There's a rumor, (and I emphaisize the word, rumor) the YW is currently in escrow. It is not clear who the buyer might be, but my understanding it is a very wealthy man from southern California. I've also heard it is the same outfit who bought the McCloud. But I don't think they are from southern California. It has been learned this potential buyer has insisted the Court Hammond replace some of the track that has been removed around the depot; and, the new buyer wants to acquire a steam locomotive. Shades of Willis Kyle! This is wonderful and encouraging news, IF it pans out to be true and accurate. IF the rumors are true, I'll be there first thing with my job application! Say your prayers tonight for it.
Need a fireman, Bill? I'd love to work with you again. On a related note, I see that the web sites for the Wallowa Union RR are either down or stale. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train site <http://eaglecaptrain.com/> displays a "Date Base Error." And the Wallowa Union Scenic Railway site <http://www.wu-sr.com/> is still "coming soon." Most of the working links from a Google search come up with rail fan web sites, or second hand press release info. Am I missing something? Larry Former Blue Gooser
Larry, I'm not surprised at the WURR being down for the count. When I visited last September things in Elgin seemed deader than a doornail. Hopefully the same does not happen to the YW.
Seems to me the idea of having that train on the WU is rather far fetched. A bit off the beaten path, could they possibly draw enough riders to even operate?
I drove into Yreka yesterday to go grocery shopping and thought I'd go by the YW and found the old 101 year old wooden cabeese out of the engine house with a crew working all around it. They were getting it ready to lift onto a low-boy trailer to be transported up to the WU. They planned to lift it up with excavators, roll the trucks out from under it and then back the trailer under it. I could just visualize the old caboose falling off onto the ground getting it's new paintjob dirty. Anyway, things are starting to move, but the 19 is a long way from being ready for the trip. I have serious doubts it will be ready to run up there this summer, and it will have to remain in Yreka until the work is done. There is no service facility, or inspection pit at it's new home. I also learned that Court Hammond was in McCloud negotiating a deal for two Viarail coaches. It would be nice if he could get them. Larry ... I have no delusions about ever operating old 19, or any other steamer again. Court and I have butted our heads together a few times in the past because I always speak my mind, and some of the things he has done to bring the YW to it's knees really upset me. But it's his railroad and the best thing I could do to keep sanity was go 'retire'. I would go there and help Bill Ainsworth with some of his work though. Thanks for the compliment of working with me. I appreciate it.
the yreka is in escrow and has been for a while , it is being sold . and will be running soon ! so rumors are true ! the person who bought the mccould rail road is not the same . my hats off to court hammond for try to keep the rail road together . so it can be sold to the new owner .
IS NOT THAT THE AMERICAN WAY ? DREAM AND MAKE IT HAPPEN ? OH I AM SORRY THIS IS THE AMERICAN WAY SO WE NEED TO HELP THE DREAM , NOT TEAR IT DOWN CORRECT,
Superfabien - are you the new owner? Can you share some information concerning when escrow will close; what plans are in store for the railroad, etc? Of course, I have a very personal interest in the continuation of the YW's operation and future. If your information is accurate ... I can not only speak for myself, but the entire host of people who enjoy(ed) the YW in the past. My hat's off to the new owner, and as I said before ... I'll be first in line to apply for a job if the new owner needs a steam locomotive engineer. Whooooppppeeeeeeee!
Interesting and related information: http://www.altamontpress.com/discussion/read.php?1,77594,77594#msg-77594