Recently our President, Henry Baum, joined The Cast of Niles podcast to talk about railroad history, our railroad and our museum’s future plans. From their website, “In this second episode …
Recently our President, Henry Baum, joined The Cast of Niles podcast to talk about railroad history, our railroad and our museum’s future plans.
From their website, “In this second episode of the Cast of Niles, we sit down and talk with the president of the Pacific Locomotive Association that runs the Niles Canyon Railway, Henry Baum. Not only does Henry share with us the opportunities and progress made on the existing railway and future railroad museum, but he takes us back in time to the very beginning of the story of the railway in Niles Canyon almost a century and a half ago. Little do people realize that Niles Canyon played in significant part in the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.”
Please visit them here to listen or to find links to the podcast on all of the major podcast channels including Spotify and Apple.
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, our Niles Canyon Railway Build East Track Construction Crew reached another major milestone as they completed the ballasting, leveling and tamping of all of the current installed track which now ends just on the east side of Happy Valley Bridge. This is a major milestone for the team who has been working for many months methodically working their way toward this goal; insuring the railroad was properly leveled and hardened to allow trains to now pass all the way to Happy Valley.
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, our Niles Canyon Railway Build East Track Construction Crew reached another major milestone as they completed the ballasting, leveling and tamping of all of the current installed track which now ends just on the east side of Happy Valley Bridge. This is a major milestone for the team who has been working for many months methodically working their way toward this goal; insuring the railroad was properly leveled and hardened to allow trains to now pass all the way to Happy Valley.
With this milestone accomplished, the team will shift their first Saturday of the month efforts towards being to extend the railroad east of Happy Valley Bridge. New volunteers are always welcome and more details can be found here on our Construction Volunteer page.
Here are a series of photos across the day leading up to the final tie being tamped and a group photo being taken at Happy Valley Bridge.
All photos by Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Starting the day in the final straight away. The stacked rail and track panels will be used for the extension of the railroad east of Happy Valley Bridge.The jacks are set and the tamper is busy at work forcing stone under the ties.Dressing the ballast to insure the tamper has the right amount of rock to to work with.The goal… Happy Valley Bridge!Tamping and insuring the level is correct.NCRy volunteer and Treasurer, Pat Stratton, runs the tamper.Jacking to level…A little more…That will do!Waiting on the level to be set to decide if further jacking is needed.Jacking and resetting…Making progress toward the bridge.Build East leader and NCRy Vice President, Mike Strider (right) discusses the plan with NCRy General Manager, Steve Barkkarie.Jacking to the proper elevation as the railroad is still on a curve here so the proper super-elevation needs to be set keeping in mind the elevation must work toward level for the bridge.Project leader, Steve Hill, sights down the rail to look at level and position.Checking level and elevation…Checking level and elevation…Getting close to the bridge!One last level check!Getting closer as see from the east side of Happy Valley Bridge. The rail on the bridge is just lightly spiked to hold it in place, but allow to to be moved if needed to adjust alignment once contruction restarts on the east side of the bridge.Tamping the final few ties!Getting closer…One last tie!That will do!Success and a team photo for those who were still with us on this momentous afternoon! Great work Build East!Now on To Pleasanton…
On May 30, 1968, the PLA operated the first of its Truckee Limiteds over the Southern Pacific. The trip was a round trip one day adventure from Oakland to Truckee, California and return. This was one and only time one of the three unique SP DH643 hydraulics pulled a passenger train. In this follow up blog post to an earlier post, we share some new images and info.
The Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA), the owner and operator of our Niles Canyon Railway, was initially founded as a group to be able to organize and run trips behind the then disappearing steam locomotive. While the group quickly shifted into railway preservation in the late 1960s, it never lost its trip operating roots.
On May 30, 1968, the PLA operated the first of its Truckee Limiteds over the Southern Pacific. The trip was a round trip one day adventure from Oakland to Truckee, California and return. This was one and only time one of the three unique SP DH643 hydraulics pulled a passenger train.
We already published one blog post in early 2023, available below, with one set of images from one of our PLA/NCRy members. If you have not seen it, please check it out.
First blog post covering the 1968 Truckee Limited.
Here are several more photos by T. O. Repp of the special train that day running from Oakland over Donner Pass that have been shared with us to share with you. Thanks to Mr. Repp for sending us and allowing to share his images.
