In celebration of steam engine trips returning to the San Joaquin
Valley for the first time in 50 years, the Sierra Railroad is hosting a
May 23 private trip for the Media
OAKDALE, CA - The Sierra Railroad Dinner Train will host a private
train trip for the media and other invited guests to celebrate the
renewal of steam engine trips in the San Joaquin Valley after a 50-year
hiatus. The event is on Wednesday May 23, 2007. The trip
will take about 90-minutes and will include a photo "run-by" out in the
countryside.
Guests should check-in at by 11:15am to board the train and the
departure time is 11:30am. Our station - built entirely of rail
cars - is located at 330 South Sierra Avenue in Oakdale, CA
95361. Lunch and beverages will be provided. Please
RSVP to Chris Hart at chart@sierrarailroad.com or at 209-847-6675.
The steam engine is the former McCloud River Railroad #18. The
engine is a 2-8-2 Baldwin locomotive that was built in 1914. The
engine worked on the McCloud & Yreka Western Railroads hauling
lumber and more recently serving as a major draw for tourists.
The Virginia & Truckee Restoration Commission bought the engine to
run on their new $50 million tourist train in Nevada. The
Commission chose Sierra to operate the railroad. Since the track
won't be completed until 2010, the Commission agreed to let Sierra use
the #18 until the V&T is operational. By that time, it is
expected that the Sierra will have its #1227 steam engine restored to
replace the #18.
Sierra intends to use the McCloud #18 on Wild West Lunches and other
special trips. The Wild West trips depart at 11am on Saturdays
and cost $54 plus tax & service (ages 3-12 cost $30) and include
the train trip, 3-course lunch and Wild West show. An extra 30
minutes was added to the trip to allow guests to de-board at our
turn-around point to watch the steam engine perform a "run around" and
to enjoy an old west gunfight! Additional information is
available at www.SierraRailroad.com
###
Contact:
Chris Hart, President
Sierra Railroad Dinner Train
Sacramento RiverTrain
Skunk Train
Virginia & Truckee Railway
(209)
848-2100
Chart@SierraRailroad.com
Editors: Media Kits and Diskettes with photos of the McCloud #18 will
be provided at the event.
