San Diego Trolley Siemens U2 Cars: 1981 - 2015

This week, we say goodbye to the Siemens-Duewag U2 trolley cars that for so many years were the face of modern light rail transportation. The U2 cars were the first to be delivered to San Diego in the 1980's and served the city for many years. On January 26th, 2015, they were all officially retired. This video chronicles their years in service, starting in December of 2002 (also the first train I ever filmed) and continuing through almost every year since. The video ends with some clips from late January of 2015, as the new low floor cars replace the U2 cars on the Blue Line. You will see what was probably the last set of U2 cars in service, as they return to downtown San Diego from San Ysidro for the last time.
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©2015 Mike Armstrong Video

[@janettemcclelland2959]

They lasted a long time. I remember riding them in 1981 when they first started the trolley.

[@TheDankEngineer]

you must remember showbiz pizza then.

[@artgriggs3062]

Thanks for posting this video. A former San Diego resident (in my youth) and frequent-return visitor, I am sorry to hear that the U2s are being replaced. They have been a joy and comfort to ride. Their near-quiet operation has made it seem like they arrive as if by magic. One of San Diego's light rail routes travels right thru the middle of the city's Mount Hope Cemetery where my family is interned. Respectfully, these red trollies quietly "glide" thru the cemetery grounds. SD has provided its citizens with an efficient and practical transportation system that makes visiting all parts of the city and surrounding communities an easy and fun experience.

[@TrainTrackTrav]

While it is sad indeed that the U2s have been retired, we can take heart in the fact that two have gone the Southern California Railway Museum. Another one has gone to a museum in the Bay Area, and a fourth has gone to a museum on the East Coast.

[@nolantherailfan5048]

Also some U2's are finding a new life on the Memphis area transit authorities reopening Madison Avenue trolly line

[@pianoplayer2516]

Some went to Argentina as well.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

And 1001 is on the MTS Silver Line

[@bware1918]

Rode them the first day. The trolly really made getting around the area so much easier and better. Great memories!

[@tonykarasek4816]

Thank you for the ride and all the wonderful memories of living in San Diego back then.

[@joelparker2220]

Thx Mike for making this video for all of us to remember the U2 cars

[@aycarambas]

Although the U2 model was the face of MTS for several decades, and despite the great memories we all had growing up around the trolley, I am glad to see the new low floor cars on the Blue Line. I am an operator and those U2's were inefficient in every way possible, not to mention the difficulty operating them...Farewell!

[@SouthCalifas619]

I think the reason.why the doors would always malfunction is because mts stopped investing on rennovations and repairs for u2s after theyve been expecting to replace em

[@aycarambas]

I agree. Maintaining those old clunkers became a pain and renovations were just not an option.

[@SouthCalifas619]

I still think they couldve gotten a better car than sd70s for the blue line since its always too full and not enough seats. Or maybe gotten some of the long s70s

[@aycarambas]

The problem with the long S70's is that the boggies are too long for the sharp curves in downtown and could derail, which is why you will "only" see them on the green line.  SouthCalifas619

[@Roy52202]

which was the reason for his retirement? que alguien me explique por favor i live in mexico city but in the vacations i visit the san diego trolley

[@irgendjemand3939]

I miss them. They are former german trains and drove until 2016 in their and my original home city (Frankfurt)

[@christopherorourke6362]

I rode the San Diego trolley U2 cars many times between 1981 and 2011 in civilized San Diego. San Diego has it together when it comes to the trolley, the Coaster commuter train, and the Sprinter In North County between Escondido & Oceanside.

[@pxthfinder6201]

I've actually seen one of these in March 2015. Let's hope they're still alive (not scrapped) today. :)

[@Buynot]

Every time we pick up my sister from school in Old Town, we pass by some of these on a siding, it is so sad to see.

[@MrWEWE5]

I'm the 100th person to give this video a like! Ah, so many memories. I'm gonna miss the Siemens U2. Goodbye! I love you, S-U2!

[@imgursdownvote4love771]

Edmonton, AB still has their 1977-83 U2 fleet intact. Won't be retired until 2025. Calgary and Mendoza also still have them (yes, I know Mendoza's are ex. San Diego)

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

I miss when all the railroad crossings had mechanical bells. Sounded so awesome.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, I do too. The crossing at Old Town was really neat.

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

​@CoasterFan2105 There was 9 mechanical bells at old town right?

