ex-S.P. #2472 back in service (NNG) (photos)

One week ago today, one of the classiest standard gauge locomotives in the country returned to service. Built by Baldwin in 1921 and retired by the S.P. in 1956, #2472 was resurrected in 1991 by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum. She ran several excursions in the early 90's and a few trips early this century, and has recently gone through a major overhaul including extensive boiler work that should extend her life for at least the next fifteen years. The GGRM, hosted by the Pacific Locomotive Association on their Niles Canyon Railway, sponsored a day-long excursion with #2472, including several run-bys in the scenic canyon between Niles and Sunol. The narrow right-of-way and steep hillsides made it difficult to get photos other than the usual tqb (with an occasional fellow fan in the shot), but being only ten feet from the track as a large pacific thundered upgrade at 30+ mph made the day more than worthwhile.

On Monday, four trains were run for the general public from Sunol to Niles and return, but without any photo stops. Several noted members of the Narrow Gauge fraternity, including Dennis, Jeff and Phil from the PCRR, were on hand for the day's festivities.

The PLA's lease for the right-of-way from the County of Alameda has recenty been renewed for 25 years, and work is underway to install a wye and small museum on the property in Niles. Track has already been laid more than four miles beyond Sunol to the W.P. (now U.P.) bridge over the former S.P. transcontinental mainline, and eventual extension of the line another few miles into Pleasanton is quite possible.

Here are a few photos from Saturday:


A typical photo run-by location.


Splitting the partially-restored semaphores at Sunol.


Leaving Niles at the end of the day.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/31/2008 03:02PM by Russo Loco.