Category: building

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Southern Pacific #18 Update – April – May 2017

The July 3rd “Silver Spike Ceremony” is set for 12 noon and will include the #18 at the Eastern California Museum under steam followed by live music at 4pm and dinner at 5pm. The dedication ceremony is free and dinner is a $15 per person donation payable at the door or in advance here. If you are planning to have dinner with us and pay at the door please RSVP by clicking here. Your RSVP will help us know how many of the famous “trash can tri-tips” to serve up. 

Even though the #18 wont be going very far with only a small amount of track in place by the 3rd, this will be the day to get up close and personal with the engine. Please come support us!  And don’t forget to stay in town and watch the famous Independence day parade on the 4th. Just about ever vehicle in town that can move on its own (and a few that can’t) will be in the parade! Here is the latest promo video to share with your friends and family.

Meanwhile work on the building continues as all the structural steel and braces are in place. After the inspection siding can begin to go on along with the doors.

 

Morning clouds over the museum.
Hard at work

 

Dave Mull and crew relax after another day of buiding.
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Southern Pacific #18 Announcement – April 2017

In addition to our July 3rd Silver Spike ceremony in Independence, its now official! For the first time in 63 years engine #18 will be visiting Laws! That’s right #18 will be operating September 22-24, 2017 at the Laws Railroad museum. We will have tickets up for sale right here in the coming weeks! Here is the official press release in addition to some photos of the recent work in both Independence and our special work day at Laws.

The Carson and Colorado Railway and Laws Railroad Museum are excited to announce the return of Southern Pacific engine #18 to the only remaining SP narrow gauge track for the “Slim Princess Reunion” September 22-24, 2017 at the Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, CA. For the first time in 63 years, Engine #18, a 1911 Baldwin steam locomotive that is permanently housed in Independence, CA and which has recently been returned to operation, will operate numerous trips over track it once called home.
Passengers will have the opportunity to ride behind engine #18 in the Espees iconic “crummy” #401. The weekend operations will also include Death Valley RR Brill Car #5. In addition to the regular operations, an exclusive night photo shoot will be held on September 22 that will include multiple photo opportunities, including side by side photos with sister engine SP #9. Due to the limited number of rides, tickets will be available for advance sale. Exact pricing, times, tickets and much more information for the Slim Princess Reunion will soon be available.
The first 60 feet of track out of the building is going into place. The building assembly will continue in the coming weeks.
Carson Colorado caboose #1 is set off to the side at Laws.
Bob works on a triple valve off of #401. Both cars received full brake system inspections, servicing and repairs.
Cars #17 and #401 take their first trip since April 25, 1960
Old Smokey the diesel moves the cars through the Laws yard after the brake systems and trucks were fully serviced. All the journal brasses and old packing waste was removed from both cars and new journal pads installed.