Long Amtrak SWC 3 passing @ Sandoval County/US 550 Station

Train Info
Train Symbol/Number: #3
Railroad: AMTK (Amtrak)
Power Config: AMTK 51 (GE P42DC), AMTK 148 (GE P42DC)
Direction: Westbound
Origin: Chicago, IL, USA
Destination: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Recording Location: Bernalillo, NM, USA
Date: 7/26/2024
#train #railroad #railfan #amtrak

[@Sunset4Semaphores]

4 sleepers and 5 coaches? We have not seen that in a while. I wonder if any of them are dead heading or if Amtrak actually sold that many seats and sleepers.
I kind of miss 2020-2021. That was a fantastic time to ride the western long distance trains (minus the lack of meals). Usually 1 sleeper and 2 coaches and you had the entire train to yourself.

[@cactusrailfan31]

I am wondering is Amtrak is experimenting with longer trains again, they have had an extra sleeper all summer and brought back the baggage car. I do think a few cars on this train were just deadheading though.