station was of reinforced concrete, contained waiting room, office and freight room, and was built in 1918.


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