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.

Tickets Now On Sale For The Return Of Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To San Diego

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 (2020) and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included).

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

Ticket Prices:

Coach, one way: $99
Coach, round trip: $198
Dome, one way: $199
Dome, round trip: $398
Dome Premium, one way: $249
Dome Premium, round trip: $498

The train will run from Los Angeles to San Diego on Saturday, May 1, returning to Los Angeles on Sunday, May 2. You will be able to ride the train both ways, if you choose to overnight in San Diego, or you can return to your starting point on the same day by taking a scheduled Surfliner. One way steam train fares will probably be $99 or $198 roundtrip. One way steam train with Surfliner return will be less than $150. Seats in dome cars are available at higher cost.

Place all orders through this link: Buy Tickets

We promise you an exciting and safe trip along the scenic Amtrak Coast Line behind the steam locomotive that powered the last scheduled passenger steam operation on the Santa Fe, on this line in 1953.

See Also: Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Caltrain Holiday Train Collects More Than 4,000 Toys

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

The holiday season will be brighter for thousands of children thanks to the generosity of people who donated toys during Caltrain’s ninth annual Holiday Train last weekend, Dec. 5 and 6.
In conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program and the Salvation Army, the Caltrain Holiday Train received a total of 4,045 donated toys and books and $2,304 in cash donations from visitors to the stations. Since the first Holiday Train in 2001, approximately 43,755 gifts have been generated for needy Bay Area children.

Working at the San Francisco rail yard at Sixth and Townsend streets, Caltrain staff and volunteers spent weeks decorating the train for this festive tradition.

Thousands of children and adults came out to see the spectacularly lighted train, which visited nine train stations between San Francisco and Santa Clara over the weekend. Kids of all ages got a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and other holiday characters and enjoy music provided by the San Francisco Corps of the Salvation Army band and on-board choruses.
The Caltrain Holiday Train would not be possible without support for decorations, wiring and costumes from the following sponsors: Linear Technology Corporation, HNTB Corporation, Parsons Brinckerhoff, the Port of San Francisco, Shimmick Construction Company Inc. and Rinat.

The San Mateo County Times, The Daily Journal and Radio Disney are the event’s media sponsors, and in-kind donations are being provided by Peterson Power Systems of San Leandro, Raison D'etre bakery and the San Francisco Caltrain Station Subway.

Amtrak, Caltrain’s contractor operator, and the San Mateo County Transit District also are partners in the event.

See Also: Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair / Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

California State Railroad Museum Announces Exhibit Partnership With National Model Railroad Association

Source: California State Railroad Museum (Press Release)

After five years of research, planning, and exploration, the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) and California State Parks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding paving the way for development of a model railroading exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM). This MOU anticipates a 3,500 square foot model railroading exhibit to be designed and constructed by the NMRA in CSRM’s Roundhouse Gallery, adjacent to the widely acclaimed “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit which debuted in 2004.

With a working title of “The Magic of Scale Model Railroading,” the proposed new exhibit will complement the subject matter already covered in CSRM’s “Small Wonders” toy train exhibit. It will trace the fascinating hobby of scale model railroading from the early 19th century—when American railroads were just getting started—to the present. Spectacular and inspiring examples of vintage models created in machine shops will be included, contrasted with today’s highest quality models and layouts to illustrate the constantly changing nature of this fascinating hobby and pastime. This new exhibit is expected to generate additional guest interest and increased visitation for the Museum.

The California State Railroad Museum, located at Old Sacramento State Historic Park, is an internationally known attraction operated by California State Parks with assistance from the nonprofit CSRM Foundation. Open daily, the Museum is widely regarded as the most popular of its kind in North America, attracting some 600,000 visitors annually. In addition to a changing array of exhibits and special events scheduled throughout the year, the Museum also operates steam-powered excursion trains every weekend April-September.

“The California State Railroad Museum is thrilled to partner with the National Model Railroad Association on this new initiative,” said Museum Director Paul Hammond. “We see this as a natural complement to the Museum’s permanent exhibit Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains, which has proven to be very popular not only with collectors but also with families of all ages. We’re also delighted to partner with the National Model Railroad Association in bringing the heritage and delight of scale model railroading to life for our many guests.”

