Pooches On The Peninsula: P30CHs On The Southern Pacific Commutes | Circa 1978

The GE P30CHs were one of the first brand new passenger locomotives to be built following the formations of Amtrak. 25 of the 6-axle cowl units were delivered between August of 1975 and January of 1976. These units were not without their issues, and they suffered from terrible ride quality, HEP failures, dynamic brake problems, and constant vibration. These units were nicknamed "Pooches" due to the bulldog nose appearance, and the locomotive designation resembling the word "pooch". All units were retired by 1992.
In 1978, the SP was power short for the San Francisco Commute service as a majority of the railroad's passenger power had been pressed into freight service. In order to keep up with scheduling demands, 15 Pooches were leased for service between San Francisco and San Jose. This video covers the P30CHs running on The Peninsula during off hour weekend service. Along the way, SP action is also seen at Burlingame, Santa Clara, and College Park. Units are seen moving in and out of Lenzen Street roundhouse in San Jose, as other blast by College Park Tower. In addition to views on the Peninsula a P30CH is also viewed on the point of Amtrak 6 at Oakland 16th Street, and Martinez.
These Super 8mm movies were taken by Fred Klyver, and come from the collection of Rob Klyver.
Enjoy this look back at that brief moment in time when the Pooches ruled the Peninsula!

[@user-AZ-phil]

I rode from Burlingame, and later San Jose, in the Harriman coaches and Pullman gallery cars, behind these engines. Fond memories of the peninsula commute before Caltrain.

[@markjl261]

Great Video! I remember when Amtrak first aquired these locomotives, Amtrak and GE had a Factory New P30CH on display in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Union Train Station and allowed the public to check out the locomotives cab interior back in 1975. I was fortunate to be able to climb up into the cab to have a look inside!

[@hotrail8295]

What a cool time on the Peninsula! Thanks to all involved for making this valuable footage available.

[@Traincraft_Fan]

i am a fan of the P30CH, i like this film, keep up the good work (and what happened to the 1938 city of san francisco cab ride video!!!!)

[@mikehawk2003]

If you were a crew of a P30CH, your view on them would definitely change.

[@F40M07]

POOOCH

[@TamasKiss-bv9hz]

❤🤍💚🤘🤘🤘

[@csxtrainfan319]

The P30CH was one of the worst trains ever made, which is sad because they look promising and I love their horns.