The 2472 has been moved. The best part of this news is that the Golden Gate Railroad Museum (GGRM) handled the move with no problems. The steam locomotive did a fine job.
GGRM was allowed to make the move using UP employees from the Feather River Railroad Society (FRRS). The GGRM also solicited the help of Wasatch Railroad Contractors (WRC) in ensuring that the steam locomotive was handled properly in the event that something went wrong. The 12-hour move was made without incident thanks to FRRS leader Rod McClure. David Varley of GGRM, who acts as CMO for the group, rallied his troops and did a tremendous job keeping everything on the rails, shinny side up. Not only was all of the equipment moved safely, not a single person was injured in the move. A real “hats off” to everybody involved.
WRC has been involved with GGRM for many years now. Our history goes far beyond any working relationship. WRC has posted a new report on our web page concerning our relationship with GGRM and our involvement in the move. If you are interested in reading the feature story and seeing more line-side photos of the move, please see our web page at projects.wasatch-rr-contractors.com
The 2472 allows a commuter train to pass during its journey to Niles Canyon.
Photo by John E. Rimmasch
On a more personal note; It is my own feeling that the future of main line steam operations may be limited to operations like CalTran, which operates high-speed commuter passenger trains. The 2472 has had a long-running career on the line, from its first trips on the SP to it’s final trips under the control of GGRM. Commuter lines like CalTran operate passenger trains, and they do it every day. It seems logical that cities like San Francisco would be open-minded to steam operations, if it is done safely and has good interest. San Francisco operates historic cable cars and also a large fleet of restored streetcars. Why not allow a steam locomotive to run as well? Well, the truth is, they have in the past and it is our hope that they will in the future. It is our hope from all of us at WRC that the work on 2472 will be completed and that good efforts will be made to return the locomotive to her home, the peninsula line of the Southern Pacific. Best of luck to GGRM!
--
John E. Rimmasch
Wasatch Railroad Contractors