Work continues on Sierra No. 3!

Progress is being made on Sierra No. 3, as our mechanical team draws closer to performing the final hydrostatic pressure test on the boiler! Meanwhile, work is being done to repair and repaint the wooden cab windows and door frames before they are reinstalled in the cab. 

Over the ten or so years that Sierra No. 3 had been in service, a fair amount of wear and tear has taken its toll on various cab components. Nails and screws had begun to work their way loose, and the constant exposure to grease and grime proved impossible to clean. The best solution was to repair the stripped nail and screws holes with dowels, which were inserted into the worn holes in the wooden windows and doors, and new holes drilled.

While the repairs were being performed, this occasion proved to be a good opportunity to apply newly researched colors to these components. Since the locomotive was first restored in 2010, additional research has proven that the orange trim color more well known in recent years did not become common practice on Sierra Railroad steam locomotives until 1937.

Sierra Railway No. 3 on the point of a scheduled passenger train at Standard in 1927.

Before the railroad was reorganized in 1937, the exterior face of the windows and doors were painted black, while the interior faces and edges were painted green to match the rest of the locomotive cab interior. This was the common standard from at least as early as 1920 until the locomotives were all gradually repainted starting in 1935. As the chosen restoration period for Sierra No. 3 was its revenue service appearance circa 1929, the orange color was deemed inappropriate, and the new color research was applied. This research was based on color analysis performed many years ago on Sierra Railroad No. 34 by retired California State Railroad Museum Curator of History and Technology Kyle Wyatt.

While the mechanical work on the locomotive was being handled, our skilled maintenance staff and volunteers took on the work to restore the cab windows and doors. Great job everyone!

Maintenance Volunteer Lead Gary Hosman discusses the progress with Volunteer Steve Monroe.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Sonora Opera Hall

Railtown hosted a special volunteer appreciation dinner in February at the Sonora Opera Hall for volunteers who contributed at least 84 hours of service in 2023. About 120 volunteers, park and foundation staff attended. The elegant event was generously sponsored by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.

The Opera Hall was a comfortable venue. The soft sound of classical guitar was a nice background to the cheerful conversations.

This year's theme was to dress as fancy as you desire. As you can imagine, the range of attire worn by volunteers and staff was quite impressive.

Mike Merritt, District Interpretive Manager, gave a speech welcoming and honoring the Railtown volunteers and thanking the Foundation for their partnership with State Parks.

Tim Schroepfer, Foundation President, gave a speech honoring and inspiring the volunteers at Railtown.

Walt Pierson, Polar Express Coordinator, presented special awards for Polar Express volunteers:

• Tom Handley, Polar Rookie
• Jack Hibdon, Polar Rookie
  
• Gisele Murillo, Polar Above & Beyond
• Ted Trambley, Polar Star
• Joyce Miller, Polar Star

Ryan Canutt, Park Maintenance Supervisor, presented two special awards to:

• Paulina Sanfilippo, Gem Award
  
  
• Mike Bispo, Above & Beyond

Daniel Lewis, Park Interpreter & Volunteer Coordinator, presented numerous awards including:

• Recognition for each of the 36 volunteers who contributed over 200 hours of service
• Walt Nolan, Most Volunteer Hours
• Karen McMahon, Best Dressed
• Bob Harris, Most Positive & Enthusiastic
• Karen Ethier, Outstanding Customer Service
• Austin Castro, Interpretive Excellence
• Frank Vera, Personal Growth & Achievement
• Frances Boricchio, Rookie of the Year
• Craig Peterson, Volunteer of the Year

Daniel Lewis, with Mike Merritt and Ryan Canutt, presented Poppy Awards for exemplary volunteer service to five volunteers for their significant contributions to the betterment of California State Parks:

• Ed Rosenbaum
• Warren Smith
• Cathy Sagaser
• Walt Nolan
• Ron White

Finally, Ryan Canutt, with Mike Merritt and Daniel Lewis, awarded Gary Hosman the Medallion Award, the highest honor to a volunteer who made a significant contribution towards the mission and goal of the Department worthy of recognition by the California State Parks Director.

VIPP 2022 Annual Report

Now that we are firmly in 2024, we've received a copy of the 2022 Volunteers in Parks Program annual report, in which Railtown is featured! To clarify, these reports take several months to develop, which is why we are now receiving the stats from 2022 rather than 2023, which are still being compiled. Be sure to check out the full document by clicking the link: Volunteer In Parks Program 2022 Annual Report

Additionally, our Interpreter I, Daniel Lewis, has compiled the Railtown volunteer and park visitation statistics from 2023. Click the link to view: Railtown 2023 Year in Review