The National Model Railroad Association is one of the largest model railroad organizations in the world. Organized in Milwaukee in 1935, the NMRA has 20,000 members worldwide and has been instrumental in setting industry standards to ensure interchangeability of model railroad products, as well as fostering knowledge and teaching its members how to improve their skills as model railroaders. The model railroading hobby continues to be one of the most popular in the United States, with an estimated 250,000 active participants.

“We at the NMRA see this as a fantastic opportunity to tell the interesting story of scale model railroading in a world class railroad museum”, said Mike Brestel, President of the NMRA. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the general public to discover not only the history, but the exciting possibilities of this fascinating hobby. Given that no comprehensive museum dedicated to the story of scale model railroading currently exists, the NMRA is very excited to be partnering with the California State Railroad Museum to bring this concept to life.”

The proposed exhibit is expected to cost between $500,000 and $750,000 to develop, with the NMRA providing the necessary funding. In addition to pursuing development of this new scale model railroading exhibit, the parties have additionally agreed to explore possible relocation of the NMRA’s library collection, currently housed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Sacramento. The collection would be administered by the staff of the California State Railroad Museum Library, also located at Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the CSRM Library is North America’s largest railroad-specific research and reference library.

See Also: Toys, Train Rides, Santa Sightings & More At the California State Railroad Museum This Holiday Season

Caltrain Beats Traffic To The KPFA Crafts & Music Fair

Source: Caltrain (Press Release)

People who love crafts, music and trains can take Caltrain to the 39th Annual KPFA Crafts & Music Fair Dec. 12 and 13. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center on Eighth and Brannan streets in San Francisco.

Every year, more than 10,000 collectors, craft enthusiasts and holiday shoppers attend this signature event that features 220 artisans from across the country, a gourmet food pavilion and live performances.

The event will provide shuttles from the San Francisco Caltrain station to meet northbound trains every hour at 36 minutes after the hour, from 9:36 a.m. to 3:36 p.m., and to meet southbound trains every hour on the hour, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Caltrain tickets must be purchased before boarding the train, and Ticket Vending Machines are available at all stations. For fare and schedule information, call 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448).

See Also: Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train / Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

Classic Locomotives, Including SP #4449 & SP&S #700, Featured On Portland Holiday Trains

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Source: Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation

This year the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation will again be running their annual 'Holiday Express' between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Oaks Amusement Park along the Willamette River. These holiday trains will be powered by both the famed ex Southern Pacific 'Daylight' GS-4 #4449 and the ex Spokane Portland and Seattle railroad 4-8-4 #700.

Railfans will get a rare chance to travel in vintage passenger cars from the golden age of railroading, while the kids will get a chance to meet Santa Claus himself!

These special trains run both during the day and also at night. Though the night time trains are lit up like a rolling Christmas Tree, a real sight to behold.

“There’s something special about an evening ride from Oaks Park to OMSI,” said Ed
Immel, V.P. of Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, the organization operating the special
holiday train, which only runs in the first two weekends of December each year.

When one notices the powerful and historic Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive, and the
rail cars behind it decked out in lights, hears the hissing as the steam rises, and sees the
silhouettes of people standing near the train, it evokes a magical, sometimes nostalgic
feeling.

“After dark, you can catch a glimpse of the Christmas Boats as they go around Ross
Island, see downtown Portland light up at night, and feel the crisp night air,” Immel
added. “Kids are always amazed when they see a working steam engine, but parents

Proceeds from the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation's holiday trains will go directly towards the construction of a permanent home for the three locomotives owned by the city of Portland Oregon, #449, #700 and ex Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. #197, a 4-6-2 Pacific.

As many rail fans already know, the ex Southern Pacific GS-4 #449 was removed from a park in Portland in 1975, restored to working condition, and pulled the historic 'American Freedom Train" around the country to celebrate this countries bicentennial (1976).

