Bill, Thats great news. I hope things start to turn around for the YW real soon. Shannon WP LIVES ATSF LIVES LONG LIVE THE YW
Hey! Guess what guys-n-gals? My wife and I will represent the YWRR at the official grand re-opening of tunnel 13. We, along with other reps of other RRs' will ride the first passenger train through the tunnel for many, many years. If there's any of you who will be in the area on the 21st of April, the train will depart Ashland, OR at noon, sharp and is scheduled to return to Ashland by 5 PM. Hope someone gets some good pics of this historic moment.
That's spectacular! I had been all braced to see another good road go under, it's great to hear of this success!
Boxcab .. yes! We are moving veneer cars again and revenue has picked up somewhat. I have some potential good news about the YWRR... the City of Yreka wants to purchase the railroad and have offered $2.5 million for it. There is a second individual, who owns the Oregon Eastern and Pacific RR making an offer of unknown amount as well. The only 'fly in the ointment' is there's still litigation going to determine who the legal owner(s) is, or are; and the court may not authorize the sale. However, the judge did state last week that he MAY allow the sale and leave the litigants to fight in court to see who gets the money. I hope he will allow the sale to the city. If that happens, the city will establish a Transportation Commission, which will place the YWRR as non-profit organization, thereby making us eligible for State and Federal Grants! Whoooopieeeee! The next court hearing will be on 28 April at 2:30 PM. I'll let you know what the outcome is.
Bill, that's good news. I'm happy for you and for the city of Yreka. Saw your post over on Altamont, and man, that place is getting to be full of childish trolls. Think I'll stay away.
I have noticed that too Jim .. but I only look at those particular posts that catch my attention as interesting, and informative.
I stopped looking at that site long, long ago. For reason stated. And far too many errant replies from "experts." Anyhow, it's very good to hear things have picked up. I do hope that judge will rule favorably. I see no reason why the money can't be held in escrow, until an owner is known. It would make no sense to leave the railroad itself dangling literally in mid-air. Boxcab E50
Bill, Thats great news about the YW. If work on the 19 begins again I'll try and head up there and help out.
Steve- Nobody around here carries that magazine. I only pick up one every few years. It's a big hassle to find one. When there's a story of real interest. Any hints about what they wrote? Boxcab E50
I'll have to find time to run into San Diego to pick that up......I really should get a subscription. if for no other reason then the pictures.
It covers the fire and the damage and then the steps and work undertaken to repair the damage. Very interesting article. However I wish they would have had more pictures. The author said that the tunnel should be ready for use this month, however I'm not sure if this if fact yet. Steve
Steve- According to an earlier post in this thread, Ironhorseman says it was reopened on April 5th. Boxcab E50
Yesterday, the 21st CORP had their gala ribbon cutting / grand re-opening of tunnel 13. We took the train from Ashland to the tunnel, which took about 1.5 hours at 10 mph. The consist was one loco at the lead and one on the rear to push as we ascended the Siskiyous with 2 vintage parlor cars, one dome car and two private business cars. Upon arriving at the tunnel, everyone got off of the train for the ceremony. There were many dignitaries from the Oregon State Governor's office, the Mayor of Ashland, officers of Union Pacific, CORP and RailAmerica; some of course who, gave speaches about the importance of the tunnel to the region. One of the most interesting presentation was given by the chief engineer of the tunnel project .. describing the scope of the problem(s) they had to address, and how they remedied them. After the speeches, there was the ribbon cutting ceremony with the giant wooden sissors. The train then was pushed into the tunnel leaving just the back loco and part of one car sticking out of the north portal. A paper banner declaring the tunnel open was stretched across the rails between two posts and the train moved forward, running through the banner (for news channels who were there to photograph the event. We then reboarded the train and proceeded back to Ashland. I never new there were two hairpin loops and one very high wooden trestle on that part of the line. It was a very exciting ride with lots of refreshments and snacks aboard. The most important thing is the tunnel is now officially open, even though my friend Matt told me there is about another month of work to do in there. Now all we have to do is get a favorable decision from the court as to the fate of the Yreka Western RR, which may come on the 28th at 2:30PM. I hope it will be good for us. [ April 22, 2005, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: Ironhorseman ]
