I'm just hearing news that all ops of the Sierra are up for sale. I'm not sure how hard they are persuing this. This includes the Sierra itself along with the Sierra Northern (ex Yolo Shortline) and the Mendocino RR (ex California Western). Appearantly the California Northern is looking at getting at least some of it. Anybody else hear anything?? What about the Sierra operating the V&T? Will the new owners take over this too?? Lots of questions, if this is really true.
Isn't the Sierra also operating another tourist RR? I'm thinking perhaps something to do with C&TS? If rumors are true, it will be interesting to learn more! Boxcab E50
This is Sierra Northern (ex Yolo Shortline). They switch customers within the old McClellan AFB. Also interchange with BNSF trackage rights trains.
If they've lost that contract, who might step into the picture? Is SN the only outside access? Or does it directly connect to BNSF? Boxcab E50
It connects directly to UP. The BNSF trains are using trackage rights. This is in N.Highlands (Sacramento). As quoted earlier, California Northern is looking at some of the property supposedly. Don't know which parts they would want.
"...but they don't know if Sierra Northern will object or not." Hmmm. Why are they being replaced? Was their service unsatisfactory? Boxcab E50
Finally got around to checking out the STB filing. Here's the link: http://www.stb.dot.gov/filings/all....432f11363a56852573df0071f289/$FILE/221455.PDF Note, this is a PDF file so you will need a pdf reader. Some very interesting reading. Also, the Sierra Northern is just about finished with the paintjob of SERA #47 there at McClellan. Wonder what will become of her and the others used at McClellan? Curious as to how this will all play out. Will I get a new shortline to photograph? SAVR (Sacramento Valley RR)? What power will they use? Can't wait to find out.
I wonder if there were any other bidders? Can't tell from that paperwork, if any. Or if Sierra even bid. How much activity is there in that facility? Boxcab E50
Reported today that all Sierra/Sierra Northern power is now off the property(McClellan Park) except #47 doing the last of the switching. Supposedly the power is in West Sac.
The new operator is Patriot Rail. Although you may not recognize that name, if you look at their website you'll recognize some of their management (from RailAmerica prior to the buy out by the Fortress Group) and some of the properties that they currently operate (like the old Rarus Railway/Butte, Anaconda & Pacific Railway). Officially, they take over on the 1st of March. Power for Patriot's McClellan job appears to be a pair of ex-BA&P (NP?) Geeps (not sure if they're GP7s or GP9s) that were last seen in Southern California (...and I'm guessing that they may be headed North sometime soon...). As to whether or not there were "other" bidders besides Patriot Rail, both the Sierra and I believe [SIZE=-1]Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (...I'm not entirely sure about G&W other than that we saw some of their folks walking around the property before the bidding process started...) all bid on McClellan Park.[/SIZE] As far as the Sierra Northern's locomotives, they are not being sold (at least, as far as I know) and will be retained by the Sierra for use elsewhere. Currently, the 131 (which was the power for the McClellan Park job) is in Woodland and will be used as the power for the "Woodland Turn". The 46 and the 136 (which were stored at McClellan Park, near the engine house) are in (temporary) storage in West Sacramento. The 47 is due out of McClellan Park later today (2/29) and should arrive in West Sacramento sometime later tonight or tomorrow (via the UP). Eventually, the 47 will be the power for the Sacramento River train, replacing the 133. The 132, which was the power for the "Woodland Turn" is currently stored (out of service) in Woodland due to a main generator failure (fire) that it suffered last October. And last but not least, the 134 is also currently in Woodland awaiting a 92 day inspection. Taz
Just got home from taking photos of McClellan ops. Sierra employees were cleaning out the office while #47 ran its last trip in the park. New on the property is the power Sacramento Valley will be using. These are ex Rarus GPs #105 and #107. Photos are being developed as I type this and I hope to have them posted in a hour or so.
Oh and quick research shows the new Sacramento Valley locos as GP9s built in 1957 as Butte, Annaconda & Pacific #s 105 & 107. Serial numbers are #22824 and #23356.
Ok, here's my two shots of the new Sac Valley: For the shots of SERA #47, see this thread. By the way, I'm not a photographer, I'm a photo documenter. That way, I don't have to have the best shots.
I hope they'll quickly paint out the Rarus info. I never did care for that name. Which seemed to be disconnected from the RR itself. Boxcab E50
