Running nearly three hours late, Amtrak train 3, the westbound Southwest Chief, descends Cajon Pass as it approaches its next stop, San Bernardino, 16 miles ahead. From there it isn’t too far to Los Angeles, this train’s destination, having departed Chicago two days earlier. At least the passengers got a good view of Cajon Pass, with better light and a slightly later hour than usual. The lead diesel, P42DC 207, is approaching the 24th Anniversary of its construction by General Electric … it is teamed with P42DC 77, which turned 28 in April. These two are pulling a nine-car train this trip. And the train will recover a few minutes in San Bernardino as it will make a quicker than scheduled stop there … Plus there is about a 30 minute cushion for its arrival in LA! (Cajon Pass, California – August 19, 2025)
California-bound rail travelers from the east have three choices to reach the Golden State: California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle. A look back through the years including the now-defunct Desert Wind
