Steam & Excursion > Rain Or Shine, Sunday Was The Day To Run Steam Excursions!

Not all railfan excursions are blessed with bright and sunny weather as we know even to this day.  Back in the steam era, rain on the excursion was the same thread as it is today.

Most every steam excursion in the early era of railfanning took place on a Sunday.  It was this day of the week that most folks had off from work, so the ability to sell out the train was highest in any given week on a Sunday.  Such was the case for this trip, run on Sunday April 4, 1954.

Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #2362 was selected for this 3-car excursion trip on this particular Sunday.  Ralph Demoro braved the rain that day to catch the special as it traveled down Lincoln Avenue in Alameda, California filled with excusionists keeping warm inside the coaches.  Even with the rain, not a bad trip for only $3.75.

Let's puse for a minute, to drink in the scene and watch this little train pass us by and fade into history.

Martin



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/19 04:05 by LoggerHogger.

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Excursion flyer and more photos are in these old threads:

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?11,3398685
https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?11,3101842

I grew up in Alameda---spent many nights riding the ALAMEDA BELT LINE engine with the crews while switching---and so these photos are cherished.  I believe the train above is approaching Lincoln & Sherman Street.  The business across the strett is now a TIKI bar and lounge.

And to the best of my knowledge, nothing happened in Alameda yesterday to commemorate the TRANSCON RR.  There is a historical bronze marker at the corner of Lincoln and Webster Street, near a bench.  The final arrival location of the very first transcon train is all but forgotten.

Is there anykind of railroad operation in Alameda today?

...... and the audience by the curb............................

BobP Wrote:
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> ...... and the audience by the
> curb............................

And note, no cell phones in their hands with their eyes "glued" to them; aka, "kinked neck syndrome".  
Haven't seen a dead person in their coffin with a cell phone in hands yet, but, "don't say never". 😂
This photo is a great one of better days when society and life had something better!

lynnpowell Wrote:
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> Is there anykind of railroad operation in Alameda
> today?

No.  No industries left that require rail service. Whatever track remaining is out of service.  The track on Clement Ave, was paved over a couple of years back.  The Del Monte facility is being converted to condos from what I have heard.

Hope this helps.

Bob

up421 Wrote:
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> lynnpowell Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Is there anykind of railroad operation in
> Alameda
> > today?
>
> No.  No industries left that require rail
> service. Whatever track remaining is out of
> service.  The track on Clement Ave, was paved
> over a couple of years back.  The Del Monte
> facility is being converted to condos from what I
> have heard.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Bob

Del Monte moved to where the crops are at, which isn't Alameda.