The SKUNK Train! - California Western Railroad

[@alandavis5950]

It's a cold windy morning here in the UK, but I have felt the dappled sunshine on my shoulders as I ride the Skunk Train through the glades of another world, to the soothing sounds of wheels on rail joints. This is enthralling. I'm disappointed when we return to civilization. Still, I can always ride again! Thank you.

[@tobinrowe9558]

Living in Sacramento, I've seen steam locomotives at the CSRM from a young age. This railroad holds a special place in my heart because it the first time I had ever seen an operating steam engine back in, oh... maybe 2006. My family and I went to Ft. Bragg for spring break one time and we had bought tickets for the afternoon train to North Spur. We got to see No. 45 with the returning train from Willits pull in. Unfortunately we didn't get to ride behind it because she had done enough work for the day so they pulled out a diesel and repurposed the Willits train as the afternoon North Spur train. I still remember calling the diesel "Mr. Noisey" being a six-year-old kid at the time, lol.

[@katerinakittycat3849]

#45 looks nice and shiny here. Did it receive a fresh coat of paint before this footage was shot?

[@jrazjraz]

Thank you Thank you Thank you for not putting annoying music over the video and allowing the sounds of the train ride to be the soundtrack. 👍

[@TrainGuru]

This is everything that the Santa Cruz Branch Line should be. It has the ocean and the Redwoods, it just needs some work on the tracks...

[@DeathValleyLumberCompany]

and a running steam engine

[@cambridgeh.lutece6658]

Just imagine having a steam engine there, and advocating the "Sun Tan Special" again! Watsonville to Santa Cruz, and even Davenport if you're really lucky. Big tourism right there, what with the killer view. Theres plans to bring the line back to operation from Santa Cruz to Watsonville, what for freight traffic.

[@TrainGuru]

It’s complicated. I am a big advocate to keep the rails. I have contacted the RTC and more about the issue. To answer your question, freight isn’t the main focus. Roaring Camp have the contract but isn’t running the full branch line.

[@cambridgeh.lutece6658]

@@TrainGuru Ah I thought freight was the main revenue (considering all the videos and google earth images ive seen of the line always consist of some sort of freight)! Pleased to know the Big Trees Pacific now holds the contract, hopefully theyll do something with it. I believe there were proposals by residents to tear up the rails in favor of a bike path but that was dismissed I think.

[@DeathValleyLumberCompany]

@@cambridgeh.lutece6658 I hear the Watsonville branch is getting ripped up

[@frankdomingo191]

You take some really fun trips. I wish I knew someone who loved trains like I do. Especially the old steams.

[@user-vx6nc5wr5v]

They don't make em like they use to, Frank. What area are you in?

[@calguy37m2005]

@@user-vx6nc5wr5v Central Valley California, Kern County.

[@addypercy2847]

Xa

[@michaelramsey82]

I grew up right next to this railroad, at the Fort Bragg end of the line. Used to see old 45 chuffing in and out all the time. Now I've moved far away and I miss the train more than anything else. You never realize what you have till it's gone. Guess my HO scale model trains will have to do...

[@maxwellsteam5810]

#45 is out of service for Boiler work at the moment. but she'll be back soon. Maybe one day you can ride.

[@trenistrate306]

@@maxwellsteam5810 by

[@michaelramsey82]

@@maxwellsteam5810 Definitely! I'm planning to take a road trip back once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to ride the Skunk again for the world.

[@rianaoktavia6773]

1rh

[@IlanTheSouthwesternRailfan]

@@maxwellsteam5810let’s hope that she’ll be back in service but this time with a better whistle

[@tnpatriot7468]

I remember riding on this back in the early 70s (73 probably). I also recall there being another train line (a sister line that was maybe yelllow in color)??

[@robkrasinski6217]

I have an uncle who lives near this, well to the north I believe, he lived in Los Gatos and San Jose before. In the 1980’s he sent me brochures for the skunk train and the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad a miniature train ride in a park in Los Gatos.

[@HarborGuy]

Awesome had 2 rides on the train when this Ft Bragg was my home.....

[@sterlyncostley7886]

I LOVE UR TRAINS MAN!!!!!!!

