STEAM PASSENGER TRAIN MAY RUN ON THE SILVER STRAND
A Northern California syndicate is reported to be planning to operate a steam-powered passenger train between Hotel del Coronado and the Silver Strand State Park in Coronado. From a responsible source Report learned that arrangements have been made with the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company for use of three miles of track. Two steam locomotives are said to be available.
Member Jack Stodelle reports that he has been informed the operator of Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad at Felton in the Santa Cruz Redwood country is one of the interested parties. Stodelle said the two locomotives are reported to be Sierra Railroad numbers 34 and 36.
Report was told that two gondola cars and a coach will serve as passenger equipment. Major restoration and repair is to be done at a Northern California terminal railroad repair shop.
Southern end of the line is to be at the north boundary of the State Park according to the report.
Stodelle said the two reports appear to be authentic although no official confirmation has been received from any party directly concerned.
Western Railroad lists the following locomotive data; No. 34, Baldwin (58679) 1925, 2-8-2, 46", 19x26, 175000. No. 36, Schenectady (68278) 1930, 2-8-2, 50", 21x 28, 207000.
meeting. He said he expects the turnout to be equal or better than the last meeting when 21 were present.
Wootton said that excursions, past and future will be discussed as will other important matters.
MUSEUM COMMITTEE HAS NEWS FOR MEMBERS
The Museum Committee with the support of the Board of Directors is seeking the use of one mile of San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Co. Coronado Belt Line track which lies within the confines of the Silver Strand State Park.
Walter Hayward, committee chairman, said that his committee had set this goal before it became known that a steam train might be operated on the Strand by a private party. Hayward said there would be no conflict in plans providing the Silver Strand State Park track was not included in the steam railroad plans. Hayward also said the committee was proceeding on the theory the museum plan was feasible.
Richard Pennick will obtain the specs, ownership data and a map of the right-of-way, Stanton Kerr will study tax problems, Terry Durkin will talk with the Division of Beaches and Parks, and the Board of Directors will develop a statement of the overall plan.
Hayward said that when all needed data is available Tom Sefton and Jack Stodelle will make the presentation to parties concerned, including the railway and government agencies.
If the project does not materialize most of the planning will still apply to other projects. Hayward said the committee may also, if needed, solicit funds from interested persons, or work through cooperating railfans. He said he hoped the Railway Historical Society of San Diego would lend its support.
PSRMA'S DECEMBER MEETING - A BIG ONE!
Members are advised that they will hear exciting and challenging news from the Museum Committee, Walter Hayward, chairman, at the December meeting. On Sunday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., be sure to be at the "Old Library Building" in the center of the triangle on Prescott Street just south of Main Street in El Cajon.
Wootton reminds members that the 1965 officers will be elected at the
A WIG WAG THAT MAY WIGWAG AGAIN
Two wig wags once stood at Broadway and F in Chula Vista, ready to protect the Chula Vista section of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company "Roustabout" from heavy highway traffic continually pouring through that intersection.
Much of the traffic moved west to the new 101 Freeway. Then the train service to central Chula Vista was discontinued. But the wig wags remained. Now they are (Continued on page two)
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