SP 9010 Debut: Our Eagle Has Landed!

THE CLUB CAR Bulletin 672 Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. www.ncry.org August 2019 SP 9010 Debut: Our Eagle Has Landed!

Photo by Chris Hauf The #9010 and its all SP train waits in Niles for passengers to arrive.

On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo USA diesel-hydraulic road locomotive, presentations in Germany. As with so 11 manned moon landing, PLA cele- built in Bavaria in 1964 as a challenge many SP 9010 restoration contributors brated a moon shot of our own: the roll- to the status quo of American locomo- around the world, Nadine heard about out celebration of eleven years of res- tive development. our efforts through our internet pres- toration work on Southern Pacific 9010, Two public excursions were run, using ence, and generously shared the KM the world’s only surviving Krauss-Maffei the full length of the Niles Canyon Rail- materials in her collection. Her father’s road. Departures were at 10:00AM and photos of the testing and delivery of 2:30PM from Niles, and our all-South- the Prototype KMs to the United States IN THIS ISSUE: ern Pacific historic consist ran behind a helped us document missing portions jewel-like SP 9010 and a contemporary of SP 9010’s history, and it was most 3 August Activities all-SP consist to Verona and back. fitting that Nadine christened the res- A short ceremony kicked off the morn- toration with a traditional bottle break 4 President’s Report ing’s departure. PLA President Henry over 9010’s front coupler. Baum welcomed VIP guest Nadine Brief remarks were presented by the 6 Along the Right of Way Stuth, attending from her home in Tex- Southern Pacific Historical & Technical 10 Wednesday MoW as. Nadine’s father, Roy S. Rittimann, Society’s Scott Inman, who outlined the was the Acceptance Officer for the unique mechanical and historical signif- 12 Membership Report beginnings of the Krauss-Maffei proj- icance of our artifact, and gave tribute ect, and in 1961 Nadine and her fam- to the work of PLA crew chief Howard Volunteer Report ily attended the pre-shipping trials and 15 Continued on Page 8 OUR MISSION: To be an operating railroad museum for standard gauge railroading, past, present and future, with emphasis on the Western United States and special emphasis on Northern California BOARDING LOCATIONS MEETINGS Most General Meetings take place at NILES STATION Sunol Glen School in Sunol. 37029 Mission Blvd. Meetings are held in January, Fremont, CA 94536 March, May, June, July, and October, but can be subject to cancellation. SUNOL STATION August Board Meeting 6 Kilkare Road Saturday, August 17 Sunol, CA 94586 at 3:00 pm in the Whitehouse ======BOARD OF DIRECTORS ======President Henry Baum (925) 447-7358 [email protected] Brightside Vice President Mike Strider (707) 318-2633 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jim Evans (650) 697-9033 [email protected] Every Wednesday Membership Secretary Linda Stanley (510) 579-6300 [email protected] Treasurer Pat Stratton (650) 888-8619 [email protected] and Saturday are General Manager Dexter Day (408) 234-4956 [email protected] Director-At-Large Jim Stewart (510) 796-2810 [email protected] WORK DAYS Director-At-Large Kent Hedberg (415) 608-3811 [email protected] at the Brightside Yard Director-At-Large Gail Hedberg (510) 207-5524 [email protected] ======DEPARTMENTS ======Brush Cutting Steve Jones (510) 289-3559 [email protected] CLUB CAR Car Department Dennis Mann (650) 726-0167 [email protected] DEADLINE Charter Agent/Docents Jim Evans (650) 697-9033 [email protected] Chief Engineer Mike Strider (707) 318-2633 [email protected] The deadline for submitting Club Car Editor Barry Lependorf (510) 431-3401 [email protected] articles and photos for next Commissary Bob Bradley (510) 910-7024 [email protected] month’s issue of The Club Car Crew Caller Jackie Vlasak (510) 582-2648 [email protected] is the 20th of this month. Gift Shop Gail Hedberg (510) 207-5524 [email protected] Submitting articles is easy by Hazmat Manager Doug Debs (650) 704-1487 [email protected] e-mail in Word text format. Insurance Roger McCluney (510) 489-4114 [email protected] Send e-mail to: Legal Steve Wood, Esq. (925) 938-6100 [email protected] [email protected] Member Communications Linda Stanley (510) 579-6300 [email protected] Museum Curator Dennis Mann (650) 726-0167 [email protected] Digital photos may also be sub- New Member Orientation Glenn Fountain (510) 673-1084 [email protected] mitted by e-mail. Electronic im- Public Relations Henry Baum (925) 447-7358 [email protected] ages should be saved as PC Road Foreman of Engines Kent Hedberg (415) 608-3811 [email protected] format .jpg files with minimal Security Department Jim Evans (650) 697-9033 [email protected] compression (i.e., average to Signal Department Curt Hoppins (408) 723-1154 [email protected] excellent quality). A text file with Station Agent - Niles John Fenstermacher (510) 522-7949 [email protected] the photo number, description of Station Agent - Sunol Donna Alexander (510) 996-8420 [email protected] photo and identifying the people Steam Department Head Alan Siegwarth (408) 515-4602 [email protected] in them is required. Steam Hosteler Training Jeff Schwab (510) 734-6890 [email protected] The editor reserves the right to Train master Mark Miller (510) 502-8521 [email protected] hold or edit material as neces- Volunteer Coordinator Ed Best [email protected] Yardmaster Gerry Feeney (408) 739-9347 [email protected] sary. The Club Car is an official publication of the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., P.O. Box 515, Sunol, CA 94586-0515 . The Club Car is distributed monthly to members, sponsors and friends of the Pacific Locomotive Association. The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. is an IRS Code 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The PLA’s Federal Tax ID is 94-6130878, the State of California Tax ID is 0501445. General Meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of January, May & July at 7:30 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday of March, June & October at 3:30 pm at the Sunol Glen School, two blocks east of the Depot on Main Street in Sunol, CA. Members, Sponsors & Guests are welcome. Items in this publication are Copyright © 2019, Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. and may be reproduced only by permission with credit to the source. Views expressed herein are those of the author unless specifically noted by the editor as official policy. The Pacific Locomotive Association is a member of the Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums. (ATRRM) Page 2 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ======August Activities ======August 1 1st Thursday Summer Train 10 am & 12:30 pm (Sunol) Alexanders August 3 1st Saturday East Track Building, 8 am (Brightside Yard) Mike Strider August 4 1st Sunday Regular Train Operations (Steam) August 9 2nd Friday NCRy Presents Nostalgic Niles Henry Baum August 10 2nd Saturday NCRy Presents Nostalgic Niles (Steam) Henry Baum August 11 2nd Sunday NCRy Presents Nostalgic Niles (Steam) Henry Baum August 17 3rd Saturday Board of Directors Meeting, 3 pm (Brightside) August 18 3rd Sunday Regular Train Operations (Diesel) August 18 3rd Sunday Wine Tasting Special, Parlor Car, 12:30pm & 2:30pm (Sunol) August 24 4th Saturday Brush Cutting, 7 am (Brightside Yard) Steve Jones August 25 4th Sunday Regular Train Operations (Diesel) ------Treasurer’s Report ------After many years of faithful service tion for the construction industry should [email protected], or look for me along the to the PLA, Paul Veltman has retired also be beneficial to carrying out my right-of-way! as Treasurer. After being appointed by duties for this museum railroad organi- Pat Stratton PLA President Henry Baum to complete zation. You can contact me at treasur- Treasurer the remainder of Paul’s elected term, I have taken over Treasurer duties as of July 1. I have made many runs through Niles Canyon on train crews as a qualified Brakeman over the past ten years; I am also a regular Wednesday MOW crewman. My career and background in accounting and business administra-

