To Shiny Rails

On November 30, 2018, the 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush, passed away at the age of 94. Among the many ceremonies and events accompanying the memorials for President Bush will be the train carrying his body to its final resting place at College Station, TX. The train will be lead by Union Pacific’s No. 4141, a locomotive honoring President Bush painted in the colors of the Air Force One he used. As far as we know, this is the only locomotive on the rails that was ever driven by its namesake and a former U.S. President (for about 2 miles during its unveiling ceremony on October 18, 2005 near the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the Texas A&M University campus). Here are some photos of 4141 when it came through San Luis Obispo in September of 2008 as part of a freight power consist. A few of these photos also show what the freight house and display track looked like at the time.

https://slorrm.com/181130-UPRR-4141.html

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While in Kansas City over Thanksgiving, we had to make a stop at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant for lunch. Not only is it railroad themed, the food is delivered to your table by train!

I’ve recently updated the SLO-to-SB route guide, and also created a Paso-to-SLO route guide.

When visiting Breckenridge, CO, don’t miss this neat little park with full-size artifacts, a small museum, and a cute little railroad-themed playground. High Line Railroad Park. All my photos start here.

Update: Some PB&JRR switches are already being installed at BCWRR.

The last remaining track and right-of-way of the PB&J Railroad was pulled up today and donated to our good friends at the Bitter Creek Western Railroad. The 7.5″ Nipomo branch of the PB&J was the only 7.5″ gauge track on the system. Everything else was G scale and has been abandoned as well. Only mementos lay around these days, and a ton of photos. Very fond memories. We’ve already begun our enjoyment of various railroading opportunities throughout Colorado. PB&J website.

Among the top 10 Christmas gifts ever! Story and photos start here.