McCloud Rails : Passenger Operations: Excursion Photos 1952/1953 Excursions |
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The McCloud River Railroad operated at least three known excursions in 1952 and 1953. The #18 powered the first excursion on 27 August 1952 that ran at least to Pondosa. Next, the #25 handled its
first railfan excursion, Northern California Railroad Club's Pondosa Logger on 9 May 1953. The Logger carried passengers in a leased SP gondola and three cabooses. It operated as a mixed train
in both directions, carrying two empty boxcars to Pondosa and returning with six log loads. Finally, on 20 June 1953 the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railaay & Locomotive Historical Society chartered a large
train (four coaches, three passenger flats, and a caboose) behind the #26 and #18 that was a side trip to the Railroad Days in Dunsmuir event.
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27 August 1952- #18 to Pondosa |
#18 at the McCloud depot ready to head east with the train.
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The excursion train crossing the Bear Creek bridge between Pondosa and Pondosa Upper Yard.
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9 May 1953- Pondosa Logger |
#25 performing a photo runby at the Highway 89 trestle. Al Thoman photo, from The Western Railroader Issue 166.
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The Pondosa Logger on the return trip to McCloud. Al Thoman photo, from The Western Railroader Issue 166. |
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Another photo runby in tall snowbanks on Dead Horse Summit. Al Thoman photo, from The Western Railroader Issue 166. |
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The #25 pausing at Bartle on the trip. Jeff Moore collection.
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20 June 1953- Pondosa Logger |
The #26 and #18 leading the excursion of 20 June 1953 through Pierce. From a 25-year retrospective of PCC-L&RHS Excursions
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The excursion is seen in the background while the #29 switches livestock cars in the McCloud yard. Ray Piltz photo, Travis Berryman collection. |
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