[@megarollxrgmbroadcasting91]

I rode the skunk train with my dad back when I was a kid. Super great memories. Thanks!

[@nathancorcoran5347]

Me too. I wish I could ride their steam locomotive, California Western 45.

[@EngineerDaylight]

That Is A straaaange Whistle on 45. Any knowledge on it??

[@LandonHollister]

its a prr 3 chime

[@EngineerDaylight]

​@@LandonHollister if thats a PRR Whistle, it's certainly the most out of tune one I've ever heardm

[@LandonHollister]

@ its supposed to be like that because all the pressure

[@CoreytheATSFConnie]

@LandonHollisterno it’s not, it’s a 5 chime

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

I just got a 1 hour doccumentary of this line! It was from the 90s but nothing has changed except the absence of diesel power!

[@michaelramsey82]

They do still have three diesel locomotives, all GP9s. The Alco units are no longer running. The Georgia Pacific mill was also shut down in the early 2000s, so there is no longer any freight traffic on the CWR.

[@TobiasMathesonRacing]

On the skunk train line, Where did the tunnel collapse and when? was it halfway or was this the tunnel that collapsed 4:43

[@nathancorcoran5347]

I would love to come back to this railroad again.

[@jaredbrown3249]

Nice locomotive 🚂

[@sterlyncostley7886]

UR THE BEST BRO!!!

[@hannesolivier1641]

Great train. Locomotive could have been straight out of an old Western movie!!

[@tashacruz299]

Ppm

[@katerinakittycat3849]

Last I heard #45 was out of service for its 15 year inspection and is still waiting for this to be completed

[@MrNJT]

Katerina Kittycat The only thing keeping it out is the fact that its boiler needs some work.

[@michaelramsey82]

#45 actually has been in at least one movie (Racing with the Moon), although it wasn't a Western.

[@shred1]

That shot at Point Arena, Wow!

[@thatoneguy611]

Her whistle is so beautiful

[@danielschannel444]

I wish they didn't always have the bell ringing as it was passing by. Someones bell happy. I was there when i was a kid, 1978 i think. The train was not running that day but we got to ride on a trolly. was very neat. I sometimes wonder how many engineers have see Bigfoot.

[@kingkramer]

this is one of the best looking steam locos I've seen

[@TommyPicklesFan]

same

[@tobinrowe9558]

If you've heard of the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad, this loco kinda looks like Polson Logging Co. #70

[@kingkramer]

Toby Rowe I don't have much knowledge about steam locomotive railways in USA, I'm afraid

[@tobinrowe9558]

Here. Compare the train in the video to the photo in this link trainguy18.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2621442

[@jacobwoods8738]

This locomotive certainly is beautiful, very well cared for. As for the Polson/Rayonier 70, it is not that similar, more similar to Polson/Rayonier 90. Those both have Walscherts Valve Gear, new style steam chests, and "high boilers", whereas 70 is an old style "low boiler". This is just by appearance, which is also somewhat similar to several other short line 2-8-2s, like Sierra 34, but not based on numbers, in which 34 and 45 are somewhat different.

[@owenmeschter9888]

Cute engine! I love that whistle. Wish the bell wouldn't ring as much as it did.

[@sarasmith5110]

I have an old National Geographic from the 50s that featured the Skunk line. Very charming place and time.

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Awesome Video Mike

[@TobiasMathesonRacing]

I loved the skunk train! i rode it several years ago but it was very fun! they had a big model railroad in the station i remember. Highly reccomend for vacations and kids and families in genral.

[@MrBnsftrain]

3:17 what type of bells do these crossings have? What's the slowest speed they can travel along the line without using the bell? It's nice to see an American steam engine in Maroon! That's a rare color for an American steam loco that's not streamlined!

[@michaelramsey82]

I think #45 might be the only operational maroon steam engine in the entire country, unless you count N&W 611 (which is mostly black but has a maroon stripe).

[@Eyefestation_funni_shark]

I went on the skunk train this year!

[@c5173]

great film. The skunk train is a great trip

[@zeeboss2762]

happy sant patricks day coaaterfan2105!!!!!!!!!!!

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Great video!! Thank you for posting it.

[@ebrumahmudmahmud5123]

Ккм

[@TracksideSamOfficial]

Ill be in Fort Bragg in July.

