Amtrak Spirit of California | September 1983

The Spirit of California was a short-lived state supported Amtrak service operating over the SP Coast Line between Los Angeles and Sacramento. During the trains short operating stint from 1981 - 1983, it was noteworthy for being one of the few state funded Amtrak operations that offered sleeping car service.
This video follows the Spirit of California trains during their last days of operation and youll chase the action from Oakland to Sacramento with Phas II and Phase II power. This Super 8mm film was shot by Don Kaplan and is now part of the collection of the Western Railway Museum.
Enjoy this look at the 1980s Spirit of California!

[@user-AZ-phil]

Back in the early 80s, when I would get off work late in the evening, I would occasionally chase #15 along El Camino Real, south of San Jose, on my way home to Gilroy. She'd always beat me to Morgan Hill! 🎉

[@mp165]

Please Please Bring back the Amtrak Spirit of California. This was a very useful service and it WILL be very succsssful in the future when it is restored.

[@wondabiz]

I wish, but since it takes the same route as the Coast Starlight I dont think it will come back sadly

[@RailpaxScott]

Excellent footage! I am trying to see what Sleeping car names were on this train. Anyone able to tell me which sleepers were used? I think the NP dome sleeper must have been a private car which in those years were required to wear Amtrak colors if in an Amtrak consist.

[@derrickwong5337]

Love it! Amtrak Spirit of California for celebration 53 years

[@HunterLohseRRVideos]

43 years

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Love this thank you 🙏

[@hiphophamop4853]

6:36 hilarious!

[@TamasKiss-bv9hz]

👍👍👍❤🤍💚

[@AJ_LIKES_TRAINS]

How did someone get on that dome!?!?

[@RailpaxScott]

My theory is that the dome sleeper is a private car. Someone must have used the middle front facing dome window which on some domes is an emergency exit and can be opened. Rediculous and unsafe for sure.