The date was April 25, 1971... A date we were all looking forward to.. The FINAL run of a Southern Pacific chartered excursion, after some 104 years of the railroad operating such trips and just six days before Amtrak took over the passenger business.
YES, hundreds of us were all excited because we were aboard this great lengthy streamliner known as the "TRUCKEE LIMITED"... Lengthy ?? You bet !!
FIVE SP F-units led by SP FP7A # 6459 followed by some twenty-one cars.

Thru the courtesy of Wesley Fox (WAF), I'd like to recall a rather humorous incident that happened to us after we departed Oakland for the High Sierra.

The "Special" was late coming out of the coach yard in West Oakland, departing 16th Street Station at 8:15 am, 10 minutes late. The Excursion would be stopping at Berkeley, Richmond, Crockett, Martinez and Sacramento to pickup passengers. This first incident we had was running past our Richmond passengers, who had rather surprised looks on their faces as we went rolling by at 60 mph. The conductor pulled the air and we came to a stop on a big curve at Giant, CA. It seems that Western Division locomotive engineer "Srsen" didn't have it in his orders to make the Richmond stop.
A brief 10 minute discussion took place, comparing orders (no doubt talking with the 16th Street operator to get Train # 52 (the San Joaquin Daylight) to pick up our passengers). Off we went, meeting Train # 11 (the 'Cascade') (11 cars, 3202/FP-7A/FP-7a) leaving Martinez at 9:13am (1 hr and 12 minutes late). We picked up our passengers and pulled forward to clear the Martinez--Tracy "Mococo Line" and Train # 52 made its station stop and dropped off what we forgot in Richmond. Being the last week before Amtrak, SP spiced up the trains with extra cars. Train # 52 had a Lounge Car (working) behind the baggage, a total of 12 cars, (3201/F-7B for power). Once Train # 52 cleared, we backed up and picked up our Richmond passengers. We were one hour late leaving Martinez, CA and off we went to Sacramento and an adventure in the Snow overlooking Donner Lake we will always remember...

The excitement was only just beginning to build for our nostalgic journey. You too can experience at least a part of what some of us enjoyed for over 16 hours, some 39 years ago. Come to WINTERAIL and see for yourself. I think you'll enjoy the experience!

Note: It would have been great if someone had photographed all these passenger trains jockeying for position at Martinez, CA..
Cheers...

KEN SHATTOCK (KRK)


And now, this note (this morning) from "WAF" ...

"Drew J had one of 52 leaving with the Special on the Bridge line, Ken."

Thanks, Wes.. Hey DREW-- Are you out there ?? Do you have such a photo you could share with us ??
Many thanks...