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McCloud Rails - Passenger Operations: Excursion Photos: Steam Locomotive #25: Pondosa 1970

McCloud Rails : Passenger Operations: Excursion Photos

Steam Locomotive #25:
Pondosa 1970


As the 1960's drew to a close, the McCloud River Railroad faced a serious choice. The #25 needed new flues and some other maintenance in 1970, and the railroad was not sure if it wanted to spend the money to prolong the operation of the locomotive. A boiler inspector allowed the #25 to continue operations through the summer. A number of "last run" trains ran as 1970 drew to a close.

The Pacific Locomotive Association sponsored one such trip from McCloud to Pondosa and return. This was the last time a steam locomotive would operate into the old logging camp.

After evaluating the options through the winter the railroad decided to go ahead and do the work on the #25, and it returned to service in 1971 for another four years of service before going back into storage.

All photos by and courtesy of Dennis Sullivan.