Steam & Excursion > A Lonely Work Train In The Canyon July 4, 1940!

I always like different views from the steam era like this one. The atmosphere it brings out is amazing.

We are on the auto road deep in the Feather River Canyon on a hot 4th of July in 1940 when we spot this across the canyon. Western Pacific 2-8-0 #13 is proceeding with her work train through a spot called Twain by the railroad. #13 is on a work train with a spreader coupled to the engine and work cars following.

The noise of the river in the canyon drowns out all sounds from #13 and her train save for the occasional whistle blow. Let's just stop and enjoy this s lovely scene that Guy L. Dunscomb saved for us.


Martin



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/23/15 04:06 by LoggerHogger.

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Nice!

Steve Mitchell
http://www.yardgoatimages.com

So very cool.

While none of the WP wood spreaders survive, we have very similar tank cars in Portola, plus I recall a side dump similar to the one shown. And of course the WP 26 survives, so one could, theoretically, come close to reproducing that scene today. Kind of neat to think about.

Z

Wow. 1940 in the Feather River Canyon. What I'd give to see the Canyon back then.

Thanks for another amazing post, Martin!

Lee Hower - Sacramento



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/23/15 11:08 by mcfflyer.

That is a great photo, Martin.

Why does the hillside look like it is covered in snow? The trees don't show it so I believe the July 4th date. But I can't figure out why it looks that way.

Looks like bare soil and dirt with the sun glinting off of it to make it very bright ??

Without the trees one could take it for a model railroad. I agree could be taken for snow.

What I marvel at most in this photo is the nice rock retaining wall. That was nice masonry work there, even if no mortar was used. I would guess that the light color of the ground beneath the track is a combination of slight overexposure coupled with light colored talus.

TG

Possibly Infrared film caused the "snow" effect?

wingomann Wrote:
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> Why does the hillside look like it is covered in
> snow? The trees don't show it so I believe the
> July 4th date. But I can't figure out why it
> looks that way.

Well, there's no "snow" on the track or even on the ballast shoulder.

Love anything WP!-Thanks for Sharing this,.Love that whole era..Smoky,Steam engines,Plows,and equpment, And loud roaring Smoky Radial Airplane4 engines!!

Jim Baker
Riverside, CA