August 7th, 1963

  Roger could see the trees and the plain valley of California. It was an interesting state; it was very hot, almost a humid feel to it, and the air smelled different. The old Porter wasn’t in Pennsylvania, but in California, visiting a narrow gauge railway. Roger and his coaches left the Roger Railway on a multiday trip to California, by road, leaving on the 4th of August. Ben, Lizzy, and the president of the Friends of the California Pacific Railroad agreed to have Roger visit the California Pacific Railroad for most of August, which would also give the Roger Railway Preservation Society a chance to advertise their railway to the folks in California and operate some excursions.

  The California Pacific Railroad is the oldest surviving two-foot gauge railway, formed and opened in 1877, and operated throughout the California Valley with the main headquarters in Sacramento, but has mainlines from San Francisco, San Jose, Folsom, Stockton, and Roseville, with over 450 miles of track, including branchlines in Sacramento. This was California’s only surviving two-foot gauge railway when the Central Coast Railroad Club was formed in 1952, the California Pacific was in a heavy decline, but local railfans always sponsored excursions on the line which help keep the line going, and the club preserved the railway in 1955, and started operating as a heritage railway as a separate preservation society in 1958, which became the ‘Friends of the California Pacific Railroad’.

  This was Roger’s first time on the West Coast, and from what Ben, Lizzy, Samuel, and Diana were saying, this was high class operation, and one of the attractions is the Sacramento Locomotive Works of the Sacramento Railyards, which is one of the few places in the United States where narrow gauge meets with the standard gauge up close, and having a narrow gauge railway connects to a Class 1 railroad shops. Which is located in Sacramento, where the Preservation Society of the Friends maintains the engines, since the Southern Pacific Sacramento Locomotive Shops is still an active railroad shop, but has the equipment to work on everything from steam to diesel power.

  Roger was quite excited, since he’ll be operating on such a historic railway, and Ben told him that one of the railway’s oldest locomotives is still operating, and the Friends are rebuilding the mainline from Sacramento to Folsom, this excitement of this traveled to the West Coast has been advertised throughout Westminster, and many of the locals were excited, giving them some sort of bragging rights of showing California that that Westminster has the better railroad, despite the CPR is the oldest. The journey on the truck was a normal experience for Roger, but feeling the different temperatures from each state and seeing the mountains was something new for the old Porter.

  Roger arrived at the California Pacific Railroad’s shop complex early in the morning, after a multiday drive from Pennsylvania to Sacramento, which was an experience. The old Porter mostly slept almost the entire trip, but Ben and Lizzy took a plane, as much as they love traveling on the road, this was the only time they would take a plane for ease of convenience. Samuel and Diana were in charge of the railway with some of the older volunteers to guide them. Since the Sacramento Locomotive Works was also operated by the Southern Pacific, the SP decided to let the CPR operate half of the shop, which had been occupied and maintained since 1877, connecting the Southern Pacific to the California Pacific shop force into one building.

  After Roger and his coaches were lifted onto the tracks, he could see that there were two foot gauge tracks throughout the shop yard, and onto the transportation table, it was all dual gauge, the volunteers pushed the old Porter into the huge shop, being a Class 1 railroad locomotive shop, this gives the narrow gauge railway tools and equipment that most narrow gauge railways could only afford the bare essentials. Roger looked around. There were many standard-gauge diesel locomotives of various kinds, and workers were working on a different engine; he could see the two-foot gauge track, dual gauge with the standard gauge track in the shops. Roger was impressed.

  “First time?” a female voice said to Roger.

  Roger looked to his right. Next to him was a 0-4-4t Forney. Like Simon, she had a simple black livery, and the old Porter could tell she was built in the 19th century, and was modernized throughout the years, an odd guess, but Roger was like that too back home; he could sense that this engine was rebuilt many times throughout the decades. Next to the Forney locomotive were three bigger engines, which the old Porter couldn’t see, but the three engines were 2-6-2s, quite common in most of the Maine Two-Footers in New England, but some railways, like the Southern, opted for two-foot gauge 2-8-2s, and some parts of the world.

  “Yes,” Roger said to the Forney, “First time visiting this railway.”

  The Forney grinned.

  “That’s great,” She smiled, “I’m Marge, welcome to the California Pacific Railroad, and you are Roger!”

  “I’m not surprised that this railroad had heard of me before,” Roger smiled, “It’s nice to meet you, and I’m happy to visit your railway.”

  “It’s an honor to have you here,” Marge smiled, “It’s nice to have such a famous engine visiting the railway, and a 19th-century-built steamer.”

  Roger was curious.

  “What year were you built?” He asks.

  “1877, by the Hinkley Locomotive Works,” She said, smiling, “I was one of the first few two-foot gauge railways in North America, the first for the California Pacific Railroad, and the first two-foot gauge railroad in California. The California Pacific Railroad was once called the Sacramento Railroad before the line extended throughout California in the 1880s and 1890s.”

  “1877!” Roger was surprised. “You’re older than me!”

  She grinned.

  “Yep,” Marge told Roger, “I’m 86 years old.”

  “3-year difference,” Roger said, looking around the shop, “I’ve never seen a narrow gauge engine shop that works with the Class 1 Railroad’s own shop, interesting experience.”

  “It is, but it’s good for the Friends since they have access to equipment that isn’t easy to get,” Marge smiled, “Easy for the volunteers, and sometimes the Southern Pacific workers volunteer as well in their spare time.”

  “Does it get noisy in here?” Roger asks, “Especially with workers working on diesel locomotives?”

