Watch for trip details to be announced!

Take a railfan trip of a lifetime from Los Angeles to Chicago! Ride aboard the private, Budd-built, 1950 10-6 UP sleeper "Pacific Sands" on the Southwest Chief. To keep this trip to the lowest price possible, we will be traveling at the head end of the train so that we have access to the Amtrak diner and lounge through the transition car. This is a trip only for real railfans – there will be no crew aboard other than the car owner. We will stock standard self-serve railfan snacks aboard Pacific Sands, but meals will be in the Amtrak diner. The owner will be aboard to offer mechanical and operational information about the car.

You will be provided with a copy of the Sleeping Car Attendant Guide. If you desire, you will be able to take a turn as the car Conductor or Porter during the trip. In Chicago, your hotel is the train, which will be parked either in the Amtrak coach yard or a platform of Union Station.

Ride the El, the South Shore, the old Burlington, Milwaukee, Rock Island or C&NW commuter lines. Visit all of the Chicago railfan hot spots during our 3 days in downtown Chicago. Railfan photography problems? Take all the pictures you want from private property – our open vestibule window! Trip cost is only $1095 which includes travel and stay aboard the train in Chicago. All meals are on your own. One way for $550 is also available. Call for details but reserve now! Only 17 spots available. Deposit required to hold space.

Schedule

June 30th (Saturday)
Depart Union Station, Los Angeles at 6:45 PM

July 2nd (Monday)
Arrive Chicago at 3:20 PM
 

July 4th  - Celebrate in Chicago!        

July 6th
Leave Chicago at 3:15 PM

July 8th (Sunday)
Arrive in Los Angeles at 8:15 AM

First Class sleeping accommodations aboard the Pacific Sands:

The Pacific Sands features traditional single person "roomettes" and two person "double bedrooms". All rooms have toilet/sink facilities, individual temperature control, fans, small closet. Couples have the choice of a double bedroom, (Upper and Lower berth) or in individual "right across the aisle" roomettes. Two Double Bedrooms may also be joined together to form a suite for a family of four. The car is equipped with a shared shower and also features a kitchenette at the end of the car.