A Visit to Knight Foundry!

On Saturday January 13th, a handful of Railtown volunteers and staff took a field trip to the historic Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek. Although it is much older, first opened in 1873, Knight Foundry is very reminiscent of the Jamestown Shop complex, with its belt-driven machine shop featuring many of the same types of equipment. However, whereas the Sierra Railway Jamestown Shops house only the tools and machines needed for the upkeep of railroad equipment specifically, Knight Foundry is a rare example of a nineteenth century engineering shop, capable of designing and manufacturing almost any industrial component.

As a direct connection to our history, the Sierra Railway contracted work out to the foundry on occasion. As it happens, the foundry was making parts for one of the Niles Canyon Railway's steam locomotives during our visit.

It was a special experience to see the foundry and machine shop at work, a prime example of living history in action. Many of the skills and trades still employed here were and still are used at Railtown. Interpretive Aide Mike Ninneman was so impressed by the foundry's knowledgeable docents and their demonstrations that he returned after lunch to buy a membership. Be sure to join us on future field trips, a calendar of events will be sent out soon!