[@trenistrate306]

Very Cool!

[@josevalmir8741]

Muito bonito, parabéns!

[@sterlyncostley7886]

WHOO HOO!!

[@evanf1293]

Shame 45 has been out of service since last year. Who knows when she'll be back. But I'm hoping to see her one day.

[@michaelramsey82]

I believe she's in the shop for her mandatory 15-year rebuild. She should be back in a couple of years.

[@SuperCabrito14]

We rode the skunk train for a field trip in first grade, Yokayo elementary early 2000s either 2000 or 2001

[@anthonynigri8585]

Lucky I'm in 7th grade and I want to have a field trip to a train

[@trainroomgary]

Cool steam sounds. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@mstmms7952]

Very cool!

[@robkrasinski6217]

From the comments it appears that right now there is no steam and trains from Fort Bragg can’t do the full round trip because of the tunnel damage?

[@CoasterFan2105]

A combination of the tunnel damage and the steam locomotive is currently out of service for work.

[@daniellecox6906]

coasterfan2105 this is the best video

[@Balerio2357]

Awesome videography and scenery! Great shots of # 45, the forest, beginning and ending shots of the rugged coastline; Well done Mike! Thanks for your efforts and dedication that made this and all of your work an enjoyable experience : ) - Balerio

[@jackquinndennis1636]

It brings up one question for me... I see videos all the time with the train going by, then riding on the train, then going by another spot... Hmmm... So you spend three days filming, and then edit the sequences? I know for a fact the Skunk train does stop for people to get on and off, but I've never seen them stop, let you take pictures, and then wait for you to run up and get on...

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes, some of these videos take several days to film. This particular one was filmed in just two days. Every June, the railroad runs what they call the "Photographer's Special" where they stop the train at various points, allow you to get off and film or photograph it passing by. They stopped at maybe 8 different spots when I filmed this.

[@jackquinndennis1636]

Thanks for the response... Hard to find out all the secrets!

[@trenistrate306]

@@CoasterFan2105 The of video by and of trains the trains the of video by and trains and of trains and of the croein and video by trains of trains and the video by and of old and old trains the of video by of trains

[@trenistrate306]

@@CoasterFan2105 The video by

[@gypsymoontarotofficial]

@@CoasterFan2105 Doesn't it stop at or nearby a campground? I can't remember as It was 45 yrs ago since I've been up there :)

[@FJCNCazatrenesoficial]

excellent video

[@gulmirasagudiyeva6676]

нгш

[@gulmirasagudiyeva6676]

саламатсызбағн

[@rypatmackrock]

I wonder if the steam and diesel trains will ever make the full trip Willits instead of just the rail cars.

[@BorisLu]

Nice video!

[@kevp9601]

CoasterFan2105, Keep It Up, KZbin-Friend. Because You're KZbin Channel is on Fire for your KZbin-Viewers! :-D

[@nickel_plate765ftyfilms2]

Was it recorded in 2017? if so im intrested because theres no footage of it except for this that has #45 thats not in 2015 or the early 2000's

[@CoasterFan2105]

This was filmed in 2014.

[@michaelramsey82]

The two most comprehensive collections of Skunk Train footage I've been able to find are this and a Questar video from 1991. (The latter is part of the Great American Scenic Railroads series, and is now available on KZbin for free.) A channel called Blimpaccident also has some good footage.

[@ogalindo38]

I like your logo

[@mahendrasinghrajpurohit5315]

तीनो

[@armyofaceas]

I lived just blocks away from this train when I was a kid.

[@michaelramsey82]

Same! It's one of the reasons I got into trains.

[@randomdude-i5b]

This was the most greatest video of all can u do more SoCal videos

[@Derickbass]

What's up with the weird paint job on the first car past the locomotive? The CWR/Skunk always had the classy burgundy livery, but what the heck is this???

[@michaelramsey82]

It's a mural painted by several local artists. I used to live near the line, and remember when the mural first appeared on the car. Some loved it, some hated it, but they ran that car in almost every train from that point on.

[@MPT_Productions]

Very nice video! I may be going here around July. How long is it one way in miles?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! I believe the entire line is 26 miles.

