Choo-choo
A friend of mine spends a fair shake of his weekend time volunteering over at the Niles Canyon Railyard. So, after hearing him hype it up for months, another friend and I took a trip on up there to check things out. Pretty darn cool. Basically, they (meaning the entire volunteer group) spend their time rebuilding/restoring old trains.
No. 2 engine is more put together than No. 3
They work on not only the engines, but the cars as well, and operate an actual functioning rail line. They're even working to extend the line in various places. Yes, you can ride the trains--though only the ones that are completely refurbished, of course. As a matter of fact, this time of year, they run their "Train of lights", which is a holiday decorated train with both standard, covered/enclosed passenger cars as well as open air seats. They were already sold out, so we didn't get to ride, but it was still a pretty sight.
The dining car is going to look totally awesome when done!
As you can see, they've got a lot of work to do, but are coming along nicely. And of course, being the enthusiasts they are (translation: a little off center in the mental health area
) once they finish with one project they just move on to another. And, as you can also see, it's more than just welding, cutting, engine work, etc. The carpentry they're doing in the dining car is really impressive!
Anywho, check 'em out if you get the chance. Not sure how much tourism they allow/want in the work areas, but the completed trains and information is worth the trip. Really neat place.
No. 2 engine is more put together than No. 3
They work on not only the engines, but the cars as well, and operate an actual functioning rail line. They're even working to extend the line in various places. Yes, you can ride the trains--though only the ones that are completely refurbished, of course. As a matter of fact, this time of year, they run their "Train of lights", which is a holiday decorated train with both standard, covered/enclosed passenger cars as well as open air seats. They were already sold out, so we didn't get to ride, but it was still a pretty sight.
The dining car is going to look totally awesome when done!
As you can see, they've got a lot of work to do, but are coming along nicely. And of course, being the enthusiasts they are (translation: a little off center in the mental health area
) once they finish with one project they just move on to another. And, as you can also see, it's more than just welding, cutting, engine work, etc. The carpentry they're doing in the dining car is really impressive!
Anywho, check 'em out if you get the chance. Not sure how much tourism they allow/want in the work areas, but the completed trains and information is worth the trip. Really neat place.
posted by Phil @ 12/19/2004 08:53:00 AM
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