  “It does,” Marge admitted, “Unlike some railroads that have a shop and a shed, the shop is our shed. The good thing is that the diesel locomotives here are good folks.”

  “My owner, Ben Hutton, has told me all about your railway, from the speed to the longevity. I was quite curious about your railroad.” Roger told Marge, “I’ve never been to your railroad.”

  “Well,” She looked at Roger, “Before the big expansion, the line just operated from Sacramento to West Sacramento, quite short, but it did serve the community quite well.”

  “How many engines did your railroad operate?” Roger asks Marge.

  “By 1900, 20 steam locomotives,” Marge told Roger, “By 1920, the railroad needed new engines, so the Baldwin Locomotive Works built three 2-6-2s, No.10-12, which became the bread and butter, with No.13-15 being built in this very shop in 1924, the last engines built for the railroad.”

  Roger was surprised.

  “Here!? In this shop?” He asks.

  “Yep,” Marge smiled, “The Southern Pacific built their own steamers, which gave the CPR a chance to order steam locomotives close to home, and the three Sacramento Locomotive Works built engines are still with us.”

  Roger looked at the three 2-6-2s, which were sleeping.

  “That’s amazing,” Roger said in awe, “I’m guessing Southern Pacific helped with your overhaul?”

  “Sometimes,” She told him, “Since we’re a separate company, our own crew does most of the work, but the shop equipment that SP has does help us. I have had many overhauls for the last couple of decades.”

  “Ben told me that your volunteers are rebuilding the mainline to Folsom,” Roger remembered what Ben had said, “Was fast freight a common sight on your railway?’

  “Yep,” Marge smiled, “I would operate around 15-20mph when the lines were expanded, fruit express, and agriculture trains were our bread and butter, general freight too, but most of the engines here operated our mainlines to various cities, our railroad flourish throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, create many jobs, and the community loves us. Our railroad didn’t survive much after the war.”

  Roger looked at the rails.

  “Must’ve been a stressful time,” Roger looked at Marge.

  “It has,” She told him, “But throughout the years working on this railroad, I have helped other engines, mostly young engines, to get through these tough times, with our mainline section being rebuilt to Folsom, we’re like a family, close-knit.”

  The old Porter looked at the old engine.

  “Family,” Roger said quietly, with a sad tone.

  Marge picked up the sad tone.

  “You okay, Roger?” She asks.

  Roger looked at Marge.

  “Oh, I am,” He told her, “It’s just…the only family I have are my coaches, before the Preservation Society, it would be my coaches and me, they were my only family, while the Roger Railway did house a couple of World War 1 trench engines, it was my coaches and me through most of the decades, but I love them to death.”

  Marge looked at Roger.

  “I see,” She said to the old Porter.

  Roger’s cheeks were flushed.

  “I don’t mean to make this about me, I’m sorry!” Roger flustered a bit.

  Marge smiled warmly at Roger.

  “It’s okay,” She told him quietly, “To be fair, the first few years before the big expansion were by myself and my coaches, then when the other engines came, I taught them the ropes, learning, helping them get through life. Like a big sister, sometimes, you never had a big sister, and I could tell you need one.”

  Roger looked at Marge.

  “Do I?” He asks.

  Marge chuckled as well.

  “I could tell,” She said, “Just like the engines that ran on this railroad, sometimes life is too much, and their emotions are like glass, but I’m there for them, and I know that they’re for me, to the very end. Even you, even though I just met you.”

  Roger looked at Marge for a second. He felt something in his boiler, not love, but comfort.

  “Thanks,” Roger smiled.

  “Also, being the leader can be tough, especially dealing with the younger engines,” She sighed, “No.15, the last steam locomotive of our line, usually helps with being the leader.”

  Roger chuckled.

  “Reminds me of Clair, the Roger Railway’s only diesel locomotive,” He told her, “Maybe I’m starting to miss my significant other, Betty. I feel selfish, scared, and sometimes sad.”

  “It’s probably old age that old engines like us endure,” Marge told Roger, “Sometimes we act like assholes when we don’t mean it, egotistical when we aren’t trying too, or even boastful because something good happens to us, and sometimes we’re selfless and hurt ourselves because we know what’s right and wrong, at the end of the day, we’re bunch of old fucks that likes operating passenger trains.”

  Roger chuckled.

  “It’s true, but being old sucks sometimes,” Roger sighed, “Your mind could remember all the good times, and next thing you know, you feel sad and miserable.”

  “It’s that feeling sometimes,” Marge agreed with the old Porter, “Anyway, good morality is good for us engines, especially when our mainline is getting restored.”

  Roger was curious.

  “I’ve heard that the Friends are restoring the mainline track to Folsom,” Roger said to the old Forney, “Must be a big project.”

  “It is,” She told Roger, “That mainline was abandoned during the Second World War, close to the end, and so far, we got 10 miles of track restored this year, thankfully, Southern Pacific has donated ties and track for the project, but we also got some tracks and ties from this railroad in New Hampshire.”

  “The Simon Hill Railway,” Roger told Marge, “I’m guessing your railroad got a piece of the pie.”

  “It’s been three years now,” Marge closed her eyes, “The volunteers did their job well, every day before the season starts, I’ve operated on the restored track, and it feels like the old days.”

  “I can’t wait to stretch my wheels,” Roger smiled, “My coaches are excited too.”

  Marge perks up.

  “You said that you have your own personal coaches?” She asks.

  “Yep,” Roger smiled, “Their names are Taylor, Anabel, Mary, and Charlotte, built for the Roger Railway, and have been with me ever since.”

  “I have my own coaches as well,” Marge told Roger, “Five of them, Elizabeth, Helena, Melissa, Alice, and Franciene.”

