Exploring the Historic Campo Mill and Motor Transport Museum

[@MichaelAnderton-q3x]

I am a machinist for the Navy, and the inside of that building is a treasure trove of old mechanical stuff! Appreciate your laid back style, and taking us along on your trips.

[@Wild_Western]

The humility and honesty of this gentleman as he guides us through his family's weekend adventures is very refreshing. He is genuine in his narration, which only compliments the interesting topics covered in his videos. He is today's modern verion of another gentleman who years ago would take viewers of public television on similar California based adventures. His name was Huell Howser, if I am not mistaken. They both share in their love of California and the sincerity and humility expressed in their narration.

[@semiproactive9625]

The Diamond T was made by Diamond Trucks in Lansing, Mi. After the founder of the Oldsmobile, Ransom E. Olds bought the company they changed the name to Diamond Reo. The ceased production in the early 70s, but you can still find one occasionally still working. The split second before you signed off was a yellow towable, all mechanical grader/road maintainer. A person would man the big wheels to raise/lower the moldboard, while another drove the horses/tractor/steamer, etc. to smooth wrinkles in the old roads, most of which never were covered in pavement. Thanks Steve, really love the old, rusty iron. All the best, see you next Wed.

[@dogsandwich77]

I met a dude once who had a rat rod made from a Diamond Reo truck. Had a straight 8 for an engine. Was the first time id ever heard of one.

[@ConnieWojahn]

I used to have a mechanical, horse drawn road grader with faded yellow paint. Never used my horses to pull it, and now it's gone on to iron graveyard at an old farm. Still there, as far as I know, and still working gravel and dirt roads, pulled by a tractor, probably an old one.

[@chadly1337]

My parents used to really like doing weekend day trips. The 3 of us would drive somewhere in the Southwest and be home by evening. My dad died long ago and something about your mannerisms makes me feel like a little boy again with a loving father patiently explaining wherever we are. Sorry if that puts you in a weird position Steve, lol! Love your videos, thank you for making me feel close to my family again and stoking the embers of those childhood memories.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@frankhinkle5772]

Our dad use to love the Sunday drive all around San Diego County. Never stopped at the store, but we explored Hwy 94, Old Route 80, and all over. Very fond memories brought back. Thanks.

[@josef9001]

This is such an awesome comment.

[@dogsandwich77]

I live like 10 mins from this place and I had NO idea that was a museum. Id just drive past, and wish i could go walk around and look at the trucks. And now i know what im doing tomorrow! Love the videos! And ill say it again, you always manage to show me something i had no idea existed in my own backyard!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hope you went and enjoyed it.

[@sandyzalecki1145]

Your videos as always so enlightening. My husband would have loved this place. He was a real car guy. I wish he was still alive so we could go see it. Blessings to you and your family for allowing us to live vicariously through you for a few minutes each week.

[@pat8988]

Wow! I've passed by this place dozens of times but didn't realize that it was a museum. Next time I'll have to plan on stopping!

[@donalddodson7365]

Steve, Thank you so much for visiting and publicizing Campo's Motor Transport Museum. It has been 4 or 5 years since I ventured out there. I am so glad it has survived. (Anyone leary of driving to Campo, there is also a historic store, railroad museum & tourist ride, Camp Lockett and great little restaurant.)

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. I really appreciate all the support. Yes, you can make a whole day out of visiting Campo. There's quite a bit to see. I'll have another video on it next week too.

[@r0n5tea1th]

Yup Campo has a lot of different interesting stuff for such a small community

[@deeexxx8138]

Feldspar is also used in Bon Ami cleanser. It is softer than quartz-based powder, hence the slogan "Hasn't Scratched Yet"

[@RWX348]

Thank you for this post Steve! Campo is a neat historic town. I finally stopped at that Mill/Museum in 2011. Like you said, there is so much there. I really look forward to your videos!

