Amtrak Surfliner Single Level Trains

Dating back to the days of the San Diegan passenger train, Amtrak regularly used single level Horizon and Amfleet passenger cars on the Los Angeles to San Diego rail corridor. These cars continued to be used when the San Diegan was rebranded as the Pacific Surfliner in June of 2000. In this video, we will take a look at these cars in service on Pacific Surfliner trains up until they were withdrawn from service in March of 2020.
This video was made possible by my supporters on Patreon:
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Beyond Aviation
Callum McNamara
Clarence Jackson
Cristian C
Jackson Gorski
Jim Walker
John S Greene
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And many more!
CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!
©2024 Mike Armstrong Media

[@GamingRailfanner]

Interestingly, this will happen again. Recently, Amtrak California sent down 2 NPCUs and 6 comet cars for additional weekend service for the Surfliner, starting sometime in Mid-July

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yup! With rebuilt commuter cars this time!

[@RailClipper]

Woah! Is this just temporary summer service or long term?

[@average_joe8905]

@@RailClipperProbably just for the Del Mar Horse Race season or just opening weekend.

[@RailClipper]

@@average_joe8905 I checked earlier, they have these additional trains scheduled thru August. So they’re gunna be here for a little while

[@ryanridder4576]

I heard that too, I’m surprised

[@AmtrakFan6905]

Great video! I love how these single level trains always had a variety of power whether they were P42s, Dash 8s, F59s, or even the Chargers! Those were good days on the Surfline.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! It was always a neat train to see!

[@JamesAndLiamReacts]

I liked it too!

[@InventorZahran]

Chorgers

[@850hc]

si.

[@therealsantwerp3751]

I still fondly remember those F59PHI's.

[@railfan104]

same bro

[@joshuadominictoling5310]

RIP, F59PHIs! You served us very well!

[@COandOH6675]

Your Amtrak childhood was lit af if you remember the F59’s.

[@CynthiaWilliams-pz8cl]

I am really going to miss the Amtrak f59phi locomotives ❤

[@CoasterFan2105]

They were neat locomotives. Glad they found a good home!

[@courtemanche437]

I think if I remember correctly, all but one of them are still wearing their original colors, which is pretty cool.

[@mxderate]

Me too. Glad most of them are still in use in Chicago

[@JamesAndLiamReacts]

Me too

[@aidanrochester4537]

@@CoasterFan2105I’m a person that really disputes change And I’m a person that isn’t a fan of the exchange for the chargers

[@ternie6515]

Great video Mike. I remember seeing those horizons on there. The state of California just delivered their comet cars used on San Joaquin routes.

[@billtherailfanner455]

Awesome video Mike. I remember the days when they used the Amfleet, Horizon and NPCUs on the Surfline, paired with a Genesis, Surfliner F59 before retirement, and a Surfliner Charger. And sometimes they would have 2 engines on both ends with a baggage car. I definitely miss those days but thankfully single levels are making a return on the Surfline since Amtrak California sent 6 Comets cars and 2 NPCUs, 90215 and 90225 down to Southern California. I can’t wait for the Comets, 90215, and 90225 to enter service sometime in July. This will mark the return of single level sets on the Surfline ever since 2020.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much! It was always fun to see this train set when it was still in service. I'm looking forward to seeing the Comet cars on the Surf Line soon!

[@RailClipper]

Interesting! Will these run with chargers or P42s?

[@billtherailfanner455]

@@RailClipper I assume it will run with Genesis units more likely, since there is probably not gonna be enough Surfliner SC-44 Chargers. But they might pair the Comets and NPCUs with the chargers too whenever it can be done.

[@RailClipper]

@@billtherailfanner455 thanks man! It will be interesting to see how it plays out

[@PrincessAmtrakMinamoto]

0:12 Nice video. I remember Amtrak Surfliner F59phi locomotives in long time ago. 🙂❤️

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! I do too.

[@joshuadominictoling5310]

@@CoasterFan2105They’re all sold to Metra in Chicago, Mike.

[@Tartaraki808]

Where did the golden times went…

[@Trainiac_EXE-4449]

I got to see my first F59PHIs when I was passing by on the Empire Builder in Chicago. *sigh* if only they were still around back when I travelled the Surfliner in 2021.

[@AMTK317Productions]

Nice video on the Pacific Surfliner singular level trains. Rewinding to the time I was at the Surf Line back in 2021, I may have or not memorized if I have sawn a singular leveled Pacific Surfliner train. I wish to go back to the Surf Line again and see when there are PS trains with singular leveled coaches.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! There may be more single level trains in the future but currently none in service.

[@F40M07]

Kato announced they would be creating the Surfliner in N Scale. DIBS!!!!

[@SCVRail]

I own Kato trains! I’m getting that as soon as possible!

[@F59PHItrainfreak]

I’m gonna be modeling the coastline so right up my alley

[@SCVRail]

@@F59PHItrainfreak nice

[@InventorZahran]

@@F59PHItrainfreakr/UsernameChecksOut

[@OrangeCountyRails]

Congratulations on 1M subs! I know you reached it a while ago now, but still congrats. I remember seeing P42s, F40’s, F59’s and Dash 8’s when I was little. Then the pandemic ruined it and, so we didn’t need these single-level cars. Hope we can get them back.