  Roger was impressed.

  “Five coaches,” Roger said, stunned, “The passenger service must be great.”

  “Oh, it is,” Marge smiled, “The passenger service was simple when it first started, but as the expansion grew, I was rebuilt a couple of times to keep up with the demands, same with my coaches, which were quite a different look compared to when I first arrived on the railway. I was a passenger and freight engine, but I was mostly used for passengers, and my passengers loved my operation, high-speed mainline action, and even meeting Southern Pacific's famed passenger engines. The CPR did have gradients, but not enough to be treacherous. Mostly it’s flat land, which helps us to become quite famous with our passenger trains.”

  Roger smiled.

  “Our coaches,” He looked at her, “Really keep us going.”

  “Yep,” Marge smiled, “I agree, after the Second World War, they were the only passenger coaches on the railroad still in service, the others were derelict, the Friends and the Central Coast Railroad Club did a great job restoring them.”

  The two were quiet for a couple of seconds.

  “Does your railroad have a carriage shed?” Roger asks.

  “They do,” Marge answered, “Your coaches will be with the others; they’ll be delighted to experience the mainline.”

  “Yeah,” Roger chuckled, “Mainline excursions were a treat back home, since the Simon Hill Railway is the closest to Pennsylvania, but you experience mainline operation every day.”

  “It is a blessing, I would say,” Marge smiled at Roger, “I can’t wait for the mainline to Folsom to be restored; it’s nice to have one of my old stomping grounds restored.”

  “Stomping grounds?” Roger asks.

  “Yeah, I was called the ‘Golden Queen’, I could operate a passenger train from Sacramento to San Jose and San Francisco in under 10 hours,” She told Roger, “Since we rarely get snow here, we also operate passenger trains in the winter, I was a fast engine for a two-foot gauge locomotive.”

  “Sounds like a successful service,” Roger smiled.

  Ben, Lizzy, and a man came into the huge shop. Despite the noise and busyness of the Southern Pacific, there were still workers who said hi to the two folks.

  “How’s your rest, Roger?” Ben asks.

  “It’s been well,” Roger smiled, “Marge has told me all about her railway, very fun history.”

  “Well, as much as I like to talk about the nice history of this line,” Ben said, he looked at Roger, “You’ll be operating a test run through the Sacramento line to West Sacramento, to around Holton, which is 2 miles from here.”

  Roger grinned.

  “That sounds nice,” He smiled, “I could get a chance to see around Sacramento.”

  Ben ushered the man.

  “This gentleman here is Fred Ross, the president of the Friends of the CPR and the general manager,” He told Roger, “He helped me with sponsoring an excursion on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

  “Nice to meet you, Roger,” Fred smiled, “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Nice to meet you as well,” Roger smiled.

  To which the old Porter noticed something.

  “Back-to-back excursions, right after an overhaul,” Roger said to Ben, “What’s the excursion?”

  “A Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society excursion is sponsored on Friday for an excursion on the 10-mile restored track of the Sacramento to Folsom mainline,” Ben told Roger, “A Central Coast Railroad Club excursion on that same track, and our own Roger Railway Preservation Society excursion on Sunday, with a night photoshoot at the end. I know an excursion like this is risky after your overhaul, but you did well for most of the July operation back at home, and it’ll help fund the restoration to Folsom.”

  Roger could feel the excitement in his boiler.

  “That’ll be the excursion of a lifetime,” Roger exclaimed quietly.

  “I’ve already taken a chance to operate on the restored track for our starting season,” Marge told Roger, “You’ll love the California scenery.”

  “It’s going to be a new experience,” Roger said happily.

  “The test run will be just you and not your coaches,” Ben told Roger, “A light engine run will help you get ready for this run. After the three excursions, you’ll be in the shop for general maintenance before the next three excursions.”

  “3 excursions a week?” Roger asks.

  Ben nodded.

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  “We got a lot of sponsored trips on the mainline during your visit for most of August,” Ben told Roger, “And the tickets were sold out, and giving you four days of rest is enough before the next trip.”

  “The speed limit on these mainlines is around 15-25mph, and for these excursion runs, we can try to clock up to 20mph,” Lizzy told Roger, “The windows will be open, since it’s going to be a hot day.”

  Lizzy took off her hand and waved it like a fan.

  “Indeed, it’s scorching today,” Ben agreed with his wife, “California summer season isn’t something to be messed with, Sacramento is no different.”

  “The average temperature is in the 90s, but higher into the 100s,” Marge advised Roger, “It gets hot here in the summer.”

  “We’ll hand out cold drinks and ice cream before and during the excursions,” Ben told the old Porter, “The Friends help us supply for the excursions.”

  “It seems like everything is sorted out before the excursions,” Roger smiled happily.

  Ben nodded, then looked at his watch.

  “It’s evening now, we’ll head back for now, when the temperatures are cool enough, we’ll work on you, Roger, before the test run,” Ben told Roger.

  Roger smiled.

  “I can’t wait,” He told Ben happily.

  Ben and Lizzy left the engine shop; it was now afternoon, and the temperature was hot. The warm air of the California summer made Roger a bit drowsy, and he closed his eyes, basking in the warm sunlight from the windows.

  August 8th, 1963

  Ben, Lizzy, and the crew came when the sun came down, a cooler night for everyone to work on Roger, since the test run is going to be in the morning. Since it’s going to be a hot day, Ben and Lizzy opted out of their crew uniforms to work in their regular clothes, shorts, and teeshirts; it would be less bearable in the cab of a hot steam locomotive. The California morning was quite nice, since it wasn’t hot and it was bearable before the time went by.