[@pxn748]

Fun fact--Standard Sanitary is still in business as half of American-Standard the maker of toilets, tubs and sinks. They merged with American Radiator sometime in the 40's.

[@TheGrinddcore]

Thanks for your many doc umentary on that one I used to go out there in 2013 and 14 and due paintings of some of the cars. Some of which sold. I also loved how quiet it was out there and it was almost meditative especially inside the mill looking at their antiques.

[@frasitopoquito4144]

Always a pleasure to view your videos, please keep up the excellent offerings.

[@fearsomebeard4290]

The Campo area SE of my beautiful San Diego is some truly beautiful country. Thank you for consistently helping us discover / re-discover our incredible SW USA area home.

[@lgd4247]

"Arm and a leg." Lol! Sidetrack humor.

[@r0n5tea1th]

Thanks! A place I've meant to visit for over a decade Now I've seen what I've been missing It's on my not to distant to do list

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks for your support. I can't believe I didn't visit sooner.

[@TheStuport]

As always Steve, You Deliver The Goods! I'm quite sure many of your fans like me really enjoy learning about these places that seem to be off the beaten path yet they are filled with great history and facts and eye opening things to see! I'm also POSITIVE that your Fan base absolutely live to hear your Humor and one-liners!🤣🤣🤣 Soon enough I'm, going to go through ALL of your video archive and make a book of "Sidetrack Adventure Steve-isms"! 😂 You put a ton of time and effort into researching your video gifts for The Sidetrack Posse and it is not lost on us! We are never too young to teach or too old to learn while having a good Laugh! Thank you Steve for taking care of your Riders! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. I'm sure my wife can give you some more Steve-isms haha

[@TheStuport]

@@SidetrackAdventures And I'm betting your son has some great Dad One liners as well! 😂

[@ken503]

I always think it's pretty cool when the content of videos in totally different areas of interests overlap somewhat. I just saw a video of an interesting camper conversion of a Flxible Bus like the one pictured at the 4:52 mark. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!

[@conniewojahn6445]

Another very interesting and informative video, thank you. I actually recognize some of the equipment and vehicles. The yellow road grader near the video end is my favorite. I had a smaller, horse drawn one once that my then spouse hooked to a tractor and used to grade the gravel driveway up to the house and down to the barn. People invented automotive machinery to use for specific purposes, and when technology overtook the invention the old one was discarded. Somehow, newer devices just don't have the charisma of these old pieces.

[@joewenzel5142]

Federsl Clown Prison - in one corner of the lot-a prisoner transportation bus with the text “Federal Clown Prison” printed on the side. According to Bryan Butler, librarian and one of the museum’s directors, that bus was once used in a skit on “The Jay Leno Show.”

[@bender7565]

The 5 yrs the USN blessed me with SD in the 80's the local weather guys frequently spoke Campo's 'long' thermometer. Fabulous bike ride.

[@Iconoclasher]

Weird! I've lived in Southern California since the 60s and I've been in the antique car hobby since the 70s and I'm just now hearing about this place!? 😮😂

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You have to check it out if you are in the area. You'll probably love it.

[@Iconoclasher]

@@SidetrackAdventures Oh... You can guarantee I updated my bucket list!😀 Thx for a great video. 👍

[@wendyshick6689]

Thank you for sharing some of Campos history I live right near😊👍

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome. Next week's video will focus more on Campo itself.

[@garlicgalore]

I just love these unusual places where someone collected a bunch of stuff together and made a museum! Thank you for finding these cool little bits of history for us!

[@timothyhammers6199]

I ve lived in campo potrero all my life. Long before the museum was there i went to the mill a few times to explore. Back then it was an abandoned open building with the old equipment still in it. There was a stair down to a basement room. I never went down there for good reason: Once when i went there with my family including my grandparents we saw a rattler go down the stairs. My grampa knew i liked snakes, keeping some for pets and said "why dont you go down and catch it?" I said "this is why" and I threw a piece of old masonry down there in the dark. We then heard not one rattle but what sounded like about a hundred. I had known long before this that the snake den was down there and that there were no lights down below. My grampa just looked at me with wide eyes while i said "you can go down there if you want". He said "uh no thanks, im good". We had a good laugh about that later after his heart rate went back down.

[@kennethharpenau4178]

Its true spending hours just seeing all the old trucks and other goodies. I found about this place while riding on the train at the railroad museum. The train conductor told me there is a lot of old trucks so after the train ride I drove over to see for myself. I am always interested in San Diego County history and one thing I learned is the town of Foster is under Lake San Vincente and I found an old truck or open air bus with the markings its from the town of Foster.

[@NormanSilver]

I worked at the CDF Fire station just north of the mill when it was working. San Diego and Arizona Eastern trains served the mill. Busy place. Near the Archie Leach Hog Farm.

[@corn677]

Nice 'Little Reddy Kilowatt" reference, Steve!

[@petecollins4925]

What a fascinating place! Although we have lots of old buildings and ancient monuments here in the UK much of our more recent steel things like cars and trucks haven't lasted the course due to our weather. Too much rain here and that stuff rusts away quickly unlike the desert and semi desert climate in your part of the world which tends to be not so destructive. Always interesting to see many of these old vehicles still being recognisable after all these years.

[@garthbutton699]

I'm one of those guys that could spend hours there,if not at least a day or so,thanks for all your efforts🤗😎🤗😎

[@lizzard71]

Thank you for showing me this place, never knew of it.

[@ghodgeco]

That electricity warning sign featured Reddy Kilowatt. He first appeared in 1926.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I was unaware he had a knife!

[@bridgeman11]

I've been by this place many times and visited once. If you're an old gearhead, like me, it's worth a visit. In Campo, besides this place, there is a historic train station where they have rides into the back country and old train cars, and there is also the old stone store, that Steve covers in another video. The old west comes alive here.

[@randym9147]

I wish that I could LIKE your video's more than once. This one I've watched three or four times. It just doesn't seem fair.

[@SOLOIIguru]

Steve, I appreciate your videos. Thanks for bringing us along on your sidetrack adventures

[@Steve-ow4jt]

Hey Steve That looked like a really cool place. I love old trucks and transportation related memorabilia. The only thing better than old trucks is old trains. I loved the video and would love a chance to walk around a place like that. But not much like that near me and will probably never make it out to California. But it was still awesome to see if only in video. Until next week take care and God bless. Steve in Oklahoma

[@SidetrackAdventures]

About a mile from the mill is a train museum, so you'd love Campo for sure.

[@justpassinthruonR66]

Thanks, Steve...I really enjoyed this. I like that you always do a close of shot of the signs. I used a magnifiying glass and read the history of the Mill and the description of the '46 Ford truck.

[@danaowen9014]

Great place, you have taken us to places we never new existed, awesome videos.

[@marstondavis]

I really like this channel. It's done so simply and yet so very informative. That in itself is noteworthy and appreciated.

[@Psalms20A21]

🧠Another appreciated and enjoyable tour! Thanks!

[@chriscapune7873]

Great place!!! 🐈🐾🐈‍⬛🐾👍

[@CDRiley]

It seems great day to walk to Campo from San Diego.

[@kristophermorgan2302]

What a gem of a place. Really cool how you can get up close and personal with most of it. Thank you for sharing.

[@GramsMusick158]

So many places are named Felspar in San Diego county. It must have been a very big deal? That old bus is amazing! I love cars but I would go out there just to see that bus!

[@projekt6_official]

Love the quips and dad jokes you dust throughout your videos. Thanks for sharing all of these neat places. This one has been added to my “want to go” map.

[@roywhitman7109]

Another informative video!👍 Fortunately, for all of those vehicles & items stored outside, they're in a dry climate! Pretty cool stuff!

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Man! lately, you have been in my neck of the woods. This is an awesome place!

