That really is Progress - San Diego, California

[roundhouse]

Normally when we say ' thats progress' we are often using the phrase as an excuse for something that has gone and not what it used to be. We often use it in our rail world for when a station is destaffed, signalling is modernised or buildings are demolished etc.

 

However I was looking for old photos for another topic and came across some photos taken at San Diego back in 1991 of the station.

 

Compare this to ones I took recently and just look how much tidier and more important looking the station is today (apart from it is now dwarfed by new high rise condo's etc).

 

Current day passenger facilities together iwth much improved transport such as more Amtrak services cummuter services and light rail... this really is progress!!

 

Ian

[Ohmisterporter]

Nice to see some investment in railways, I hope it is well used, there are not many folk in the pics. Is the refuelling point still there? Also in the picture of the Coaster did the loco have side skirts at one time, like the similar locos in the preceding shots?

[roundhouse]

They tend to refuel elsewhere but if they need to they do Amtrak at the south end. Coaster services are serviced south of the station or at Oceanside. Not noticed the skirts onvthe coasters so will have a look at other photos

[Adrian Wintle]

Is the Amfleet cab car in photo #2 a Metroliner conversion?

 

Adrian

[roundhouse]

Yes it is. No longer used on this route. The only Amfleets used these days in Clifornia is on the service to San Luis Obispo but eith a cabbage driving car on the opposite end to the loco. These don't normally make it south of LAUPT to San Diego.