The Southern Pacific Coast Daylight Trains 98 and 99 throughout the 1960s slowly lost the glamour and prestige they once maintained only a few years prior. The new interstate freeway network, and equally new commercial jet air travel put a serious dent into the revenue books for passenger trains all over the country.
The Southern Pacific by 1958 was already standardizing the paint on all of its passenger equipment to the Sunset colors of red and stainless, and into the 1960s, equipment was slowly painted from the classic red and orange, into this new standard scheme. Also in the early 60s, the railroad began phasing out its dining car service with their new automat cars, rebuilt from two tavern lounges, as well as former sleeper cars. These cars, fitted with vending machines, greatly reduced the size, and service staff needed for the run between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
All of SP's major passenger diesels are seen on the Coast Line, and includes a cab ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. E9s, ALCO PAs, FP7s, and the new SDP45s are all seen working hard over Cuesta and Santa Susana Passes, and at speed through the and into the Bay Area.
The end of an era is also witnessed, as Southern Pacific's overnight Lark train 75 is viewed at Burlingame, and arriving into 3rd and Townsend in San Francisco on its final run in April of 1968.
These 8mm and Super 8mm Movies come from the cameras of 4 different railfans, and come from the collections of Angelo Figone, Dick Donat, and the Western Railway Museum.
Enjoy this trip up the coast during the last years of Southern Pacific passenger trains!
My friend Drew Jacksich granted me permission to use his slides in my videos before his passing, and I personally thank him for his support, presence as person. Thank you Drew. 9/22/1946 - 11/12/2024