Amtrak's Pearl Harbor Veteran Train (2013)

On December 7th, 2013 WWII Veterans rode on a special Amtrak Surfliner Train made for the 72nd Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. LARail took four private cars (listed in order from North to South) the Vista Dome Silver Splendor, Overland Trail, Acoma, and Colonial Crafts, all accompanied by Amtrak Veterans Unit #42 on the North end of the 10 car train.

I would like to thank all the US veterans for their service to our country. We wouldn't be where we are without you. You risk your lives to protect all of us. You are all true heroes. Thank you for your service!

In this video, we start with some normal Amtraks making their daily commute along the Surfline to and from San Diego and Los Angeles (and onward to San Luis Obispo). Then, we chase the Pearl Harbor Day Train to San Diego, then chase it North towards Los Angeles, then back South towards San Diego again. It was a very cold, windy, and rainy day, but towards the end on the day the sun broke through and created an AMAZING sunset.

Train #1 - (Carlsbad Village) Amtrak #565 running 10 minutes late, with NPCU #90230 leading the morning northbound amfleet train bound for Los Angeles

Train #2 - Amtrak #562 running on time, with F59PHI #464 leading the first Southbound of the morning bound for San Diego.

Train #3 - Amtrak #567 running 5 minutes late, with Cab Car #6904, slows down to stop at Carlsbad Village Coaster Station. Then, F59PHI #452 throttles up and heads Northbound for LA.

Pre-Chase:
Train #4 - Amtrak #564 running on time, with F59PHI #455 leads the WWII Pearl Harbor train with 6 Surfliner cars, 4 private rail cars, and Amtrak's "Salute Our Veterans" locomotive, P42DC #42. This train is carrying many WWII veterans for the celebration of the 72nd Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Train #5 - Same train chased to Washington Street in Downtown San Diego, CA.

The Chase Begins:
Train #6 - Amtrak #573 running 3 minutes late, with P42DC #42 in the lead and an amazing K5LA, crosses over Palm St. (first crossing for Northbound trains that isn't a quiet zone).

Train #7 - Same train chased to Sorrento Valley, CA.

Train #8 - Same train chased to Cannon Road in Carlsbad, CA.

Train #9 - Amtrak #572 with the amfleet set slowing down to meet up with Amtrak #573
F59PHI #456 leading, and F40PH #90230 trailing on the back.

Train #10 - Amtrak #573 with great horn action picks up speed at San Juan Capistrano, CA!

Train #11 - Amtrak #774 with F59PHI #461 shoots through Laguna Niguel at full speed with loud K5LA action!

Train #12 - Amtrak #580, with F59PHI #455 leading again, speeds through Sand Canyon at full throttle in Irvine, CA.

Train #13 - Amtrak #583, with NPCU #90230 leading, slows down while taking the siding to pass Amtrak #580 at San Juan Capistrano, CA

Train #14 - Same train chased to San Juan Capistrano, CA. P42DC #42 disappears around a curve with the sun setting in the background.

Thanks for watching!