Happy National Train Day, yes it does exist

This may a day late, but oh well. I bet you didn't know this day existed, but it does, here's the history on it. On May 10, 1869 the last spike was driven in Promontory Utah completing the First Transcontinental Railroad connecting the East coast with the West Coast. Today Railroad Organizations all over the country celebrate National Train Day in honor of that day. In Portland where I live an Organization called Friends of the SP4449 brought out the worlds last surviving Daylight Steam engine. This GS4 "Streamlined" steamer is one of a kind, in it's golden years it took people from San Francisco to L.A. daily and you may recognize it from movies, TV or the media. Today she is the last survivor owned and operated by a group of Volunteers that keep her looks sharp as a tac and new as she did when she 1st came out of the shop. Sadly the roundhouse she is held at is going to be taken down soon and the 4449 will be homeless unless enough money can be made to build a new working museum to house her and show her off. So here's a video of her in action. Hope you enjoy it. If you want to help our cause to find a new home for her visit the Friends of 4449 at SP4449.com and please donate. Even purchasing a shirt of coming to one or attending one of our events will help greatly.

If you would like to take a train ride cross country in a Historic private railcar with all treatment of the golden days behind this steam engine, from July - Oct. it will be running a historic run to Michigan. You are invited to purchase tickets at the SP4449.com website, prices range on what car you ride since they are all privately owned. Tickets are going FAST, don't miss out on a one in a lifetime chance!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzyiGM2FQcU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cEl4BbiTeg

 

for a cool thread
BrianR where are you?

 

choo choo. Bring back the hobo's.

 

Thanks for that post and clips.