On the 23rd of last month I was honored to be a part of this.
10 years ago Ray Ballash had a dream, to see these cars saved from their prison, moved to a permanent home, and restored to their former glory. Unfortunately he did not live to see his dream become a reality, but we aren’t giving up on it.
Two SP baggage cars, the sole surviving ATSF RDC, an original combine from the 1937 Coast Daylight, ATSF 545 (a Hi Level step down coach), an 89’ flatcar, UP caboose, and a US Army 45 tonner will be making their way to the Southern California Railway Museum. Condition of the equipment isn’t great, but most of what’s here has good bones. We also are no stranger to challenges.
Main accomplishment this day was air testing all of the cars for movement. All of them passed except for the RDC and the Hi-Level, which will be jumper hosed for movement pending FRA approval. Track was assessed and a couple of defects will be corrected to get the cars out.
General site cleaning was also done, with very little to do next time.
We’re very excited to get these cars safe, and look forward to restoring them all as time, funds, and manpower permits.