Ticket Info
Adult: $14
Child: $8 (ages 3 thru 12)
Family Pack: $39 (good for 2 adults & 2 children)
Fridays-only Family Pack: $39 (good for 2 adults, 3 children)

A complete schedule, and how to order tickets, can be found on the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation's website - HERE

A Model Of The 4449 In Her American Freedom Train Colors Can Be Found Here - Bachmann HO Scale 4-8-4 GS-4 Locomotive - American Freedom Train #4449

Toys, Train Rides, Santa Sightings & More At the California State Railroad Museum This Holiday Season

Source: California State Railroad Museum

With toys, trains and even good ol’ St. Nick, the California State Railroad Museum is sure to capture and spread the spirit of the holidays with visitors of all ages. While coveted tickets to The Polar Express™Train Ride are completely sold out for 2009, there’s plenty more to see and do at North America’s most popular train museum, both inside and out. In fact, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a nostalgia-inducing new exhibit on Monday, November 16, titled "Some Assembly Required," showcasing railroad-themed toys from the Museum’s collection.

Over the three-day Thanksgiving weekend (Friday thru Sunday), the popular "Train Time for Santa" event will take place—complete with festive Santa Steam Train rides—and the 13th Annual Toy Train Holiday Show in the Museum.

Amidst special holiday "Theater of Lights" activities throughout Old Sacramento that same three-day weekend—November 27 thru 29—visitors to the California State Railroad Museum will enjoy "Train Time for Santa." Ride with Santa aboard his very own steam train! Then explore the 13th Annual Toy Train Holiday Show where hobbyists from around the region will proudly display modular and portable toy and model train layouts set up in the Museum’s Roundhouse surrounded by full size locomotives.

Tickets for Santa’s Steam Train—which include complimentary admission to the Museum—are $15 for adults, $7 for youths ages 6-17 and children 5 and under are free. Santa’s Steam Train tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and trains depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot at Front and "K" Streets in Old Sacramento.

For Museum admission only (which does NOT include Santa’s Steam Train), regular museum prices are $9 for adults, $4 for youths ages 6-17, and children 5 and under are free.
Opening November 16, the California State Railroad Museum will showcase a special "Some Assembly Required" toy exhibit that is sure to inspire both wonder and delight with a variety of rare, intricate and colorful railroad-themed toys on display. The exhibit, with toys and games from the impressive California State Railroad Museum collection, will be featured through February 20, 2010.

For more information about the "Some Assembly Required" toy exhibit, "Train Time for Santa," the Toy Train Holiday Show or other museum related events, exhibits and activities this holiday season, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento, visit www.oldsacramento.com.

Live Entertainment Lights Up Caltrain Holiday Train

Source: CalTrain (Press Release)

The glittering Caltrain Holiday Train, which will stop at nine stations the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6, has become a popular showcase for local musicians. Live performances, onboard the train and at each station before the train’s arrival, help get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Each evening kicks off with a performance at 4:45 p.m. before the train departs the San Francisco station at 4th and King streets at 5:20 p.m.

The Salvation Army, one of Caltrain’s partners in the Holiday Train, has produced some of the most outstanding brass bands in the world and two of them will perform for Holiday Train audiences. A band representing the San Francisco corps will be onboard the train Saturday and Sunday night. The Santa Clara corps will perform at the last stops each night, Santa Clara on Saturday and Sunnyvale on Sunday.

Saturday night, Masterworks Chorale, one of Northern California’s finest choral ensembles, will join the band onboard the train. The group’s guest appearances include performances with the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera, and now, thanks to the Holiday Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Sunday, the Salvation Army will accompany the Menlo Park Chorus. Now in its 10th year, the chorus combines musical training and discipline with a neighborly feeling. Two high school choirs will entertain audiences at stations. The choir from San Bruno’s Capuchino High School will perform at 5:20 p.m. Saturday at the Burlingame station. “We couldn’t be more excited about our appearance,” said Director Justin Cottrell. “We have a host of great songs that we have been practicing all semester as well as some holiday favorites.” The choir from El Camino High School in South San Francisco will perform at 5:10 p.m. Sunday at the San Bruno station.

The Holiday Train’s second stop on Saturday will be in Redwood City. The City has incorporated the Holiday Train into its annual Hometown Holiday’s event. The outdoor party includes snow, a parade, fireworks and a late-night holiday movie. At 6:00 p.m., the Woodside High School Band will perform at the train station.

Also on Saturday, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Sinfonia, will perform at the Menlo Park station at 6:55 p.m. The emphasis on chamber music lies at the core of this award-winning youth string orchestra’s success. The West Bay Model Railroad will be open to visitors from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The display, which dates from the mid-century, features HO, S and O model rail cars zipping through tunnels and over bridges.