TAX DEDUCTIBLE: The Pacific Lo- comotive Association is qualified under Internal Revenue Service code section 501 (c)(3) as a tax ex- empt organization. Thus, donations to the PLA are tax deductible as CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS to the extent allowed by law. Our mailing Photo by Joe Peterson address is P.O. Box 515, Sunol, CA 94586-0515. The PLA’s Federal ID is: With the helpful leadership from Bob Bradley, Ron Thomas, Bob Pratt, Gregg Mc- 94-6130878, CA ID is: 0501445. Naughton and Pat Hafey attempt to assemble the large canopy in time for the 4th of July Picnic. E-Coupling Information Website: http://www.ncry.org Email: To Join Members Email List, send an Email to: [email protected] Twitter: @toots4ncry Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NilesCanyonRailway YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NilesCanyonRailRoad

August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 3 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------President’s Report ------

What a time these last couple of diesel. teers who will help you learn what is weeks have been. We had many special guests, most required and share their methods and We had two evening runs to allow noticeably Nadine Rittimann Stuth, rep- processes which have been honed passengers to appreciate the Niles resenting her family, whose father Roy over countless hours. Canyon nighttime sky, something few Rittimann was one of the SP people As always, if you would like to discuss of them will ever get a chance to expe- who went to Germany when the 9010 any topic in further detail, please con- rience in near total darkness. I would was being built in 1961. She said her tact me by phone at 925.447.7358 or not be surprised if the TOL is visible family stayed there with a family who by email at [email protected] from Space due to its brightness. lived there for 4 months while it was be- Both night runs were sellouts, and we ing built, and toured the country with the Respectfully submitted could not have asked for better weath- family while there. She brought many Henry Baum er. The original night ride was sched- personal souvenirs of her travel there uled for July 20th so we could celebrate to be shared with our distinguished Scott Inman’s remarks: several historic occasions. July 20th passengers onboard the train. She was the day we would reintroduce the also brought a number of additional KM SP 9010 Ceremonial Remarks restored SP9010 to the world, more on documents that she had discovered Scott Inman, July 20, 2019 that below. and donated those to Howard’s techni- Good morning and let me begin by I was very excited when I found out cal collection. She also brought a most thanking Mr. Baum and the dedicated the moon would be full on July 20th, so special piece of memorabilia, an actual volunteers of the Pacific Locomotive we could also celebrate the 50th anni- cab ashtray from the KM locomotives. Association and the Niles Canyon Rail- versary of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing, Howard reported that although he did way for inviting me to say a few words which happened on July 20th 1969. recreate the mounts for these ashtrays here today. It is a humble privilege to Toss in the summer-long celebration of when rebuilding the cab, we didn’t have serve as an ambassador for the preser- the 150th anniversary of the Transcon- an actual ashtray to display there. And vation of Southern Pacific equipment, tinental railroad, and it could not be a now we do. artifacts, and ephemera. better time for the PLA. Scott Inman, President of the South- You see I was a fairly new and young I then decided to check and was cha- ern Pacific Historical and Technical So- Docent at the California State Railroad grined to find that moonrise on the 20th ciety was also in attendance, and gave Museum in 2006 when a handful of was not until 11:45PM. It will be kind a very emotional speech regarding the volunteers and paid staff examined a of hard to celebrate the moon land- preservation of this locomotive. I am re- forlorn and neglected former locomo- ing without the moon. Not a problem printing his speech here for all to hear. tive that we all simply called “the cam- for the folks at NCRy. We just added Nadine, Scott and Howard then as- era car.” SP had used the carbody and a second nighttime run on Saturday sisted me in rechristening the SP9010 frame of this machine as a tool for re- July 13th. The moon would be fully up by breaking a bottle of champagne over cording simulator training films before for this trip and we could celebrate the the front coupler knuckle. It took 3 tries, being donated to our museum. At that moon landing on that day, and again on but the job was accomplished, and the time, I could not quote the engine’s de- the 20th. SP9010 was officially relaunched. livered road number as SP 9010 or tell Everyone was amazed at the success On Sunday, I spent the morning with you the remarkable story of its survival. of these two events, and that means Nancy Ortiz, a television reporter with What we saw was collection tarnish, we will do more of those in the future. KOFY-TV20. More on that next month. and perhaps something that resembled For the KM event during the day on Don’t forget the August and Septem- a recently submerged hulk. The deci- July 