San Diego Surfliner Midway Rail Ventures-Bella Vista 3-25-2004

Fullerton to San Diego, CA, on The Surfliner

March 25, 2004

In Alphabetical Order: Don Drummer, Rex Harrod, Gary Hess, and Carl Morrison

Our Day's Plan was to ride the Surfliner from Fullerton to San Diego, have lunch at the Fish Market, and continue on to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park, then return home to Orange County.

We accomplished all this, but with two major pleasant surprises thrown in for good measure. One surprise was seeing the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway already positioned at the San Diego Aricraft Carrier Museum:

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When you arrive at the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego on either the Coaster or Surfliner, you will surely see, and maybe ride, the Red Trolley which stops at the depot as well.

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The Southbound Surfliner usually arrives cab car first. Notice the white lights indicating the head of the train at this point.

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Rex found the ramp, put out by the helpful conductor, was sufficient for his entry and exit.

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Surfliner and Coaster cab cars now ready for northbound duty, note the red lights now indicating the end of the train.

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The Surfliner had with it, as it came to San Diego, the Rail Ventures, Bella Vista, dome sleeper and diner.

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I approached the car and staff, and when they saw my TrainWeb.com business card, they immediately said, "We advertise on TrainWeb!" "That is Ray Burns right? He has ridden our train!" I said, "yes, that is who I report for," and they gave me a quick tour of the car. It sure is good to know people in high places, right Ray?

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This car was completely rebuilt in 2001, and is the most versatile and elegant rail car in North America. It offers superb viewing from both the dome and the open viewing platform.

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Two master bedrooms (one made up for day travel, above, and one made up for sleeping, below) have queen sized beds with private bathrooms and tiled showers. Two gracious staterooms (not shown) include bathrooms, sharing a shower and dressing room.

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Meals are prepared in a stainless steel galley and served in the vista dome. During the day, seating is changed from dining to travel and viewing.

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The Bella Vista is completely self-contained, including food and beverage service, for day travel of up to 24 passengers, or overnight travel for eight.

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