[@L.Spencer]

I don't think I knew about this mill, but we've been to the Railroad Museum. We'll have to go here, too.

[@edwardaustin740]

This is why I subscribe. Steve, your videos are awesome. Thanks for letting me tag along with you.

[@argeliajimenez8185]

The best channel for adventures..thank u Steve and wife

[@charleshaggard4341]

I could spend a few days at a place like this. Unfortunately, my wife would be waiting in the car so I am not likely to make it there. Great video, thanks.

[@stephenmiller5023]

Looks like the gang of volunteers have been pretty busy since I was last out there a little over 4 years ago ( pre-pandemic) and have put up more displays & such . Thanks Steve , looks like I’m gonna need to make another trip out now 😎👍

[@davidzamora4423]

That's so kool those old trucks. If my dad was alive? He could tell you alot.😊😊😊😊

[@antonioperez2623]

Another fantastic story in SD county. Thank you.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

Love the desert

[@donalddodson7365]

Thanks! Previous amount got reduced!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I really appreciate all the support.

[@SpanishEclectic]

Campo appears to be the place for this sort of thing. I believe the Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum and train yard is nearby. I love your jokes! Federal Clown Prison. LOL! Quite impressive for the sheer number of vehicles. Reminds me of The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town in Jerome, Arizona. I do agree, that while there are too many old cars, trucks, and machines to ever be restored, it's still better that people can see them and learn something, than for them to be scrapped. Good that there is space for such things that is not next door to my house.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The railroad museum is super close by. It is pretty cool when the old trains go by, its like you stepped into another time.

[@charleshaggard4341]

@@SidetrackAdventures If you haven't done a video there, I would love to see one. California is a really interesting place.

[@ernestoross]

I am a car-guy; great video!

[@VintageVermilion]

It's such a fun place to tour. So much history in this hidden corner of San Diego County.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah! Its amazing how much stuff there is to see just in Campo.

[@debrabennett3009]

Fascinating stuff! I love it.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Thank you, great history ❤

[@EricT3769]

I enjoy these videos so much! Thanks.

[@corinnelaking569]

I've really been enjoying all of your videos since discovering your channel several weeks ago. However, being an old car guy, this one hit the sweet spot. Don't let the user name fool you, I'm just an old computer dummy using my wife's KZbin account, LOL. Anyway, I'm really enjoying all of your work so far. Best regards from chilly southern Ontario Canada. Shea Laking.

[@RetroRobbin59]

Thank you Steve. Seeing a new video out made me smile 😊 This place looks like a fun stop, especially for a car guy.

[@zigz0072]

Another great video!! Thank you

[@iamacarnut]

Thank you for tour...been here most of my life and never new it was there..I am going to go this weekend and check it out....again thanks........keep it up...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Have fun! The drive out there is great too.

[@JTA1961]

Good job # (2) ... ima gonna go there...&...I subscribed. Thanks from Tucson Arizona.

[@josemarques5655]

Keep the great work buddy 🤙🏽

[@Thecorgially]

Another good one. Close to the border. Ironically, all the old cars don't travel too well, ha ha.

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

I'm going to visit. Someday. There are a couple of old vehicle collections out in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

So far the Cloud Museum near Yuma seems to be the king of these museums, but there are some good ones.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Never heard of it but I’m totally an old car freak and would love 🩷 to visit there. I like to see vehicles left outside and in a natural state of decay. Many people, Jay Leno included, will do a sympathetic restoration on a vehicle which makes it in very good driveable shape but not returned to new condition. I am fascinated by that. Jay bought one of the last Duesenbergs and did a sympathetic restoration on it and it was awesome ‼️ Thanks for another interesting location 🗺️. 👍☮️🌞🩵

[@glennbellman1100]

Ive been to Campo many times by car and motorcycle. The Transport museum has allways been closed when i pass by. Hopefully i can get there when its open.

[@jetsons101]

Looks to be a great place to visit. How much do they charge to get in? An "Arm and a Leg"

[@cvAero]

Amazing!