  Roger was outside the shop with diesel locomotives coming in and out of the huge complex, in steam and ready for the test run today. The crew who came to California was looking over the old Porter before the test run. Ben and Lizzy were in the cab, with a small cooler for drinks and snacks, and railfans were in the yard, taking photos. Since most of the California railfans were locals of the Sacramento area, it was easy for them to railfan this railroad.

  “The morning feels nice,” Roger beamed happily as Lizzy gave him a last-minute polish.

  “It is,” Ben agreed, “But knowing the California summer, it’ll get hot instantly.”

  “Thankfully, the track miles here are short, so we don’t have to spend too much time,” Lizzy reminded her husband, “Railfans are braving the heat.”

  To which she pointed to a crowd of curious photographers.

  “The early test runs are a good way to know the layout of the railway,” Roger noted to the two, “Anyway, let’s get going before the summer heat arrives.”

  After getting coal and water, Roger moved through the yard to the station. There were many points, but this one was easy to navigate. Looking at the station, the old Porter could tell that the station is part of the California Pacific Railroad, with a gold sign that indicates he could tell that the station is very well maintained. Roger could see a straight track that starts off the 2-mile line; he also noticed a longer line to his right, which got him curious.

  “I’m guessing the track on the right is the mainline?” Roger asks Ben.

  “Yep,” Ben nodded, “There are points that switch to the mainline, this station and yard connect to other mainlines to the neighboring cities, and the Sacramento to Folsom mainline is one of them. Behind you is the interchange point to the mainline, which also connects the Sacramento to Roseville mainline.”

  “That’s a lot of connecting points,” Roger pointed out, “But I’m excited for tomorrow’s excursion.

  Railfans came to the station; it was a rare historic sight to see, an 1880 Porter next to a California Pacific Railroad Station.

  “This is the first station that the California Pacific built,” Ben told Roger, “Ironically enough, like our station back home, this station is named after their oldest engine, Marge.”

  “I could see why,” Roger smiled, “She’s a nice engine.”

  After checking around Roger for a quick couple of minutes, the old saddletank blew his whistle and slowly left the station. Slowly, and carefully, the old Porter blew his whistle a couple of times as he left the station, he’s highballing 2 miles of the line, with railfans in awe.

  The 2-mile line was simple and short. Roger guessed that this was where most of the daily trains for the season started, with the longer line reserved for the weekend, when people don’t have work or school. The old Porter looked around his surroundings. He could see modern buildings as he crossed a bridge, a railway through a modern city wouldn’t last long, but 30-40 years ago, probably, Roger was amazed by the sights of Sacramento.

  After he crossed the bridge, the old Porter could see that he was passing a park, where he could see children playing, families relaxing, enjoying a nice summer day. The children and the family came over near the tracks and waved at Roger, unlike his past visits through other railways throughout the years, where folks were unnerved about a new visitor; these locals were much more outgoing than the old Porter’s experience. It was interesting to see a park right next to the railway; it would be a hazard for a normal, big railroad, but seeing how the children are playing far from the tracks, it was peaceful, and it can help show the younger crowd about railways and railway preservation.

  Roger was close to the end, which was very obvious since he was getting closer and closer; he could see the end of the track, he wasn’t really going that fast, but he was at a calm pace, knowing that going too fast could end the test run in short minutes. Roger arrived at the end of the track with a passing loop. There wasn’t a station, but the old Porter could see where the track had been cut off; it looked like that particular cut off was part of a building project, and there was a sign that said, ‘Friends of the California Pacific Railroad plans to build a station, donation is appreciated’. Roger knew that the station building took a while to build, with the Roger Railway experience using boxcars for the main station, before overhauling them into a much better-suited station building.

  “It seems like the Friends have two major projects,” Roger told Ben.

  Ben got out of the cab and looked around.

  “With the modern city building around the railway, a station project like this is interesting,” Ben told Roger, “But I could feel like this could do well for the Friends in the long run, California is also a big tourist industry, especially with Los Angeles and obviously Disneyland.”

  “Sacramento seems like a nice city, reminds me of Westminster,” Roger told Ben, “The only difference is the temperatures, I don’t know how Marge can deal with the heat.”

  “I’m also surprised that most of the engines are coal burners,” Ben took a swing out of his bottle, “Most steam locomotives in California are oil burners by the mid 20th century, at least for the standard gauge, I don’t know about the narrow gauge side.”

  “So far, I’m enjoying my visit,” Roger smiled, “After a long overhaul, it’s nice to travel to a different state once in a while.”

  “It is,” Ben agreed, “As I get to my old age, having a chance to do this is a dream come true.”

  Lizzy also got out of the cab, and the two checked all over Roger, the railfans who were following the old saddletank were taking photos, such an opportunity not to be missed. So far, everything went well, and the heat of the morning was already starting, with the two already starting to sweat.

  “I think we’re going to do a couple more test runs before the afternoon,” Ben told the old Porter, “Since the afternoon would be too hot to operate.”

  “That sounds like a good plan,” Roger smiled at Ben, “Also, we don’t have to interfere with the regular passenger service for the season.”

  After checking all over, Roger was complete, and the two went back into the cab for the return trip to Marge Station. He blew his whistle and slowly went backwards, with the railfans following the train. It was going to be a couple of hours of test run before the afternoon summer temperature hit them.

  Roger operated for a couple more hours until 12:00 pm. It was getting hot, and it’s best to end the test run right here, but the old Porter did extremely well; he was displayed in the yard for the railfans and the regular passengers wanting to get a glimpse of him during the regular passenger service. Ben and Lizzy mostly spent the day giving Roger some maintenance before the excursion tomorrow; it’ll be another mainline spectacular.

