Southern Pacific's Coast Line

Located on California's Central Coast, between Los Angeles and Oakland, Southern Pacific's Coast Line may be North America's most scenic line. Completed in 1903, the 460 mile line has received little upgrading over the years. Hand-thrown sidings, jointed rail and forward movement controlled by two-way radio limit traffic on the line. The tracks average four through freights each day plus Amtrak's Coast Starlight. What few trains SP does run are often 7000 feet long, too long for most sidings. Motive power is diversified with everything from foreign CSX Dash 8's to vintage SD9's in freight service. The entire line is presented with emphasis placed on the 100 miles that hug the Pacific Ocean and the 15 miles that climb Cuesta Grade.