Union Station LAX Trip

DaveD Nov 8, 2015

  1. DaveD

    DaveD TrainBoard Member

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    Spent some time at the station Saturday night. They had about 14 BNSF 5600 series GEs all lined up on the east most track. Apparently they have a total of 40 of these to serve for the Metrolink cab cars, while theirs are being tested. However... Did see the Starlight come in with one of those on the point. So possibly using those to fill in on Amtrak while they're here, as well. Also saw a Cascade Cabbage car on the end of a Surfliner. And a train came in attached to a Surfliner, with PPCX 800359 and 800633, which they left at the station with it's own unit. Not sure who actually owns those. They were so so looking cars. Nothing spectacular. Also... Down in the harbor there's a couple blue leaser eco type units, working on PHL right now.
     
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  2. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    Thanks for the update
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sounds like a trip in daylight with camera would be interesting.
     
  4. DaveD

    DaveD TrainBoard Member

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    After a little more searching... I believe the two car private train is something called the Vino Train. It goes to Santa Barbara and back, with meals. Saw this train there once before.

    There are still big signs saying that you will be fined on the platform without a ticket... Just a warning.
     
  5. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Good grief. "No Railfannen On Ze Platformen"
     
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  6. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    What a sad "country" we have become. :(
     
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  7. jwb3

    jwb3 TrainBoard Member

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    The reason for it is twofold: first, on board checks for tickets aren't exhaustive -- the conductor typically makes one pass through the train on the whole run. So if people aren't checked on the platform, they can get on without a ticket and have a pretty good chance of riding free. I go downtown several times a year on Metrolink and very seldom have my ticket checked. Second, there's a major problem with panhandlers at Union Station, and if they were allowed on the platforms, they'd be there. There are lots of places in SoCal to shoot Amtrak and Metrolink -- or you can buy a Metro ticket a little less expensively and shoot from the Metro Gold Line platform as well.
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thankfully I can still be on the platform of my nearest ATK station, and freely watch or take pictures.
     
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  9. DaveD

    DaveD TrainBoard Member

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    There's so many people waiting around for trains and stuff... unless you do something to stick out like a sore thumb, I doubt they will do anything. But still... Just a warning.
     
  10. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    When my family rode Amtrak from Milwaukee to Chicago a few years ago, a fellow sitting across the aisle from us had no ticket. The Conductor was very patient and suggested Credit Card, then Cash, then Check, but only with ID. It was evident that the passenger had no way to pay and never planned to pay. The Conductor said in a calm voice, "Well, alright then." I sat, worried about my family's safety if they tried to throw him off the train at Sturtevant.

    We rode all the way to Chicago without incident, but upon arrival, three big Amtrak cops in flak jackets took him into custody in handcuffs. He got his free ride, but no doubt paid some of the ticket price in inconvenience and discomfort.
     
  11. DaveD

    DaveD TrainBoard Member

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    Funny you mention that, because... when the Starlight pulled in, the Eng said over the radio, something like... "The Sheriff is waiting up here... What a shock"... as if something was happening that happens a lot. We didn't know what it was about, but... Probably that.
     
  12. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    I'm on it. Hopefully today or Wednesday I can get some pictures.

    Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
     
  13. DaveD

    DaveD TrainBoard Member

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    I just noticed on a webcam that the Southwest Chief came into Chicago with one of the BNSF GE's leading tonight. So they're definitely making use of them.
     
  14. BarstowRick

    BarstowRick TrainBoard Supporter

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    You mean L.A.U.P.T., Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal. X usually signifies an airport. I used to drive into LAX for business reasons so my first thought was you've been to visit the airport.

    Glad you had a good time and it's true they don't want anyone on the platforms but what they have a ticket to ride. Used to be simpler before 9/11. Paranoia run a muck.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2015
  15. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    Amtrak uses the initials LAX for the Union Station.

    Jason
     

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