Southern Pacific San Joaquin Daylight & Automat Car - La Mesa Model Railroad Club

Running between the Bay Area, Tehachapi, the Central Valley and Los Angeles, Southern Pacific trains 51 and 52—the San Joaquin—operated until the inception of Amtrak. To capture the era of mixed consists that gave the SP such a unique presence, this train represents a consist from the 1962 Christmas season.

Despite Southern Pacific’s attempts to eliminate dining-car service, the train includes Automat car 10603, rebuilt from a Pullman 6-6-4 sleeper.

My model of the Automat was kitbashed from a Walthers PS 6-6-4 sleeper. Although this car has never been offered in plastic, it was produced by several brass importers. They are priced as one would expect for brass, but they are beautifully executed models. Be sure to watch until the end to view detailed photos of the car.

While some versions had their vestibule-end trap doors permanently fixed in the lowered position, I specifically selected a car where the trap doors remained closed, which simplified the build. After filling windows, modifying the interior, and making several other cosmetic adjustments, the car is now a suitable representation of the prototype.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional videographer and only share these images for the enjoyment of the hobby and for those who do not have the means to visit the La Mesa Model Railroad Club. To the viewers who expect the highest quality high-definition sound and video equipment at the ready, make a donation to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum by visiting https://www.sdmrm.org/ and support local businesses.

Vic Yoder:    / @victoryoder  
Vic Yoder Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/7150944...
Soundtraxx: https://soundtraxx.com/
Durango DCC: https://durangodcc.com/
Pacific Coast Lines:   / brassmag  
La Mesa Model Railroad Club: https://tehachapipass.club/
San Diego Model Railroad Museum:   / modelrailroadmuseum