The Super Chief El Capitan Transition

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: LA, Cajon Pass, Albuquerque, Chicago

Timeframe: 1969- 1974

Length: 45 minutes

Source: Nick Muff, MD.

Santa Fe had a rich heritage for it’s passenger trains. The Super Chief and El Capitan were two famous name trains on Santa Fe.

Here are those 2 trains operating in combined service. Railroads did combine some trains, as passenger traffic declined. The loss of mail contracts also changed the overall usage of passenger moves.

A single DVD. Play video or previews. Dave Drui narration.

Pentrex has assembled a vintage collection of the headliner Santa Fe train. Soutgern California in mainly early 1970s Amtrak. Film sums to be 8mm. Quality in the very good- good range. Original Live sound, as well.

To the Trains…

A 1971 scene at the original Summit at Cajon Pass. Check the announcements here. Amtrak was leasing the Santa Fe F-units its. Six motors are seen here.

At Wish in 1974. FP45 pair with an F7B. Bicentennial baggage car. Note the different liveries on each FP45.

At Blue Cut in 1972.

Rialto Ave 1973 with a yellow bonnet.

Having left San Bernardino, a 1969 runby.

Crossing the LA River in 1974.

November 1972 at LAUPT. That’s Los Angeles. Ride a combined trip under Amtrak. F45, FP45 and F7B are the power set.

A 2 day journey to destination at Chicago. Film from two trips make up this segment. Interior shots of the train include dining.

Rearward view in New Mexico. Taos Mission on the left.

Exterior from a Dome car. Glorieta Pass in New Mexico.

Arrival in cold temperatures at Dearborn Station.

The Super Chief El Capitan Transition

A unique look at this train. Pre-Amtak and early Amtrak versions of Santa Fe. Plays in two halves. First are exteriors of these trains in Southern California. The second half is an onboard trip from Los Angeles to Chicago.

Interesting view of this piece of railroad history.

Santa Fe fans and general passenger train enthusiasts should find this an enjoyable show. Length is somewhat short at 45 minutes. Still, a worthwhile purchase.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars