Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Southern Pacific 4-8-4 4449 "Daylight" began its second life in preservation in 1975 when the engine was selected to be one of three locomotives to pull the American Freedom Train from America’s Bicentennial. This video focuses on the engine running in California during the summer and winter of 1975.
The red, white, and blue GS-4 is seen heading east over Donner Pass to meet the American Freedom Train in Chicago after being restored in Portland, OR. The 4449 is then seen returning over Donner Pass with the Freedom Train in November of 1975, and then touring around the San Francisco Bay Area the following month.
After the Freedom Train tour ended in Miami, FL, the 4449 headed up and Amtrak sponsored cross-country steam excursion back to Portland in 1977. After a couple of views of the engine retracing it’s original Daylight route in California, it is onto 1981 and the first run of the engine in its original Daylight colors of red, orange, and black colors from its in service days. This trip marked the return of the Daylight for excursion service, a tradition that has now continued for well over 40 years.
This 8mm movie film was shot by Michael Spolini, Sr. and was provided by his son Michael Spolini Jr. and was transferred by Hunter Lohse.
Southern Pacific 4-8-4 4449 "Daylight" began its second life in preservation in 1975 when the engine was selected to be one of three locomotives to pull the American Freedom Train from America’s Bicentennial. This video focuses on the engine running in California during the summer and winter of 1975.
The red, white, and blue GS-4 is seen heading east over Donner Pass to meet the American Freedom Train in Chicago after being restored in Portland, OR. The 4449 is then seen returning over Donner Pass with the Freedom Train in November of 1975, and then touring around the San Francisco Bay Area the following month.
After the Freedom Train tour ended in Miami, FL, the 4449 headed up and Amtrak sponsored cross-country steam excursion back to Portland in 1977. After a couple of views of the engine retracing it’s original Daylight route in California, it is onto 1981 and the first run of the engine in its original Daylight colors of red, orange, and black colors from its in service days. This trip marked the return of the Daylight for excursion service, a tradition that has now continued for well over 40 years.
This 8mm movie film was shot by Michael Spolini, Sr. and was provided by his son Michael Spolini Jr. and was transferred by Hunter Lohse.
![[4K] Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Steam Train](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iiAVj6x8wJw/mqdefault.jpg "[4K] Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Steam Train
The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad operates 24 steam trains on two miles out of Cripple Creek, CO. Running through the rugged Rocky Mountain scenery provides many impressive sights on the former Florence & Cripple Creek right of way towards Victor.
The locomotive featured is 0-4-0T 3, a 1927-built Porter tank engine. The 3 is the only American-built steam engine on the roster.")
![[4K] Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad Steam Train](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jdL_U4Aza3U/mqdefault.jpg "[4K] Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad Steam Train
Operated at Elizabethtown, PA is a progressing steam railroad throwback to the Civil War era. With an 1860s era replica 4-4-0 locomotive and period era passenger cars, the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad operates back and forth around the Stone Gables Estates.
Pennsylvania Railroad 4-4-0 331 is likely better known as Leviathan, aka Central Pacific 63. This replica was constructed by David Kloke over a decade, debuting in 2009. The locomotive traveled to numerous events until sold to Stone Gable Estates in 2018.
Today, the repainted PRR 331 puts on a good show on the Civil War era train. Departing Ironstone Station, passing Belmont Station and Herrs Mill Covered Bridge, and stopping at the Engine House. Here, passengers get to check out the Lincoln Funeral Car replica, built to original 1865 appearance by Kloke in 2015. The car sits on display, while three new built coaches see regular use.")
![[4K] Day Out With Thomas on the Tweetsie Railroad](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kJR8DpYof5Q/mqdefault.jpg "[4K] Day Out With Thomas on the Tweetsie Railroad
Thomas the Tank Engine leads ex-East Tennessee & Western North Carolina 4-6-0 12 around the Tweetsie Railroad.")
![[4K] California Western - Days of Steam on the Skunk Train](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kssHPsHXBJs/mqdefault.jpg "[4K] California Western - Days of Steam on the Skunk Train
The California Western operates its popular Skunk Train tourist operation out of Fort Bragg, CA. Having run for over 50 years, this railroad has managed to reach a wide scope of the general public, supported by running from the coast of the Pacific Ocean into the tall stands of redwoods, amongst some of the most beautiful scenery that California has to offer.
For this event, traveling tank engine Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company 0-4-0T 2 aka The Chiggen, made a visit to the California Western to pull the Skunk Train for Days of Steam. The traveling Porter locomotive made three round trip excursions from Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Junction. The engine may be small, but the voice it carries is immense as you hear the Chiggen in full stride through the redwoods, and along Pudding Creek in and out of Fort Bragg.
While the California Western has had numerous hardships over the last several years, new management has greatly turned around the operation of this legendary preservation and tourist railroad, and if this video is anything to go by, its worth a visit for yourself.
Thanks to our graphic designer for crafting the new logo. Contact Nick Chrissomallis for any graphic design needs. nchrissomallis@gmail.com")
![[4K] Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 1309 Steam Train](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kwOY68WN71E/mqdefault.jpg "[4K] Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 1309 Steam Train
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 1309 begins regular operation on the WMSR in Cumberland, MD. The fully restored Mallet works on the 16-mile route on the mountain grade of the former Western Maryland Railway and Cumberland & Pittsburgh to Frostburg.
Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1949, the Chesapeake & Ohio 1309 was the last steam locomotive Baldwin built for domestic use on a Class 1 railroad in the United States. The 2-6-6-2 Mallet, with compound cylinders and articulated design, was primarily operated in coal and helper service in the Alleghenies of Kentucky and West Virginia until retired in 1956. Displayed as one of numerous large C&O locomotives at the B&O Railroad Museum from 1972 to 2015, the 1309 was acquired by WMSR to supplement the steam roster. Following numerous fundraisers and delays, the 1309 finally debuted to revenue service in 2021. The 2022 year marked the locomotives first full season, and the 1309 put on a great show uphill.
The Pennsylvania Railroad T1 whistle courtesy of the PRR T1 Trust.
0:00 Opening
0:30 Cumberland Station
3:17 Departure
5:42 The Narrows
7:06 Dakota Street
9:18 Helmstetters Curve
10:56 Brush Tunnel
12:49 Woodcock Hollow
15:10 Baker Road
16:21 Trimble Road
17:19 Parkersburg Road
19:12 Frostburg Depot
21:28 Closing")
