Railtown 1897/Sierra RR Shut Down.......

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Jun 18, 2026 3:53 pm

Notice posted at Railtown 1897 State Park's Facebook page late yesterday:

https://www.facebook.com/Railtown1897/p ... gXCiY6AWQl

Quote:

Due to unexpected circumstances, previously scheduled train excursions are temporarily paused at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation temporarily paused train excursions at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park to proactively evaluate operations and maintain passenger and train crew safety. An announcement will be made once train excursions resume.
During this time, the park remains open, and California State Parks encourages park visitors to take a guided tour of the historic roundhouse and explore the shops complex. Visitors can also take advantage of a special free Historian Passport offer. Normally $50 for the year, Californians can download this special free version through Monday, July 6, for admission of up to four people per pass at more than 30 State Historic Parks. The pass provides unlimited visits from Juneteenth through the end of the year and includes Railtown 1897 SHP.
Download your pass at https://reservecalifornia.com/passes/advancepasses
Guests with pre-purchased train excursion tickets do not need to take any action. Refunds will be processed automatically. State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation apologize for any inconvenience.

Online speculation runs to fire danger, extreme heat, and/or crew shortages.

PaulWWoodring · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2026 1:16 pm

This is at least my third attempt to reply to this topic. I'm glad I went there nearly a year ago, June 28, 2025. At that time the only operable locomotives were Ten Wheeler #3 and a GE 65 tonner that could barely pull two coaches back upgrade into town. The Baldwin end-cab road switcher they had been using was down due to a broken truck spring that had to have a replacement handmade. No. 3 did run the following week for July 4. According to the elderly docent who gave me the roundhouse tour Mikado #28 was the other engine closest to being operable. From his description I surmise it needs a significant 1472 inspection/overhaul.

I tried several times to attach a photo of the GE center cab unit, but I can't make it work. I reduced the file size to a fraction of what it was originally, all I get is a "file invalid" response.