Swanton Pacific Railroad Destroyed?

PaulWWoodring · **Posted:** Sat Feb 13, 2021 1:40 pm

I believe their locos burned oil or liquid fuel of some kind, right? If they were to be rebuilt, if that is even possible, they could be converted to burn liquid bio-fuel, which would lessen objections over pollution. There was one of the locomotives that is out of state for rebuilding (I know it's at that place that is now out of restoration favor), but maybe it could be the first one modified for bio-fuel operation? The equipment survived for over 100 years, it would be a shame to lose the whole thing now if the operation could be salvaged somewhere.

Al Stangenberger · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:59 pm **Posts:** 650

David Dewey wrote:

The land and the railroad are all owned by UC Cal Poly. There is a volunteer group that was caring for the railroad, including fund-raising. At the time of the fire there was great support for restoring the railroad, BUT given the California "green" climate, especially in the UC system that may have changed. Most of the ROW is intact, from what I've read.

Cal Poly is part of the California State University system, which is not the same as the University of California.

Originally UC was the state's "research university" and the CSU system was more "practical". In fact, until about 30 years ago CSU could not offer Ph.D. degrees except in cooperation with UC.

https://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/734681AB/CSU-or-UC-What-s-Right-for-You/

Brian Norden · **Posted:** Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:00 am

Al Stangenberger wrote:

Cal Poly is part of the California State University system, which is not the same as the University of California.

Originally UC was the state's "research university" and the CSU system was more "practical". In fact, until about 30 years ago CSU could not offer Ph.D. degrees except in cooperation with UC.

Back some years (decades) ago when I was of that age, the California State University system was California State Colleges. With multiple schools (courses) offered at the Colleges, it was decided to change to from College to University.

Randy Hees · **Posted:** Sun Feb 14, 2021 4:38 pm

The two "Cal-Poly" schools (Pomona and San Luis Obispo) in the California State University system were organized as Farmers and Teachers colleges as part of the Federal land grant programs.

Nova55 · **Joined:** Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:09 pm **Posts:** 597

Recovery is progressing forward at SPRR!
The first phase of the Roundhouse cleanup is complete and the loose locomotive parts moved into storage. In the coming weeks, the 1913, 1914 and 1500 steam locomotives will be lifted onto the fabricated dollies and moved into cargo containers. The concrete floor of the Roundhouse was heavily damaged during the fire, it will be removed and replaced.
A group of about six volunteers have moved and sorted parts from the Car Shop. The metal structure has been removed from the concrete pad. It will be determined later if the pad will be repaired or replaced. The remaining roof of the Car Barn was removed to gain access to the passenger cars and other rolling stock. Once the remaining parts are moved out of the Car Barn the concrete pad will be inspected.
We are still only allowing a small group of volunteers on the premises at this time. Updates will be posted here when scheduled workdays begin.
Please consider donating to the railroad recovery effort at:
https://crowdfund.calpoly.edu/project/22001/donate...
And become a member at:
https://sprr.calpoly.edu/calendar-and-events
Memberships and Donations to the Swanton Pacific Railroad will be used to reconstruct facilities, restore locomotives, and fabricate/restore rolling stock.

Photos are on their facebook page.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Mon Feb 15, 2021 7:18 pm

See:

https://www.facebook.com/SwantonPacific ... 4538044223