Niles Canyon Railway — Normally this time of year I’d be headed to Hannover for the CeBit show. But since it was 75-degrees in California and 25-degrees in Hannover I opted to stay put and clean out my car. I also decided to take the family on a fun excursion with a ride on the Niles Canyon RR. A highly recommended little trip from Sunol to Niles in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you’re a train buff, you’ll enjoy this one hour and 15 minute ride. I particularly liked the antique Pullman cars and the jaunt over two bridges dated 1896 and 1906. Here are some pics.
We have cool old rail station in my area from the steam era. It’s worth restoring, but it’s falling apart. Some group of investors bought it and let it go to hell. It’s listed on the National Register and looks like a crime scene. Old rail stuff is great for local tourism and economic growth. People love this stuff. I know I do. I guess it’s a good escape from the living hell that the big airports have become. I’ve quit all commercial flying. The airline megacorporations really suck. Take the train, keep your feet near the ground, it’s still fun! Nice pics.
Thanks for the photos.
I have to agree w/ Jim about air travel, especially now w/ the added “security.” Too much childish hassle at the discretion of the clot with the wand.
And since I’m a certifiable railroad nut, go have a look at the actual costs for air vs. rail travel. Airlines have their terminals, “dispatchers” (controllers), and other bits and pieces picked up courtesy of the taxpayer while the railroads get taxed on the stations they own or build, their rights of way, etc., etc.
I’ve read that an airline ticket would cost three to four times more if the same rules applied to airlines.
Niles Canyon Railway will have Livermore Area wineries onboard the trains starting April 3, 2005 – every Sunday on the 12:00, 1:30 and 3:00pm trains. The steam engine is anticipated to be operating as well.
The volunteers come from many industries – I was with a couple of startups (Ascend / RadioLAN) – and now volunenteer on Saturdays on the railroad.
John – you should bring the family back during April or May – the winery schedule is listed on the website.
Thanks, John, for the kind words about the Niles Canyon Railway. (www.ncry.org) We hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we enjoy building an operating this living history railway museum. Many of us here are techies who have read your columns for a long time. We restore and run these antique trains as a retro way to decompress. Our track crew claims to be cheapest health club in the SF Bay Area. Kindred souls are welcome to join us every Saturday for some hands-on experience with our great-grandfathers’ high tech.