ATSF 3751 and the AAPRCO Convention, Part 1

The first of three videos I took of the AAPRCO (American Association of Private Railcar Owners) Convention train as it was pulled through Southern California by the former Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway 4-8-4 Steam locomotive #3751.

The first angle you hear a group of about four Railroaders (BNSF, Amtrak, Metrolink, and Coaster all in one) discussing top speeds on the line. We're waiting at about Milepost 209 on the San Diego Northern Railroad's San Diego Subdivision, just down the hill from CP Songs in San Onofre, CA.

For those wondering what's being said over the radio, the Amtrak pilot engineer calls out a clear at CP Songs then asks the helper Amtrak units for a small push to reach 55 MPH. This was the only interaction I heard throughout the day between the Steamer and the helpers... I never even heard the helper units working until they were on the wye, from what I gather from officials they were mostly just along for the ride.

After that we went to the watering hole for some pictures, but didn't hang around or get video, but moved straight down to Carlsbad Village where we listened to the Dispatcher perform a juggling act with four trains, one siding, and a crossover. First Amtrak 769 blasted through Westbound (Compass North) enroute to Goleta, just north of Santa Barbara. About ten minutes later Amtrak 566 went through eastbound towards San Diego.

Finally on 566's block came the AAPRCO special. This was the only whistle I got for the day, but I think this was the gem for whistle blowing... Such a gorgeous and haunting sound.

Get a load of the Private cars... You'll see more of them coming up in Parts 2 (Climbing the Miramar Grade) and 3 (Wying the power). Sadly I could not get the departure this time for reasons I'll explain later. For now just enjoy the show!