Tickets Now On Sale For The Return Of Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To San Diego

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 (2020) and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included).

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

Ticket Prices:

Coach, one way: $99
Coach, round trip: $198
Dome, one way: $199
Dome, round trip: $398
Dome Premium, one way: $249
Dome Premium, round trip: $498

The train will run from Los Angeles to San Diego on Saturday, May 1, returning to Los Angeles on Sunday, May 2. You will be able to ride the train both ways, if you choose to overnight in San Diego, or you can return to your starting point on the same day by taking a scheduled Surfliner. One way steam train fares will probably be $99 or $198 roundtrip. One way steam train with Surfliner return will be less than $150. Seats in dome cars are available at higher cost.

Place all orders through this link: Buy Tickets

We promise you an exciting and safe trip along the scenic Amtrak Coast Line behind the steam locomotive that powered the last scheduled passenger steam operation on the Santa Fe, on this line in 1953.

See Also: Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Commuter Railroad, Metrolink, Announces Major Changes

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

After a closed session personnel discussion amongst the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Keith Millhouse announced that Metrolink CEO David Solow will change his role at the agency effective December 15, 2009.

The Board of Directors and Solow have agreed that he will step down as CEO and for the balance of this fiscal year, until June 30, 2010, he will remain with the agency devoting full time to the interagency collaborations necessary for Metrolink to implement safety enhancements, including Positive Train Control, and interoperability agreements.

“Metrolink has the opportunity to usher in the era of dramatic enhancements in rail travel in this region and in this country, such as Positive Train Control and the addition of High Speed Rail,” said Millhouse. “With Mr. Solow’s expertise focused on interagency collaboration, Metrolink has a unique ability to bring together public and private railroads to improve passenger safety and service in our complex railroad operating environment.”

Mr. Solow's expertise and experience in the interagency operations issues facing commuter rail are widely acknowledged and respected. The Board is appointing him to a new position of "Advisor: Interagency Initiatives," which reports to the Chief Executive Officer. He will be working pursuant to an at will contract through this fiscal year at his current salary.

To lead the agency into this new era of commuter rail, the Board will immediately begin the recruitment of a successor Chief Executive Officer.

In the interim, the Board is fortunate to be able to name as Chief Executive Officer Mr. Eric Haley effective December 15, 2009.

Mr. Haley will be working under an at will contract as Metrolink's Chief Executive Officer until the arrival of a new CEO, but for not more than six months. He brings a wealth of experience to this position from both the public and private sectors and is very familiar with Metrolink and its member agencies based on his experience as the former CEO of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, a Metrolink member agency.

Both Mr. Solow and Mr. Haley are looking forward to working with each other and for Metrolink in their new roles.

“Because I remain dedicated to our top priority of enhancing safety and leading in the development and implementation of new technology, I am pleased to be able to continue this aspect of the work that I have begun,” said Solow. “I look forward to a smooth transition with Eric and the Metrolink team.”

“I would like to thank the Board for this opportunity as a capstone of my career. We face tremendous budget challenges and simultaneously have a plan to continue expansion, which David began,” said Haley. "David's recognized expertise in Positive Train Control will be crucial because safety is the top concern. We are fortunate to have the benefit of David’s experience as Metrolink moves forward with industry leading safety upgrades."

The Board has authorized a two member ad hoc committee to negotiate final contract terms with both Solow and Haley. When final, the contracts will be available on request consistent with the applicable law.

One of Mr. Haley's priorities will be to direct the Board's search for the new CEO to lead Metrolink to being this nation's premier commuter railroad. The Board anticipates hiring a CEO within the first half of 2010. Mr. Haley has agreed that he is not a candidate for the new CEO position.

The Metrolink Board of Directors board took no action on staff recommendations related to potential service cuts or fare increases. Instead, the board approved a motion by L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, and seconded by Montclair Mayor Paul Eaton, to not impose a fare increase at this time and to initiate the FY 10-11 budget process in January, 2010. The SCRRA board will reconvene at its regular board meeting on January 8, 2010.

