Trains in 2003

Hey, everyone! This is the first in what will be a month of special videos to commemorate the channel's 15 year anniversary. I started filming trains back at the very end of 2002, so 2003 was the first full year I was able to film trains. I have assembled a sort of "year in review" type video, showcasing all the trains I filmed as kind of a combined interesting look back and a nod to the origins of train videos on the channel. In 2003, I was lucky enough to film trains in a number of different locations on the West Coast including the Pacific Northwest and several different places in California. Some things may look similar to how they did back then, but there have been a number of changes over the years including equipment being retired, new paint schemes, and even some rail lines being closed entirely.
Some things to look for that can no longer be seen are:
-VIA Rail Vancouver Island "Dayliner" train
-Seattle Waterfront Trolley
-EMD Demonstrator SD60 Locomotives
-Old Amtrak schemes including Phases IV and Va and the original Amtrak California scheme
-Camp 6 Logging Museum in Tacoma
-BNSF SD9, GP30, and Dash-7 locomotives in service
-Union Pacific Dash-8 locomotive
-Coaster, Metrolink, and Amtrak Surfliner F59PHIs and F40s
-Talgo Series 6 Trains
-LA Metro P865 cars
-BNSF roadrailer train
-Southern Pacific painted SD40 locomotives
As always, if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to share those with me below. Thanks!
This video was made possible by my supporters on Patreon:
Adam Byrne
Bethany Chernay
Brian Zimmerman
Clarence Jackson
Jim Walker
Jovanni Cruz
Lyle C
Peter Della Flora
Thomas Jackson
Amtrak and AWVR Fan
ShadowSteel18
Cristian C
Vinny G
Malcom B.
Lane's Trains
Lachlan B.
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!
©2023 Mike Armstrong Media

[@GolfGTI455]

This is how nostalgia feels...

[@CoasterFan2105]

That it is. Thanks for watching!

[@dan_henriquezz]

“Nothing ever lasts forever”

[@fingergunss]

True

[@filthycommenter5612]

Since I grew up in Oceanside the trains were never too far from my house so I would also see and hear the coaster and surfliner almost 24/7 so after awhile the trains became one of my favorite part of the town so seeing them in this quality really takes me back to the days I first saw them

[@CoasterFan2105]

That’s awesome! I have an entire afternoon’s worth of video taken in Oceanside in August of 2003. There’s even a brief view of the old “Sprinter - coming 2005” sign prior to the construction.

[@andross51]

Mike, knowing you personally for the past 13 years or so, I would first like to say CONGRATS on 15 years of brining these amazing train videos to KZbin! You continue to amaze me with commentary, great footage of all these trains, and keeping It coming! Keep the great stuff coming Mike! Also I can't believe this footage is all from 2003, man the surfline was DIFFERENT then! :)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much, Dean! It’s fun to take a trip down memory lane every once in a while. Some fun times.

[@theaustinleeytchanneltalytc]

15 years of that channel. That's incredible!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@Spicy_Uber]

I was born in 2003 and 35:30 perfectly represents the peak off my childhood and why I got into trains. Thank you for this awesome Video and happy anniversary for your channel!

[@ElPasoTXRailfanner]

I Was Born 2003 To My Friend

[@UnofficialBigOne]

More than 15 years of trains... I'll always remember those years, when I watched your videos, I always watched toy trains galore and fast freight trains. What an amazing memory. I'll never forget you when I turn even older. I still watch your channel, keep up the great work. You never fail to impress me Mike.

[@dnoc4973]

I love all your vids mike and they were also really good in 2003

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@lakenhines2237]

You've always been my gold standard for train vids Mike! Thank you for all the high quality content that you work so hard to put out there for the world to enjoy. Congrats on 15 years!

[@CoasterFan2105]

You’re very welcome and thanks so much!

[@CSXRailfanBrony-ChessieDayligh]

A lot has changed in the last 20 years. But they're never be forgotten. What a great video it was to take us back in time to see what railroading used to be. Love the ending to call off til next time. 👍👍

[@CoasterFan2105]

I’m glad you liked the little ending part I put in! Thanks so much!

[@CSXRailfanBrony-ChessieDayligh]

@@CoasterFan2105 You're welcome.

[@noahg-ms8ef]

Wow 😮 I was born in 2003. That is so cool.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@YTnightspotter]

These do give me nostalgia of the past few years recording since covid 19 they bring back old memorys

[@Corncob_Ethan.7]

Congratulations Mike! You are probably the best train KZbinr on KZbin!

[@YardLimit]

Congratulations on your 15 year anniversary! It's great that you were able to document all these bygone relics like the Waterfront Trolley.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! I was fortunate to have had the opportunities I did. The waterfront trolley is definitely missed.

