Amtrak's Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles

Рет қаралды 2,897,710

8 жыл бұрын

Come along with us as we climb aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief for an amazing, 3-day adventure across America. Beginning in Chicago, Illinois, our train will take us over 2,200 miles to Los Angeles, California, on the former route of Santa Fe’s Super Chief streamliner. From Illinois farm country, transitioning to Kansas prairie, we thunder across Colorado, and head over the Rocky Mountains on the steep grades of Raton Pass. Then it’s down through New Mexico on scenic tracks that today are only used by Amtrak. Seemingly frozen in time are relics from Santa Fe’s heyday, including semaphore signals and long stretches of jointed rail, as we pass the historic landmarks of Wagon Mound, Glorieta Pass, and Apache Canyon. Soon we make it to California, running over Cajon Pass before making our grand entrance into famous Los Angeles Union Station.
With vantage points inside the train and along the tracks, I captured the entire experience on the Southwest Chief, carefully edited from hours of footage over more than a year of filming. I hope you enjoy this video!
The adventure continues in California - be sure to check out my other videos documenting trains in the Los Angeles area:
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner: Los Angeles to San Diego
• Amtrak's Pacific Surfl...
Los Angeles Metro: The Red Line Subway
• Los Angeles Metro: The...
Downtown on the San Diego Trolley
• Downtown on the San Di...
Trains in Fullerton, California - October 2014
• Trains in Fullerton, C...
If you'd like to see many other full-length train videos, don't forget to subscribe to my KZfaq channel at:
/ everywherewest
Also follow my Facebook page at:
/ bobbyharveyvideo
Copyright © 2016 Bobby Harvey. All Rights Reserved.

Пікірлер: 2 100

@RxHoyt 4 жыл бұрын

This guy is pretty bad ass. Gets out the train to film then catches back up for interior shots!

@TS-ev1bl 4 жыл бұрын

I picture the scene early in the first Superman movie (1978) where a young Lois Lane looks out of her passenger window in amazement as a teenage Clark Kent races alongside the train on foot, accelerates, and outruns it to the crossing, complete with a Road Runner-esque cloud of dust billowing up behind him. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aKedjMKFxrvMaIE.html

@richardparis8869 6 жыл бұрын

I like how you kept the ambient background noise in. It really gave me the feeling of being there.

@lydiaanderson3312 3 жыл бұрын

@Hello Richard Paris, How are you doing?

@ralphburns6659 2 жыл бұрын

There's no other way to see America than on a comfy train!

@joefranks4235 5 жыл бұрын

I remember the trip I took with my parents on Amtrak's California Zepher. We left Chicago and got off at Reno Nevada. The trip continued by bus down through California making stops along the way. It was with a tour with Holiday Vacations out of Wisconsin. It was a wonderful trip. My parents and I had our own private sleepers. Only way to travel on such a long trip. It was back in October of 2002. Never will forget it. They're both gone now and I had a wonderful time traveling with my mom and dad. We flew home from Los Angeles. Would love to do it again.

@byronpink9061 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your train 🚆 ride experience with us. I am definitely looking forward to taking some cross country train rides in the near future. I have enjoyed the ride from the comfort of my couch 🛋.

@litaperna1128 4 жыл бұрын

I took this train and it was a fantastic experience of a lifetime. We were treated like royalty. I saw magnificent scenery and I met very interesting people from all over the world.

@teredude 5 жыл бұрын

I love the departure through Chicago's South Side Neighborhoods. Every street looks alike full of stores, factories and apartments. This is America. It still looks the same as it did in the 70's when I worked there.

@rickeaston3228 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched this video many times. I will never see much of the western part of the US by plane or car again but I can enjoy the view for nothing at home watching these kinds of vids. Thanks!

@saraharkness 2 жыл бұрын

Every time I think I have exhausted KZfaq for things I enjoy, I discover a new treasure, like this video. I will definitely watch everything you have. I feel like I am on the train itself. In these days of fear of covid, I have wanted to take a train trip, but didn't. Now I know where to go for an almost perfecg experience. You have done a wonderful job and I look forward to more of your videos. Thank you so much.

@derekdestep40 2 жыл бұрын

This is on my bucket list to take Amtrak around the country

@RealBron03 Жыл бұрын

do it. i took it in July and besides a couple hiccups, it was fun

@debraplott5574 Жыл бұрын

I'll ride with you.....don't forget the snacks and pepsi..... LOL

@stevej71393 Жыл бұрын

Just be warned, Amtrak is not on the level of quality that you would expect from an airline. Seating is a little chaotic and the employees on the train tend to be grouchy old men. I have not had good experiences with Amtrak.

