great pics -- thanks for posting these.
I did the same Amtrak trip in 1989, so these photos really take me back. after spending time in L.A., I continued by taking the Coast Starlight up to San Fran and eventually Seattle, then headed back on the now-defunct Pioneer from Seattle through Boise, Salt Lake, Denver and back to Chicago.
best trip I ever took. nothing like taking the train to see some amazing parts of the country.