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Your Ticket Purchase Preserves Rail History

Historic Preservation Fund

Historic Preservation Fund

Our railroad has operated continuously since 1885, and thanks to your ticket purchase, we can keep these historic and cultural assets in premier condition.

Indeed, the eight percent that is added to your ticket fee goes toward our “Historic Preservation Fund,” which is used to restore our roundhouse where our locomotives have been maintained since 1885; the 1924 passenger depot in Fort Bragg, the 1915 passenger depot and dining hall building in Willits; the complete rebuild of our 1924 steam locomotive engine No. 45; and so much more.

What began in 1885 as a logging and passenger railway continues to encompass more than 40 miles of track, 30 bridges and two tunnels.
Some of the terrain is so steep that it is only suitable for a mountain goat! While maintaining this acreage can be overwhelming, our ultimate goal is to transform the property and depot grounds into an all-access and park-like setting with landscaping, sidewalks and pedestrian safe corridors.

Generations of passengers have made the Skunk Train a part of their recreation. We are always grateful to welcome returning guests and meet new friends, too.

Thank you for helping keep this treasured piece of living history intact.

Respectfully,
Efstathios I Pappas
General Manager

Behind the Skunk

Behind The Skunk
Behind The Skunk1 month ago
Beautiful forest, perfect weather, and a historic steam locomotive, all at the World Famous Skunk Train! Join us for our Days of Steam event weekend through September 10th!

Skunk Train
SkunkTrain.com
Behind The Skunk
Behind The Skunk
Behind The Skunk2 months ago
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mendocino Railway
07/29/2023

CAMP THREE BRIDGE FIRE CONTAINED: MENDOCINO RAILWAY APPRECIATES PROMPT RESPONSE FROM CALFIRE AND OTHER AGENCIES

Mendocino County, California - July 29, 2023 - Mendocino Railway, the owner, and operator of the California Western Railroad / Skunk Train, a Class III common carrier, would like to extend its gratitude to the swift and coordinated efforts of CalFire's Mendocino Unit and other responding agencies in containing the Camp Three Bridge Fire known as the Spurs Fire.

The incident was first reported early yesterday, when it came to our attention that a fire had broken out at Camp Three, affecting Bridge 15.03. At the time of the report, the extent of the fire was unknown, and it was unclear which bridge was affected. However, we can confirm that there were no trains running over this bridge, only railbikes, and nothing since yesterday morning.

Cal Fire promptly dispatched a helicopter to assess the situation and confirmed the presence of smoke, subsequently initiating water drops to combat the flames. Fortunately, the fire's rapid containment was achieved, and the helicopter returned to base with no other air attacks needed, indicating no further rate of spread.

We would like to emphasize that the safety of our passengers, employees, and the environment is of utmost importance to us. We have been actively collaborating with local, state, and federal authorities to address issues of illegal trespass and arson along the line. Recently, there was an incident at Camp Noyo where someone was forced off the premises, and we also experienced a couple of small fires along the Right of Way before, which were promptly investigated in coordination with CalFire and Little Lake Fire.
The Camp Three area, nestled along the picturesque Noyo River, holds a special significance for us, with its scenic S-turn through a narrow gorge and twin bridges. Unfortunately, the bridge's location at 15.03 makes it virtually inaccessible, making firefighting efforts challenging.

As a federally regulated railroad, we are taking all necessary security precautions and have informed TSA through their TSOC command center to potentially enlist additional resources, ensuring the utmost safety and efficiency in handling such incidents.

Mendocino Railway once again expresses heartfelt appreciation to CalFire's Mendocino Unit, the Helicopter crew, and all other responding agencies for their dedication and professionalism in managing the fire in such rugged terrain.

No damage was done to the steel support structure of the bridge and new deck ties have been sourced and are enroute for a timely repair and reopening of the track.

For further updates or inquiries, please visit https://www.skunktrain.com or contact Robert Pinoli at rjpinoli@sierrarailroad.com

Skunk Train
SkunkTrain.com
Behind The Skunk
Behind The Skunk2 months ago
Ongoing maintenance…. Locomotive 66 has been out of service for some years due to a thin wheel flange. However, this is soon to change as the Skunk has acquired four blomberg trucks and wheel assemblies from locomotives long out of service due to impact damage. One of these truck assemblies was retrieved today and brought to Fort Bragg for rehabilitation and installation under the 66. Piece by piece, project by project, the Skunk is ready for its next chapter!

Skunk Train
SkunkTrain.com