RailPictures.Net Photo: AMTK 50 Amtrak UA TurboTrain at San Luis Obispo, California by Craig Walker

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Since added on August 22, 2016

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» Amtrak (more..)
» UA TurboTrain (more..)

» Unknown
» San Luis Obispo, California, USA (more..)
» August 25, 1971

Locomotive No./Train ID

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» AMTK 50 (more..)
» Westbound Special (more..)

» Craig Walker (more..)
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Remarks & Notes

Even After 45 Years, I Still Have a Lot of Great Memories of This Day

Almost immediately after it took over passenger train operations from the private railroads In 1971, Amtrak sent a TurboTrain set off on a tour around the country to promote both the new carrier, but also new railroad passenger technology. On August 25, 1971, the TurboTrain carried dignitaries and invited guests from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo (and, once the guests detrained, the train continued on to Oakland). I got a chance to ride this train the day before, when it operated as a second section of a San Diego to Los Angeles San Diegan. While talking to one of the crew, and mentioning that I was taking the Coast Daylight to SLO the next day, I was stunned when I was offered a trip on the TurboTrain instead - and for free! As it was a verbal agreement, I wasn't sure if I - a geeky 16-year-old - would be really be allowed to ride it, but upon my arrival in Los Angeles the next morning, but the crew was more than happy to welcome me aboard. Even after 45 years, I still have a lot of great memories from this trip - not the least of which was when the crew stopped near a nude beach and repeated blew the horn until the sunbathers came running trackside. (Remember - I was only 16, so this was a treat on par with the railfanning!) Large crowds were at the stations in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo to see this train. The crowds, perhaps, caused the train to linger, and after getting off I was able to hustle to the north end of the station platform to get this "going away" shot as the TurboTrain headed for Cuesta Grade and the crossing of California's Coast Range.

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