20th, we started with a rededi- ber special events. Book your tickets sion we recommended was for the mu- cation ceremony for the marvelously early to get the discounted prices. seum to offer America’s only surviving restored locomotive. I took this oppor- I want to remind everyone reading Krauss Maffei to other entities, know- tunity to bring up the reluctant team of this that we need YOU to come out and ing full well it may likely be traded in for hard working volunteers who had been volunteer. In order to have enough ex- salvage, or for another, more practical with this project from the beginning. perienced volunteers I need YOU to artifact. My thanks again to Howard Wise, Bill come out and get the experience YOU Some time went by when I heard the Stimmerman, Gerry Feeney, Dennis will need. Remember, none of our vol- rumor of a 16 year old member of PLA, Mann and Rob Fern, who came from unteers had experience until they came named Charles Franz, who petitioned the UK for this event and who will be out and did the job. These jobs are all the organization to save the KM, even instrumental in rebuilding the Maybach ‘learn by doing’ jobs. We have volun- Continued on next page Page 4 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------President’s Report ------

Continued from previous page complishments of Crew Chief Howard 2014. This was the game changer if only for the significance of telling its Wise. that led Howard to believe 9010 could story or giving it a presentable cos- It was almost as if the locomotive at- one day be restored to operate on its metic restoration. Then began what tracted supporters on its own as each own power. New cardan shafts were ultimately became a worldwide effort to piece of newly fabricated steel was in- acquired and installed, all while rust re- initiate, energize, and campaign for the stalled, cab interior work completed, or moval and cosmetic painting was being restoration of an artifact that some be- a piece salvaged from scrap decades simultaneously completed in phases. lieved to be analogous to the difficulty before arrived to be reinstalled. It was Today represents a legacy of 11 years of putting a man on the moon. Rath- not long before some of Krauss Maffei of determination, learning, synergy, er fitting for today’s 50th anniversary Munchen’s former employees heard and most importantly historic preser- of that very achievement, and in the the news around the globe. Through vation. The work displayed here today worldwide scope of internal combus- the public relations outreach and so- will benefit all who learn about this Ger- tion restorations, it is a worthy compari- cial media campaign led by author and man-American immigrant who survived son to the revival of Chassis 19106 that supporter Bob Zenk, word began to against all odds time and time again. we know and love as SP 9010. spread around the globe. 9010 is a machine that possesses an What we had to begin was one rail- Correspondence, documentation, and almost human-like desire to live. Ev- fan publication in a series of books on first-hand accounts relating to the saga eryone here today, the entire commu- Southern Pacific Historic Diesels, and of Southern Pacific’s higher horsepow- nity of railroad preservation, and even Mr. Joe Strapac is here today to see his er playbook began to emerge from legacy companies of Krauss Maffei are efforts to promote the history of SP’s Germany courtesy of Richard Oed, son better as a result of your hard work, diesel hydraulic experiment come full of the lead project engineer for KM’s dedication, and industrial spirit. circle. ML 4000 C’C’ locomotive development. It’s quite amazing to think that just a few Who would be best suited to lead this Without the support of Richard and the miles from the spot where 9010 almost project; begun without available blue- international support of Mr. Rob Fern met its fate in Sacramento, successor prints, electrical diagrams, or a domes- of the United Kingdom, we may never company Siemens is today building tic manufacturer to lean on? Well no have learned a set of original trucks new engines. I’m proud that my home story of this German import would be still existed in France. Complete with town of Sacramento has a rich legacy complete without credit to a man who necessary gearboxes long discarded of locomotive development and con- is admired in the community of rail from 9010, a custom-built ballast reg- struction that has now reached a 150 preservation beyond a level that his ulator existed on the scrap line, almost year milestone in itself. This just goes humble nature will admit. He has chal- as if fate had it wait for its trucks to be to prove SP 9010 has a greater story lenged odds, overcome obstacles, and reunited with this restoration campaign to tell, and one that will benefit future reengineered this machine to breathe before the torch was lit. generations who learn of this remark- life once again. There was no doubt Through the efforts of multi-organiza- able story. a natural-born leader to take on this tional fundraising and an international Please accept my heartfelt congratu- unprecedented restoration, and we delegation, the last usable trucks and lations on this achievement, and thank are grateful today to recognize the ac- gearboxes came back to America in you for your time.

