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Southern Pacific #18 – March 2019

The first weekend of March witnessed a small work weekend in Independence despite #18 being 800 miles away. Work was focused on getting the second switch installed. This will allow track to be laid towards the north and the main museum building. Some additional 90 pound rail and another weekend or two of work and it should be completed.

Meanwhile in Durango #18 pulled a revenue trip to Cascade on March 5th, thanks to Jerry Day for the photos. #18’s next scheduled trip is April 9th and tickets are on sale now.

And finally check out this cool then and now comparison. The then picture was taken in March 1953 and the now picture in March 2019. How things have changed!

  • Engine #18 and Freight coming in to Keeler Tom Poole 03-1953
  • Dave Mull, March 2019
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Southern Pacific #18 – Durango update February 2019

Our #18 braved near blizzard weather on February 16th and 18th for the D&SNG annual winter photo weekend. The heavy snows prevented the train from getting to Cascade Canyon as scheduled. Despite the shorter trips it was still enjoyed by all. Check out this great pacing video of #18. The next scheduled trips for #18 are March 5th and April 9th. Tickets are on sale now!

  • Nick Breeden took this night shot of #18
  • Tacoma siding
  • A group of happy photographers at Tacoma siding
  • The morning of February 16th, 2019 and #18 eases out of the roundhouse past goose #5

In an interesting coincidence it was February 16th, 1938 that the #18 led the last narrow gauge train out of Mina, NV. Who would have imagined that #18 would be pulling a revenue train 81 years to the day later!

Feb. 16, 1938. Last train from Mina. (M. H. Ferrell Coll.)
Feb. 16, 1938. Last train from Mina. (M. H. Ferrell Coll.)