I lived near there in my youth (close to Arcadia high school, is it still there?) And I used to hear a train early in the morning. I knew damn well there was no track for miles, and I used to marvel at being able to hear it. And not just the whistle either... I could hear the rumbling of the tracks.
Yes, Arcadia HS is still there. You were farther North than I. I am at 56street 2 blocks above Thomas.
Still here, on rare occassion, the train. Usually about 1:30 AM. I know, it’s the carry of the sound on the air, when the atmosphere is right, but I, as you can see, am not close to the train tracks.
Incredible you could hear the rumble of the tracks. Wow.