@zzmike 4 ай бұрын

This is the best video I have seen on The Southwest Chief, my favorite of the transcontinental Amtrak routes. It makes me want to instantly book a ride on it again! Thanks a lot! -- Mike

@padkirsch 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video. Thank you for the commentary! ✅✅✅

@martha7811 5 жыл бұрын

I took this train from Chicago to Albuquerque, New Mexico.I had a bedroom. What a great, relaxing trip......saw so much of the country. Beautiful!

@Nalatnuom 6 жыл бұрын

Brought back many memories of the trip from Chicago to Los Angeles that I made with my mother and sister in August of 1961, just before my 13th birthday. I love trains and loved the journey. Well done, Bobby!

@jimhanold9026 4 жыл бұрын

A nice memory, Alan Mount! Thank you for sharing it!

@lydiaanderson3312 3 жыл бұрын

@Hello Alan Mount, How are you doing?

@hockeymann88 3 жыл бұрын

Watched the whole thing. Very enjoyable.

@dvferyance 5 жыл бұрын

I remember on Reading Rainbow the host took a trip on Amtrak and got off at a station that looked just like the Barstow one. That could have been the one. It definitely looked southwest so I can say for sure this was the route featured on the program.

@rmkpilates 6 жыл бұрын

I ate my lunch and pretended I was in the dinning car. What a great ride. Thank-you for this. God Bless America

@asafaust8869 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed my ride on the chief in 1979. The next time, I will save enough money for first class with a place to sleep. Three days was too long of a trip while sitting up. Plus, the double decker made me nervous by rocking too much, especially near the mountains.

@jerryarmstrong8640 8 жыл бұрын

The best way to see the USA!

@brianferrell4566 3 жыл бұрын

No, the best way to see the USA is in your Chevrolet.

@edward365 2 жыл бұрын

I could watch videos like this every day!!!!

@jimlasterni7310 4 жыл бұрын

mr. Harvey I want to say how much I enjoy your video I am disabled and at times I get in a low mood and I put on your video and it really cheers me up thank you so much for the great job and God bless

@jcextranow 4 жыл бұрын

I love watching videos like this because it makes us feel as if we are actually a passenger on the train ourselves without leaving home, lol

@jcextranow 2 жыл бұрын

@Larry Butler have you ever had someone do that to you. You seem to have some experience with the rickety shit

@litaperna1128 6 жыл бұрын

I love this. I took this route on this train. Thank you. You brought back an experience of a lifetime. Great video.

@brittnaesimmons5170 Жыл бұрын

Took

@charlenekelley7268 2 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable video. Felt like I was really there.

@borderreiver3288 4 жыл бұрын

nice journey...great scenery.....

@EmmettHoops 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you sincerely for posting this. I was on the Chief just last month, from Flagstaff to Chicago, and it immediately became my favorite Amtrak route. Even more dramatic than the Empire Builder, and that's pretty spectacular. Long may the Southwest Chief run!

@steveshoemaker6347 5 жыл бұрын

I can remember Laying in the bed at our house here in southeasttern KY...In the late 1940's hearing ...That lonesome.....Whistle blowing....Comeing out of Harland Kentucky loaded with Coal....Just after my Mom tucked me in the Bed....An turned out the light..Hanging down from the center of my bed room ceiling...Back then our house had just ben wired for electric lights...One for each room...Anyway....Just at 12 O'CLOCK ..Every night a 12 i could here that old steamer Whistle echoing thru the hill back in that place....When I was a child....Sad to say but all of that is gone now.....And almost me to...For I am old now...Thanks very much...!

@thetestament15 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely memory...

@williamyork2408 4 жыл бұрын

Shame, Elitist, that someone did not teach you that if you cannot say something good, not to say anything at all.

@Vxllain 4 жыл бұрын

William York preach

@jimhanold9026 4 жыл бұрын

A nice memory of riding public transportation, Steve Shoemaker! :)

@paul-andrelarose3389 3 жыл бұрын

I share your views and I deplore that the young people of today will never have such fond memories. And then we wonder why our youth has lost its sense of purpose and creativity! 2020/09/19.