  That night, with the temperature cool enough, Marge was in the yard after operating a busy day of passenger service, and she was relaxing in the cool night in the yard. Thursday went quite well for the two old engines. Roger’s crew will give him some general maintenance before they go to bed; it’ll be a busy morning.

  “Tomorrow is the day,” Roger told Marge, “Despite operating mainline excursions in the past, this would be the first that isn’t on a common carrier, at least an active common carrier.”

  “I know that feeling,” Marge told Roger, “I know you have some mainline operation done in the past, but here’s my advice, since the track is mostly level, flat, and no gradient, it’s best to start your speed after you cross the bridge, outside of the city, highballing as the clearing opens up.”

  Roger took in the advice.

  “Thanks,” He smiled.

  Then, Ben and Lizzy came into the yard, and they had a shock and an excited face.

  “Ben, Lizzy, how are you this evening?” Roger asks, quite surprised, since the general maintenance was completed an hour ago.

  “Well, Roger, I got some good news for you back home,” He told the old Porter.

  Roger was curious.

  “What is it, Ben?” Roger asks.

  “After we got back to our motel, we got a call from Samuel, and he and Diana are getting married,” Ben told Roger excitedly.

  Roger was very surprised.

  “Married?!” He exclaimed quietly.

  “Yep,” Ben nodded, “They’ve planned this for months, it was quite unexpected since we’re out of state right now, and they’ve been quiet about this.”

  “Is there a date for the wedding?” Roger asks.

  “Probably next year, since you’ll be in New York,” He told Roger. He then went quiet for a bit and turned his head, “I remember it wasn’t that long ago that Samuel and Samson were little kids in your cab, now they’re off on their own adventures.”

  “I agree very much,” Lizzy agreed with her husband.

  Roger looked at Ben and Lizzy.

  “Are you two okay?” Roger asks.

  Ben and Lizzy looked at Roger.

  “I guess that I’m sad that my children are growing up,” Ben told Roger, “I still can’t believe life moves so long, I just remember like it was yesterday that big meeting which caused the formation of the Roger Railway Preservation Society.”

  “I do,” Lizzy nodded.

  Roger looked at the two.

  “I remember the time you told me you were getting married, Ben,” Roger reminded Ben, “I remember how you were quite upset that Saul, when he became owner and general manager of the railway of that time, wouldn’t let you host your wedding at the Roger Railway.”

  Ben chuckled at that.

  “I remember that,” Ben smiled, “I was quite upset, but Saul operated a private passenger train as compensation after that.”

  “I’m happy for the two,” Roger smiled, “Getting married, and being together forever and ever.”

  Ben nodded.

  “We’re happy as well,” Ben told Roger.

  August 9th, 1963

  The morning of the excursion was always exciting; the members of the R&LHS came early to help get ready for the excursion, drinks and food were made for the event, snacks were handled by the members, and Roger was in steam and ready as he simmered in the yard. Being a mainline excursion means that all bets are off, but flags of both Pennsylvania and California were placed on both sides of the old Porter’s face. Last-minute check-up was made on Roger before the excursion could leave the yard; the excursion was titled ‘City of Folsom’ special.

  The coaches were cleaned and inspected before the excursion, and the volunteers of the Roger Railway, who came to California, and some who actually lived in the Golden State, came and helped with the passenger excursion. Roger was photographed by railfans, and many of the Southern Pacific workers took some photos as well, since it wasn’t work time for them yet. Everything was going well, and Roger was quite excited, could wait any minute now.

  “Any minute now,” Roger said quietly, “Any minute minute now.”

  “I’ve never seen Roger this excited over a mainline excursion,” Mary told her sisters.

  “Who could blame him? Unlike the past mainline excursions, this one is preserved by volunteers,” Taylor told the others.

  “It’s going to be a fun and nice day,” Anabel said excitedly, “I’m excited as well.”

  “Quite hot too,” Charlotte reminded her sisters, “I already dislike the California heat.”

  “We also have the World’s Fair next year,” Roger reminded his coaches, “It’s going to be a busy next year as well, and we’ll be away from the railway for a while.”

  “Indeed, Roger,” Mary took note, “It’ll be a grand day as well.”

  After everything was checked and making sure Roger is doing well, the old saddletank slowly left the yard before making his way to the station. He could see passengers lined up at the station, and he could see their excited faces. Everyone purchased tickets from the Roger Railway and the Friends, which were sold out, all three days, which gives everyone a chance to ride on the excursions. It was a hot summer day, and the cooler that a Pacific Coast Chapter member was carrying into Taylor, which was filled with cold drinks and ice cream, which can help relieve the summer heat.

  “Okay, Roger,” Ben got out of the cab and walked towards the old saddletank, “We’re going to back through the points, which leads to the other track, the mainline. The reason I’m telling you this is that there’s a passing loop at the end of the track, which is the former mainline from Sacramento to Roseville.”

  “Didn’t you already tell him, dear?” Lizzy asks, leaning out of the cab.

  “I did technically, but it’s always nice to have a reminder,” Ben told his wife.

  “Does the mainline have any turning facilities?” Roger asks.

  “Only a passing loop, no wye,” Ben told Roger, “So you’re going to operate backwards on the return trip.”

  Roger looked at Ben, to whom Lizzy facepalm.

  “He was meant to tell you yesterday, but forgot,” She told Roger, “Right when we were sleeping.”

  “With all that’s happening, could you blame me?” He jokingly asks.

  Lizzy sighed, but was also smiling.