[@AtTheCrossingProductions]

Trains from before my time. Congrats on all of your success, Mike! This footage is fantastic!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks man! It’s been a fun journey.

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

We can't believe it's finally here! It's amazing that you were able to stay here long enough to get to this point! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@CoasterFan2105]

I will! Thanks so much!

[@okiebill1948]

Great work!! You never cease to provide the highest quality videos of railroading!! I never tire of watching them. BTW, I started making train videos back in 1958 when I used a Keystone 8mm movie camera. I graduated to a Bolex 16mm movie camera, then a VHS camcorder, a MiniDV HD camera, and now a 4K camcorder. I will film trains to the day I die!! It never grows old!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks! Really appreciated! Wow, since 1958. So much has changed since then. It's one of those things that just sticks with you! As a side note, I remember watching your video of the Heartland Flyer in Arbuckle Canyon many many years ago here on KZbin. The Amtrak cab car in that video was the same one that was used for over a decade in Pacific Surfliner service, number 90208.

[@okiebill1948]

Today they mainly use two P42 locomotives--one on each end. Back in my early days of railfanning, EMD E & F units were everywhere. I also remember seeing and photographing Alco PA and FA units in action--mainly ATSF and MKT. It was exciting when I was only 10 years of age in 1958, seeing RPO cars make their mail drops and pick up the outgoing mail on the fly!! Bygone days!!! Things will never be the same. BTW I do not get out to do as much railfanning as I used to due mainly to health reasons and my age--75. Being that I am retired, I do have railfanning opportunities I did not have down through my many years of working. When you get to be my age the spirit is willing, but the body says: "Not so fast!!" I do get out and about as much as I can though. The wife worries about me whenever I leave the house, but I always have my phone with me and wear an implanted heart monitor to summon EMS if I encounter a medical emergency.@@CoasterFan2105

[@northerncalirails2008]

This gives me childhood memories

[@Marontyne]

congratulations for your 15 anniversary on the channel I'm so proud of you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@DPWLVr]

cant imagine how badly you get nostalgia flashes

[@CoasterFan2105]

Frequently

[@felixthetrainfan4819]

This is so great! Wow Mike almost 20 years of filming trains! Congratulations 🎉👏 I'm happy for you that your channel reached your goal

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! It’s hard to believe I’ve been filming for that long!

[@SDRailfan]

The friends made along the journey are just as great as the trains. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@CoasterFan2105]

You said it! Thanks man.

[@BNSFrailfan01]

I made it up to Bellingham in the beginning of August and safe to say it wasn't disappointing. I was able to get the Robert's Bank coal train with BNSF 4729 on it. Outstanding job on this collection of train videos from 2003!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Awesome! And thanks so much!

[@BNSFrailfan01]

@@CoasterFan2105 You’re welcome! If you ever get the chance, go across the border into Vancouver, BC. Even if it has bad traffic, the railfanning opportunities there are simply awesome

[@CoasterFan2105]

I think you might enjoy some of the clips in this coming Friday's new video!@@BNSFrailfan01

[@BNSFrailfan01]

@@CoasterFan2105 Okay, I’ll be sure to check it out!

[@gnnascarfan2410]

Amazing video Mike. I moved to San Diego in 2010 and it is unbelievable how much the brilliant railway of the Surfline has changed in just the last 13 years, let alone 20-25!

[@hikingmansteve]

Mike, great video. Good to see the old Seattle Waterfront Trolley. It's still missed by a lot of us who work downtown. SR

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks, Steve! The Waterfront Trolley was really great. It's definitely missed. I have enough video clips of it that I could maybe make some sort of a video just about the trolley. 2025 will be 20 years since the line closed, so that might be a good opportunity to do something.

[@Plane840]

My childhood 😢 I watch you all the time❤

[@victoriatruckspotting2615]

The Dayliner!!!! I never knew you’ve been to Vancouver island. We have some crazy rail history here that’s often forgotten.

[@JDA0826]

4:59 That K5LA sounds really beautiful!

[@SoCalOCRailfan]

Incredible video!! Lots of cool catches, this also brings back some nostalgia.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@salvator4295]

Hi Mike. I wanted to give you a huge thank you for your videos. Not that i am a train aficionado, not at all. Honestly i couldn't care less about trains. But your videos are so fascinating for my 2yo son that it gives us the opportunity to get some food into him so that he eats at least something. You saved us a lot of nerves, so thank you.

[@Slipperyisimproving]

20 years ago. The nostalgia hits hard. He's been recording trains since 2003.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Pretty amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@natejackson8213]

Happy Anniversary, great transformation. Mike you did a real good job on this.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!

[@NoobRailfanner.]

Amazing video as always Mike! Keep up the great quality train videos you always make!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! I will!