@Acehitman369 3 жыл бұрын

I want to ride Amtrak so badly again I have the great time on the Southwest Chief in 2018 I had my own sleeper car it was nice

@carrollcy 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the great show!!!

@klausb48 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for one of the great railroad experiences 👍💥

@edwardschofer8493 3 жыл бұрын

This is a superb filming of the Southwest Ltd. Congratlations for a job very well done.

@jeffreynovak9379 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful Scenery and history.

@odusdandy2368 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a retired otr truck driver and watching this video brought back memories of running from Minnesota to salt lake city Utah and on to Bakersfield ca there were rail lines running parallel the highway most of the time

@dancingfilly7355 6 жыл бұрын

I’ve ridden this route as well as several others across the country! My favorite way to travel! You see and experience things you can’t see any other way!!! Love it!!

@ericsherk1261 5 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love this! Thank you kindly for all the hard work you put in.

@weinito 2 ай бұрын

The California Zephyr, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight are all spectacular, with the great views of the mountains, but the Southwest Chief tops them all. It is easily my favorite route. I think mountains on the Zephyr and the Builder and the coast on the starlight are cool, but the vast open plains, Raton Pass and desert views on the Chief are by far the prettiest on the network. In my opinion, the Southwest Chief is the Chief of all Amtrak routes and it totally deserves its name

@joemackey1950 5 жыл бұрын

Ah memories. Went back and forth between CO and Chicago on the Santa Fe many times in the '60s and '70s....

@GLG1957 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all of your work Mr. Harvey. Very enjoyable.

@burningisis 7 жыл бұрын

I rode the Chief back in 2013 and it was glorious seeing the country by long distance train. It was comfortable, and the gentleman in the cafe car made for the best tour guide. I would gladly travel on the Chief again.

@Tulasidharv 5 жыл бұрын

Brings back memories from September 1990 when I traveled on this wonderful train from LA to Chicago. Thanks very much.

@patriot9455 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I watch two of your videos back to back, it was a highly enjoyable 3 hours. We are going to have to go to Salt Lake City on some business matters sometime this winter, I am seriously thinking it would be a wonderful train trip, then go down and visit family in AZ, come back and go home from L.A. to Kansas City. I know it will not be a cheap ride, but it would be a wonder filled time. My pics and videos would not be as professional as yours, but the memories we would have would be there for a lifetime. Thank you for your videos.

@rj6404 4 жыл бұрын

I have been in this train .. beautiful experience , the scenes are amazing .. it was twice the cost of plane journey but the facilities were great, the observatory coach, the restaurant , the snack bar, amazing, real nice staff , I guess if u .book in advance it might be a little economical, pretty much covers the room and food , nice pvt restroom .. the sitting coach was amazing too, lots of nice people, like they say life is journey , the experiences r invaluable .

@ansunefilmydialogue7737 4 жыл бұрын

The heart was happy to see America a beautiful country through a beautiful train

@brendancoyle3048 4 жыл бұрын

A real service to those that have not experienced this fascinating rail journey - thank you

@RobertMCotter 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Bobby! Really enjoyed it.

@lydiaanderson3312 3 жыл бұрын

@Hello Robert Cotter, How are you doing?

@samthepoet107 7 жыл бұрын

I did this trip about 15 years ago starting out at New York Penn station to Chicago then taking the SW Chief later in the afternoon, Had a sleeping room along with meals and showers so that helped make the trip bearable. It's a big country out there worth seeing.

@user-kt1zq3ww7t 3 жыл бұрын

It really feels like a train trip. Thank you for inviting me to the trip via video.

@eddie_wolf_ 3 жыл бұрын

nicely done. very enjoyable and btw awesome shots! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

@gretchenkurz5276 3 жыл бұрын

Fred Harvey and SF RR... what a fine collab that was.

@angiegallegos773 5 жыл бұрын

Ive been wanting to go on a train ride and this was close enough!!! Thanks for making my day!! It was like I was on this train ride!! Please continue to post these WONDER TRAIN RIDES! WOOOOHOOOO!!

@nickdingus3781 3 жыл бұрын

I've taken this train multiple times back and forth, its a wonderful way to see the western United States. Very relaxing and you get to meet a lot of people.

@micahbea-taylor414 2 жыл бұрын

Train is a

@ambroseterrence3594 5 жыл бұрын

Terrific video, wonderfully shot. Many thanks!