Want to Volunteer? Department Contacts are listed below: BRUSH CUTTING - Clearing the RoW of bushes and trees - Steve Jones - [email protected] CAR MAINTENANCE - Maintenance and repair - Tom Crawford - [email protected] COMMISSARY - Food service on the trains - Bob Bradley - [email protected] GIFT SHOP - Work in the Sunol Gift Shop - Gail Hedberg - [email protected] MOW CREW - (WEDNESDAY) - Work on track repair, etc. - Joe Peterson - [email protected] MOW CREW - (SATURDAY) - Work on building track East. Michael Strider - [email protected] SIGNALS - Install/Maintain signal systems - Curt Hoppins - [email protected] STATION - (NILES) - Work parking, ticket sales, set-up, etc. - John Fenstermacher - [email protected] STATION - (SUNOL) - Work parking, ticket sales, set-up, etc. - Donna Alexander - [email protected] STEAM DEPARTMENT - Work in all aspects of steam engines - Alan Siegwarth - [email protected] STEAM HOSTLER TRAINING - Prepare a steam locomotive for service - Jeff Schwab - [email protected] August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 5 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Along the Right of Way ------

Finally, the three GGRM cars at Hearst were picked up and were taken to Warm Springs for their next movement. The next movement of equipment to leave the NCRY will be four cars that are scheduled to be shipped to Salinas. One car will be the Daylight coach that belongs to Wayne Yetter. The other three will be two box cars and one baggage car. We are waiting for instructions on what else GGRM wants set up for spotting at Hearst for shipment. So, as you can see, GGRM is trying to move their equipment off of NCRY property, but it seems everything that they thought was OK because they paid to have cars inspected and OK’d to move, still didn’t satisfy UP’s requirements before they would touch them. It hasn’t been easy, but slowly, cars are Photo by Dexter Day on the move. Lots of members washed and now rubbing down the KM 9010. The KM 9010 got a lot of attention the other day when it was brought to Sunol for a washing and rub down before its If you ever had a chance to look at this ders in spearheading this project and special run the following weekend. Too engine as it was delivered to the NCRY, getting the job done. As this locomo- bad the Diesel engine failed prior to this and the way it looks today, I would say tive draws closer to completing its res- special run. On the special run, the KM this is not a restoration project. This toration, there are stories of this project 9010 will be the controlling engine cou- project brought an entire locomotive that should be told in a book. I have fol- pled ahead of the SP 5623, which will back from its grave. Some parts for lowed the progress of this engine from provide the power. There will be a lot of this engine were built right here at day one, and I still cannot believe what good photo opportunities. Brightside, and not just small parts. has been accomplished. Given what Howard Wise has to be very proud Take a look at the nose of this engine. we had to work with at the time, this has of all the work that has gone into this It wasn’t there when we got it. to be one of the biggest rebuild projects locomotive by many of our members. Howard the creator has done won- for a group of our size that has ever