The Holiday Train will make its final stop of the evening at the Santa Clara station, home of the South Bay Historical Railroad Society. The display in the historic depot, which will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., includes HO- and N-scale model railroad displays depicting various railroad eras.

The fun continues on Sunday at the San Mateo station where the Golden Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus, a competitive a cappella group, will perform at 5:45 p.m.

At the California Avenue station, the Peninsulaires, the Palo Alto/Mountain View chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, will perform at 7 p.m.

Along the way the train will pick up toys and books for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program and the Salvation Army’s holiday toy drive.

The Caltrain Holiday Train would not be possible without support for decorations, wiring and costumes from the following sponsors: Linear Technology Corporation, HNTB Corporation, Parsons Brinckerhoff, the Port of San Francisco, Shimmick Construction Company Inc. and Rinat.

The San Mateo County Times, The Daily Journal and Radio Disney are the event’s media sponsors, and in-kind donations are being provided by Peterson Power Systems of San Leandro, Raison D'etre bakery and the San Francisco Caltrain station Subway.

Amtrak, Caltrain’s contractor operator, and the San Mateo County Transit District also are partners in the event.

See Also: Caltrain Gears Up For A Busy Holiday Schedule

Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 To Return To San Diego In May 2010!

Source: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

The Central Coast Railway Club and the Pacific Locomotive Association announce the San Diego Steam Special-II, powered by former Santa Fe 4-8-4 3751. Our train will depart LAUS mid-morning, Saturday, May 1 and arrive in San Diego mid-afternoon. On Sunday, May 2, the train will return to Los Angeles, leaving San Diego mid-morning, arriving at LAUS mid-afternoon.Tickets packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner in the other, or steam train round trip (hotel not included)."

Passengers can ride from the Los Angeles area to San Diego, have a relaxed lunch and return on a scheduled Surfliner, or return the next day. The same itinerary is available the next day, Sunday, from San Diego. Ticket packages are available for the steam train in one direction and Surfliner return, or steam train round trip.

Our train will have two dome cars, Amtrak coaches and an open-door baggage car. A photo stop has been requested in each direction.

We have all approvals and schedules and fares are being negotiated. We plan to start ticket sales in December. For updates, go to www.goldenstate rails.com

See Also: San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society

Railroad News - Cumbres & Toltec - Photographers Special With K-36 Plow & Flanger

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Cumbres & Toltec Senic Railroad

On December 4th the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will be running a special train for photographers featuring a K-36 locomotive with plow attached through the snow swept mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.

Railroad buffs will not want to miss this one. The Toltec, which operates ex Rio Grande narrow gauge equipment, runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Not to mention that steam locomotives produce amazing plumes of steam and smoke during the cold winter months. This combination will undoubtedly produce some incredible opportunities for some once in a lifetime railroad photographs.

If you love trains, or just love photography, this is an event that shouldn't be missed!

Here is the info from the Cumbres & Toltec website:

Winter Photographers Plow Extra with K-36 Locomotive, plow and flanger

Friday, December 4--Weather Permitting

Cost: $275 Chama to Cumbres Heated Passengers Cars
$325 Chama to Cumbres Caboose (limit 10)

50% discount FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
Departs Chama: 9:30AM
Arrives Chama: 2PM (Approximate)

Join us aboard the C&T for this rare opportunity to view and photograph the iron horse working hard to clear track along the line. This winter train adventure is sure to delight railfans as they watch crew members turn on the wye, clean SWITCH stands and battle the elements. A box lunch will be provided along with hot beverages. So bundle up, grab your camera and prepare for a unique ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The consist will include two 40 seat coaches along with an open gondola and the 05635 caboose. Run-bys at road crossings as time permits.

From 2:30 to 4:00 after the "Winter Photographers Plow Extra" there will be a slide show of 300 slides of "Snow Fighting On The C&TSRR" along with the "Great blizzard of 1957". We will have snacks & Hot Chocolate and Coffee available. The show will be put on by Rich Muth "Docent Extraordinaire"

There also will be a night photo shoot (weather permitting) using Locomotive 487. This shoot is being organized by the famous Michael Ripley.

Call 1-888-286-2737 to make your reservation.


For More Info, Go To: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/content/events/72.aspx