The Golden Gate Railroad Museum Gives Railfans A Chance To Run A Steam Locomotive

Source: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum (Press Release)

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum, in conjunction with the Niles Canyon Railway, is excited to announce the opportunity of a lifetime. Take a step back in time and fulfill your childhood fantasy of running a steam locomotive with our "Run-A-Steam-Locomotive" program.

The Run-A-Steam-Locomotive program will be held on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, 2010 on the Niles Canyon Railway in beautiful Niles, California. What better way to gear up for Winterail 2010?

Operations will utilize the GGRM's former Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2472

An instructional course will be provided by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum's Chief Mechanical Officer on the safe and proper handling of a steam locomotive.

During your one hour session you will operate SP 2472 from the end of yard limits at Niles two miles into the canyon and back at 10 miles per hour.

Two people can share an operating session; Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Proper clothing is required. We recommend a long sleeve shirt, boots and gloves.

Former Southern Pacific Club-Lounge No. 2979 will serve as the classroom and refreshment area.

Participants will receive a certificate and special recognition item.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://ral.eventbrite.com.

See Also: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum To Offer Romance On The Rails

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum To Offer Romance On The Rails

Source: The Golden Gate Railroad Museum

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum is pleased to announce that our 1940's vintage Southern Pacific lounge car #2979 will be available for reserved seating on the 2010 Valentine’s Day Train on the Niles Canyon Railway.

Mark your calendars and come out to experience Romance on the Rails when GGRM and The Pacific Locomotive Association host a Valentines Day Wine Train on Sunday February 14, 2010. You'll be served a selection of wines and Hors d'oeuvres onboard this luxurious Art Deco Lounge Car.

Experience the magic of this elegant Art Deco lounge, as it winds through Niles Canyon on a two-hour round-trip ride from Sunol to Fremont and return. Your trip on the Southern Pacific 2979 is aboard a vintage 1940’s parlor lounge car restored to its original layout, appearance and atmosphere. The car features plush lounge seating and a semi-circular mahogany bar framed by etched glass and mirrors.

All seating in the Valentine Lounge is reserved. To purchase tickets, please visit our ticketing site.

The car is climate controlled for your comfort and enjoyment. For your comfort and safety our volunteer car attendants will be aboard the car to assist in boarding, detraining or if any assistance is needed during your trip.

Note: The Valentine Lounge is not wheelchair accessible due to the narrow aisles and doorways on our antique equipment.

For more information, see the Valentine Lounge FAQ and event flyer.