The Amtrak Surfliner departed San Diego 10:35 a.m. last Saturday -- right on time. But Train 571, a weekend-only train filled with families and weekend adventurers, never made it to its final destination -- Union Station, LA....Posts: 134 | From: New York, New York USA | Registered: Oct 2001
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Wow....I just sent an email to a friend who might have more info on this. My instinct is telling me that it did not happen as stated, but I could be very wrong. When a Surfliner breaks down, they always have a backup plan (connecting to another train, bus bridge, or something!). But to sit there that long??? If I hear back, I'll post an update.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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My wife and I have each sat immobile on Amtrak trains suffering 'mechanical difficulties' for hours. She on the Carolinian and I on the Palmetto.
Trains do break down sometimes and Amtrak is particularly weak and effecting plan B.....particularly on weekends when no one seems to be 'in charge'.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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I can see it happening on a long-distance train, but on a Surfliner really surprises me. I still haven't heard back from my buddy yet...I'd like to know if this happened as-reported, because that would be very unusual.
ChrisG---are you out there? You probably know about this one.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Surfliner 571 had something dragging, they stopped at Doheny after spotting smoke coming from one of the rear cars... Track inspector reported evidence of dragging equipment for upwards of five miles. The train was on single track and couldn't be moved until it was inspected by Metrolink. Surfliner 577, Metrolink 657, Surfliner 583, and Surfliner 785 plus Metrolink 858 and 860 were trapped south with Surfliners 578, 580 and 582 stuck on the north side. They combined 571 and 577 once they got permission to move, Surfliners 583 and 784 made the Metrolink Stops and 784 was delayed waiting to head south.
Not a good day on the Surfline.
Chris
Posts: 711 | From: Santa Ana | Registered: May 2003
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