[@MPT_Productions]

CoasterFan2105 you’re welcome! Thanks for the info

[@michaelramsey82]

The entire line is 40 miles, but due to a tunnel collapse, trains currently can't go all the way from one end to the other. Fort Bragg to Northspur is about 22 miles.

[@MPT_Productions]

@@michaelramsey82 thanks!

[@jeffreymonroe4776]

Coasterfan2105 can you do a video of the California western railroad number 46 locomotive please please please it really really deserves some attention from the railfans

[@michaelramsey82]

Number 46 has been out of service for several decades.

[@jeffreymonroe4776]

@@michaelramsey82 I know that is why she deserves a video all of her own

[@michaelramsey82]

@@jeffreymonroe4776 I agree, but it probably won't happen. I don't think there's very much footage of her running.

[@jeffreymonroe4776]

channel yeah I know but she kind of deserves a little attention from us railfans and a video that is about her will probably get some visitors over to where she lives at maybe even donate money for her to get cosmetic restoration

[@TheDaflyest1]

How fast can the skunk train move?

[@michaelramsey82]

I believe 30 MPH is the legal limit for the entire line. 45 can't do much more than that anyway - it was built as a logging engine, favoring high torque and traction over speed.

[@franceselainethurston1606]

Beautiful country of ours. But why the name skunk train?

[@danielcarroll3358]

You could smell the original gasoline motor cars before you could see them.

[@lcdl731]

Because what Daniel said, and because it lets out lots of smoke, just like a skunk does in a cartoon.

[@ScottsRailroadVideos]

Lovely video. also. doesn't the whistle sounds like the known generic whistle?

[@jennsilk870]

You are so good

[@NinjagoGuy416]

How come the #45 no longer runs all the way through to Willits?

[@CoasterFan2105]

I am not sure about that. Right now, nothing runs out of Fort Bragg due to problems with the tunnel again.

[@NinjagoGuy416]

What do you mean? Have they had problems with the tunnel in the past?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes, in fact the tunnel was reopened shortly before this video was filmed following a very major collapse.

[@NinjagoGuy416]

Wow. How old is that tunnel?

[@kiloton1920]

@@CoasterFan2105 the tunnels that go up through Covelo rd along the eel river were the most expensive part of the entire railroad to maintain due to such issues

[@joshuapalmer9353]

I LIKE TO RIDE THE SKUNK TRAIN

[@MrNJT]

What’s the story with 45 at the moment? I keep hearing about boiler repairs. Also great video!

[@thatflyingsaucer9340]

yeah, boiler problems, and a few problems with dynamic braking. Other than that, it is in great shape for a train built in 1924.

[@DeathValleyLumberCompany]

update 2 years later, its still in pieces here in fort bragg patiently awaiting a night in shining armor

[@moito67ray]

Buen vídeo.

[@trainguy3]

was it just me or did the whistle sound a little off? like there was slightly too much or too little steam pressure

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

+BartleBees Yeah! It sounds like it!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Sometimes, whistles will sound a little raspy if they have excess water on them. Could be caused by the sound guard placed behind the whistle.

[@jacobwoods8738]

This whistle was an absolutely melodious whistle, until the 2004 overhaul when the guard was placed behind it, and it never has had the same sweetness.

[@vinniet2828]

@@CoasterFan2105 I wonder what happened that made them put the sound guard on there? Too loud for some people?

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

Nice!

[@discodog6138]

nice video dude

[@turbochargedtransit7241]

Happy St Patrick's day!

[@kaseyleitchnextgen3281]

Why is it called a skunk train exactly?

[@cowboysteel]

Is it still running?

[@456bulgogi]

yes

[@michaelramsey82]

yes, although the steam locomotive is temporarily out of service for boiler work.

[@evanf1293]

So how many miles of track this tourist line have?

[@michaelramsey82]

The line between Fort Bragg and Willits is 40 miles in total. Since the tunnel collapse, trains and railcars can no longer run from one end to the other, so instead, they do shorter out-and-back runs from both ends of the line.

[@Squid1562]

Is this standard or narrow gauge

[@CoasterFan2105]

It is standard gauge.

[@BKNPhotography]

Sadly I’ve only saw the GP38 and the SD40-2 if I’m correct

[@michaelramsey82]

The CWR's diesels are low-nose GP9s.