Picture by Dexter Day Today the three left under special Movement by UP. Finally they are being moved to Warm Springs for deployment. Page 6 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Along the Right of Way ------

been accomplished in the industry. Oh yes, the prime mover (Maybach V-16 Diesel engine) for the KM 9010 is being rebuilt in the car shop as I write. Great job; looks great! We will be sending Stephen Barkkarie back to Council Bluffs, Iowa, to a track inspection class which will give him all he needs to know to accomplish track inspections for the PLA. He is working with Peter Schulze at this time to get fully up to speed with what is required in these inspections. Stephen has the education and past experience to qual- ify as a track inspector under the PUC/ FRA requirements. He will also be go- ing to an air brake school so he can get certified to do air brake certifications. This is all needed since Jim Green is out on medical leave. We need to get someone else qualified to inspect and repair our air brakes. Talking about accomplishments; Mad Photo by Dexter D. Day GM Max, our leaf blower went out on a se- Mad Max before it will receive 2 leaf blowers for under rail clearing. rious leaf blowing operational test run recently. How did it do? Well, the thing works as designed, but as expect- ed with a newly created and untested one-of-a-kind unit, it has one flaw. The blower does great between the rails, but it does not get the leaves out from under the rails. Leaf Blower Rev. 2 is in the works, consisting of two additional leaf blowers mounted to blow the leaves from under the rail into the main blower area . . . . and the rest is history. Mad Max is needed to clear the track from leaves so tracks can be inspected. Remember, this is a hobby and railroading is supposed to be fun. Who ever thought we would need to have, or invent, an on-rail leaf blower? Well, that’s it for this month. Hope you are having a good Summer. If you have spare time during the week, come out and join the Wednesday Mainte- nance of Way crew for various activi- Bailey Autenreith, a member of Boy Scout Troop 110, asked if we would be able to ties; all very interesting. Meanwhile, donate some of our ties for an Eagle project on which he was working. He wanted hope to see you along the right of way to make a staircase for the Tule Ponds at Tyson Lagoon in Fremont, which would Dexter D. Day benefit the staff and students with moving up and down a steep hill. He sent a photo General Manager of the finished project. I’m sure teachers and students will enjoy it for many years. August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 7 NILES CANYON RAILWAY SP 9010 Debut: Our Eagle Has Landed! Continued from Page 1 in 1968 behind Alco DH-643 SP 9151, Wise and an international cast of SP an equally rare member of SP’s nota- 9010 volunteers, patrons and support- bly unique diesel-hydraulic fleet. ers. Scott also acknowledged author Fans and celebrants also enjoyed a and SP historian Joseph A. Strapac, Bavarian picnic lunch with an authen- attending the event to witness a resto- tic German menu fashioned by PLA’s ration made possible in large measure Doug Debs, commemorative T-shirts by his comprehensive contemporary created by Gail Hedberg and the PLA documentation of the KM subject, and Gift Shop, and the festive tunes of a his support of the PLA effort through his Bavarian oompah band. Also in atten- extensive historic files. dance were representatives from two Howard Wise and crew had already major U.S. railfan publications, both accomplished the impossible: bringing intending feature coverage of our note- SP 9010 back to life. This resurrec- worthy event and its star locomotive. tion not only returned the locomotive To cap off the 9010 weekend, on Sun- to its striking 1964 visual state as an day a short “caboose hop” was operat- unlikely German-American hybrid, but ed for the benefit of our regular riders, included reviving its unique diesel-hy- with SP 9010 coupled to SP 5472, our draulic power train, dormant for near- restored Southern Pacific SD9. ly fifty years. Self-powered tests were Thanks go to all the PLA volunteers conducted starting in February of 2017 who contributed to the success of the with the reawakening of SP 9010’s rear weekend debut, to PLA volunteers prime mover. But a test run in late 2018 near and far who’ve assisted the phys- confirmed that the sophisticated May- ical restoration, and to our many fans, bach Mercedes-Benz V-16 was begin- followers, and benefactors who’ve ning to spit lubricating oil out the but- turned the rebirth of SP 9010 from an terfly exhaust stack. Concerned about impossible dream to a shining reality. piston ring or cylinder damage to the What’s next? More work remains: otherwise healthy 2,000-horsepower the rear Maybach motor is on the Car compact power-plant, the decision was Shop floor, and will be rebuilt to new made to remove the motor immediately standards with new factory parts by for rebuilding — a plan already in the Howard and crew; cab seats will be re- works with support from the original upholstered in fabric specially sourced motor manufacturer’s successor com- to match the unique original German pany, MTU. crush-grain vinyl material, a few more SP 9010 thus operated on the July service point stencils in German DIN 20-21 weekend as a Cab Car, with its 1451 font remain to be applied, and fully-energized control circuits passing more test runs once the motor rebuild signals to another historic PLA locomo- is complete will assure that SP 9010 tive, SP 5623, a former Bay Area com- will become a fully-operational member mute service EMD model GP9 fittingly of the Niles Canyon Railway’s historic restored in the 1990s by Howard Wise diesel fleet. and team. Immediately behind this From SP 9010’s unlikely inception, “Black Widow” power unit was PLA’s through a remarkable and checkered snack car, the former SP 6719 Econ- 55-year history in which it might have omy Baggage, now boasting for PLA a been scrapped half a dozen times, to glistening example of the only authen- one of the most well-documented, im- tic as-built-in-1962 paintwork for a pre- probable, and world-renowned resto- served car of this type. And bringing up rations, it was all a “moon shot” — and the markers was our 1941 Articulated our eagle has now unfurled its feathers Chair Car SP 2473-2474 in 1960s exte- for all. Niles Canyon Base here; The rior colors, a car whose history includes KM has landed. a PLA excursion through Niles Canyon ~ Bob Zenk Page 8 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY

