Growing up in Southern California allowed for endless opportunities to catch a myriad of trains to see. The highlight for me was going to Fulleton when the Desert Wind was permanently re-routed from the 2nd District via Pasadena to the 3rd District on Santa Fe’s LA Division. A typical Saturday afternoon would consist of lunch with my father, then a quick trip to see a few trains before little league or some other event I was enrolled in.
This is a replica of the Desert Wind, numbered 35 and 36. A typical consist would be a single F40PH, Coach Dorm (ex-Santa Fe High Level transition chair char), Superliner Coach (2), Superliner Diner/Lounge and Superliner Sleeper. The train had a variety of consists during its operation, but this one specifically stands out in memory.
On occasion Union Pacific would lend a helping hand with an CC EMD or GE locomotive added to the point from Salt Lake City and return the following day on eastbound number 36. Amtrak Los Angeles train and enginemen would layover in Las Vegas making this a pretty high seniority assignment.
Take a look at these clips of trains 35 & 36 on Cajon Pass:
All locomotives have Tsunami 2 decoders and Current Keepers.
Vic Yoder:
Vic Yoder Flickr:
Soundtraxx:
Durango DCC:
Pacific Coast Lines:
La Mesa Model Railroad Club:
San Diego Model Railroad Museum: /