The Aerotrain and The Viewliner

The Aerotrain was a streamlined train from General Motors that was introduced in 1955. General Motors demonstrated their new lightweight concept on several railroads in 1956, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, with the train operating in California between Los Angeles and San Diego as a San Diegan. Its general problems included a rough ride and under-powered locomotive. As a result, not a single railroad ordered a trainset despite extensive testing on both the New York Central and Pennsylvania. They were eventually purchased by the Rock Island and used in commuter service until 1966. The photo above was dated March 5, 1956 and taken at the Santa Fe Train Station in downtown San Diego. Although the San Diego Electric Company sign is gonzo, the building remains…



and now functions as the 43-story tall Electra Condos.



Even though the Aerotrain was a bust, that didn’t stop Walt Disney and Bob Gurr from being inspired by its sleek design when they built the Viewliner at Disneyland. Running from June 1957 to September 1958, it served as the precursor to the much longer lasting Monorail. The shot of the Tomorrowland Viewliner below is from July 1958.



An overhead shot from the Skyway, January 1958:



The Fantasyland Viewliner, from 1957:



August 1958:



The Fantasyland Viewliner Station:



Another Skyway shot, this one showing the Tomorrowland Viewliner Station, circa 1957:



See more Disneyland Viewliner photos at my main website.

San Diego Santa Fe Station, 1958

As many prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, let's start the week off with a vintage shot of the San Diego Santa Fe Train Station, circa 1958. Of course I especially dig the details, like those vintage autos in the parking lot!



Anybody care to see the Incinerators at the Spring Fair?



Here is a contemporary shot of the Station just so that you can see this historic landmark is still alive and kicking!



See more San Diego Santa Fe Train Station photos at my main website.

L.A. Trek, Pt. 1

In my younger days, it was always a thrill to head out west, get in the car, and zip down the freeway. Driving at speeds not possible in a small town was a huge thrill. As the years have gone by, the freeways are more congested and my tolerance for traffic has greatly decreased. Traveling by train has suddenly become very appealing. On a recent trek to Los Angeles, I boarded the Amtrak Train at the San Diego Santa Fe Train Station.



I couldn't keep myself from pulling the camera out early to capture a few architectural details as I was walking to the station.



The train takes a little over two hours to get to L.A.; on a really good day, I could probably drive it in about 90 minutes. However, the chance of getting a good day and not getting stuck in traffic gets more and more difficult.



Union Station opened in May 1939 as the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal.



It became known as "Last of the Great Railway Stations" built in the United States and was deservedly placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.



The massive interiors make quite an impression.



The smaller details, like this piece of vintage tile, also play an integral part in the beauty of this building.



Love the deco lettering.



Traxx Restaurant, which was originally the telephone room. One of these days I want to take the time to eat here. Even though it's only been around since 1997, it captures the feel of a bygone era.





Original light fixtures:



Comfy vintage seating:



It's easy to feel like you just stepped out of a Film Noir classic.



See more vintage & current Union Station photos on my Union Station web page.

Trip Report: Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2013 Pt. 1

I'm finally getting around to doing my trip report from the 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend. I wanted to get some shots of the park before it got too crowded, so I took the early morning train from downtown San Diego. As you can tell from this shot, the sun wasn't even out yet.



I love the architecture of this 1915 building; especially the vintage tile!



Before I knew it, Amtrak had let me off at Anaheim and I was peeking through the gates of Disney California Adventure.



It still seems funny to see crowds outside of the DCA gate matching the ones at Disneyland; I snapped a few shots through the fence before the masses were allowed in.



A lone cast member was mentally preparing for opening:



Despite the initial DCA photos, my goal was to get into Disneyland, as these two shots at the Fire Department can attest to.



So many cool knick-knacks and details to see inside.



The real treat about getting in is to be able to see Main Street, U.S.A. in all its glory. No strollers, no slobs attempting to get that last souvenir...I love it!



In this before and after shot, you can see the recent removal of the lacy "gateway" that formerly adorned the outdoor patio for Coke Corner.



I can't say I really miss it.



The sign may have said 10 minutes, but I walked on to The Jungle Cruise.



It was nice; not a soul for miles.



The boat wasn't too crowded, which made for a much more enjoyable trip. It was nice to see all my favorites, like The Ancient Shrine:



I really go ape over these guys:



Strangely, this attraction makes me crave bananas, although I can't quite figure out why.



The Skipper makes or breaks the Jungle Cruise; fortunately, we had a good one.



Anyone lolligagging around this attraction could be in for a nasty surprise.



Between the vultures and the natives, this place can be downright dangerous!



From Adventureland to New Orleans Square, I hightailed it over to the Haunted Mansion.



I couldn't wait to see my favorite attraction, Sans Skellington. The stretch portraits looked great:





Since the dead guy at the Burning Cabin is no more, I have to get my creepy thrills elsewhere.



No floating for Leota today. Again - that's just fine by me. She needs no extra trickery.



These two dueling portraits are awesome; I get a kick out of their endless feud.





Over in the attic, I attempted to shoot some props/scenery that I rarely photograph:







No matter how many times I ride the Mansion, this Crazy Constance just seems jarring.



Fortunately, the Marc Davis-style caretaker puts me back in a happy place:



As do the Grim Grinning Ghosts; what a well-done effect!



Thanks X Atencio for one of my favorite Disney songs!





I can't get enough of Little Leota; this exit affect has amazed me since day one.





NEXT STOP: The Columbia!

See more Disneyland Opening Day photos on my Opening Day photo web page.