Steam & Excursion > Train Time At This Remote Depot Meant Things Got Pretty Busy!

While today there is still a siding marked for Blairsden, California on the Union Pacific line through the Feather River Canyon, things used to be a bit more busy at this lovely mountain spot.

Back in April 1939 when Guy L. Dunscomb stopped in Blairsden there was still a depot that was manned by the Western Pacific and the stopping of the train here really meant something to the locals.

Here we see a short 4-car passenger train headed by WP 2-8-0 #62 stopped at the Blairsden depot to drop off some mail and other items for the waiting local trucks.  The train is made up of 2 passenger cars and 2 baggage cars.  We can see the attention being given to the first baggage car in this fine scene.

Soon #62 would whistle out of town and she continued East.  Soon after she has departed the local trucks will depart the depot with their items and quiet will once again return to the Blairsden depot.

Martin



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/16 03:56 by LoggerHogger.

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I was part of such activities in the early 1950's.  There was a general excitement when the passenger train came and we loaded mail, express and baggage and received same.  It was a quick flurry of activity for in just two minutes it was all done and the train pulled out and calm once again prevailed.  

Thanks for bringing back a great memory

Great shot!

Z

Oakland - Portola "Feather River Express"?

Love the atmosphere with the vehicles, unloading the baggage & express and the freight cars on the siding. My great uncle Harold (lived through the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and made it to age 104!) used to ride the WP from the Bay Area up to Blairsden and go up to Gold  Lake for a fly fishing vacation in the 1920s and 1930s. Thanks Martin for sharing this great photo with us.

Did that train have an RPO?

railstiesballast Wrote:

> Did that train have an RPO?

Yes, see the first photo below from the Western Railway Museum Archives.

The second and third show the depot at Blairsden on April 6, 1915, if I'm reading the chalk marks on the schedule board correctly.  Just two trains are shown stopping there in each direction, making one wonder how much business the Hotel Blairsden's annex got.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/16 19:17 by Evan_Werkema.

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