Re: A picture for Dan Markoff and all.

The engine on the operation out of Hobart Mills reminds me of an story. There is a connection of the #5 to Ward and Betty Kimball.

Back in 1991 the "Eureka" made it's restored debut at the Rail Fest held on the 10th anniversary of the California State Railroad Museum. As the trucks carrying the locomotive and its tender were preparing to unload I was standing next to Betty Kimball. We were leaning up against the side of the replica CP station in Old Sacramento.

Betty proceeded to tell me that on their honeymoon, she and Ward visited Hobart Mills, California, and saw the #5 (nee "Eureka") inside the engine house. She said that they were "smitten" with the locomotive and were made known that the engine could be purchased. However, as a young, just-married couple they did not have the money to purchase the engine.

It would be several years later that they acquired their coach and then Nevada Central #2.

Brian Norden