Starlight/Surfliner SLO-LAX-FUL:
Soon, we were back on our way and I went to the SSL to get a good seat for the ocean. Between SLO and Grover Beach, the train goes through a lot of trees and I really like it. The trees often hit the side of the train and it’s a cool feeling to be that close to them. More (and I believe different) Trails & Rails volunteers were in the SSL now, and they were talking more. They did have some difficulty with their speaker, but eventually, they got it working. At first, I wasn’t interested, but as the day went on I actually really enjoyed their talks. Between SLO and the Coast isn’t too interesting scenery-wise, but it’s pleasant, and I have driven through sections several times so it’s cool to see the train POV. About an hour after SLO, as we were going through Vandenburg Space Force base, the ocean came into view. It was cool to see ICBM launch sites and other military infrastructure which were pointed out by the volunteers. I had never paid too much attention to them before. The scene along the ocean at first wasn’t that pretty due to overcast, which I was bummed to see as the last few times I had been on the Starlight it was overcast as well. Luckily, it cleared up not too long afterward. Usually I don’t mind the coast views, but I don’t love them as I’m a native Californian and am very used to the beach. However on this day, something clicked and I was duly impressed by the coastal views. The clear sky just made it a perfect sight, and we even saw some dolphins. Learning about local history and wildlife from the volunteers added to it. The SSL was pretty full at this point, with people enjoying the talk and the views (including a cute dog!). The volunteers, I may add, were all elderly but very kind and very informative. Although one of them did say “right side,” when he meant left side – he had been looking to HIS right while looking out the left-hand side and subsequently confused everyone.
At Point Conception, we came to a stop as there was a switch aligned for a siding. The dispatcher lost control of it, so the conductor went out to flip it, only to find out he couldn’t (I think he didn’t have a key?). I figured this all out through my scanner – the crew remained silent on the announcements. Luckily, we were only stopped about 20 minutes and were on our way soon.
As we got closer to Santa Barbara, we went over multiple trestles which are always super impressive. I was impressed with the speed as we got closer to Goleta; I forgot that the trains do reach 79 around there. We sped into Santa Barbara and the Trails & Rails Volunteers said goodbye (They had taken 14 up to SLO, and 11 back I believe) – they did receive a round of applause before they left. We were a bit late and came into Santa Barbara exactly when 794 was supposed to be there, and I believe a lot of people meant for 794 got on by mistake. I do know at least two women did, as they walked through the SSL and I asked if they needed something. They were looking for Business class and were headed to Camarillo (The Starlight doesn’t have business and does not stop at Camarillo), and I told them they were on the wrong train and would have to get off immediately, which they did. A lot of people came into the SSL at Santa Barbara so I think they were meant for 794, but wasn’t sure. I have no idea why the TA was not at the door making sure, as I had heard the conductor even mention on the radio that he was aware that people would be thinking we were 794. There were a LOT of people on the platform waiting for 794.
After we left Santa Barbara, the sun really started setting, which made for truly stunning views over the ocean. It was a bit of a sad moment as we turned inland at Ventura, as it not only meant that the views were over, but that we were officially getting into the LA Metro. Again, the consistently high speeds pleasantly surprised me (and continued to all the way until Burbank). It was about this time I started hearing bad news about 794 on my scanner. They were at Carpinteria, and the train was having trouble gaining traction. I even heard it being described as being “dead in the water” which was not great. I got some text-updates from Amtrak, notifying us of the delay. As we were cruising through Moorpark, 794 was well over an hour late already and had no signs of moving, so I was expecting a late train or a bus (if they couldn’t get it moving). But I didn’t want to worry about it too much till in LA, and so I didn’t. At Simi Valley the cafe and the SSL closed, and I had went back to my seat a few minutes prior to get packed up (although there wasn’t too much to get packed) while we stopped for 785 to pass. Leaving the SSL for what may be the final time for a while was a sad moment for me, the trip was truly coming to an end. The final stops into Los Angeles were quick, and we arrived into LA just a few minutes late. At all the smoke breaks I had been too scared to go up and take pictures of the engine and car numbers (which I like to document), so I took advantage and did so once we stopped. I had done the 11-796 (794’s predecessor) connection twice before, so I knew it was a cross-platform connection and took a bench and waited. There was a comet set with a dash-8 waiting on the elusive track 15 which was cool.
Around this time, we got a text from Amtrak saying there would be a separate, on-time section of 794 operated south of LAX. I had thought that this might happen, and it was a relief for it to actually happen. What wasn’t a relief was the text that came a few minutes later, saying 794’s approximate arrival into LAX was now 11:40 PM. With the conflicting messaging, I tried to find a staff member to verify which one was true. An employee that had been on the platform was nowhere to be found, and so I went down into the tunnel to find an employee. I did see that the departure board for a track displayed train #2 despite the Sunset not being scheduled for that night, which was funny. Luckily, I did also see two conductors coming down the tunnel. I asked if they were 794’s crew and one said yes without looking at me. I then asked for clarification about 794 and the guy replied, without looking at me again, that it was still dead, and kept walking. They were headed to the platform though, and so I was very confused. I don’t know why he felt that that was a good response, and I think any non-railfan would be confused by it. Despite being confused, I definitely didn’t want to talk to him again, so I went to the other conductor he was walking with and asked. She was kinder and just told me that they’ll say when we should head to the platform (as there had been a track change which an employee came around and notified us of). I don’t know if it was that they didn’t know or were just answering in a very unhelpful manner, but I was still pretty confused. I did went back to the platform with the now out-of-service Starlight (where OBS were still on board cleaning up, much to my surprise considering how fast the Zephyr was out at Emeryville), where the other half of my party still was. On my scanner, I had heard that the conductors I had spoken to were trying to clear the Surfliner set they were setting up. Apparently they had accidentally re-opened the doors and a bunch of people boarded. I went over to the new track and found them to be boarding. I think they were going to kick them off, but too many had boarded already so they just started boarding.
When we boarded, I still was not sure if we were going to depart on time or not, as nobody had clarified it. But shortly before our scheduled departure time of 10:10, a different conductor came on and told us we would be on time. This conductor’s appearance, voice, and method of talking reminded me of Brad – he was pretty friendly and actually seemed happy to interact with people. I was glad to find out we were on time. I do love extra train time, but it had been a long day and it was the last leg. As we slowly started moving, the nice conductor saw someone running down the platform and told them to hurry. Unfortunately, we were gaming speed and the other conductors didn’t notice them, so we had to leave them behind. The nice conductor did get on the external PA to say “Sorry, next train!” to the passenger. At this time I had been waiting nearby because I wanted to ask him what would happen to the original 794, and after this I told him I had a question. Much to my annoyance he walked by me without acknowledging me and started collecting tickets. I just sat down in my seat, and when he got to me he asked what question I had. He said they would probably get bussed south of LA. I appreciate that he answered my question, but being completely ignored at first definitely wasn’t great. The ride down to Fullerton was quick and easy, and we arrived on time. Getting off the train and leaving the station, again, was sad for me. Despite not being perfect, I really enjoyed this trip and was sad to have it end.
If you made it this far thanks. I loved the trip. After riding the Zephyr, I definitely understand the hype and definitely agree with it being the most scenic train. No other train even competes IMO. Although, the Starlight’s coast views are great. Every single Amtrak employee I interacted with, minus Brad, was average and pretty indifferent. I still loved the whole trip, and can’t wait for my next train adventure.
Flushed paper towel clogs the vacuum system used to flush the toilets. It has no effect on the HVAC system.
