Short Load,

You're absolutely right, Phil Anschutz did offer to sell the entire Coast Line to the State of California for $600 million, an amazing bargain, even "back" then. Inastead of saying "thank you", his motivations and even this amazing bargain price were questioned as to motive and intent by press and politicians..... Those "evil" RR's must be up to something nefarious, right?

One of my old cronies, "steel" Neil Peterson, then head of the LACMTA, tried in vain for nearly two years to get somebody to listen and take up this amazing offer. He arranged for several equipment "tours" with modern Danish trains, and the like. I was on several of these with him.

Peterson also came up with a "billion dollar" plan to reduce travel time on the Coast line, using tilt trains and raising most of the line to 90, and 110 over most of the Salinas Valley, that would have permitted a 6.5 hour schedule between LAUPT and San Jose.

Richard Katz tried to get folks on board, too. All to no avail, as the worst transportation Governor in my lifetime, the truly useless Petey Wilson, would have none of it..........and the UP bought the SP, and we blew it. What do you think the UP would be willing to sell the Coast Line for?

Oh well.......?