| While monsoon clouds form thunderheads in the east, Amtrak "Pacific Surfliner" #583 (San Diego to Los Angeles) climbs Miramar Hill by way of Rose Canyon on July 9th, 2014. This is one of two "Surfliner" train sets that is made up of older Amfleet and Horizon Fleet cars, and utilizes former F40PH diesels, converted to cab cars with a baggage compartment, on one end. Amtrak NPCU 90230, wearing "Cascades" colors from its time in service on those Pacific Northwest trains, leads and P42DC 156, one of Amtrak's 40th Anniversary heritage units (painted in the phase I scheme) is shoving on the rear. (Douglas G. Walker photo) |