Chris Hauf
SUNOL, Calif. — The Pacific Locomotive Association and the Niles Canyon Railway will operate railfan photo specials featuring “Skookum,” Columbia River Belt Line 2-4-4-2 No. 7, on Dec. 5-6 to benefit restoration of recently acquired Southern Pacific M-6 steam locomotive No. 1744.
Both days will feature a historically accurate freight train, while ticketholders will ride in a separate chase train pulled by Southern Pacific SW900 No. 1195. The event, starting from Sunol at 9 a.m., will feature multiple runbys at exclusive locations, with return to Sunol set for about 4:30 p.m. There will also be a visit to the Brightside Steam Shop for a tour of No. 177 and an overview of the restoration effort.
Tickets will be limited to ensure the chase train is at less than 50% capacity; masks will be required and photo lines will be spread out to ensure social distancing.
Tickets are $150 per person, per day, and additional donations are welcome. Tickets are available online at this page on the Niles Canyon Railway’s website. All proceeds will directly benefit the restoration of No. 177. For more information on the No. 1744 project, visit the Pacific Locomotive Association website.
