SKUNK TRAIN PLANS INAUGURAL STEAM ENGINE CELEBRATION

Weeklong Event will Feature Historic Steam Locomotives

            WILLITS, CA – Highlights of the Skunk Train’s Steam Engine Celebration include a unique route and schedule, guest speakers, special amenities, the addition of a second steam locomotive, and the star of the show – the Skunk’s very own Old 45 Steam Locomotive.

            The Old 45 Steam Engine normally operates out of the Fort Bragg station at the western terminus of the Skunk Train’s 40-mile railroad.  During the celebration, the Old 45 will relocate over the coastal range to Willits for the first time in years.  The Baldwin Steam Engine #45 (built in 1924) is a Mikado-type 2-8-2 super-heated steam engine.  Joining the Old 45 will be a second steam engine provided by Roots of Motive Power for unique “double-header” steam trips.  A third diesel locomotive will be added for dynamic braking.

            At several locations along the route, passengers will be allowed to de-board the train for photo opportunities or “photo run-bys.”  The “photo run-bys” are noteworthy since one of the charms of the Skunk Train is that its route is accessible only by train and guests are rarely allowed to de-board to take photos of the train in motion.  

            For more information and reservations, please call (866) 45-SKUNK (457-5865) or visit www.SkunkTrain.com.  The reservation office is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to the 121-year-old Skunk Train, the Sierra Railroad Company also operates the Sacramento RiverTrain (Woodland), the nation’s newest dinner train; and the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train (Oakdale), the movie railroad.  Passengers board the Skunk Train at stations in Fort Bragg, 100 West Laurel Street, just off State Highway 1 and Willits, 299 East Commercial Street, two blocks from U.S. Highway 101