[@TommyPicklesFan]

Man, I'm going to miss the U2 San Diego Trolley Cars. These U2 San Diego Trolley Cars are the thing in The Past. BTW, Wonderful Video!

[@TommyPicklesFan]

Me too.

[@tbone3972]

TommyPickles Fan1992 Fly to Mandoza Argentina, they still run them there but only ONE car tho, while here in the U.S. we run three maybe four when they finish the blue line up to UTC.

[@jeffreywatkins39]

@@tbone3972 unfortunately the blue line will not utilize a 4th car because of the streets of downtown on C street hince the reason they ordered shorter cars so they don't block traffic

[@martindonadio9198]

They are in good condition, in Mendoza we are taking care of them and they are demonstrating what they are, in 8 years that the Metrotranvia (our light rail) works, many have won them love, they are very noble cars and they will roll for many more years

[@michaelparker1273]

I like the San Diego Trolley duewag-Siemens from the 1980s I like those very much I've never been on one when I grow up probably like to drive those ones I hope they say NO!

[@rogeliohurtado7832]

I'm going to visit San Diego this summer vacations and it will be very sad because i never see again the U2 Running On the blue line

[@juliandasilva1001]

the siemens U2 trolley's are here in mendoza, argentina in the metrotranvia

[@nielspemberton59]

Argentina ! Steak dinners, Disappearances of political opponents, and U2 trams by Duewag !

[@nielspemberton59]

Oops ! I forgot EVITA !!!

[@flattrain5834]

They were good old trains and I will remember. RIP

[@nicholerichason9048]

they ran a great service

[@evanhinkle5136]

I know of at least two Siemens-Duwag U2 survivors these were my favorite tied with the units that came in after I am not familiar with the designation I believe it to be the Siemens SD-100, I will definitely miss these units.

[@martindonadio5691]

muy buenas unidades, aquí en Mendoza están demostrando un excelente desempeño en el Metrotranvia (primera etapa Gutierrez-Godoy cruz-Centro), próximamente se inaugurara la linea a Las Heras, con una futura ampliación al Aeropuerto, y esperemos que se amplie la etapa actual hasta Maipu y que se construya la linea a Lujan y Chacras de coria

[@flaazevetemendo]

Hola, vivo en Godoy Cruz cerca de una de las paradas, y nunca lo había tomado hacia el Centro, me gustó pero va demasiado lleno, deben agregar más unidades urgente, porque es muy requerido, o no ?

[@terrenceleonard7037]

I loved these trolley primarily because they were better seating arrangements then the standard S70 models

[@lolfunnycp]

i believe i saw some earlier this year, in the same siding where they were in 2014, plus there are still 6 cars visible on google earth

[@appleeimac]

I MISS THE U2 CARS, COME BACK PLEASE!!!!!!!

[@Heyo_Souluxy]

Benjamin McDermott Almost all of the U2 Cars in Calgary are retired. R.I.P. U2 cars 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@user-co3kn5ch9u]

На 6th 2766266w4

[@leunamgomez4819]

Those trolleys were part of my life growing up falling asleep in them after a long day goinh to work with my grandma😭😭😭 rip u2 trolley cars

[@cjs83172]

The first 24 trolley cars from this set (cars 1001-1024) comprised the first modern light rail cars in the United States, as what's now known as the San Diego Trolley's Blue Line, which originally went from the Amtrak Station to the International Border, was the very first modern light rail service in the United States. So in effect, with the retirement of this line of San Diego Trolley cars, came the retirement of the first modern light rail cars in the United States.

[@mariovallejo2115]

cjs83172 .....?......

[@blue9multimediagroup]

​@@mariovallejo2115what's not understood?

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Car 1001 is still alive on the Silver Line

[@1981troublemaker]

That foot pedal for the horn on the U2 sound so great! I MISS THEM SO MUCH..... ALL GREAT THINGS MUST COME TO AN END THO. 😧

[@radioactiverobertwxspcingl8306]

4:57 Bro that was legit one of the best! Good job!

[@Bobcatonline]

That's a pretty comprehensive video of the trolley cars. I never managed to ride one myself but I was always intrigued by them when is saw them at the Rail Station. Nicely done. Thanks.

[@mikewomacks7000]

Come on up to Edmonton Alberta, we are still running all 37 of our U2s and they still look new.

[@latishamarshall7818]

I miss them

[@KenBrownekb71000duke]

Nice video Mike and a fitting tribute to this long lived class! Thanks, Ken

[@TrolleyTimeSD]

Great video and excellent description! We're all about the San Diego Trolley!