  “But at least he told me,” Roger smiled, “Better than telling right when we’re on the mainline.”

  The passengers got into the coaches and took their seats instantly. The windows of the coaches were pulled up so that the air could come in; there’s no air conditioning in the sisters'. After the passengers were in the coaches, Roger backed the train through the point before stopping, and a volunteer came over and switched the points that connected to the mainline. With a blow on his whistle, the old Porter slowly moved onto the mainline, slowly, as passengers leaned out of the window, slowly highballing with a train full of passengers.

  Roger slowly made his way through the city portion, based on what Marge had said, crossed the bridge, and when the city was out of sight, the old Porter would move much faster. The excursion train crossed a bridge and was mostly street running, since the passenger excursion was operating right through a street. Roger had to be careful; he could see people waving at the excursion train, and some were pointing at the engine, which he was going at a calm speed. It was an interesting experience, but as the buildings became fewer and fewer, and the openness of nature became more noticeable, Roger started to pick up speed.

  The old Porter went through a slight curve, which he was going at a much faster speed, and he was going at a speed where his wheels could operate. After passing the curve, Roger could feel that this mainline was different; unlike the Simon Hill and the Southern Railway, this one felt flat, lighter, and the old Porter felt like he was flying. He whistled loudly, and he could see railfans on the side of the tracks, and he could see cars; he was next to the road, and he could only glance at them, but could see that some of the railfans were pacing the train.

  “How fast are we going?” Mary asks.

  “If I have to guess, probably around 15-17mph,” Roger guessed as he told the coach, “But I feel like I’m going faster compared to past mainline excursions.”

  “Mostly because most of the mainline on the California Pacific has mostly flat, level track,” Ben told Roger, “I’ve been told that the railroad has a few gradients, but not as steep as the gradients compared to the Southern or Simon Hill.”

  “Marge told me as well,” Roger told Ben as he passed through a crossing, whistling as well, “I could see why this railroad is known for its speed.”

  “With this flat, level track, you could reach 20,” Ben told Roger, “But it’s risky for you to operate at such a high speed.”

  “It’s already risky for me to reach high speeds in the first place,” Roger told Ben, “I’m surprised that my running gear didn’t sustain that much damage before my overhaul.”

  “Luckily, it wasn’t that bad, but I could tell it did wear out the frame during your overhaul, which makes me glad we’re giving you a four-day rest before another one,” Ben chuckled, “Because I have a feeling that this mainline excursion would be extremely popular.”

  “Especially with the Friends project of restoring the remaining miles,” Roger reminded Ben, “I saw those 2-6-2s in the shop, and it looks like they were built for the mainline.”

  “I have a feeling that this railroad is going to be extremely popular when the mainline restoration is complete,” Lizzy noted, “Look at the railfans and folks!”

  She was right, crowds gathered at the trackside to see Roger, as smoke filled the air, he was passing them at high speeds. Some people stopped by on the side of the road and watched the train go by. It was an interesting sight, not much different compared to the Southern Railway and the Simon Hill. Roger looked through the scenery, and it was quite interesting. He could see valleys of goldenish-colored fields; some were green, like patches; it was interesting; he could see sagebrush and small trees. It was a different railroad altogether.

  Roger could see the passing loop and the end of the track. He started to restrict his speed, but knowing that the tracks would get restored as the years goes by, the old Porter made his way to the end of the track, seeing the passing loop, and passing the points, he finally slow to a stop, finally completing the excursion, well, first part of the excursions, the coaches doors were open, and many passengers got out of the train to stretch their wheels, some were eating the ice cream that was brought along, and some were taking photos of Roger as his crew was servicing him.

  “That was one heck of an excursion,” Roger told Ben and Lizzy, as the two got out of the cab, “I ran like a horse, well, an iron horse.”

  “You did well, Roger,” Ben congratulated the old Porter, “I was worried that the higher speed would damage you, but that all depends on the general maintenance when you get home to Pennsylvania.”

  “To be fair, I’m worried too,” Roger told Ben, “But so fair, I haven’t felt any pain yet.”

  Lizzy looked at the crowd.

  “The passengers seemed to love the excursion,” Lizzy pointed at the passengers, “Especially with high-speed running and free ice cream.”

  “On this hot summer day, I agree,” Ben wiped the sweat off his forehead.

  “It’s too bad it’s not Philadelphia Style Ice Cream,” Lizzy joked.

  “What time is it?” Roger then asks.

  Ben checked his watch.

  “About 11, we left at 8, we’ll rest for a couple of minutes before the return trip,” Ben told Roger.

  Roger looked at the sign, which said, ‘Train stops here. The Friends of the California Pacific Railroad is restoring this mainline for excursion service’.

  “Doing more of this excursion will help the railroad,” Roger said as he watched the crowd form around the train, “I like to operate the full length when the tracks are fully restored.”

  Ben nodded.

  “I agreed,” He told Roger, “Especially since their 90th anniversary is in a few years.”

  Roger grinned at that.

  “Going back to California doesn’t seem like a bad idea,” the old Porter smiled at Ben.

  After a couple of minutes of rest time, Roger was uncoupled from his train and moved backwards through the passing loop, like he does back at home, coupled up to Charlotte, and whistled. Which indicates that the train was ready to leave, and many of the passengers stormed into the coaches, taking their seats. This was like operating back at home, but it was a much faster experience. Roger blew his whistle and slowly moved through the points, gradually picking up speed as the train departed the end of the track. He could see railfans running towards their cars, which meant another railfan chase was going to happen, and Roger knew that the return trip would be an adventure.