[@michaelalquist7497]

Ok why no interior car shots? Strange and makes the video incomplete.

[@CoasterFan2105]

There are a few, but they are in the second half of the video.

[@Buynot]

when was this taken?

[@TommyPicklesFan]

2014

[@Trainlover1995]

That explains it. This can't be from 2017. Trains can't go from Fort Bragg to Northspur right now because Tunnel #1 was damaged by the 2015-16 El Nino. They told me personally via Facebook Messenger (after asking quite a few times on Facebook) they do intend to reopen it.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes, that is correct.

[@umasiddhpura3347]

CoasterFan2105 ,

[@evanf1293]

this is an oil burner correct? and am i the only one surprised why all steams locomotives that still operate in california are oil burners and no coal burners why don't we have any coal burners because of the drought

[@michaelramsey82]

It is an oil burner. Coal burners only ever made financial sense in areas where coal was cheaper than oil, which wasn't the case on most California railroads, so lines like the CWR and the Sierra Railway ran oil burners from the beginning. CWR #45 runs on used motor oil.

[@evanf1293]

@@michaelramsey82 Ok thanks I technically knew it was an oil burner but I wasn't sure since this comment was made a year ago

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

Where does the skunk train come into play?

[@stevenparry6341]

It was the name given to the railroad's motor cars whose early gas engines gave off a stench similar to a skunk's.

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

+Steven Parry Cool!

[@jannettemenendez9318]

Hi mike

[@Paulbuff-pl6kj]

confused...steam engine pulls 6 cars out of depot...later steam engine is pulling only 2 cars...then there is short video of a diesel pulling the 4 missing cars..then back to steam and 2 cars...then at the end the steamer pulls 6 cars into the depot...as I said...confused

[@CoasterFan2105]

The shots of it leaving and arriving Fort Bragg were filmed on a different day. The diesel was the regular train passing the steam train.

[@destroyergaming637]

Why they name it “The Skunk Train”?

[@MrNJT]

DestroyerGaming They named it the skunk train because the locomotives burned oil, and the stoves that kept the cars warm were used with gas or something else. The locals called it the Skunk Train because of the smell.

[@destroyergaming637]

@Mr. New Jersey Transit I thought it had to be something with smell....Thanks

[@MrNJT]

DestroyerGaming No problem!

[@chrishaug9858]

Why do they have to ring the bell 100% of the time. Jeeeze cant even hear the engine. Super irritating

[@Ferromexfan4081]

Cool!

[@alexnunes1799]

I've been on the skunk train a long time ago

[@izenguarr5236]

Would be awesome if they'd get rid of that damn bell.

[@wmgiindustriesproduction8464]

Where's a day out with Thomas at the California western railroad.

[@michaelramsey82]

I don't think the CWR does any Thomas events.

[@kevp9601]

...And Never Give Up, KZbin-Friend! :-))

[@kevp9601]

Hey, Mike, Can You Upload KZbin Videos About "Steam Train Engineers", Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? :-D

[@sterlyncostley7886]

😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@jonathanhartfield533]

Why is it called Skunk Train? That sounds like it needs a name change.

[@PenilessCentless]

In the 1930s, the California Western ended steam passenger service due to falling revenue from the Great Depression, and replaced it with gas-powered motor cars. The smell from the gas motors caused locals to nickname them “Skunks” and the name stuck. At least one motorcar is still on the CW, and I believe another is preserved somewhere else.

[@DEADLIESTMAN1]

this one here is Smoky, not Skunk.

[@456bulgogi]

umm i live in fort bragg and yeah its called the skunk train

[@michaelramsey82]

If you want to be specific, the gas motorcar is the Skunk, and the train pulled by the steam engine is the Super Skunk.

[@GarrettsTrains95]

isn't that place cool? I went there before but their tunnel collapsed

[@therealyannisl]

Wow that would be pathetic if there was a wildfire

[@kevp9601]

+CoasterFan2105, So, Let Me Repeat That: Never Give Up, KZbin-Friend. :-))

[@TWF1003]

2nd

[@МаркСергеевич-ь2ц]

Kids

[@euph5098]

😢