Steam & Excursion > Yreka Western #19 Today's Grand Opening

Today was the grand (re)opening of Yreka Western steam powered passenger operation. The mayor and other dignataries were on hand to cut the opening day ribbon.

In talking to those involved in its operation, it sounds as though the Court Hammond (President and on the ground manager) is very dedicated to not only getting #19 pulling passengers again, but is actively seeking additional funding to improve operations. There is talk of expanded service. Folks with the railroad seem very positive about the future.

Met a couple Trainorders folks as well as some other rail fans. I don't get out much in the railfan community, I will admit, but I'm consistently impressed with the friendliness of most in the hobby (except for the guy from Oregon in a hopped up red mustang named Saleen who almost rear-ended a friend of mine while trying to pass him in a poor spot).

Don Hall
Yreka, CA

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To say it is a beautiful day here in Yreka would be an understatement. For those of you who haven't been here, the town is principally between my location and the hills on the left side of the picture.

The man at the throttle is Bill Killion. Knows how to play the whistle!!

Final shot is approaching the crossing on Foothills Dr. east of Yreka.

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Is the Internet and Trainorders great or what! We're not even out of Montague and Don has pix already posted. Thanks, Don, for some fine images from a wonderful day.

'Twas a pleasure to be back in the left hand seat firing the 19 again. All went well in spite of an occasional firing faux pas. Bill is really good to work with and we should all be grateful for his hard work and dedication.

There's another steam freight planned for next weekend -- stay tuned for details. With a little luck, by mid-June the passenger Blue Goose will be running.

Larry Tuttle
Yreka Western Fireman

PS Next time, drop by and say "Hi". I'd love to put some faces to the names who post here.

YW's run today was pretty special. Three cheers to YW, Bill, Larry and Jerry!

After I left the train at the Hwy 3 crossing, I scooted in Montague and got lunch and the Corner Club. Finished just in time to catch it coming up the hill into town. They did a quick runaround of the train, including picking up a boxcar, then headed back right away. There were only a couple of us chasing the return trip, much less excitement with it running tender first, that or the Mustang took everyone else out...

Film off to the processor Monday...

BTW, Court Hammond is the fellow to the right in the ribbon cutting photo.

#19 is not the only one with an impressive boiler in that photo of the ribbon cutting.

L. Fernbridge

Way to go, YW!!!

Gotta get up there...

Must admit, I'm impressed by Bill wearing a white T-shirt while operating a steam locomotive. The CHP must have taught him how to stay clean in any situation!

I had a lot of fun photographing the #19 and its train. Even ran to get several shots. Haven't ran for a train in years.

I sure stayed out of the way of the red sports car, that guy was a nut! The train was only doing 10 MPH.

Bruce Petty

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Nothing lasts forever....
 

This thread has been dormant for a long while.  Regards that ribbon ceremony, it looks to me like Norm Orfall holding the other end of the tape.  Could it be?

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Stanford White
Carmel Valley, CA

I do wish this little outfit still ran….