Photos by Chris Hauf, Don Buchholz, Dan Sarka and Matthew Cavanaugh August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 9 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Wednesday MOW Report ------Another month of diversified “fun” along the Right-of-Way! Everything from removing the old Tell-tale parts just east of Farwell Bridge, cleaning up after a tree descended onto the tracks near the Big Curve, checking out the new Barkkarie Ballast Blower with a successful cleaning of the ROW near Bond St. and, of course, the usual trim- ming of vegetation for better sight lines and keeping the flora away from our cars and passengers! We even helped Bob Bradley set up the canopies for the July 4th picnic! And don’t forget graffiti and “camp- ground” cleanup! Photo by Joe Peterson Photo by Joe Peterson We also ventured out to the East Su- Steve Jones bucks up the trunk while Wes Van Osdol steadies the chain as nol Yard to check on the security of the clearing the tree that tried to close our Bob Pratt cuts off a link to make it usable MM-5045. Both doors were open so railroad. for holding equipment. we locked the east door from the inside and came back later with a lock for the West door hasp. Who is crazy enough to come out and do all this? Well how about Gregg Mc- Naughton, Pat Stratton, Ron Thomas, Pat Hafey, Rhonda Dijeau, Ken South- wick, Wes Van Osdol, Steve Barkkarie, Steve Jones, Bob Pratt, Joseph Roma- ni, Dee Murphy and Jim Stewart. Linda Stanley was caught in the act of main- taining Mongo and we know that John Zielinski was working his magic as well. It takes a village to raise a child but it takes an army to maintain a railroad. Enjoy the pictures and do come out and join us some Wednesday. Photo by Joe Peterson See you along the Right-of-Way! Once again the Bandit Chipper makes short work of an errant tree. Here we see Ken Southwick and Rhonda Dijeau bringing more food for the hungry beast. Joe Peterson

Photo by Joe Peterson Photo by Joe Peterson Photo by Joe Peterson Happiness personified is Kent Hedberg Gregg McNaughton and Joseph Romani Jim Stewart shows the technique for in the engineer’s seat while backing the unbolt the base piece of the former tell- changing confusing graffiti into confus- train for a photo run-by on July 4th. tale so a new one can be fabricated. ing gibberish! Page 10 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Stack Talk ------

Photo by Alan Siegwarth Photo by Alan Siegwarth Henry Chandler working on fabricating an oil tank screen Jeff Schwab installing the packing on the Clover Valley #4 support for the #4. piston rods.

Photo by Alan Siegwarth Photo by Alan Siegwarth Jeff Schwab installing the packing on the #4 piston rods. Justin Legg insulating backhead piping on the Skookum. August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 11 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Membership Report ------

