In 1972. Only the 28 is operable today.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 09&nseq=28

I rode a number of trips on the Sierra that decade. I may have ridden that trip.

I remember another triple header that operated from Jamestown to Cooperstown and return. With the triple header every time the train stopped, backed up and did a run past and came back there was plenty of whistle talk. The lead engine would signal the direction of travel and each of the other engines would respond in acknowledgment. It was neat!!

From the handle I believe that the photographer is Ted Benson, the rail fan photographer working for the Modesto Bee newspaper as a photo-journalist. He was a frequent photographer of the Sierra.

The lead engine, #3. Was that the same engine used in Back To The Future III?
She looks a lot like it.

Sure is the same locomotive! It has been the "Hollywood" locomotive for years up on the Sierra. During the 70s there were a time or two when the 28 and the 34 were filmed when a more modern time period was desired.

At this time the #3 is undergoing renovation, including a new boiler, to return it to service.

SteveRG,

the reason she looks a lot like the 131, is because she is for one the actor of that locomotive, and she's the last of her kind. no other engine in the world looks like her.

That photo looks an awful lot like the album artwork for, what was it?, Sounds of Yesteryear? It was a 33 rpm record that I used to listen to over and over again as a child. It included a recording of a Sierra tripleheader, among other poignant tracks.

Unfortunately #28 is not operable. She needs a new crown sheet.

Unfortunately LoggerHogger, its much worse than just the crown sheet needing replacing. When the crown sheet is screwed as bad as the 28's, you need an entirely new firebox. #28 will be down for at least 5 years.

Mike