Amtrak's Vintage Comet Cars on the Pacific Surfliner

For the past year or so, the Pacific Surfliner train route in Southern California has seen its share of unique and interesting train consists. From 30 year old GE Dash 8 locomotives, crazy consists, and unique pieces of equipment, it seems that nothing is off the table to run anymore! One such interesting consist, is the use of Amtrak California (Caltrans) Comet IB coaches.

Originally built in the late 1960's as “Arrow 1” self propelled electrical multiple unit cars, they were later converted by New Jersey Transit standard coach cars after various running issues. In the late 2000's, the State of California purchased 14 of these cars from New Jersey Transit; and they were completely overhauled by Amtrak. In the early 2010's, these cars saw usage on the San Joaquin trains in Northern California. In 2024 due to various equipment issues on the Pacific Surfliner, they were brought down to Southern California, along with 2 NPCU Cabbage Units, for spare service.

All locations listed in video.

Thanks for watching! | Video and Content by MichaelLovesTrains 2025
#trains #amtrak

Timeline:
0:00 - AMTK 509
1:55 - AMTK 503
2:25 - AMTK 509
2:51 - AMTK 90225
3:15 - AMTK 503
3:41 - AMTK 509
4:13 - AMTK 503
4:41 - AMTK 503
5:14 - AMTK 192
5:50 - AMTK 158
6:16 - AMTK 509
6:45 - AMTK 158
7:16 - AMTK 90225
7:52 - AMTK 158
8:30 - CDTX 2119
8:58 - AMTK 503
9:22 - AMTK 510
9:46 - AMTK 503
11:46 - AMTK 509
12:36 - AMTK 509
13:04 - AMTK 503
13:58 - AMTK 510
14:49 - AMTK 503
16:53 - AMTK 90225
17:47 - AMTK 90225
18:22 - AMTK 503
19:00 - AMTK 158
19:33 - AMTK 510