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Today (22 March 09) I took Surfliner 774 from SBA to LAX (LAUPT). I was in Business Class and by the time we got to Los Angeles it was about 75% full. We left SBA very close to on time and were at LAUPT early enough for me to get off the train and walk to the Flyaway Ticket Kiosk and be on the 12:00PM departure for the other LAX. Senior and/or airport/airline employee price w/ID is $4.00, regular is %5.00. We were at LAX, Terminal One (Southwest and US Air) in 22 minutes! The trip around the loop to Terminal 6 was another 15 minutes. I really should have gotten off at One and walked across the "infield" to Six. (Airline Trivia question here: Why is Continental Airlines in Terminal Six? GibG, you are not allowed to answer!)
The trip was very pleasant except for a woman across the aisle from me who had apparently had a bad experience with the lone female crew member somewhere between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. She was being very vocal about "wanting names" and was very loud about letting everyone know she was "a writer for Travel and Leisure".
Except for her, it was a good trip in one of the newly reconditioned Business Class cars. I noticed that they have a label under the Alstrom builders plaque saying it was "proudly rebuilt" at Beech Grove.
The locomotive was wearing the Safety Train paint scheme. I also noticed three NJ Transit passenger cars on a nearby track at Union Station. Anybody know what's up with that? Here for filming?
Frank, currently in Culver City.
smitty195 Member # 5102
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The NJ Transit cars will be put into use on Metrolink and Surfliner trains. I don't know the technical details of how it will all play out, but there were several of these cars (called "Comet Cars") that were either purchased or leased for use in the LA area to expand the Surfliner and Metrolink trains. I know it will be odd to see a single-level car with a tri-level Metrolink train, but apparently that is exactly what they are going to do. I do not know what the start-up date is for those cars.
Also, I know what you mean about how long it takes to get around the terminal at LAX (Airport)! When I take the FlyAway to LAX for Virgin America, they are always the very last terminal which takes FOREVER! However, VA just moved into a new terminal (2 I think).
smitty195 Member # 5102
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PS: While you're in Culver City, go see a taping of Jeopardy! or Wheel Of Fortune.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Smitty--
Thanks for the info on the NJ Transit cars. I only saw three but there may be more stashed away somewhere in the yards.
Great idea on seeing a taping but they are done for the season. They start again in June. I'd find it very difficult to not yell out the answers like I do at home.
Frank, still in sunny Culver City next to the 405.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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And you are in Culver City because it is a major tourist destination???? Inquiring minds want to know.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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(Airline Trivia question here: Why is Continental Airlines in Terminal Six? GibG, you are not allowed to answer!)
Didn't Continental build (and now owns) the secure connector building for all the airlines?
sbalax Member # 2801
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Miss Vicki--
Well, we were within walking distance of Dinah's for breakfast. They are celebrating their 50th year in business! And the Radisson gives a great crew rate. Next time, though, we'll come and stay with you and Mr. Art.
Mike--
Sorry, no cigar. I've been told by another poster that I need to give a hint. If you know the name of the founder of Continental you'll find the answer. He was married to both Ethel Merman and Audrey Meadows. Not at the same time, of course.
Frank, back in sunny SBA
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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Robert F. Six was to Continental what Eddie Rickenbacker was to Eastern. Being from the "wrong" coast, I didn't know about Six until Wikipedia!
sbalax Member # 2801
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You get the cigar, Mike!
My Dad worked for one of the three firms that did the "Master Plan" for the "new" LAX and the story he told was of being in a meeting where Bob Six was present. Six wouldn't sign up unless he was guaranteed that Continental would be given Terminal Six.
It may be just another of my father's many stories but Six was certainly a colorful enough character that it could be true.
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