Cass Scenic Railroad
C.A.L.S. at Cass RR Excursions May 2008
information and registration
Below are comments and photos of the 1995 run.
Our weekend began by signing in at the Cass Shops on Friday. The area looked eerie with the smoke and fog surrounding the engines. I had seen Shays before but this was the first time I had seen a Heisler. The next day as we waited at the station for the trains we talked with our fellow passengers, they came from all over. Several were from other Live Steam Clubs. As the lunches were counted and sorted the trains backed out of the smoky haze. After boarding our assigned train we stopped at the water tower to fill the tanks before heading up the mountain.
Shortly after leaving the yard we stopped for the first of many photo opportunity. After finding a location the trains backed up, then ran forward past us. The first train was pulled by Shay #2, the second train was double headed by Shay #4 and Heisler #6. As we climbed the mountain the second train remained only a few feet behind so the photo car could film it with both video and still cameras. (These Engineers are good.)
The track is steep, up to 11% grades, I was lucky that due to timing I was able to get a shot of the double header on the hill. As the trains climb higher I looked down to find a fire car following, looking for fires the engines may have started. In case of fire all passenger are to help in putting it out. Fortunately no problems this trip!
As we gain altitude the track becomes steeper and more twisted, the engines do slip from time to time, spinning wheels until traction returns. At various points the trains are stopped for photo runbys. Half way we stopped for lunch before continuing up hill. There are several old pieces of logging equipment here as well as recreations of loggers cabins to explore. At this point the trains split up, the double header going up to the top and the other going to the site of an abandoned and buried town.
At the top the locomotives start the final climb. Shrouded in steam and smoke all that can be seen is a headlight, then part of the first engine. Wheels slipping Shay #4 rumbles by with Heisler #6 straining right behind. Once on top we were rewarded with a clear view of the countryside. After coming back down the mountain with brakes squealing in protest we had dinner with the group and looked forward to changing trains for the next days run.
The next day we were treated to a Locomotive Race, well not really but it was impressive. On this trip we did not stop for lunch at the half way point, instead we had lunch at the end of the lines. This was done to save time since everyone needed to start for home for Monday work.
Group photo used with permission of Poul Pedersen