@TheQueenSpider 4 жыл бұрын

I love these Amtrack videos. I used to ride the Illini between Chicago and Carbondale when I was a student. After a while the ride got boring, seeing nothing but corn field after corn field. With these videos I can fast forward to the interesting sights.

@EricMovie.DirectorsCut 5 жыл бұрын

I took this train KC to LA in 2017. Was a very memorable journey. I've since taken the Texas Eagle a couple times and the Chicago to New Orleans. I'm going to take NY to Miami this Fall and also the Los Angeles to Seattle. I advise anybody who has the time in their schedule to slow down a bit and take Amtrak while we still have it here to enjoy.

@joandonegan9950 5 жыл бұрын

That was awesome! As a former Amtrak employee, it was nice to reminisce about the (rail)road!!!

@MrSeattleguy3098 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video thank you

@jimholder6656 3 жыл бұрын

Super production, Bobby -- thank you!

@passionsunlimited9646 5 жыл бұрын

This video brought down my stress levels..thx for sharing.

@michaelglass4701 8 жыл бұрын

I love the SOUTHWEST CHIEF, my brother rode the Chief from CHICAGO to FLAGSTAFF in the fall , the journey was beautiful.

@mannyb5081 4 жыл бұрын

Mr. B. Harvey, this video Southwest travel is indeed a wonderful one. It’s spectacular. I am engrossed watching it because it’s a scenic travel. Airplane above thousands of feet can’t provide that. Thanks for sharing your great experience!

@vi683a 4 жыл бұрын

What a great movie!

@lachmaclean2383 7 жыл бұрын

Probably the best video I have seen on train travel in the US. Loved the explanation as to the track change near Galesburg. Seeing it on Google Earth, it all makes sense. Keep up the great work. Cudos from down under.

@antoniomiguel3789 6 жыл бұрын

Love watching this trip; I find it a good way to see the country, without travel stress. Exclente video Many thanks Bobby. Job very well done.

@joannhill9738 4 жыл бұрын

Truly a lovely trip. I’m ready to experience this journey, myself. Thank you for the splendid views and excellent narration filled with interesting facts. All aboard!

@firstlast1047 3 жыл бұрын

Very disappointing. It could have been edited further. The many shots looking at the rear could have been reduced. Yes, there were many interesting views of the landscape. The narrative was excellent for the material presented. One glaring omission was the lack of video showing the accommodations, dining car, the menu, the snack car and the observation car. I rate this video a half of thumb.

@DianeHasHopeInChrist 5 жыл бұрын

I love Amtrak. Southwest Chief was an amazing trip. Did it twice....going to do it again!

@AlexJCornell 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! I've been enjoying every second! I also plan to take this magical trip! Can't wait to feel and accomplish my famous American Dreams! My heart belongs to America! I was born in Europe, but my Real Home is Los Angeles!

@craigrichardnelson 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. This is one of the best railfan videos I've seen. It was just perfect. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

@ronaldfeltenstein8410 6 жыл бұрын

I'VE WATCHED THIS VIDEO 3 TO 4 TIMES. LOVE YOUR HISTORY LESSON. LOVE TO YOU DO FROM LA TO FL. ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF ARE GREAT COUNTRY.

@williamsantangelo 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You for the trip I enjoyed it very much I loved it the world at my finger tips!!God Bless!!!

@amtrakisveryepic4169 5 жыл бұрын

That Western Auto sign in Kansas City is nostalgic for me. When I was little I use to take the Missouri River Runner from Kirkwood MO to Kansas City. I live in Arizona now and I miss the times where I get off the Southwest Chief or River Runner and seeing that sign.

@paolocaruso424 8 жыл бұрын

for me this video is better than a movie

@christopherorourke6362 7 жыл бұрын

paolo caruso I totally agree with you entirely.

@charlienapier3910 7 жыл бұрын

paolo car

@astrofabio68 6 жыл бұрын

absolutely

@user-vj5eh2ry5r 5 жыл бұрын

For me, too.

@riddler273 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah! For me, never having been to the U.S., this authentic footage is just so interesting (even beginning with the announcements on the train and how they are conducted)!

@demerrillspencer3860 5 жыл бұрын

So Beautiful

@anoopkhandekar799 4 жыл бұрын

Superb thsnkd for uploading

@kerryincolumbus 6 жыл бұрын

A MOST enjoyable video, thank you Bob Harvey!