See Also: The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Delivers Cheer To Antelope Valley & Orange Co / Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase / Athearn HO Scale F59PHI Locomotive - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink

The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Delivers Cheer To Antelope Valley & Orange Co

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 4, 5 & 6, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends will board the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express® to bring cheer to Riverside and Orange County. For the 13th consecutive year, Santa's glittering train will travel from city to city, entertaining families and collecting toys for those in need of some holiday goodwill. This brightly packaged gift to Metrolink communities - a 450-ton train decorated with holiday displays and 50,000 twinkling lights - delivers a live musical performance, holiday play, and community fun on its 47-city tour.

On Friday, December 4, the Holiday Toy Express is expected to arrive at the Newhall station at 7:30 p.m. (24300 Railroad Ave., 91321) and will arrive at the Sylmar/San Fernando station at 8:30 p.m. (12219 Frank Modugno Dr., 91342).

On Saturday, December 5, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the Tustin station at 5:45 p.m. (2975 Edinger Ave., 92780) then make its way to the Irvine station at 6:30 p.m. (15215 Barranca Parkway, 92618). For its next stop, the train will arrive at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station at 7:30 p.m. (28200 Forbes Road, 92677). For its final stop that evening, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the San Juan Capistrano depot at 8:30 p.m. (26701 Verdugo St., 92675).

On Sunday, December 6, the Holiday Toy Express will arrive at the San Clemente (north) station at 5:45 p.m. (1850 Avenida Estacion, 92672) then make its way to visit our troops and their families at the Camp Pendleton U.S.M.C. Base at 7:15 p.m. (Marine Corps Base, 92055-5010*). The train will make its final stop this weekend at the San Clemente Pier station at 8:45 p.m. (615 Avenida Victoria, 92672).

*Media note: Access to Camp Pendleton is restricted. RSVP to 760-214-5574 or email: justin.e.smith@usmc.mil . Please arrive at the main gate by 6:15 p.m.

Before heading to your local station to enjoy this free holiday treat, please remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Southland Firefighters' "Spark of Love" toy drive, supported by Metrolink and KABC Channel 7. Local firefighters last year collected more than 600,000 toys during their annual toy drive. All toys collected will be distributed by firefighters to families in their local communities who may not be able to afford gifts this holiday season.

"In light of our struggling economy, this year is a particularly tough one for many families," Metrolink Board Chairman Keith Millhouse said. "Providing this opportunity to experience a fun, festive event and help our firefighters collect toys to brighten the holidays for children is one way Metrolink gives back to the communities we serve."

While Santa's sleigh is magic, his train can't run in the rain. In the event of bad weather, please call Metrolink's customer-service line at (800) 371-LINK (5465), visit the Metrolink website at metrolinktrains.com or follow Metrolink on Twitter at twitter.com/Metrolink to find out whether your hometown visit will be rescheduled. For the full Holiday Toy Express schedule click here.

Metrolink would like to thank its 2009 sponsors, including Union Pacific Railroad; Connex Railroad (a division of Veolia Transportation); Bombardier; United Taxi; Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe; the cities of Buena Park, Moorpark, Montclair, San Clemente, and Fullerton; the Depot at Santa Ana; the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce; the Downtown Burbank Partnership; and the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (LANG).

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 16th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. The agency currently contracts with Connex Railroad, LLC for the personnel that operate, supervise and manage Metrolink commuter rail service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county 512 route-mile network.

See Also: Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase / Athearn HO Scale F59PHI Locomotive - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink

Railroad Photo Gallery - Union Pacific GP40-2 1368 (Ex Rio Grande)

Photos & Story By: Ken Hulsey

One of the great things about the mega-mergers of the 1990's, is the fact that now railfans sometimes get a chance to see examples of motive power in their own region that would have never ventured there prior.

Case in point is today's photo study on Union Pacific GP40-2 #1368, which, as you can plainly see, is of ex Rio Grande lineage. To be precise, ex Rio Grande locomotive #3117. Had the Union Pacific never merged with the 'Grande" then it would be a forlorn conclusion that this diesel would have never found itself parked in Ontario, California, where these photos were taken.

