Amtrak Pacific Surfliner #573 climbs toward Miramar in northern San Diego, California, on July 22, 2011. On the point on this day is 90230, an NPCU cab car constructed from old F40PH 230, painted for service on the Cascade trains in the Pacific Northwest. (These are also called "cabbages," combining "cab" and "baggage".) In late July and through August each year, the Del Mar horse racing season necessitates longer trains and, therefore, more equipment. To fill the need, older Amfleet and Horizon Fleet cars are placed in service between Los Angeles and San Diego. Number 90230 was sent south to assist as well. Amtrak P42DC 117 is the power for this train, and on this northbound run it is on the rear.
Stretching from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, the Surf Line has become Amtrak's second busiest route. See the Pacific Surfliner and San Diegan in action along with trains from predecessors Santa Fe and Southern Pacific.
