Niles Canyon Railway

2011 National Train Day / E Clampus Vitus Double-Head Charter

PLA ended up having an unusual operation on the Niles Canyon Railway, May 7, 2011 which by chance was also National Train Day.  The E Clampus Vitus organization, which is a fraternal order among other things dedicated to preserving California heritage, chartered an eight car passenger train powered by double-head steam for over 300 members.  The two hour trip was enjoyed by all and the cool spring weather made the steam action look more spectacular.  Thanks to everyone in the operating and mechanical departments who put so much effort into this charter as running both PLA steam locomotives is a lot of work for all including hours of switching just to get both locomotives in and out of the shop.  This does not include all the time required to make up and put away all the passenger cars needed to handle such a large crowd.   On the other hand, it sure was fun to see both locomotives running together again.  Maybe next time, we will add several more cars to the train to make it a little more of a challenge.


Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Alan Siegwarth Photo

Bob Simon Photo

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