Luckily, the UP never took the time to repaint many of their acquisitions, spare the front hood logo and company colored number board.

As luck would have it, I got a chance to talk to a Union Pacific engineer on this day, who informed me that there was and unaltered Rio Grande unit of this type still in use in it's native Colorado, often times paired with UP's, Rio Grande 'Heritage' series SD-70ACE #1989.

On this day in October of 2007, #1368 was lashed up with a pair of ex Southern Pacific road switchers, one of which is numbered 1414. I failed to note the number of the third locomotive.

Of course, I'm assuming that the second engine was Southern Pacific, with the long hood lettering painted over, it could be an old Cotton Belt unit. Locomotives from the SP owned line used to find themselves in the nearby Colton yard quite frequently when it was still in the railroad's ownership.

Since I snapped these photos, I have seen #1368 in and around UP's Colton digs a few times. The last time, being on the head end of a local, paired with a leased unit, traveling south through Grand Terrace with several loads of lumber.

Athearn HO Scale F59PHI Locomotive - Metrolink

Athearn HO Scale Ready To Run F59PHI Locomotive, Metrolink #881

Product Features

Fully assembled and ready to operate
Factory installed wire grab irons
DCC ready wiring harness installed
Machined RP25 profile metal wheels
McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers installed

Product Description

Features / / * Fully assembled and ready to operate / * Factory installed wire grab irons / * DCC ready wiring harness installed / * Machined RP25 profile metal wheels / * McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers installed / / Specifications / / DCC: Ready / SOUND: No / PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURER: Electro Motive Division / COUPLER STYLE: McHenry Scale Knuckle / ERA: 1994 - Present / Minimum Age Recommendation: 14 years / Is Assembly Required: No

The Electro-Motive Diesels F59PHI diesel-electric locomotive is a common locomotive on passenger trains in North America, built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. It is the most common passenger locomotive present on the Surf Line rail corridor in Southern California, where it is used to pull Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, as well as Metrolink and Coaster commuter trains. In the Pacific Northwest, it is used to pull Cascades trains. It is also used by Amtrak California on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin trains, and it is also used for commuter operations in Seattle (Sounder), Dallas-Fort Worth (Trinity Railway Express), North Carolina (Piedmont), Vancouver (West Coast Express), and Montréal (AMT).

First built in 1994, the locomotive is a 3,200 horsepower (2.3 MW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive intended for service on North American mainlines. This locomotive is equipped with a turbocharged EMD 12-710E3,a 12 cylinder, 2 stroke water cooled "Vee" diesel engine (prime mover). The main (traction) alternator converts mechanical energy from the prime mover into electrical energy that is distributed through a high voltage cabinet and rectifier to direct current traction motors. Each of the four traction motors is directly geared to a pair of driving wheels. The gear ratio of the traction motors (model D87BTR) to wheel axle determines the maximum operating speed of the locomotive; a standard F59PHI has a gear ratio of 56:21 which provides a top speed of 110 mph (176 km/h).

The F59PHI has a fully enclosed carbody which provides protected walkways for easy access to the engine room and trailing units. This arrangement allows routine maintenance while the locomotive is in service. The noteworthy aspect of this locomotive's exterior is the use of composites to present a streamlined appearance.

To supply electrical power for passenger service, the F59PHI is equipped with a secondary electrical generator referred to as the Head End Power (HEP) unit. The head-end generator generates AC power at 480 V AC, 750 amps or about 500 kW to provide power to the passenger carriages for lighting, electric heating, and air conditioning. The head-end generator is powered by a second diesel engine dedicated to it. With this arrangement, the prime mover is not burdened by head-end power generation and consequently is used solely for supplying tractive effort.

Examples of the F59PHI are currently operated by these companies:

Agence métropolitaine de transport
Amtrak
Amtrak California
Metrolink (Southern California)
North Carolina Department of Transportation
San Diego Coaster
Sound Transit
Trinity Railway Express
West Coast Express
Commuter Xpress

See Also: Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink / Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink / Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase

Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Cab Car - Metrolink

Athearn HO Scale Ready To Run Bombardier Passenger Cab Car, Metrolink

Product Features

Fully assembled and ready for your layout
Full window glazing and interiors
Razor sharp painting and printing
Weighted for optimal performance
Machined RP25 profile metal wheels

Metrolink is a regional rail system that serves Southern California.