16th Street Oakland – T. O. Repp photo – Used with permission16th Street Oakland – T. O. Repp photo – Used with permissionTruckee Limited at Colfax – T. O. Repp photo – Used with permissionTruckee Limited meet on Donner Pass – T. O. Repp photo – Used with permissionTruckee Limited – T. O. Repp photo – Used with permission
While from a later Truckee Limited, PLA/NCRy member, Brian Wise, recently shared an advertising brochure for the 1970 version of the PLA’s Truckee Limited. He was kind enough to let us share it here.
April 26, 1970 Truckee Limited brochure – Brian Wise Collection – Used with permissionApril 26, 1970 Truckee Limited brochure – Brian Wise Collection – Used with permission
Did you ride this trip? Do you have anything else interesting about the trip you could share with us as we continue to document our history? Please contact us if you do.
Our Niles Canyon Railway was recently informed that we are the recipient of a 2023 John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust grant in the amount of $31,000 to be used toward the manufacture of new staybolts, staybolt sleeves and staybolt caps for the boiler of our Southern Pacific #1744.
Our Niles Canyon Railway was recently informed that we are the recipient of a 2023 John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust grant in the amount of $31,000 to be used toward the manufacture of new staybolts, staybolt sleeves and staybolt caps for the boiler of our Southern Pacific #1744. This was the largest of the 19 grants awarded this year.
Current fundraising progress for the staybolts for SP #1744, Would you please help us get to our stretch goal?
This grant adds to over $35,000 already raised for the boiler components starting with Giving Tuesday last November to give us just over $67,000 raised in the past 5 months! The NCRy has a goal of raising $75,000 total in 2023 for this project although we have now stretched that goal to $125,000. This will allow us to cover not only the manufacture, but some of the installation of the staybolts into the boiler by our boiler contractor, Stockton Locomotive Works.
We are still actively fundraising for this work. We thank those of you who may have already given and ask those who may not have made a donation to please consider one soon. Tax deductible donations in any amount can be made via our website on our Donation page. Additionally, checks made out to the Pacific Locomotive Association may be sent to: Pacific Locomotive Association,SP#1744 Restoration, P.O. Box 515, Sunol, CA 94586-0515
We want to thank the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust with this grant; the second the NCRy has received in the past several years. Previously they gave us $10,000 for the men’s bathroom restoration in our Southern Pacific twin-unit coach. We greatly appreciate their support, and the recognition of the hard work of the volunteers of the Niles Canyon Railway!
Continued frame repairs to the SP #1744 are ongoing to eventually support the rebuilt boiler. From our 3/18/23 work session. Photo by: Chris Hauf – Used with permission
With a lot of new steel installed along the roof line and throughout the kitchen side of the body, Howard Wise has recently turned his skills from metal work to painting and lettering; starting the four color Great Northern paint scheme on the kitchen end of the car as a first step to continuing the work down this side of the car and eventually across the whole car. Learn more about the process and how you can help with a donation.
Over the past several years, a dedicated team has been working inside and out to restore our Great Northern Railway Ranch Car ‘Hidden Lake’ which was donated to our Niles Canyon in February 2019. On the exterior, this effort has been led by master craftsman, Howard Wise, who is also the driving force behind the restoration of Southern Pacific #9010. With a lot of new steel installed along the roof line and throughout the kitchen side of the body, Howard has recently turned his skills from metal work to painting and lettering; starting the four color Great Northern paint scheme on the kitchen end of the car as a first step to continuing the work down this side of the car and eventually across the whole car.
Here is a timeline of photos supplied by Howard showing just a few of the different steps taken on the kitchen side of the car to remove and replace corroded steel, prep and prime the car for paint, and start the complex four color paint scheme including the lettering on the car. These photos are by no means comprehensive of all of the incredible work our volunteers have done on this side of the car over the past year plus; work which is now being continued on the opposite side of the car to a similar degree.
Steel has been strategically removed from under the kitchen window and along the lower portion of the side of the car. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionNew steel has been welded in and body work has begun. The stencils for the lettering are test fit in their proper location. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionThis side of the body has been sanded and primer work has been started. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionPrimer underway especially on the kitchen end of the car which will be the start of the four color GN paint scheme. This area gives the team a chance to test everything including their paint methodologies. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionPrimer is complete on the rest of this side while the final paint work is underway on the kitchen end. It takes several steps typically working from lighter colors to darker colors. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionAligning and applying the GREAT NORTHERN stencils to the car. These will have Pu;;man Green sprayed over them and then will be peeled to expose the lettering yellow underneath. Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permissionThe finished product on the kitchen end of the car. Can you help keep us going by funding the painting supplies? Photo by Howard Wise – Used with permission
To help keep the paint progress moving forward, we have launched a new Facebook fundraiser to support a portion of the cost of the paint work. With high quality, long lasting primers and paints costing upwards of $300 per gallon and the need for four different colors for the as built GN paint scheme, we would love your support in any amount to help us offset the cost of painting the kitchen side of the car. Steel work is still underway on the other side of the car. While $3500 will not pay for all our painting supplies, it will cover most of them for this side of the car which would be a huge help to the project!
