Northern California Steam Swan Song

It's always a bittersweet moment when a good thing comes to an end. In November, 2008, we had the opportunity to film what are likely the last runs of two well-known Northern California steam locomotives on their respective railroads.

The event took place over two days. On Saturday, November 1st, Yreka Western Mikado No. 19 pulled an excursion from Yreka to Montague and back, performing several photo run-bys along the way. The Yreka Western fell on hard times when the Central Oregon & Pacific stopped operating the former Southern Pacific Siskiyou line in 2008, isolating the shortline and taking away its ability to generate revenue. The railroad reluctantly put No. 19 up for sale late in the year.

Even more poignant was the last run of McCloud Railway 2-6-2 No. 25 on Sunday, November 2nd. Part of the run took place over the soon-to-be-gone Hambone Line. Once a vital carrier of timber products, hard times have forced the McCloud to focus on its Shasta Sunset Dinner Train. Even though No. 25 was purchased new in 1925 and has spent its entire life on the McCloud, the locomotive was put up for sale in 2008. This run was probably the last train ever on the Hambone aside from work trains assisting with the scrapping effort, as well as the last run of No. 25 as a McCloud locomotive.

If you would like to learn more about the organization behind this event, visit the official website of the Niles Canyon Railway and Pacific Locomotive Association.

Product Info

Read more about Shasta Steam in our Online Store.

View Trailer

Get a taste of what's in Shasta Steam in this Sample Clip.

Shasta Steam Photo Gallery

Aside from video, we also shoot stills. Take a look at some of our Shasta Steam Photos.

The DVD of Shasta Steam includes a bonus still photo library with 99 images accessible from the DVD menu!

Shasta Steam DVD $29.95