[@timjones3094]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you for all your support.

[@jeffmyers7062]

Nice one!

[@richardneely595]

Thank you for sharing I always enjoyed your videos.

[@IndridCool54]

Another great video and somewhere else to add to my list of places to visit. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimholmes2555]

Thank you for wetting my whistle. I know now where next year's vacation destinations will be.

[@suzanne1116]

Very cool. I'll have to go there. The southwest railway. Museum near there is also really cool.

[@daveh4283]

Great video Steve

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@VanGo_AZ]

Always interesting content! Thanks

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@VanGo_AZ]

@@SidetrackAdventures You bet !!! I always share with my San Diego & adjacent peeps when it’s appropriate … keep up the great, interesting adventures

[@gobbleguk]

Love Campo!

[@roncross1945]

I’ve been through Campo on my way to start my PCT long distance hike. Did you know that the National Scenic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) starts just south of Campo.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've been to the marker at the start of of the PCT.

[@janblake9468]

Am surprised you didn't mention historic Army Camp Lockett nearby. It is old enough to have had Buffalo Soldiers stationed there.

[@johnjaco5544]

Or the detention camp.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I didn't really go into the history of the area in this video, but next week's video will mention Camp Lockett. A couple years ago I did a video on a Italian POW memorial out there where I talked more about Camp Lockett too.

[@joevostoch8768]

Great video. If you get the chance visit what's left of the feldspar quarry in an upcoming video?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I believe its on private property.

[@bobcoats2708]

‘Cost an arm and a leg’ while looking at the horror film props. Coming in hard with the dad jokes, Steve. Thanks for the look. I’ve been to the railroad museum but never knew this was out there. By the way, Diamond T trucks were beautiful. Do a search for the ones that were preserved or restored.

[@oledennis6918]

Was that the original driver of that all wheel drive vehicle? That Santa Barbara bus looks like the busses we used to ride when we were kids growing up in Oakland. Again, thanks for a nice tour.

[@01LTO]

Very cool, I had no idea that existed!

[@nlpnt]

I had to look up Campo, California. At first I was thinking of Campo de Cahuenga and "wait, isn't that in the middle of the city??!"

[@robertfritz9916]

SD Co expat after 40 years and again we are humbled by this location we never knew. Where is it in relation to the railroad museum site? We don't recall seeing it on our travels to there. We're now snowbirds to maybe we'll try to fing this place this winter. A hearty "well done" for this video.

[@skyh]

Just east of the rail museum , follow the tracks you can't miss it.

[@everettcross7210]

Clown prison was a movie. I noticed among the machines you had grinders, deburrers and engines to run these macahines which indicate the lack of electricity.

[@michaelsimonds2632]

GREAT post, Mr. Adventures! Many Thanks

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@glennhotchkiss7900]

I think my vacuum cleaner has more parts than that engine.😂

[@gofast3209]

Awsome!! Thanks for sharing!! Also if you follow the tracks that are along side of it going east by Google maps those track lead to the famous goat canyon trestle bridge

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yes. A few miles east of Campo there is another railroad bridge that was the highest bridge on that line until the trestle beat it, and it goes right over the highway.

[@gofast3209]

@@SidetrackAdventures yes I seen that on street view when I waa following the tracks. Pretty cool.

[@charlesglandon7840]

My Dad rented a gas station very similar to the one that's there when he first came to California in 1946. Thanks for sharing your travels and history.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Very cool! You don't see many like it now for sure.

[@Jbennyho]

Amazing! In operation of the mill, what is the purpose of the tall tower? Looks like there would be a lot of black widow spiders.

[@VintageCarHistory]

At 3:10 and elsewhere, the truck appears to be a 1914 Autocar.

[@craiggarnett8934]

The Federal Clown Prison bus is from a TV ad for the Twisted Metal III video game.

[@robinrussell7965]

That Santa Barbara bus looks like the one at the end of The Graduate.