With the relatively slow speeds of Tehachapi behind it, Amtrak 14, the San Joaquin Starlight, highballs the original Southern Pacific depot in Bakersfield for a race up the heart of the Central Valley through communities like: Delano, Tulare, Visalia, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Modesto, Manteca (that enough 'M' towns for ya?) before making the turn at Lathrop for the run over Altamont Pass to rejoin its usual coast route.
Running daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, this train offers running alongside the Pacific Ocean and through the Cascade Mountains. It has been one of Amtrak's long-distance success stories.
The GE Genesis series are well known for being Amtrak's locomotive. With confirmation of retirement from Amtrak themselves, their time is limited. Now is your chance to catch them before the chargers arrive!