  Operating backwards at such a fast speed was something that Roger had to get used to, as operating backwards can pose a huge risk, especially with railfans close to the track, since he can’t see what’s behind him. Ben and Lizzy often act like his second pair of eyes. The passengers came out at the platform and waved at Roger; it was a little awkward, but he mostly smiled. This was no different from back at home, though, at a slower speed.

  This was thrilling for Roger, operating backwards at such a fast speed was something he would never thought to do back at home, mostly because of the limited gradients downhill, and the trip would end much earlier than expected, so while many engines of the Roger Railway could operate at a fast speed, a speed is limited, only when photo charters that fast speeds are allowed, only when at photo runbys. Roger could see the railfans trying to chase the excursion train; some were hanging out of the windows, which looked very dangerous, as it could cause car accidents, but luckily, Roger could see no accidents. Hopefully, he doesn’t want to be blamed for the railfan's reckless actions.

  Arriving back in the city, which caused Roger to slow down, since he’s operating in the city, which means the speed is reduced, but many of the passengers who saw the train in the morning were now seeing the train returning from the excursion, like this morning, people were waving at Roger, some of the teenagers thought it would be a good idea to spray a hose to the excursion train, a water salute, but with a hose. The old Porter whistles at the crowds. Many of the passengers on the train were hanging out of the window, getting soaked, but some probably didn’t care since it was hot outside.

  Roger went through the points that connected to the mainline. He could glimpse that Marge was in steam with her own coaches, and he was impressed by how they looked, beautifully maintained by the Friends. The old Porter made his way to the end of the track, which has a passing loop, to which he stopped. The yard was busy, with a barbecue lunch served in the yard; it was a party, well, with a visiting steam locomotive, it’s bound to be a special day. Many locals were at the yard, and some were mostly crowding around the train.

  “What a grand entrance,” Roger commented, “I think we impressed Sacramento.”

  Ben got out of the cab.

  “We impressed them with a good excursion,” Ben chuckled, “Some of our passengers came from Pennsylvania, which must’ve impressed them as well.”

  “Our run certainly made an impact,” Lizzy noted, getting out of the cab as well, “Maybe the next Trains magazine will feature this excursion.”

  “No doubt about it,” Roger chuckled.

  The old Porter was uncoupled from Charlotte and moved through the passing loop and coupled up to Taylor once more. He moved through the points and onto the yard, where the food and enjoyment were happening, and one of the 2-6-2s was in the yard, in steam, and was looking at him; he was massive. Roger knew that the 2-6-2s of the two-foot gauge were huge, and luckily, one survivor of the Maine Two-Footer still exists, but seeing another of these massive beasts was amazing to Roger.

  “You did amazing,” the 2-6-2 told Roger, “One of our volunteers purchased a ticket for the excursion today, and they were impressed by your operation and your crew.”

  Roger looked at the engine.

  “Oh, thanks,” He smiled, “Fast running, I was flying like an airplane.”

  The 2-6-2 giggled.

  “My siblings were mostly used for the mainlines when we were built,” He told Roger, “I’m 15, the last engine built for the railroad, my two sisters and I were built in the shops behind us, we were the last engines for the railroad, we did shape our railroad throughout the years.”

  “I’ve heard you guys were the bread and butter of the line,” Roger told 15, “And seeing you in steam, you probably are quite popular due to the sheer size and power.”

  15 chuckled.

  “Actually, Marge is quite popular, being the oldest,” He told Roger, “I have great respect for Marge, help me a lot when I came into traffic, she’s a great help for us 2-6-2s when we were built, and I’m glad to still have her with us.”

  Roger looked at 15 and smiled.

  “Reminds me of myself,” He told the 2-6-2, “Being the oldest on my railway, and being some sort of a leader to my friends and fellow stablemates, it can change an engine’s views on life.”

  “I agree with that,” He agreed with Roger, “Marge really helped us through the preservation years, she was the only one operating, and I was the first to choose due to my condition being better than my two sisters, both of them are getting restored for excursion service, she’s a big sister to all of us.”

  Roger grinned.

  “No doubt about it,” the old Porter chuckled.

  August 11th, 1963

  Roger was at the station for the final weekend of excursions. Yesterday was very fun, and with a photo run-by to end the Saturday excursion, it was a busy Sunday. With no school or work, this would be a fun end-of-the-weekend excursion before everyone has to go back to work and school. After this excursion, Roger would have a four-day rest before another series of excursions from Friday to Sunday, for which the tickets for those weekends were already sold out.

  The passengers were crowding the station; some were excited to ride the excursion, and one of the passengers was a pregnant woman, with her husband accompanying her, and everyone who purchased tickets was waiting for the conductor to let them in. Excitement filled the morning Sacramento hours; Roger was also excited as well.

  “Last excursion for the weekend,” Roger said happily, “I can’t wait to end this weekend with a bang, and have a long rest.”

  “You deserved it, Roger,” Ben smiled, “You did a wonderful job for the last two excursions.”

  “And we sold a lot of soda, ice creams, and other snacks, which also surprised us,” Lizzy joked, “Our poor conductor from yesterday.”

  “Thankfully, he’s one of the passengers now,” Ben said, pointing to a man with his wife and kids, “He’ll enjoy the excursion.”

  “But I’m glad to have a rest after this excursion,” Lizzy sighed with relief.

  “It’s not the finale just yet,” Roger smiled, “We still have excursions for the rest of August.”

  “Yep,” Ben nodded, “August 16th-18th next week, and August 23rd-25th being the final ones.”

  “It’s been a fun weekend,” Lizzy told the two.

  The old Porter smiled.

