Sierra Railroad Rail Town 1897: Doubleheaders, Tripleheaders & Cannonballs | Circa 1978 - 1979

From 1971 to 1979, the Sierra Railroad opened it's Jamestown roundhouse and yard facilities to the public as Rail Town 1897. In the late 1970s, the operation reached its zenith with 5 steam locomotives in running condition stationed out of the Jamestown Roundhouse. This video showcases the steam operations at Rail Town during the height of its popularity in 1978 and 1979. All five engines, Shortline Enterprises 4-4-0 8, Sierra Railroad 3, 28, 34, and Feather River Railway 3-truck Shay 2, are all seen operating along the Sierra Railroad's trackage between Oakdale and Sonora. Several notable, and memorable excursions are seen, and the number 3 appears in different guises as movie shoots on the railroad were still commonplace.
This program was originally produced for Winterail 2020, and was presented at Winterail 2023 in Corvallis, OR and has been remastered for CZcams.
These Super 8mm Sound films were taken by Paul McClenahan, who was out photographing the sights and sounds of steam during this wonderful period on the Sierra Railroad.
Thumbnail slide was provided by Gary Perazzo.
Enjoy this wonderful look back at Rail Town 1897 in the 1970s!