Officially, This evening's Amtrak train 4, the eastbound Southwest Chief, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, has been cancelled! But, in its place is this train, AMTK 1004!
Which train is 1004? On this day, all the transcontinental trains (3 & 4, 5 & 6 and 7 & 8) have been "cancelled" and replaced with trains with the same numbers, but in the 1000-series. This is because at 2:00 am the next morning, Daylight Saving Time kicks into gear and, for some reason, on this day these long-distance trains acquire these temporary 4-digit train numbers.
Leading train 1004 is the carrier's "Operation Lifesaver" unit, P42DC 203. Teamed with is is P42DC 142, and they are pulling a seven car train this evening.
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