I would like to begin with a Big THANK tential new volunteers using the Inter- themselves the privilege of volunteer- YOU ! – to the Voting Members, to my est Forms that new members return ing for this dynamic organization. Con- predecessor Peter Midnight and his back to us. Steve Jones is currently tact me at [email protected] if this archiving assistant Jacki Vlasak, to IT conducting these phone contacts with sounds like your calling ! consultant (and PLA Archivist) Brian promising results. Please get in touch Work Smart – Work Safe ! Hitchcock for his selfless and invalu- if interested – this is one of the most able work to help your Membership important tasks you could contribute- Linda Stanley Secretary learn the computer work inspiring new members to discover for Membership Secretary required to process membership business. That business includes welcoming new members to the PLA family. This Roger Baird’s 90th Birthday on NCRy report shows 14 new members this We had a special NCRy train charter perience on the Niles Canyon Railway. month and they are: The Family of on the evening of Saturday, June 29th. Regards, Jim Evans Dongbin, Alex, Jayon Zhen and Haixia It was for Roger Baird’s 90th Birthday Dai, The Ruggiero Family that includes and Roger invited all the residents of Anthony, Angeline, Benjamin and An- the Acacia Creek Retirement commu- nelie. In addition are Ken and Deeph nity located just north of our railroad up Mehta, along with Margo Olsen – the on the hill east of Mission Road. wife of recent new member (and volun- This charter required special efforts. teer) Kurt Olsen. Wrapping up the new Roger and his guests had a great time. members portion of this report is the I’d like to thank Steve Jones for his spe- Bayhanogullarindan Family of Anna- cial coordination efforts at Niles, Jackie belle, Salim Murat and youth member Vlasak and Ed Best and their crews for Hakan. running the train and Bob Bradley and Another part of the business under our gift shop staff for being available to Membership Secretary direction is the Photo by Jim Evans have the Sunol Station gift shop and tracking of members’ volunteer hours. Roger Baird and Conductor Ed Best on Chinese Historical exhibit open to the Special thanks to journeyman volun- 29 June 2019 . Congratulations on a suc- 180 people present of this unique ex- teer Paul Veltman for tracking these cessful birthday train event. hours for the last 20 years. All PLA/ NCRY volunteers salute you! Volunteer hours will now be record- ed by PLA Archivist Brian Hitchcock. Please note: it is extremely important you log ALL hours volunteered. It is preferred you log your time on one of the ‘time sheets’ located at Bright- side, Sunol or Niles. Brian has created a new email address you can email your hours to if needed: ncryvolunteer- [email protected]. Volunteer hours are invaluable when it comes to grants. It not only proves to the grantor that many support the mission of the PLA/ NCRY, but in some matching grants every hour volunteered is worth matching dollars. Please record those volunteer hours at the end of your day. Lastly, I am hopeful to identify that valuable volunteer among us who will Photo by Jim Evans accept the challenge of contacting po- Roger and his guests with his huge cakes at the conclusion of his birthday charter at our Niles Station. Page 12 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY Niles Canyon Railway Presents Nostalgic Niles…A weekend to step back in time in and around historic Niles August 9-11, 2019 and see their remarkable work in an au- thentic setting - a theater where Charlie Chaplin and Bronco Billy Anderson saw themselves and their contemporaries on the screen. This museum keeps the spirit of silent films alive. The curator has prepared a full weekend schedule of railroad themed movies beginning with a presentation Friday evening Au- gust 9th at 7:30 pm from Henry Baum, president of the Pacific Locomotive Association followed by some classic short silent films. Niles Depot Museum: Discover Fremont’s railroad heritage in the former Southern Pacific Railroad colon- nade-style passenger depot built in The Niles Canyon Railway is partner- return. You may also park and board in 1901 and freight depot. The museum ing with several museums in Niles to Sunol where you ride to Niles. Should is operated by the Niles Depot Histor- bring you a weekend full of fun, nos- you decide to purchase the bus/movie ical Foundation and is also construct- talgic, and historic adventures. From matinee wristband for $10 per person; ing two model railways of Niles and special presentations and films starting a bus awaits you in Niles/Fremont sta- surrounding areas, which are operated Friday evening at the Essanay Silent tion and takes you to and from Main by the Tri-City Society of Model Engi- Film Museum to steam powered train Street to explore downtown Niles. We neers. Special weekend event hours rides Saturday and Sunday on the have multiple steam train departures Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4 pm NCRy. Special bus transportation avail- from each NCRy station throughout the Pacific Bus Museum: Dedicated to able at an extra cost between the Niles day with the last one-way departure the preservation, restoration of buses Canyon Railway’s Niles Station and from our Niles/Fremont station to Sunol will be on display as part of the history downtown main street Niles. Once in at 5:20 PM on Saturday and 3:20 PM of transportation. downtown, train passengers can take on Sunday. Passport to Adventure Program: Did advantage of special matinee movie With a mainline railroad between our you know the City of Fremont is the showings all weekend at the Essan- station and downtown Niles, the only most historic region in all of Alameda ay Silent Film Museum with their bus safe way to travel between the two lo- County? Museum representatives from & movie pass wristband. Additionally, cations is on the roadways that circle the Passport to Adventure Program will visitors can take some time to visit the around and under the railroad. Con- be available at the Niles Depot Muse- Niles Depot and Model Railroad Mu- struction on Sullivan Underpass is not um to answer questions and share lots seum and shop or dine in downtown yet a safe pedestrian alternative so of information. Niles. Additional movie showings are the bus is your alternative for this spe- scheduled Saturday and Sunday eve- cial weekend. The combination bus NCRy Marketing Team ning at the film museum, but these will transportation and matinée movie pass be after the bus transportation has end- wristbands can be purchased from our ed and the steam train has left for the Niles Canyon Railway ticket agents day. Visitors will need to provide their and the Essanay Film Museum for $10 own transportation to and from the film per person. museum. The Essanay Silent Film Museum: Start your experience aboard our vin- Circa 1912 the silent film movie making tage steam train. Ride from Niles/Fre- industry was very active in Niles be- mont station located at 37029 Mission fore eventually moving to Hollywood. Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 to Sunol and Rediscover America’s movie pioneers, August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 13 NILES CANYON RAILWAY Fourth of July celebration at the Sunol Gardens Perfect weather for this year’s Fourth of July celebration at the Sunol Gardens. Our guests made a leisurely round trip to Niles with two photo run-by opportunities in the canyon on the way back. Upon returning to Sunol the picnic was ready thanks to the many volunteers who made it possible. President Baum announced the winner for the Whistle Award which went to Gerry Feeney and the Volunteer of the Year Award which went to Steve Jones.