@jimhanold9026 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed, kerryincolumbus-thank you, Bob Harvey! :)

@leswright4565 3 жыл бұрын

Great to see this. We took this trip in 2014 (by accident, but that's another story) as part of a holiday from the UK. While we watched your film we looked at our own photos. It was wonderful to relive our experience. Thank you.

@BobMocarski 5 жыл бұрын

Took this line to Raton New Mexico for a camping trip many years ago. Loved the ride. Observatory car was wonderful and provided great views. Loved how the train had to turn the power off to climb the mountains.

@johnoliver653 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. I'll be over there as soon as this virus thing is finished.

@haivannguyen8972 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing beautiful video Sir.

@robertbishop5357 5 жыл бұрын

I road the Super Chief out to LA way back in the day. A great train.

@BusTVChan 5 жыл бұрын

outstanding production

@larailfan1714 3 жыл бұрын

Why?

@williamchristian8389 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!! Thank you very much!! Looking forward to more wonderful videos

@Schfartz831 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love this vid. Makes me wish I were back over the pond.

@marklawrence343 5 жыл бұрын

5 Stars, I loved the video, thanks for posting.

@alexverdigris9939 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome rail journey.

@heinzbreuer2674 4 жыл бұрын

Was für eine schöne Zug fährt mit dem amtrack. Durch das wunderschöne amerik🇺🇸

@sparks1504 8 жыл бұрын

been on the #3 four times, one of the best if not THEE best train trips you could ever make...

@georgeackerman90 8 жыл бұрын

Great trip across America so much better than by plane, hope to do the tip by train in the near future. Thanks for the posting.

@walterbridges6741 7 жыл бұрын

George Ackerman

@StopRequested 6 жыл бұрын

Much slower, and price isn't too different. View is worth it though.

@mateojames3231 6 жыл бұрын

George Ackerman US trains are kinda unreliable if you're thinking of heading from one state to another. Union Pacific, BNSF, and Souther Pacific rule the rails. Making Amtrak trains go very slow to accommodate freight trains. Europes trains are beast. I'd prefer taking a train from point A to point B.

@hakeemsd70m 5 жыл бұрын

@@mateojames3231 Southern Pacific was merged out of existence into Union Pacific in 1996. And I agree with you, I myself would much rather take a train here in the USA too. The governor of Ohio stole our proposed funding for passenger rail which would have linked the three C cities, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, together.

@rxrcond4life 4 жыл бұрын

@@mateojames3231 Southern Pacific is now Stupid Pacific.purchaaed by UP and ruined for years and it continues today...

@bigjim893 4 ай бұрын

This is absolutely the best. Thank you so much. I watch this video every night❤❤❤

@1973Veteran 6 жыл бұрын

My wife and I have rode on the SW Chief from Hutchinson, KS to Ft. Madison, IA and back on several occasions. Always enjoyed the ride.

@DavidKabongeGenesisOne1 7 жыл бұрын

Great work. Will definitely want to ride on this someday, as the Lord opens doors.

@brichall 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that wonderful video with us. I, for one would have like to have seen some of the amenities like sleeper cabins, cafe, dining cars, menus. I still it a thumbs up for the beautiful scenery of our great country. Nice job!

@jermainem3399 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent comintary sir thank you for your service stay blessed

@Firebrand55 5 жыл бұрын

Fascinating! Living in England, country like this just ain't around! Excellent filming and narration...Southwest Chief Lives!

@chico7469 6 жыл бұрын

Took this to San Bernardino back in 85, fascinating ride.

@reneehenderson6134 7 жыл бұрын

This film was very relaxing to watch. A nice break from working on reports and files all day.

@angelmessenger8240 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, thank you. The only way I'd ever be able to see it.

@167curly 5 жыл бұрын

A god trip through Middle America, thanks. I joined that train in Albuquerque a couple of years ago, and over-nighted to LA and then up to Portland, OR. Also in 2013 I took the northern AMTRAK route from Chicago on the Empire Builder to St. Paul, got off, and then rejoined a few days later to Whitefish, Montana for a few days and then on to Portland after the train divided in Spokane for Seattle and Portland. All great rides.

@ruthelisaluna6910 5 жыл бұрын

Amtrak's Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles was a very pleasant and informative trip.

@danielrsson2171 4 жыл бұрын

I want to go on a trip like this!! :)

@kaweshkarelectronico 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bobby Harvey for this trip aboard the Southwest chief, it is a fantastic journey across your country and into an historic train one of my favourites from USA