FOLSOM, Calif. — For the first time since a 1957 farewell excursion, a steam-powered locomotive will operate in the community of Folsom.
The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad, a non-profit organization based in Folsom, about 20 miles northeast of Sacramento, Calif., plans to fire up Santa Cruz Portland Cement No. 2, an oil-burning 0-4-0T locomotive built in 1909 by H.K. Porter. The weekend operation will be a test for planned steam passenger service later this year.
The locomotive served as a billboard for a fried-chicken restaurant near Stockton, Calif., for more than 30 years. It was purchased by Efstathios Pappas in 2006, with restoration to operating condition completed in 2014. Since its restoration, it has operated at the Niles Canyon Railway, Roaring Camp Railroads, Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, and Northwest Railway Museum.
The all-volunteer Placerville & Sacramento Valley operates 15 miles of the former Southern Pacific Placerville Branch between Folsom and Latrobe, Calif. Founded in 2008, the railroad has carried more than 7,000 passengers annually.
More information on the railroad is available at its website or Facebook page.
These little Lokies are great – and they’re portable.
Restoration and operation of steam on museum/tourist railroads is best served by small steam locomotives such as this. Bigger steam is glorious, but small steam is practical for undercapitalized small operations. Also, small steam can be made to visit broader geographic areas and expose more patrons to the experience. I saw this played out in Germany. Non-DB operations were able to sustain themselves and preserve equipment and experience. I love the Big Boy, but it will be easier for me to experience an 0-4-0 where I live rather than see the 4041. But, it is on my bucket list. Anybody agree?
“Friend-chicken?”
Better than Un-Freindly Chicken, LOL
Or a fiend-chicken.