[@TexasTrainProductions]

Wonderful video! Wish they kept them

[@hectorgonzalez1092]

Possible uses @San Diego MTS: CoasterFan2105 -Save them to help out the PCC's on the Silver Line! -One set for OERM Perris. -Another one for SDERA in National City or the PSRM in Campo. Before it's too late!

[@CoasterFan2105]

I have been told 1001 is being saved for historic operations in San Diego. Waiting for confirmation on that though.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks for the comment Stacey! I do too.

[@edenbalbuena6074]

Dynalumens International iiiiiiuuuu

[@jeffreywatkins39]

They are not gone forever.. San Diego Trolley Inc (SDTI) is going to be restoring at least 1 of those units 1001 which is the first one they recieved for use on the downtown loop but also there is talks of an expansion for street car service to Balboa Park

[@efrem1]

I rode them back in 1981 when I was at NTC to visit people at church or go to Tijuana to get cheap stuff. Rides cost $1 dollar each way back then (25 cents if you stayed in the Center city zone). My how time flies and sad to see the old trains go.

[@TrainsNStuff]

14:12 the sad look the trolley is giving the camera :(

[@galarprince]

Trains N' Stuff oh yeah

[@nicholerichason9048]

Trains N' Stuff & West Coast Railfan Productions what do you mean the trolley is sad?

[@officialcreator5530]

Ikr

[@ugagagauh]

Sad to hear that the Siemens U2's in San Diego are no longer in Service , here in Frankfurt Germany the U2's will be retired untill the end of 2016 , our local Transit operator wanted to sell the U2's but no one wanted the U2's. now they will be scrapped after the retirement. Our oldest U2's from 1968 are already scrapped , but the newer ones are still in service. but we dont know how long :( The U2's in Frankfurt will be replaced by the Bombardier Flexity Siwift series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHLPf6ykgcd9mNE

[@michaelhorgan9525]

1001 will be getting new logos which are actually the pre MTS logos and will go back to the 80s livery. This could be in prep for the return to Silver line service to supplement the PCC's as the restoration of 531 got canceled.

[@ET423]

Well Frankfurt has retired their U2 Cars too. On the 3 April.2016, they drove for the last time. Sadly the U2 Cars will be missed in Frankfurt

[@CoasterFan2105]

+ET423 It is the end of an era. They were very useful cars and served for many years.

[@rayjin1952]

Well,when the railtraction finally release them in Train simulator 2016 U-Frankfurt on the 27 April 2016,It has become history forever...

[@rayjin1952]

Unfortunately,When I went to Frankfurt last time,I didn't meet the U2 cars,I took the U4 only... Now I played U2 in TS,I have no chances to sit on them

[@thebuffalodude]

Still going strong in Calgary and Edmonton

[@SembrandoElKaos]

Still going in Mendoza, Argentina

[@BritishAPT]

These will be missed in SD, but live on in Mendoza, Argentina. You should take a trip down there Mike.

[@ErikAlfaroProductionsOfficial]

CoasterFan2105 Great video! I really liked seeing those U2 cars, too bad they are being retired. Anyways great video and nice to see Amtrak's Heritage Unit 822.

[@oscarzazueta3358]

Exiting video Mike hope your doing well thanks🚇🚉

[@bluebear6570]

If it weren´t for the sunshine, the palm trees and the aircon units on the roofs of the U2 cars, you could think this is Frankfurt/Germany. Likewise the successor - it´s a "Stadtbahnwagen B - type with added A/C on the roof.

[@TammyWedgewood]

Who cares

[@Martin_Trainspotter]

Those were some nice units. Great tribute video. 👍

[@trainluvr]

When this opened we thought the US had finally come to its senses. Unfortunately, it has not. Cities struggle to implement expensive and pathetic tourist circulators and starter lines, while larger systems have stations surrounded by parking and freeways.

[@railwaybandido3459]

I actually just saw a U2 At Petree street / Marshall Avenue, I even captured it.

[@United1158]

THEY ARE ADDING THE U2 TO THE SILVER LINE!! :)

[@blakemaudsley5329]

Come to Calgary. We're gonna have ours around for another 7 years at least. Edmonton still has theres too.

[@michaelhorgan9525]

1001 is getting a restoration though it is in working condition. MTS is keeping 1001 and that will not leave the yard anytime soon.