[@billtherailfanner455]

Nice catches Mike from 2003. The Via Rail RDC used to operate in Vancouver island until Via Rail closed stations and the route on that island around 2011 I believe. And now the VIA RDC’s or some of them are currently operating on the White River to Sudbury line from what I remember.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks! I think you are correct about the current location of the RDCs. The old lift bridge and station were demolished a few years ago.

[@marlontellez7732]

Pure nostalgia, I remember when the Sacramento Station used to have a straight shot from the bridge and curved a sharp left compared to now. Also funny reminder of how old some of us are (to be fair, I'm only 21).

[@ConrailNKP587Brony]

I would Imagine Going Back to 2003. 20 Years Later, Some Things Have Been Changed

[@CoasterFan2105]

Indeed they have!

[@AmtrakCSXFan457]

2:31 Phase Va & B combination, gotta love it.

[@miloschulze3751]

00:00 That original intro sound really hit me! Nice that you went back to your original clips!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! I thought it would be a nice touch.

[@miloschulze3751]

@@CoasterFan2105 No Problem!

[@ethanserrano1640]

I love the Seattle water front trolley streetcars.🎉🎉❤❤

[@CoasterFan2105]

They were really cool! May have to do an entire video on them at some point.

[@TPB-OPA]

I may be 1 day late but but you’ve done well over the past 15 years!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Never too late! Thanks for watching!

[@djpetesake]

This video was worth the risk of motion sickness

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hahaha thanks for watching!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Very cool on the 15 years congradualtions. We enjoyed watching this video and have a fantastic rest of your Friday.(Steve)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Steve!

[@BNSF_SoCal_Productions]

Awesome video, sure does bring back a lot of memories from back then, also happy 15 years on KZbin

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@JoshcarsYT]

This video was literally made for me

[@CoasterFan2105]

Indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@jackgreene7813]

This is some really good quality for 2003!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! That old camera did alright.

[@ItzUrBoiVIUService2008]

Happy 20 Year Anniversary!!! ^w^ (2003-2023)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@LEGOLand_creators]

Hello. 2003. 20 years ago.

[@1044fan]

Very good quality for an old video 👍🏻

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! It's definitely not bad.

[@PrincessAmtrakMinamoto]

Cool videos. I’m always love trains in 2003. When I was little girl. 🙂

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!

[@TrainGuru]

Wow! The transformation between 20 years ago and now is remarkable. Amazing catches back then Mike! But what railroad is that at 12:42 and 15:12?

[@BNoakville]

That is none other than Camp 6! Camp 6 was a logging exhibition in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma WA. It's been gone for over 10 years now tmk.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! That is indeed Camp 6 in Tacoma. The other one is the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad.

[@SP4449Railfan]

Hey @TrainGuru your videos on steam engines history is great 👍

[@TrainGuru]

Thank you!

[@Fatal_Inertia]

The Coasters looked so new and shiny back then...

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, they really did. Always super clean and shiny.

[@AirlinkTrainsAndAviation_PACQ]

Nice job on bringing the 15 year anniversary hope you can achieve anymore anniversaries

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@revengeoftheseph]

13:35 I've always liked the old dice lights on older CDTX cabs.

[@DamianSix66]

Well done!I wish the trains were still like that

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! I do miss some of the old locomotives and paint schemes.

[@lightingsocool321]

Happy Anniversary 🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🌟✨️✨️✨️💖🎗

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@HarborSubHughley]

Fantastic video

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Evan!

[@HarborSubHughley]

@@CoasterFan2105 No problem

[@fingergunss]

These days: these days are the best days The old days:

[@idalwave6422]

Technology has changed since 2003, especially in the cameras. Very interesting

[@CoasterFan2105]

It's quite a difference! Thanks for watching!

[@RdgRails2102]

Congratulations on your 15 years

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@RailwayFan326]

I do miss the old Coaster F40-PH's..

[@CoasterFan2105]

I do too.

[@RailfanVal]

Nostalgia is back!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Back once again! Thanks for watching!

[@Rileytheediterofficial2]

my brother loves these!:D

[@ParrotGaming123]

Great video! Rly nostalgic

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@Railfan856]

Nice Video Mike! Trains were definitely interesting back then.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! That they were.

[@taslimchoudhary1253]

Excellent Video!! 🍀🌼🇮🇳🌼🍀

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@FremontRailMedia]

I wish I was a Railfan Veteran Iike you, I first filmed trains in 2017.

[@cristianmendozaflores7359]

Nostalgia

[@conceyullena]

Like 68 beautiful video, greetings 🚂👍👋

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much! Greetings!

[@user-mp2tk3pw6j]

3:05 NOO WAY!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@fingergunss]

What?

