SCVR Official Grand Opening!!
After many months of building our new line we finally opened to the eager public on January 5th and 6th, 2013! Every steamer we have that's operational was fired up and pulled some type of train! This was a once in a life time event and won't be repeated under present circumstances.
2-6-6-2 Doubleheader!!
Climax #1!
SP 2486 highball!
#66 pushes the yard tour train!
Seybold Locomotive Works Caboose train!
#407 takes the yard tour train
C&O 425 and SOU #3856 doubleheader!!
Dixie #3 heads up the line!
#98 doing some shunting
#12 heads up grade
#1608 heads up the Santa Clarita Main!
Seybold Locomotive Works #605 back with her caboose train!
UP 2-8-2 #2528's Inaugural run!!
After 2 long months of repairs by Hyde and the Seybold Locomotive Works, our Union Pacific 2-8-2 #2528 has returned to operation! While at the Seybold Locomotive Works she recieved 2 new axles, split frame repair, gear repair, rod repair, and wheel reallignment! We all were there to witness her inaugural run on our test track being we don't have a line to run on. She ran without any major issues! However to preserve her in current shape she will only be used on special ocasions. We are very happy to officially add another operational steamer to our ever growing roster!
Last runs on our old line
On September 1st, 2012 we ran our official last runs on our current line! This was for all the volunteers and their families to show appreciation for all their hard work! Hyde's favorite operable SCVR steamer, #5 pulled the last run for us. At the end of the trip Hyde, who was the engineer on his #5 said he couldn't be more proud to see and hear his engine run after a 5 year long restoration! "She operated with no complaints or problems so I think we finally got her just right!" said Hyde. Two runs were made, one east to Fillmore and one west to Saugus. Hyde has #5 in private storage along with DLC #3, #1, #25, #66, and #2486. They will return to our location after the line is complete.
Test Runs On The new turntable project track!
Well now that the turntable project is in full swing, after track work was done we had to test it to make sure the connections were solid and that it was clean so that we'd have no issues during weekly operations. C&O 2-6-0 #425 takes the first runs on the new track plan! No issues were found so the track is clean and ready for use!
Newly aquired Santa Fe GP18 #2654 test runs!
The SCVR's newest diesel, Santa Fe GP18 #2654, was doing her first test runs after being stripped, cleaned, lubed, and reassembled. She is a great runner! She pulls the new rolling stock also purchased with her, the 7 11 boxcar, and Santa fe caboose.
SCVR Climax #1 and SP 2-6-0 #1601 doubleheader!!
A rare ocasion occured on Saturday July 8th! Two SCVR steamers doubleheaded, Climax #1 and 2-6-0 #1601, being that these two are 2 and 3 on my favorites list this was rare! Suprisingly they worked well together but this probably won't happen again for months. Still a lot of fun!
SCVR 0-4-0 shifter photo shoot
For this ocasion the 2 SCVR 0-4-0 shifters were rolled out for photos. The newly completed SCVR #5 is my pride and joy here. SCVR 99 will be another beautiful engine when completed. In 2013 you will see these 2 doubleheading down the tracks. For now #5 runs ocasionally while #99 is being rebuilt at a slow pace.
Here's a front view of the 2. They are alike in many ways but also different in many ways. The boiler on 99 is all cast metal, while #5s is plastic. The cab on 99 is bigger than 5s, but mechanically they are exactly the same, the frame and cylinders are the same, the tenders are the same. It's just the little things that seperate them. Now "under the hood" they are the same, but cosmetically they are totally different.
Here's the rear view, like I said they are exactly the same.
Old Time Photo Freight Charter
C&O 2-6-0 #425 ran a special old time photo freight using 1800s western cars. 425 didn't disappoint and put on a great show. The old time cars are part of the SCVR, but they haven't been used in years.