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October 2, 2024

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Railroad Festival on Congalton Show Today 3pm

Dave Congalton will interview Tom Mitchell and David Weisman about this weekend's Central Coast Railroad Festival on KVEC-920AM at 3pm PDT TODAY (10/2/2024). Speaking of KVEC, Mark Edwards of the Central California Coast Garden Railroad Society spoke with Andy Taylor last week about garden railroads on the Railroad Festival layout tour. A recording will be available on the "First Look with Andy Taylor" webpage.

The 2024 Railroad Festival Starts Tomorrow

The 2024 Central Coast Railroad Festival starts tomorrow (10/3/2024) with the first round of Model layouts on the Model Railroad Layout Tour. Then starting Friday (10/4/2024), three more days of railroading fun across the entire area. In addition to the 30 model layouts at 20 locations from Paso Robles to Santa Ynez, there are another 16 Festival Participants also offering various rail-related activities across the area. The links below take you to all the details you need to know about what all is happening: And bring your camera! We'd love to have you share your favorite photos with us. Send them to Webman@CCRRF.com. Thank you!

House of Bread Happy Hour
Benefits SLO Railroad Museum This Friday

Join us for fun, drinks, snacks, and live entertainment at a fundraising Happy Hour at the House of Bread Cafe this Friday evening (October 4th) from 4pm to 6pm. Half the proceeds will benefit the SLO Railroad Museum! The entertainment includes Museum docents Debbie Grozan and Ken Green serving as bartenders AND music by Elizabeth White ("Eliza Sings") and her husband Will White as "Homemade." It's all happening at 1025 Farmhouse Lane, SLO.

3D-Printed PCRy Locomotive to be
Unveiled Saturday at SLO Railroad Museum

The Paso Robles Daily News ran an article yesterday (10/1/24): Local resident 3D prints locomotive for SLO museum. The article is about Jack Erhart and his design and build of the Pacific Coast Railway's 1875 "John Harford" locomotive - totally by 3D printing! The project will be discussed along with the unveiling of the model at the SLO Railroad Museum on Saturday, October 5th, at a 1pm presentation.

Private Railroad China Collection in La Cuesta

A private collection of railroad china from the Southern Pacific, Amtrak, Union Pacific, and the Santa Fe railroads will be on display in the La Cuesta passenger car at the SLO Railroad Museum on Saturday of the Central Coast Railroad Festival, October 5, 2024 from 10am-4pm.

Disney Coach Returns to Pacific Coast Railroad

Pacific Coast Railroad's (PCRR's) Disney Coach #104 recently returned to the railroad after a complete overhaul at the Norgrove Railway shops in Arroyo Grande. Check out the arrival photo on the PCRR Facebook page.

Riptide Big Band at Dana Adobe October 27th

It's a party. A 1930s/1940s party! Enjoy the big sounds of Riptide Big Band at the Dana Adobe on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 2pm-4pm (gates open at 1pm). Free parking. Dana Adobe is located at 671 S. Oakglen Avenue in Nipomo.

What U.S. Flag Flew Over the New SPRR Freighthouse in SLO in 1894?

In 1894, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the freighthouse that the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum occupies today. What U.S. flag would have been flying over that building at the time (assuming one was)? The answer: a 44-star flag. Wyoming had most recently joined the Union as the 44th state. For more about the flag, including an 1890s photo of Monterey Street, see Jamie's Flags.

Jay Leno Rides UPRR #4014 "Big Boy"

In this special episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Jay Leno explores the world's largest steam engine - the iconic Union Pacific "Big Boy." This 600-ton behemoth, originally built in 1941, is the most powerful steam locomotive ever created. Join Jay as he dives deep into the rich history, mind-blowing technology, and sheer power behind this engineering marvel. Thanks to Union Pacific and National Park Foundation for making this possible! And yes, he not only rode in the cab, he got to blow the whistle, too! Watch the 1-hour video.

Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Regional Park

Did you know?... There's a 15" gauge, 5" scale, miniature railroad to ride just east of Berkeley. It's the Redwood Valley Railway (Wikipedia article) in Tilden Regional Park. For a look see, check out this Avoiding Regret photo essay: Riding a Steam Train Through the Redwoods at an Abandoned Army Camp.

California's Tehachapi Loop

Not familiar with the Tehachapi Loop? Then here's a recent MSN.com article about it, complete with pictures: California's Tehachapi Loop.

Amtrak Passenger Train Names: A Legacy Unfolds

Ever wonder where all the Amtrak train names came from? This Trains.com article will answer many of those questions: Amtrak passenger train names: A legacy unfolds.

Area Railroading Opportunities

There's a plethora of railroading going on in our area (broadly speaking, in some cases). Check out this Index of Area Railroading. Be sure to check with any of interest to you to verify their open status and schedules.

Want Your Rail-Related News/Event Promoted?
It's Free!

Do you have a Central Coast railroad-related event or news item to add to our next broadcast email? It's free! And it doesn't have to be part of the Festival itself (could be any time throughout the year). Email the details to: addevent@ccrrf.com. The next issue will likely be in a month or so.

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