You can visit our fundraiser at Facebook at the button below. Prefer to donate via PayPal directly, there is a link for that too? Or if you like to learn more and get the address to donate via check, please visit our Donation page here.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to share some photos of the many women who volunteer with our Niles Canyon Railway and help us continue to thrive and prosper.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to share some photos of the many women who volunteer with our Niles Canyon Railway and help us continue to thrive and prosper.
From our Ticket Agents to our Gift Shop team to our Maintenance-of-Way team to our Railroad Operations Department to our Commissary Department to our Car Department and beyond, women are represented in all facets of our operation. They contribute a large number of volunteer hours across these departments to help us fulfill our mission, keep our museum running smoothly, and offer our visitors the best experience possible.
We would love to have more women come out to volunteer with us in whatever capacity that interests you! Please visit our website for many of the volunteer opportunities we have to offer across the museum. We are proud to celebrate the many contributions of women to our organization on this International Women’s Day!
Our Gift Shop Team on board our rolling Train of Light gift shop. They are now turning their attention to our Sunol Station Gift Shop we head toward season opening,Our ‘Wednesday Warriors’ crew composed of both men and women concentrate on passenger car work for our Car Department until later summer when they shift their attention to Train of Lights decorating.Our Railroad Operations team has both male and female engineers as seen here with one of our female engineers at the helm of our SP #1423. Interested to learn how to be a member of our train crew? More info here,Our Maintenance-of-Way and Build East construction teams also have both men and women contributing to the upkeep and growth of our railroad.Our Station Agent (left) along with one of our many Ticket Agent volunteers review tickets held at Will Call for our Train of Lights passengers. When you book a ticket with the NCRy, you must then pick up your physical tickets from our ticket window before your trip insuring only you get your tickets.Our Commissary Department plays a critical role in offering food and hosting services during our Train of Lights and help with our events like our Beer Trains (they are coming again soon!) and other events centered around food and beverage. Right now, we need more people to help to staff our concession car during our Saturday and Sunday train rides. Something you may be interested in? More info here.
Over the past few years, a few historic photos taken in Niles Canyon have surfaced that we have really liked. We really enjoy seeing what was as all we can see today is what is. One of our volunteers, Chris Hauf, has also decided to try to replicate some of these photos which were both taken just west of our Brightside yard.
Over the past few years, a few historic photos taken in Niles Canyon have surfaced that we have really liked. We really enjoy seeing what was as all we can see today is what is. One of our volunteers, Chris Hauf, has also decided to try to replicate some of these photos which were both taken just west of our Brightside yard. Here are two for comparison, and we want to thank the original owners of the photographs for allowing us to share them here along with links to their original posts on Facebook.
Along 84 by the bridge of Alameda Creek
Then…
Original caption. “: With a wave from the fireman, and an indifferent glance from the engineer and the lounging head brakeman, Southern Pacific AC-10 class “Cab-Forward” number 4232 thunders past with a train of refrigerator cars on a cold damp day. The massive oil-burning simple articulated 4-8-8-2 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, construction number 64314, in 1942. She was photographed with train number 408, the backwards “8” on the fireman’s side stands out, on the Niles Canyon line near Brightside, California at some point in the early 1950s.” Taylor Rush Collection – From the Album Facebook Group
Now…
Clover Valley Lumber Co. #4 rolls toward Brightside yard during on test run on March 4, 2023 at the same spot as the photo above. The same tilted telegraph pole is still there some ~70+ years later although the set of telegraph poles is now gone so the trees have encroached further into the right-of-way. Photo by: Chris Hauf – Used with permission
At Brightside west of Estate Crossing…
Then…
Original caption – “April 1965, SP E-unit #6017, the first passenger diesel on the SP, passing thru Niles Canyon in the company of two PA units with an excursion train on it’s way over Altamont to Sacramento.” Drew Jacksich photo – Drew Jacksich on Facebook – Used with permission
Now…
Robert Dollar Co. #3 pulls one of our weekend Niles Canyon Railway train rides just west of Estates Crossing on March 14, 2021 in the same location as the Drew Jacksich photo above. Photo by: Chris Hauf – Used with permission
Do you have any historic photographs of the trains of Niles Canyon you would like to share with us to try to replicate? We would love to see them. Please contact us and let us know.
