Carson & Colorado Railway

What a Day.
Perfect autumn weather with subtle, balmy winds, blue skies, and temperatures starting in the low 50 and cresting at the gentle 80s.

About 100 or more train enthusiasts came to explore the recent improvements to the CCRW yard trackage on the Eastern California Museum grounds, and of course to ride the train. Our CCRW Railroad Day, however, had so much more to offer.

First, the CCRW Railroad Day kicked off with a special event for Train Photography enthusiasts. A truly first-of-a-kind for the CCRW on ECM grounds. 

I venture to bet that the photographers agree it was a total success. We limited participation to a few on purpose! We wanted that each photographer got their perfect frame without tripping over each other or any. The photos we share here already speak for themselves. We will share more as the photographers provide us with them or links to them.

The photoshoot started on Friday around sunset time into the night. As she started whistling our beloved neighbors were there, too, looking over the fence. Being respectful of our neighbors, we put our beloved Slim Princess to rest in due time to ensure the Independence, CA, quiet times.

During the morning session, which started at 5 am, a little early for any late risers in the neighborhood, but our engineers tap the whistle ever so gently. This is part of railroad safety!

On Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, the engine was chugging up and down the Klusmire extension in the Eastern California Museum yard, very much to the excitement of every generation present. People came from near and far. 

Even a Canadian princess visited our Slim Princess. The Canadian princess was so giddy, she could barely await to meet and ride on SP #18 steam. Friday evening, she even watched from the fence as SP #18 was fired up, mom and dad could not get her to leave, and by the crack of dawn she was back ready to ride. Many other visitors followed her example in the morning hours and throughout the day.

Aside from the rides, visitors enjoyed talking with the volunteers to learn about the history and CCRW efforts as well as perusing the memorabilia to take home. But that was not all!

Lunch time came around and so did Lawrence Meeker, who was signing his book and gave a book presentation in the Eastern California Museum at 2 pm. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out at the Eastern California Museum. It’s similar to a ghost town book, except it explores the railroad sites and their remains along the Carson Colorado Railroad between Benton and Keeler.

Lawrence did an outstanding job in his research and capture of the present state. Even our president and many other, wise CCRWers reported after the presentation that they learned new facts and are ready to go out to explore. If interested, the Eastern California Museum’s store carries the book as well as the first volume in the series that detail the road between Hawthorne and Benton.

By late afternoon, crowds and SP #18 slowed done, and she was put to rest for the winter. Some of our volunteers had migrated over to the Independence Legion Hall to prepare the legendary Trash-can Tri-tip dinner, which is a fundraiser for the CCRW and the PAWS group. During the dinner event, we were treated to Lawrence Meeker’s presentation on his book describing the site between Hawthorne and Benton, before our CCRW President took the mic. He thanked all participants, volunteers, and benefactors that helped make the 2026-Railraod Day a success. 

And then added the sad news of the passing of one of our young engineers (on the very left of our group), who had volunteered to operate SP #18 on this very same railroad day. He is and will be missed! We cherish the time we had with him!

The dinner event wouldn’t be complete without a raffle and the 50/50. Many of the dinner attendees took some cool memorabilia home.

We, the CCRW volunteers, would like to thank our membership and all participants of the 2026-Railroad Day for coming and for sharing your enthusiasm for SP #18 and the CCRW with us. This makes our time and sweat all worth it. Thank you.

Photos in this post have been supplied by Jenna, Max, and Carola. Latter is also responsible for the write-up. Any questions, complains, or kudos may be directed to her via email.