[@gamingbrickfilmerboi3547]

Good job mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@albertcarello5489]

The horns on these cars ( Siemens-Duwag) sound just like the horns on CTA'S 6000 SERIES L cars from St.Louis Car Company.

[@TammyWedgewood]

Yay a U2 train

[@TrainsNStuff]

I rode one of those back in 2012...they're all gone??? Wow! >:( Oh well...

[@TrainsNStuff]

I don't mind the shakiness, since my older vids were like that.

[@brendanpaul4908]

+ uj

[@user-im9ch9oq6z]

Прикольные трамваи. Классное видео.

[@fredpohl5202]

I did the Mattspàn Ashmont line back in the day

[@ArtyI]

These look so much older!

[@schienennahverkehrDE]

Because the design is from 1967

[@Trackside_magpie_7535]

Sweet video, my city has u2’s also and there my favourite

[@EvolutionRider88]

Six of the U2s are sitting in Miramar just off Carroll Road. Sadly they have been vandalized.

[@nolantherailfan5048]

Some of these cars are finding new lives on the Memphis area transit authorities reopening Madison Avenue trolly line

[@amiausUSA]

As far back as November 1999, I rode the U2's on the orange line and the blue line. The original U2's were operated mostly on the blue line, particularly between 12th and Imperial and San Ysidro/Tijuana BC stations. All those trains on that line had announcements in English and then in Spanish. As late as 2014, they were still operating the original U2s, with a female English voice but keeping the male Spanish voice. Didn't many of these U2's go to Mendoza, Argentina?

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

Was this video'd during one of Cali's famous and apparently frequent earthquake sequences?

[@briankettle3405]

Happy memories of 90s visit. Does traffic really require 3 car working all the time

[@sogabethomas193]

I Like San Trolleys :)

[@bysaucedo9867]

TS

[@bysaucedo9867]

🚃🚃🚃⛽

[@bysaucedo9867]

MTO

[@SouthCalifas619]

i miss hearing these real trolley horns pass next to my house. Not these shitty fake artificial electronic sound recordings of them on the new trolleys.

[@savannahmorrison376]

RIP the old trolleys

[@josephnadler5521]

Isn't one of these or something similar currently on the silver line?

[@nicholerichason9048]

somewhere else copyed the san diego trolley but it is mtm. it goes as slow as 11-12 mph

[@dumbcow1]

I miss that buzzer sound

[@nicholerichason9048]

frankfort said goodbye to this model to

[@andrewwalker2402]

Not to be rude but my friend who works for the San Diego Trolley told me he hated when he had to operate the U2'S maybe because of the brakes I'll never know. But besides that good night San Diego I'm going back to tenting my corner here in San Ysidro

[@YeahRailfan]

1981 - 2015 2019 - the end of time!

[@SouthCalifas619]

It makes me sad I wont hear a real trolley horn ever again :( since the blue line now uses sd70 short cars with an electronic recording of a trolley horn. plus these trolleys lack in seats and space for the blue line since its the fullest most crowded line. Theres no room in them. Id be happy if they gave it an electronic k5la like LA metro though.

[@SouthCalifas619]

Plus faster acceleration than sd70s and faster speed as well

[@dynasty0019]

SouthCalifas619 The SD70's are faster accelerating and top speed than the U2's, 50 mph vs 55 mph. Most U2's can barely climb past 40 mph in recent years because of their age. Got a connection with the Green Line at 12th/Imperial? You're guaranteed to miss it when riding U2's. I love them for nostalgia, but it's the best decision business-wise to retire them.

[@nightwalker1973]

Yeah, me too. I miss hearing their true loud air horns. I traveled LA's metro rail lines and when i heard their horns i said that i like better the real horns of San Diego trolley cars because they're loud and real.

[@mariavelasquez6277]

I was riding on the blue line trolley and it had a new trolley in 20 21

[@user-hm8zn7sd6f]

真っ赤な車体が、パシフィック電鉄を思わせますね😸 とてもいいと思います🐱

[@Ferromexfan4081]

I like these cars, but they honestly deserved it for winning too many races against Amtrak

[@Roy52202]

which was the reason for his retirement? que alguien me explique por favor i live in mexico city but in the vacations i visit the san diego trolley

[@dynasty0019]

They're old, they're slow, hard to operate, and new trolleys were delivered recently to replace them. I love them for the nostalgia, but if you have to connect with the Green Line at 12th and Imperial, you're guaranteed to miss it riding a U2.

[@Roy52202]

Chow Chow and the SD100 run in the blue line?