It was established in 1991 as the "Southern California Regional Rail Authority" (SCRRA) and service began the following year. Metrolink was established by three founders, Neil Peterson, then director of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, Richard Stanger, Metrolink's first chief executive, and John Rinard, Metrolink's Chief Engineer. From 1990 to 1993, the SCRRA member agencies acquired track and other property in fee title, easement, or through operating rights from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF Railway), Southern Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific Railroad) and Union Pacific Railroad. SCRRA member agencies acquired about 200 route miles from Santa Fe for $236 million, over 200 route miles from Southern Pacific for $257 million, and 59 route miles from Union Pacific for $17 million. In 2006, it had an operating budget of $134.8 million. Since July 2005, Metrolink has been operated under contract by Veolia Transport. The contract is for five years and includes the provision of locomotive engineers and conductors. Prior to July 2005, Metrolink was operated under contract by Amtrak.

Metrolink includes lines to Ventura County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Orange County, and San Diego County. It connects with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro Rail lines at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, and with the San Diego Coaster and Sprinter at Oceanside. It also connects with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited trains. As of early 2007, it served a total of 54 stations on 388 route miles (excluding shared miles) throughout Southern California.

See Also: Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink / Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase

Athearn HO Scale Bombardier Passenger Coach - Metrolink

Athearn HO Scale Ready To Run Bombardier Coach, Metrolink

Product Features

Fully assembled and ready for your layout
Full window glazing and interiors
Razor sharp painting and printing
Weighted for optimal performance
Machined RP25 profile metal wheels

Metrolink is a regional rail system that serves Southern California.

It was established in 1991 as the "Southern California Regional Rail Authority" (SCRRA) and service began the following year. Metrolink was established by three founders, Neil Peterson, then director of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, Richard Stanger, Metrolink's first chief executive, and John Rinard, Metrolink's Chief Engineer. From 1990 to 1993, the SCRRA member agencies acquired track and other property in fee title, easement, or through operating rights from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF Railway), Southern Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific Railroad) and Union Pacific Railroad. SCRRA member agencies acquired about 200 route miles from Santa Fe for $236 million, over 200 route miles from Southern Pacific for $257 million, and 59 route miles from Union Pacific for $17 million. In 2006, it had an operating budget of $134.8 million. Since July 2005, Metrolink has been operated under contract by Veolia Transport. The contract is for five years and includes the provision of locomotive engineers and conductors. Prior to July 2005, Metrolink was operated under contract by Amtrak.

Metrolink includes lines to Ventura County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Orange County, and San Diego County. It connects with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro Rail lines at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, and with the San Diego Coaster and Sprinter at Oceanside. It also connects with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited trains. As of early 2007, it served a total of 54 stations on 388 route miles (excluding shared miles) throughout Southern California.

See Also: Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase

Metrolink Board Postpones Decision On Proposed Fare Increase

Source: Metrolink (Press Release)

Last Friday, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors deferred taking action on a system wide fare increase until the December 11th Board meeting. The Board will continue to consider alternatives, including service cuts, fare increases and deferring capital projects to provide additional operating subsidies among other funding options. The public hearing opened on November 13 remains open and the public is invited to continue to submit their comments on the fare increase proposal until December 11th. Comments can be e-mailed to metrolinkfares@scrra.net, faxed to (213) 452-0421 or mailed to Metrolink Fares, 700 South Flower Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The public will also have another opportunity to address the Board of Directors at their meeting at 10:00 a.m. on December 11th at the Southern California Association of Governments, 818 West Seventh Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Download Public Hearing Notice
(requires Adobe Acrobat®Reader for viewing)

Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included)."

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

We have all approvals and schedules and fares are being negotiated. We plan to start ticket sales in December. For updates, go to www.goldenstate rails.com

See Also: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society