[@Willie_Melendez_4723]

Happy anniversary coasterfan2105 and my birthday is today

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Happy Birthday!

[@Dragonmasterjs]

YES! Amtrak 509. 😃

[@coolleo149]

Hey that’s the year I was born!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Awesome!

[@Scaletrains]

Nice videos, as always!

[@rsconover7957]

Happy anniversary, my friend!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!

[@yukach262]

who misses the amtrak f59phi?

[@trainspotting_and_tech2023]

Congratulations for 1B total views! 🎉🙂

[@samueljackson8020]

For this video you should have brought back the old intro with the crumpled paper

[@CoasterFan2105]

I thought about doing that. I'd also thought about making a new paper intro with the new logo. I don't have easy access to a high quality version of that original intro, so I would probably have to take the original files and put it back together again. Hopefully eventually.

[@mijicalmagiemance8014]

back in the good old days when f59's were out there, when Santa fe and bn locomotives were out there and also h1 dash 9s were common but now it's all gone sadly great vid when is trains at bob hope airport train station coming

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! Still no near term plans for Bob Hope Station.

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

What camera and tripod do you use now. Good work. It's always nice to visit the past

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! Currently, I use the Canon XF400, which is no longer in production, and a Manfrotto 028B tripod.

[@DougAust-bv8ek]

Oh, wow ... fun to watch but compared to our expectations today with anti-jitter and anti-spam plus experience, it can be hard on the eyes. 😀 As the cigarette ad said " you've come a long way..." Thank you for such quality viewing !

[@DougAust-bv8ek]

Anti-shake. .. dumb auto correct

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes, it's definitely not up to my standards for what I do now! Thanks for watching!

[@SP4449Railfan]

Q&A: Will you do a video on Roaring Camp 2023? What’s your opinion on the CPKC merger? Will you film the Niles Canyon Railroad in 2023?

[@TWF1003]

It's important to note that the type 1s of the MAX light rail system are on the verge of retirement. So if you want to film them again, you should start soon.

[@CoSpringer]

Sweet catches mike

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

The 3001 and 3002 engines have officially retired.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

4:11 That trolley line looks very familiar I think I remember seeing it on an old video called awesome Trains part two I’m curious to ask what was the name of that trolley line and does it still exist?

[@TRONDROM]

Hey Mike, what's that theme park steam locomotive at 7:10? Not to be rude but I honestly don't like your younger voice popping up during the video. Anyways Happy 15th Anniversary! 🥳

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks. I didn't want to do an audio replacement on any of the clips or any video enhancements for that matter, as I wanted to keep them as original as possible for this video. There were a few I left out completely because the audio wasn't usable, but I used a few of them even with some of the live voice overs because they were things that I still think were worth showing.

[@railfannerofthenorthwest]

8:20, is that in Seattle? Because throughout all the videos i have watched in the Pacific Northwest (too many) i have NEVER seen a EMDX demonstrater unit, Also 14:45. The amtrak California paint scheme on the Dash 8s have to be my favorite, i just love the way the blue and yellow fit together on the side

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes! I saw a number of those EMD leaser SD60s in Seattle in June of 2003. The AmCal scheme did look really nice on the Dash-8s!

[@pricethroneee1967]

dang he still making videos since on my childhood

[@user-xf4pp4nh2b]

You saw the Amtrak superliner

[@Kittenplayz]

Awesome!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@Desxn]

Sorry for the patient driver there 9:41

[@csxisaiahjonesproductions2290]

Nice Video Railfanning Of An Old Year Also How Old Of You In 2003

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@fakecumberland]

I forgot about the BNSF road-railer!

[@CoasterFan2105]

I saw it a couple of times. Almost always came through Fresno around the same time of day, right around noon. Was neat to see!

[@BalloonBugle88]

Hey Mike, did you ever film the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad before it was destroyed by a storm?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Unfortunately, I didn't. I went to Tillamook when it was still running though and have a few very distant memories of seeing the freight train there.

[@rhettrossalbert]

Nice Video

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@dr.trains119]

Before the charger

[@AtkataffTheAlpha]

27:52 was that really your voice back then? Dang you've grown so much!

[@matttrainboy]

wait is that you as younger mike and great work mike and next week what are you going to do next

[@CoasterFan2105]

Haha, yes it is! Thank you. Next week is Canada Trains!

[@matttrainboy]

@@CoasterFan2105 Canadian trains cool

[@mrdoschan]

Santa Barbara Station! I wasn’t born in 2003 but I know the station

[@SPC.CA.2007]

Nice Video. But the question is, how come trains in the past years always had reverse sets? (PLEASE LET ME KNOW)

[@claudiaavelar4538]

My brother was born In 2003