Here’s a few pictures I took out behind the roundhouse at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. (click to embiggen)
An old Shay is awaiting restoration. This type of locomotive uses gears instead of rods to drive the wheels. Speed was low, but pulling power was much higher than conventional steam locomotives.
Here’s the other side of the same locomotive. This angle is not as interesting visually, and very few historic photographs of Shays show this side.
Underneath an awning they’ve got an old narrow gauge boxcar saved from the Yosemite Short Line. Sadly, there are no plans at present to restore this historic little gem. I’d really hate to see this car just rot away.
Most of the equipment at Railtown appears to be in need of a little work (some more than others), but #3 is fully restored and running. It takes passengers on a short but enjoyable ride through some beautiful foothill country.
There has been some concern that Railtown might have to close because of state budget cuts. I urge anybody who likes old trains to get out there and ride this one and help them continue to operate.