In late December and through parts of January, the Bay Area received significant rainfall with storms lining up one after another. The joy of having our Niles Canyon Railway in a canyon is the incredible natural beauty of the steep cliffs, scenic Alameda Creek and the surrounding hills which make for some dramatic scenery as our railroad winds its way through. On the flip side when it rains, a canyon with its steep walls and creek are the first things to slide or overflow; both which took place with the heavy rains.
In late December and through parts of January, the Bay Area received significant rainfall with storms lining up one after another. The joy of having our Niles Canyon Railway in a canyon is the incredible natural beauty of the steep cliffs, scenic Alameda Creek and the surrounding hills which make for some dramatic scenery as our railroad winds its way through. On the flip side when it rains, a canyon with its steep walls and creek are the first things to slide or overflow; both which took place with the heavy rains.
Highway 84 look west toward Niles alongside our Brighside yard during the December rains. Our yard is on the hill to the right while Alameda Creek typically flows in its banks 100+ feet to the left. Photo by Bob Bradley – Used with permission
Overall, our railroad survived the pretty well, but we had many slope failures where dirt filled our drainage ditches and culverts and in some cases, covered over our railroad. Since the rains started, our volunteer crews have been out working to insure our railroad is ready for our March rides to start and insuring our railroad is ready for the next rain whenever that may come. We certainly are not ones to not want to see our statewide California drought end.
Whether it’s rain or shine, our crossing signals have to be inspected and tested based on a schedule dictated by the Federal Railroad Administration. On this rainy day our Signal Department crew is out with umbrellas at one of our six active grade crossings performing the required monthly inspections and tests. Photo by: Curt Hoppins – Used with permission
Here are some photos of some recent creativity and work to clean our ditches and culverts using a combination of some of our railroad equipment; some custom built by our own volunteers and some of our earth moving equipment which is kept for just these types of events and more.
All photos below by Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
With our Burro crane for motive power, our custom built ‘Heavy Hauler’ railborne low-boy trailer holds our track mounted GradAll which is busy removing dirt from our culverts and ditches.The GradAll deposits soil from the filled culverts on the other side of the railroad where our backhoe working in the distance will pick it up and disperse it at the proper grade.The GradAll deposits soil from the filled culverts on the other side of the railroad where our backhoe working in the distance will pick it up and disperse it at the proper grade.The Gradall with its extending and rotating bucket is ideal for this type of work.The backhoe works to redistribute the excavated soil.Swing for a new load.Ditching away. You can see how the slopes have failed and slid.Ditching away. You can see how the slopes have failed and slid.Museum General Manager, Steve Barkkarie, operates the Gradall. Steve is a master with all types of heavy equipment operation and made the work look easy.A view from the heavy hauler/Burro side.A view from above to give a feeling for how steep the slopes really are. Another shot from above where you can see our railroad, Highway 84, Alameda Creek and the Union Pacific Railroad on the other side of the canyon.Volunteer, Doug Vanderlee, operates the Burro crane. Doug designed and built the Heavy Hauler from another old Burro crane and a surplus Army lowboy tank hauling trailer.Scooping a large rock that had come down the mountain.Preparing to move to the next location.Off they go deeper in the Canyon to deal with more slope failures.
Alas not all of the work can be done with machines. The mud has covered our railroad in many places where hand work with shovels is required to remove the earth from the ties in between the rails. We are very fortunate to have a very dedicated team that typically volunteers on Wednesday and works on Maintenance-of-Way and occasionally helps with other projects including the rebuilding of our two open cars last year. We thank them for their dedication, and I am sure they would welcome more hands to help.
Mud is shoveled from the ties east of Brightside yard by our dedicated Wednesday Maintenance-of-Way team. Photo courtesy of Bob Pratt – Used with permissionMud is shoveled from the ties east of Brightside yard by our dedicated Wednesday Maintenance-of-Way team. Photo courtesy of Bob Pratt – Used with permission
We want to thank all of our volunteers who have come out to help in the wake of the storms. From our Signal Department crews to this crew to our Brush cutting crew who took care of several downed trees to our Maintenance-of-Way team that has been spending several days shoveling mud from our ties and right of way as sometimes working by hand is the only way to complete the job.
We always welcome new hands to help so please check our Volunteer page for the many different departments you can contribute to including Signals, Brush Cutting and Maintenance-of-Way.
