Steam & Excursion > Ride the Mixed train in Niles Canyon

The Niles Canyon Railway (NCRy) is running a special steam mixed train on the September 18 and October 2nd in addition to the regular train operation. The Steam Mixed harkens back to a period of railroading starting in the 1930’s when many shortline railroads opted to operate mixed freight/passenger trains to reduce operating costs during the depression. The mixed train service continued into the 1950’s and 1960’s as railroad passenger counts plummeted due to America’s love with the automobile.  What is a “Mixed” train you ask? Railroads decided that rather than run a separate freight and passenger train, they could run a single “Mixed” freight with a passenger car or two attached to the rear of the train. Mixed trains typically operated on a longer more “relaxed and flexible” schedule than a regular passenger train to allow switching of freight cars along the line. Passengers would make it to their destination, but not necessarily at the exact time called for on the schedule.  The NCRy will be operating a steam mixed leaving Sunol at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 on September 18 and October 2nd for about a 1-1/2 hour round trip. There will be no boarding in Niles for this train. The special train will include freight cars, passenger cars and a caboose. Passengers should be aware that as this is a special mixed, passenger accommodations on the train do NOT include restrooms or food and beverages which are included on the regular Niles Canyon Railway passenger train. The Regular Passenger train will pass the mixed along the way allowing the passengers of both trains to experience this rare operation.  Prices and accomodation information are in the attached flyer.

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