SP Narrow Gauge No. 18

[fitz]

I read in Railfan & Railroad mag where SP no. 18, which has been parked at Independence, CA for years, is undergoing restoration. She is a narrow gauge, and evidently someone is planning to re-lay some track up there in the Owens Valley. I remember when it was still there. On many ski trips from the Antelope Valley to Mammoth Mountain we would stop and photograph No. 18. Here are a couple from March 1993. It's amazing that the accessories are all still there, including builder's plates. R&R said it was the only narrow gauge loco with Walschaerts valve gear, and the second photo would verify that.
http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/SP18.JPG http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/SP18A.JPG
I almost forgot to give credit for the photos to my friend and ski buddy, Jerry Horn.

[ 18 May 2001: Message edited by: fitz ]

[Kevin Stevens]

Attached should be a link to a website covering this project:

SP 18 restoration website (http://carsoncolorado_rwy.homestead.com/carsoncolorado.html)

According to the website, they have steamed up the engine and are raising money to purchase 5 1/2 miles of rail. The project seems to be doing well, in spite of the remoteness of its location (Independence, CA is about 100 miles North of Mojave, CA in California's Owens Valley) Hope you find the info interesting.

[ 07 June 2001: Message edited by: Kevin Stevens ]