Western Railroad Discussion > Why was #11 late from SLO to LAX Saturday PM/Sunday AM

I was wondering why #11 was late on Saturday, August 4th from SLO to LAX?

From Headsupcoastine Group:

Not a good day for Amtrak at SLO. #11 is still at the depot with unknown brake issues. #796 departed and barely left the depot when their engine shut down. #14 has stalled two times on Cuesta, the second attempt they shut down HEP to the train then over heated the traction motors and are now stopped for a cool down.

Posted from iPhone

TY, CPRR as #11 departed OXN 12:47AM and Arr LAX 2:24AM Sunday.

Reminds me of the one time I had an opportunity to ride a SB Coast Starlight from Oakland to LA.  On Cuesta grade, they had to shut off the HEP to get us up the hill.  It was a warm summer day and got a little warm in the train.  Really a sad state of affairs when Amtrak can't keep sufficient power on these trains. 

hotrail Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Reminds me of the one time I had an opportunity to
> ride a SB Coast Starlight from Oakland to LA.  On
> Cuesta grade, they had to shut off the HEP to get
> us up the hill.  It was a warm summer day and got
> a little warm in the train.  Really a sad state
> of affairs when Amtrak can't keep sufficient power
> on these trains. 

This has been going in for years—-it happened in June 1996 on our round trip from San Jose to LA and back. Seems it is an annual summertime situation.
C

Carol Voss
Bakersfield, CA