Photos by Dan Sarka

COFFEE WITH CONNIE Sunday September 15th 10:00 am-3:00 pm Connie Luna New Email address to report your Volunteer Hours: will be in town and visiting the Sunol Depot for a book sign- ing. Please stop by to say hello and have her personalize [email protected] a copy of her recent memoir. Page 14 Pacific Locomotive Association August 2019 NILES CANYON RAILWAY ------Volunteer Report ------by Brian Hitchcock The following is a list of the people who helped run your railroad in June. Please print your name clearly on the sign in sheet so it can be read. If you find that your name is misspelled, please inform me of the correct spelling. You can also send hours by e-mail to [email protected]. Note that if I can’t read your writing, you may not get credit for the hours you worked. Administrative Commissary Facilities Meetings Membership Meeting Special Events Steve Barkkarie Charles Smith Curt Hoppins George Childs Pat Stratton Chris Hauf Henry Baum Leslie Smith Steve Jones Dexter Day Paul Veltman Jim McDaniel Dexter Day Sue Thomas Joe Romani Jim Evans Ed Noble Jim Evans Steve Slabach Frank Fontes MOW & Track Depot Crew & Operations Kent Hedberg Linda Stanley Gail Hedberg Bob Bailey Switching Crew Pat Stratton Donna Alexander Jim Stewart Kent Hedberg Steve Barkkarie Rich Anderson Paul Veltman Bob Bailey Doug Vanderlee Steve Jones Tom Crawford Gerry Feeney Dexter Day Dennis Mann Dexter Day Kent Hedberg Archives & Library Glenn Fountain Gift Shop Peter Midnight Rhonda Dijeau Mark Miller Brian Hitchcock Jim Gilmore Gail Hedberg Steve Slabach Dave Fontes Jackie Vlasak Kent Hedberg Patrice McDonald Linda Stanley Frank Fontes Train Crew Steve Jones Charlene Murrell Jim Stewart Pat Hafey Ed Best Dave Lion Car Department Pat Stratton Steve Jones Mike Carter Dan Mills Bob Bailey Mechanical Dept Mike Strider Gregg McNaughton Henry Chandler Sally Mills Jeff Brazelton Rich Anderson Ron Vane Dan Mills Chris Chisom Linda Stanley Steve Coon Jeff Brazelton Paul Veltman John Pelmulder Scott Crislip Wayne Stoddard Tom Crawford Henry Chandler Joe Peterson Gerald DeWitt Jackie Vlasak Norm Fraga Steve Coon Membership Meeting Bob Pratt Tim Flippo Rob Giles Docents Dexter Day Donna Alexander Ken Southwick Charles Franz Rich Alexander Pat Stratton Pete Goodier Mike Bozzini Doug Debs Warren Haack Steve Barkkerie Mike Strider Jack Harrington Ray Crist Gerald DeWitt Kent Hedberg Henry Baum Ron Thomas Dennis Mann Dexter Day Gerry Feeney Chuck Kent Ed Best Wesley Van Osdol Jim McDaniel Jim Evans Charles Franz Justin Legg Bob Bradley Doug Vanderlee Bob Moore Fred Krock Jack Harrington Jorg Linke George Childs John Zielinski Denis Murchison Roger McCluney Jeff Haslam Dave Loyola Steve Coon Mike Pechner Charles Smith Steve Jones Derek Lyon-McKeil Dexter Day Other Tony Peters Leslie Smith Chuck Kent Mark Miller Jim Evans Warren Benner Joe Scardino Jim Stewart Justin Legg Kurt Olsen Bill Stimmerman Dee Murphy Frank Fontes Zonker Harris Bob Pratt Phil Stone Electrical & Signals Bill Ross Gail Hedberg Barry Lependorf Alan Siegwarth Don Stuff Curt Hoppins Derek Schipper Kent Hedberg Joe Peterson Jim Stewart Steve Van Meter Bill Kenney Jeff Schwab Steve Jones Jim Stewart Pat Stratton Marshall Williams Dave Lion Alan Siegwarth Karen Kadaja Pat Warren John Sutkus Joe Romani Linda Stanley Dennis Mann Ron Thomas Special Events Commissary Logan Rubisky Bill Stimmerman Patrice McDonald Ted Unruh Jane Cauly Jim Stewart John Zielinski Peter Midnight Donna Alexander Wesley Van Osdol Jan Crowley George Turner Joe Peterson Bob Bailey Jackie Vlasak Doug Debs Paul Veltman Meetings Nancy Peterson Norm Fraga Jon Williamson Armano Giovacchini John Zielinski Donna Alexander Bob Pratt Annie Giannini John Zielinski Bonnie Harringtion Rich Alexander Dan Sarka Rob Giles Kim Lyon-McKeil Facilities Steve Barkkarie Linda Stanley Armano Giovacchini Roger McCluney Rich Alexander Henry Baum Jim Stewart Zonker Harris August 2019 Pacific Locomotive Association Page 15 PACIFIC LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION, INC. Nonprofit Org. Post Office Box 515 U.S. Postage Post Office Box 515 Sunol, CA 94586-0515 Sunol, CA 94586-0515 PAID RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Hayward, CA Permit No. 188 Time Sensitive Material

Photo by Chris Hauf The #9010 time machine at work. The train at the photo run-by at the location affectionately known as “Stairway to the Stars”.