Which SP train would you choose to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
a) Coast Daylight
b) The Lark
And from San Francisco to Portland?
a) Shasta Daylight
b) The Cascade
I think when is a big consideration, considering the 60’s downgrading of all four. I have ridden 98/99 and 75/76 many times, #10 only once, and not at all on 11/12. My first thought was out on one, back on the other, especially if the “deal” came with Pullman tickets, and, well, I guess we had better specify Parlor seats for the Daylights. For me, the Shasts route comes with such great scenery that I would probably take the Daylight both ways. The coast route? I grew up here, so I’m a bit jaded about local scenery, and so am more willing to consider equipment over landscape. I’m a huge fan of the Lark Club, and dearly love to spend more evenings (the “club” was opened an hour or more before departure for visitors to enjoy “bon voyage” sessions, even dinner) and mornings in this beyond cool setting…the Daylight triple unit diners were very impressive, but simply nothing like the “clubs”.