[@AmtrakFunkandDiscoFan]

We are getting the single-level consists in mid-July of this year.

[@dnoc4973]

Another great awesome video mike, Love the amtrak F59phi and the cars

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!!

[@pacificostudios]

Thanks for recording the single-level consists. I never picked a Surfliner with a single-level set, although I did once ride a Surfliner that included a Superliner Lounge/Cafe. Anyway, it makes sense running them north of Los Angeles rather than on the line to SAN.

[@kptrains]

Great footage of the Surfliners!

[@citxsd70m-2]

I always enjoyed seeing these sets when they still ran. Kinda depressing that they left…but great footage of these sets!

[@TheRailWeb]

Very Impressive

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@AMTK816]

These were the best sets on the surfline, glad that the San Joaquin cars are here now

[@SCVRail]

Great video Mike. Your channel inspired me to start mine.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

Very nice, thanks for the vid sir - interesting catch of that Cascades cab car all the way down there at 12:33.

[@coolleo149]

Ah yes, I love those cars!

[@CoasterFan2105]

They’re really cool!

[@RandomRailfan828]

Great one Mike, lots of great shots! These cars seem to be in and out a whole lot, I wouldn’t be surprised if one day they’ll return to service!

[@lilcattythewildnorwester7786]

Hopefully in the future Pacific surfliner needs the purchase The Siemens Airo trainsets want a replacement of these rail cars as well as matching the colors of the siemens charger locomotives.

[@elsotoooo]

Man does everything in this video scream out SoCal vibes, thanks Mike! 😎

[@Trainsandanimationstv]

I always found it weird that the Surfliner would look like this as a kid

[@CoasterFan2105]

It's quite a difference from the standard Surfliner equipment!

[@TheCloakedTiger]

Really neat to see some Amfleet cars on the west coast!

[@ILoveTrains13]

These videos are starting me nostalgia and yes this is my 2nd time donating you, I was into surfliners on 2018 and I started watching your videos when I was 7 , I really think this is the best video I ever seen

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it. The Surfliner is one of my favorite Amtrak trains.

[@esxpx5196]

2歳の息子が気に入って釘付けでした。ありがとうございます。東京から。

[@user-rp6dl3iz6z]

Nah how could I not watch this just to be under an hour still love the vid Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!

[@SoCalOCRailfan]

Awesome video!! Can’t wait to see these single level sets, well, the AmCal comet ones specifically, run later this summer (yes this is true)

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

Great video about the diversity of the Amtrak Surfliner. Very nice trains and great film locations. Thanks for sharing and have a nice Sunday.

[@NotARailfan]

Awesome video, Mike! Hope you are having an amazing Friday so far! :D

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks! You too!

[@Caty_DaCuteCaltrain]

Nice video! These were the good ol days of the surfliner.

[@SuperOwensTrainsYT]

Pretty cool to not see the double stacks for once

[@CynthiaWilliams-pz8cl]

I am new to the channel but I love this awesome video Mike make the best videos keep up the good work 😊

[@CoasterFan2105]

Well, welcome aboard! Thanks so much!

[@kevp9601]

BEST "NEW" KZbin VIDEO IN THE UNIVERSE

[@FederationMiguelCityIloilo]

To Speed kilometers Amtrak Fp04h speedrun:

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

These are some of the most bizarre, almost painful to look at consists. The only one that looked natural was the Dash 8 at 9:15.

[@CrazyMarioRailfan1367]

I live in California and never seen a horizon car. I will soon see one when riding

[@andross51]

Another amazing video Mike! Man again I miss the PHi's and 90208 running on the Surfline! Was always fun to catch! Again another GREAT video! Woohoo! :)

[@railfanryan]

We'll be seeing these again soon, with the Amcal equipment.

[@LEGOland7550]

Great passion 💘

[@awinabdullahshani5797]

This is my favourite Train Amtrak

[@kevp9601]

CERTIFIED FRESH VANILLA CAKES FOR VERY VERY EXCELLENT 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

[@SBRstudios]

Another awesome video! Thanks Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@pacificostudios]

Mixing some combination of Siemens Charger, P42, GE Dash 8-32BWH,, Amfleet and Horizon coaches, a Viewliner baggage car, private car or cars, and an NPCU on one train shows there is a prototype for anything.

[@gevoman3959]

Great video. RIP the f59s.

[@elmrarg614]

The Best youtuber

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks for watching!

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

Really nice!!

[@IF_California]

I happened to end up on one of the amfleet services down to San Diego. We were confused if it was our train because obviously its different cosches.

[@kevp9601]

I LOVE IT A LOT ! !

[@nickyyhap1]

I like the trains with the stairs inside and the new charger locomotive, it’s very good condition and very quiet. I try not to get onto the single level trains too much often.