  “It’s going to be a great summer, isn’t it?” Roger asks.

  Ben nodded.

  “It sure is,” He agreed with the old Porter.

  After the passengers were boarded onto the train, Roger positioned himself once more before the points were switched to the mainline, and the old Porter highball onto the mainline, with passengers hanging out of the window, and the Sacramento Fire Department giving a water salute to Roger and his train before the train disappear through the city, and out to the beautiful Sacramento Valley. The old Porter picks up speed as the city life disappears, and now the valley and nature are the center of attention.

  Page break

  Roger thundered on the tracks at the usual pace that he had. Despite being on a heritage railway instead of a Class 1 Railroad, he wanted to make good time, and the old Porter knew that the railfans were going to pace the train. Inside the coaches, everyone was enjoying a nice, relaxing ride. Adults were taking in the scenery while the children were playing around. Despite being a heritage operation, the Roger Railway Preservation Society always wanted to make the paying passengers feel the utmost comfortable experience during the excursion.

  Many of the conductors on the train were new members who had recently been part of the Preservation Society, and new blood for the Society is always nice since the older volunteers couldn’t make it to California, and some of the older members who lived in the Sacramento area also helped out with the excursions to clock their volunteering hours for the Preservation Society without traveling to Pennsylvania. Everything seems to go well with the excursion.

  The excursion train arrived at the end of the track, with railfans already there, after Roger stopped the train, and the passengers disembarked the train to stretch their legs and walk around. Another excursion was going well for the old Porter; everyone was enjoying the rest before the return trip, but one of the passengers was feeling uncomfortable and was staying in the coaches, unbeknownst to the crew or Roger.

  “Another excursion marked off the chart being successful,” Ben told Roger happily, “Quite nice to end the first weekend on this railroad.”

  “It’s a nice run, especially operating at such a fast pace,” Roger told Ben, smiling.

  Then a man came to Ben and Roger, who looked panicked.

  “My…wife…” He panted, obviously tired, “She’s pregnant, her water broke.”

  Roger looked at Ben, who had a ‘holy shit’ look on his face. He quickly uncoupled Roger from the train and got into the cab, then the old Porter operated through the passing loop and coupled up to Charlotte. The old saddletank realized the severity of what was happening and began to whistle to the crowd to get in. Most of the passengers have already gotten in. Roger blew his whistle and slowly, but quickly, left the end of the line back to the main yard.

  There was no doubt that the return trip of this excursion would be quite intense due to what was going to happen, but Roger knew he had to hurry.

  Roger thundered through the track as fast as he could let his wheels operate. This was an emergency, and an emergency that could affect a young baby. While the passenger trains do offer first aid kits for anyone who is injured or sick, helping a woman give birth is not anyone's expertise. The old Porter could feel his siderods touching the steel rails; he was going at a fast pace.

  “The lady is doing well, I think; she’s breathing hard,” Mary told Roger.

  “Is that a good thing?” Roger asks Ben and Lizzy.

  “Depends,” Lizzy told Roger.

  Roger whistled through a crossing where railfans were seeing the old saddletank running past through the crossing with such great speed.

  “Do you think we’ll make it in time?” Roger asks.

  “That depends on whether the women could wait,” Ben told the old Porter, “Luckily, the mainline is on a heritage railway and not on a Class 1 railroad’s mainline; if it’s on the Southern Railway or the Simon Hill, there could be some speed restriction.”

  “Just be calm, Roger,” Lizzy said, leaning out of the cab and petting his cab side, “We’ll make it in time.”

  Roger was hopeful, but still nervous. The old saddletank could see buildings appear, and he could see that they were getting closer and closer, but at the same time, his speed had to be reduced, he’s in the city now, while it is true that being on a heritage railway’s mainline could mean no speed restriction…on that part of the line, when it came to the city portion, then Roger has to slow down. It wouldn’t be safe for the old Porter to speed through the city; it wouldn’t be safe.

  Roger arrived back at the yard, with a surprised look from Marge, at seeing the old Porter’s face, red and tired, but as the train went through the points and was closed near the passing loop at the end of the track, then, Roger, Ben, Lizzy, and his coaches heard a baby crying in Mary.

  “Oh no,” Roger said with a worried tone.

  Ben got out of the cab and ran towards the station, while Lizzy ran towards Mary and got inside. Roger waited for a bit; he could still hear the baby crying. After a couple of minutes, Ben walked towards the old Porter.

  “I just called the hospital in the area,” Ben told Roger, “They’re coming right away with an ambulance.”

  Roger sighed in relief.

  “That’s great,” Roger smiled, “That baby is going to remember this.”

  Lizzy came out of Mary, she was smiling, but also tired.

  “It’s a boy,” She smiled, “And they borrowed my scissors to cut the umbilical cord.”

  Ben's eyes were wide.

  “I think we shocked the world, this is the first time that this happened on an excursion,” Roger told the two, “I’m exhausted.”

  “And the mother as well,” Lizzy told the old Porter, “We probably would need to clean the seats before next week's excursion.”

  The old Porter agreed.

  “A long rest is indeed needed,” Roger sighed happily, “I’m liking my visit so far, I can’t wait for more excursions.”

  Roger could see the ambulance vans coming into the yard. It was a moment that the old saddletank wanted to remember; hauling an excursion train that had a woman in labor was something you don’t see or hear every day. So far, the mainline excursions have done so well that the Friends were impressed, and the Preservation Society was always impressed with Roger’s hard work. He could see the husband walking his wife to the ambulance, with a new life being brought into this world; it was a moment and memories that made Roger happy to be part of this wonderful experience.