Our Steam Department volunteers had a very busy end of 2022 working on the restoration of Southern Pacific steam locomotive #1744 while also working on other projects around the shop including the annual inspections of Skookum #7 and Clover Valley Lumber Co. #4. Here are a series of photographs that highlight some of the work undertaken on the 1744 during the fourth quarter of 2022. Please look for new updates coming soon in 2023!
Our Steam Department volunteers had a very busy end of 2022 working on the restoration of Southern Pacific steam locomotive #1744 while also working on other projects around the shop including some infrastructure work, maintenance items on Skookum #7 and Clover Valley Lumber Co. #4, and continuing to move parts of SP #2479 from Santa Clara to Niles Canyon. Here are a series of photographs that highlight some of the work undertaken on the 1744 and around the shop during the fourth quarter of 2022. Please look for new updates coming soon in 2023!
While we have you… 2023 is shaping up to be a busy year with the 1744 along with SP #2479 restoration work. The 1744’s boiler work is planned to continue and hopefully accelerate. This means we will need to purchase more parts including 1400+ new staybolts that need to be machined. To help us with the cost of that work, please consider a donation today to our ongoing SP #1744 fundraiser.
Volunteer, John B., starts the process of pad welding two wear areas on the #1744’s frame where the furnace bearer has worked its way into the frame over 1744’s long life. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Welding away… You can see the wear mark on the engineer’s side has been ground clean to get ready for welding. It will need to be filled level with the frame. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Fireman’s side fill getting closer… Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Welding in process… Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Volunteer,John B. uses this very simple setup to check for fill level. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Original built to grind the pedestals of SP #2479, this rig has joined the NCRy Steam Department along with the SP #2479 crew. It has proven to be just the right thing to do the job. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
After the first grind on the fireman’s side. One more pass to complete the job was needed. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Volunteer, Charlie F., was busy in the shop on the lathe making new taper pins for a replacement beam he also machined for the 1744’s frame. Many parts have to be made as they are not available commercially. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Welding on the engineer’s side with the Train of Lights waiting departure in the background. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Teamwork really makes the difference as the frame repairs are discussed. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Volunteers, Art & Charlie, study the construction of 1744’s suspension spring packs to decide how repairs will be made. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
With 1744’s new driver tires delivered and with install planned in the first quarter of 2023, our ring of fire needed to be slightly enlarged to accommodate the new larger diameter driver tires. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Pre-heating the frame for more welding… Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
What wear mark? The finish fireman’s side pad weld has been primed and now just looks like the rest of the frame. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Put it and take it off… A part of one of the 1744’s spring packs gets some welding done to fill in some holes which will later machined back out. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Along with welder, John B., Volunteer, Emeliano, also helped with a wide variety of frame welding repairs. Photo by Alan Siegwarth – Used with permission
Reaming of the SP #1744’s new cross-member. Photo by Alan Siegwarth – Used with permission
The engineer’s side pad weld fully built up and waiting grinding. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Hand grinding before jig grinding the engineer’s side pad weld. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
#1744 furnace bearer frame repair complete! Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Of course, we have our running engines to worry about and need to take care of a variety of maintenance tasks as the safety valves were being worked on here. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
Our mill got a good workout by Art, who joined us from the SP #2479 crew, as he worked on machining holes in the 1744’s spring pack sides for new bushings and pins. Photo by: Christopher Hauf – Used with permission
SP #1744’s new tires have been delivered!
Machining #1744’s spring packs.Hand grinding before machine grinding the engineer’s side pad weld.
On May 30, 1968, the PLA operated the first of its Truckee Limiteds over the Southern Pacific. The trip was a round trip one day adventure from Oakland to Truckee, California and return. This was one and only time one of the three unique SP DH643 hydraulics pulled a passenger train.
The Pacific Locomotive Association, the owner and operator of our Niles Canyon Railway, was initially founded as a group to be able to organize and run trips behind the then disappearing steam locomotive. While the group quickly shifted into railway preservation in the late 1960s, it never lost its trip operating roots.
On May 30, 1968, the PLA operated the first of its Truckee Limiteds over the Southern Pacific. The trip was a round trip one day adventure from Oakland to Truckee, California and return. This was one and only time one of the three unique SP DH643 hydraulics pulled a passenger train.
Here are several photos of the special train that day running over Donner Pass.
Eastbound west of New Castle – Jim Evans photo – Used with permissionOn now gone track #1 above Donner Lake – Jim Evans photo – Used with permissionWestbound ready to leave Truckee after going around the balloon track – Jim Evans photo – Used with permission
Did you ride this trip? Do you have anything interesting about the trip you could share with us as we continue to document our history? Please contact us if you do.