[@procrastinatingpuma]

I recall reading that the Surfliner might be getting San Joaqins comet cars

[@LEE_1076]

4:58 Is it just me, or does bro look jealous cuz the NPCU is leading 💀😂

[@MohammedHasanRaheem]

Great Video Mike!

[@MichaelMitchRailfan2009]

Happy late 4th of July to you Coasterfan2105!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Happy 4th of July!

[@joshuadominictoling5310]

4th of July’s gonna fall on Friday of next year.

[@Martin_TrainSpotter]

Such nice coaches. Really liked your video. Greetings from New York!

[@jeromeeccentric2199]

Amtraks are special trains travel around the America

[@Thatmanrailfan-channel]

This is so cool!😮😮

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@RobloxRailfannerdude]

I miss the f59ph and f59phi bc they were underrarted locos and prettty neat and cool

[@Chocotacolover1]

Love ur vids! Keep up the great content 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, I will!!

[@Butter575.]

Amazing video! I miss Amtrak’s F59phi

[@ryanridder4576]

Thanks for sharing!

[@derrickwong5337]

Great! Amtrak single level Surfliner cars was in 53 years.

[@CynthiaWilliams-pz8cl]

I love his videos

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks for watching!

[@CynthiaWilliams-pz8cl]

You are welcome mike 😊

[@NortheastCorridorFilms]

happy 1 mil!!!!

[@SalmanMentos]

Single level surfliner is just.... quesionable

[@kevp9601]

This is Awesome ❤🤍💙

[@nicholaslowe3658]

Amazing amtrak pacific surfliner f59phis and sc44s

[@matttrain3960]

5:47 I've never seen a dome car like that on an Amtrak train! How many of those does Amtrak own?

[@BalloonBugle88]

They don’t have any now. That was retired a while back

[@jerrywaynehoward7442]

Friendly question: What are the reasons Surfliner fans on this channel seem to prefer these single level cars over the bi-levels? Great video, Mike. Cheers, everyone!

[@angelhuerta1626]

Wow looks like this channel has got more awesome than ever

[@KaizenPeepeetchkennedy]

Congratulations on 1 million 🎉

[@RXMattCARailfan]

Nice video.

[@eliangarcia8717]

The original train surfliner is back?!

[@HarborSubHughley]

Great video

[@GRFP6903]

Nice video

[@EMDTTSWANDNASCARF2K3]

If only Pacific Surfliner can still used Single Level cars they been using them for 20 years

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hopefully they will again soon!

[@GRFP6903]

@@CoasterFan2105they are going to with there new schedule starting July 20😊

[@BalloonBugle88]

@@GRFP6903do you know that for sure?

[@GRFP6903]

@@BalloonBugle88 yup

[@GRFP6903]

@@EMDTTSWANDNASCARF2K3 they are in La yard waiting for service

[@newyorkrailfanner8058]

I dare you to catch all Metro-North heritage units

[@kamranalborzian82]

Nice video I remember those trains but only saw it once because was only like five I wish they could bring it back and the cost starlight to los angeles was shortened inn20020 having 5 cars and the baggage car in the back now today they only have 6 or 7 cars not 9-12 cars

[@GoldenStateTrains]

What do you use to film? The shots are crisp & gorgeous!

[@kevp9601]

INFINITE SMILEY FACES FOR VERY VERY REMARKABLE 😃😃😃

[@awinabdullahshani5797]

I like this video

[@TYR-RailFan]

What camera do you use for photos

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much! The thumbnail for this video was taken with a Nikon D850. Since March, I have also started to use the Nikon Z8, which is essentially a mirrorless equivalent of a D850.

[@kevp9601]

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER FOR VERY VERY MAGNIFICENT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@arthureugenepreston]

Seems like every one of the trains has 7 passenger cars

[@SSantana82]

Can you please do commuter rails throughout the country

[@ItzTrains007]

Wow congratulations you got over 1M subscribers

[@ABCRussell]

I never ever got to see a single f59phi😔

[@TrainFanFromCA]

Would Single level sets still be used durring bussy seasons, or are they gone forever?

[@bookianaunroblox661]

I like the old Emd fp59hi better than the sc44.

[@kevp9601]

I AM NEVER PRESSING THE KZbin VIDEO DISLIKE BUTTON FOREVER

[@angelhuerta1626]

I also got great news I got one of your shirts Mike so I’m gonna show you I’m a big fan on possibly Instagram

[@ChungusZFG]

hi

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hello!

[@CynthiaWilliams-pz8cl]

I wonder if the California venture cars are in service

[@maymayandajjackson7349]

I really don’t know about that,but I think they are in service in michagen

[@victorthesportmaster8225]

I have seen that in your videos before

[@goalhorn2012]

Are these coming back?

[@AmtrakFunkandDiscoFan]

Dude, they are coming back in mid-July later this year.

[@pmichael73]

Why are two power units needed on such short trains?

[@voidjavelin23]

theres a single cab control unit into it and its for being a easy return service

[@Tobyrailfanning]

Do that still use them

[@user-ti6ur4gs7e]

Cen you meka video about up 4014 in 2024

[@raphaelmalik4392]

2008

[@ethancampbell6076]

12:10 P5?