[@dynasty0019]

The SD100 still runs on all the lines, but they're usually sandwiched between two S70's.

[@Roy52202]

and the U2 is retired, the old trains is in the garages? and the SD100 three cars is used with the same model in the blue line?? is my favorite

[@jeffreywatkins39]

@@dynasty0019 Its not that they were slow they can reach speeds of 50mph which the new ones are only 5mph faster it's just finding parts for them are hard and when you have say maybe 100 units its expensive to upgrade then to keep them in service vs buying new ones. 1001 which has been restored has all new modern electric motors and components

[@drpolfandiane]

I saw that it’s now going to be used on the SDG&E line..

[@fuckyomamafuckyosisterfuck6136]

We have a Facebook page, dedicated to the history and vintage of these coaches. Look for us.

[@SMVvids]

I saw a good number of these in SD while riding the trolley there after campo in December; I know Orange Empire acquired one, what happened to them all? We're they scrapped?

[@jemdude22]

These German made streetcars have a bus-like face.... not very streetcar-look. Unique and durable

[@savannahmorrison376]

Was the blue line of the trolley to santee and San ysidro?

[@CoasterFan2105]

It was Old Town to San Ysidro for a long time, but they later cut it back to Downtown.

[@savannahmorrison376]

Oki

[@TammyWedgewood]

i miss san diego but i am in nevada

[@alisharodriguez1896]

im sad

[@Gamer-se8ss]

11:26

[@Gamer-se8ss]

11:31

[@Gamer-se8ss]

11:43

[@Gamer-se8ss]

12:05

[@Gamer-se8ss]

12:27

[@Gamer-se8ss]

12:43

[@Modellbaudiorama24]

This is the Frankfurt Germany Tram

[@Modellbaudiorama24]

Yes

[@officialcreator5530]

@Sigi Z. No it’s not it’s the San Diego trolley

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

When It’s Coming Back?

[@zeisselgaertner3212]

Three cars in Frankfurt have been refurbished the way they were delivered in 1968 for the first subway system that had been builded in modern Germany after 50 years. They are availaible for private tours throughout Frankfurt and for festivals of the transit authorities. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHrbdXuwaNSVra8

[@spfilms4449]

there's my #1018 at 6:31

[@CoasterFan2105]

spfilms4449 Yessir. I've seen that one and the 1019 many times over the years. Glad they both found good homes.

[@spfilms4449]

CoasterFan2105 Rumors of 1017 getting a new home to. Cant say anymore then that for now. ;D

[@CoasterFan2105]

I've heard one is going to OERM. And 1001 will stay in special event service in San Diego.

[@spfilms4449]

CoasterFan2105 Yes this is true 1017 isnt going to OERM but I do hope they get one. although I think they would put poles on it. 1005 is also staying in San Diego as a MOW car. I also got to say that I love the fact that SDMTS is keeping one of the U2s for there own preservation, not something many city's do.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Must be a different car then that they're talking about sending to OERM then. I'll be interested to see where 1017 is going. Wherever it is, they'll probably have to shell out quite a bit of money or trade for another PCC for it. Last I know, MTS was selling them for upwards of 300K a piece.

[@savannahmorrison376]

Rip U2 1981-2015

[@yohannabarandiaran9383]

what is that train but is cool

[@gamingbrickfilmerboi3547]

BRO, SOMEONE COPIED THIS VIDEO AND IS SAYING HE OWNS IT AND MTS

[@CoasterFan2105]

Who? Can you send me a link?

[@gamingbrickfilmerboi3547]

CoasterFan2105 Lemme get one

[@gamingbrickfilmerboi3547]

Oh Lmao the video was deleted by the owner because he was probably getting too many rant messages. I mean 104 comments were there and all were rants.

[@CoasterFan2105]

@@gamingbrickfilmerboi3547 Lol

[@s0nnyburnett]

They certainly don't look their age.

[@bryaneast2513]

Lack of camera control spoils this video.

[@CoasterFan2105]

+Bryan East This video is a chronicle of all the years these cars were in service that I've filmed. Only the first minute or two has shots that were not filmed on a tripod, but I chose to include those for historical purposes. Skip to 5:00 for full HD and tripod.

[@andreakrutiak919]

+CoasterFan2105 qaa

[@yaraihan]

and the other like meitetsu 880 and meitetsu 750

[@yaraihan]

like meitetsu 3500

[@szamurajbalogh1823]

nbx