Walking the original CP grade at Donner Summit

[@SierraRailway]

Back in February, a friend and I were staying in Verdi to get shots of the trains and the old grade in the snow, so we went into Tunnel No. 6 at night with a torch to see what it might have been like for the Chinese workers building it in 1866. Mind you, this was in the peak of Winter, so there was over 10 feet of snow in front of both portals, and the floor of the tunnel was frozen solid, covered in ice. We fell on our asses several times, but it was an amazing experience, and probably the closest I've ever felt to stepping back in time.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

That is so awesome! I felt the same way.. Stepping back in time! I can't imagine being there in the winter!

[@JerkRice]

I am drawn to old roads and rail grades for some reason. Perhaps it's just being in a place where history took place that has not been washed away by time. I loved this video. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Old grades are magical. Like you say the history but there is also just something beautiful about them.

[@johnbeck3270]

Those snow sheds and tunnels are visible from I80, a true testament to the tenacity of those who built the Central Pacific. You see those tunnels and sheds and wonder just how they made it to Promontory Summit by 1869.

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Dale and Karyn, just checking of some videos from the ‘watch later’ list. Love this episode on the Donner Pass. So much history interspersed with the report on your hike. Really appreciate the attention you gave to the Chinese people who made this project possible and the historical ‘thank you for nothing’ they got, when resentment and prejudice lead to the installment of the proverbial ‘Chinese Wall Legislation,’ after the Chinese workers built their tribute to the ‘Great Wall’ as a retaining structure for this Central Pacific line. All the more charmed I am with the iteration of your ‘Chinese Wall’ on your garden layout. Definitely a great way to commemorate the workers, although in scale. Nevertheless, your gesture speaks of historical awareness and empathetic significance. Such a beautiful episode. It’s a marvel to watch the photos and to realize all this hard labor was done by hand.

[@johnnyjames7139]

I rode the original line by train a few times years ago. I am glad that I did. The hand built retaining wall is fantastic!

[@billa2967]

I remember seeing the snow sheds back in the 1970s. I thought they were made of wood, but I did see them from a distance. Great episode, guys!

[@robertemmons2260]

Of all of your episodes, this one has got to be in your top ten! Although I'm located a thousand or so miles east of Donner summit, I still feel a connection to it. Hwy. 40 runs right through my town of Vernal UT. I live just a block north off of it. I have family that live in Sacramento. The last that I had heard of my father he was somewhere in Sacramento, but I have yet to receive confirmation of this. The California mountains are very rugged. I've been over them a time or two. I've been through Auburn CA. as my family had travelled down to Sacramento and Lodi back in 1983-84. Thank you for another great video! I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. It'll be hard to top this one, especially the experience and information. BTW, loved seeing the Mustang out on the road.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

If possible, it would be a grand trip for you to plan in your future! We were traveling with 2 of our good friends. They hadn't made the trip in many years, but sure enjoyed the adventure! There is so much to see along the way to Sacramento! The scenery is amazing!

[@chiconian49]

As a native Northern Californian, I have heard about all this, however you have got to see it too. Thank you for the wonderful tour of Donner. Sometime take the drive up to Reno on Hwy 70 and experience the beautiful Feather River Canyon. and watch the trains winding along side the River. The elevation is quite a bit lower, so the trains don't get snowed in. Too bad they did not know about that when the built the railroad over Donner Pass. Visit the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I have a bit of video of 3985 in Feather River. Beautiful place!!!!!

[@rrelectric5159]

Great video! A couple of things I didn't hear you mention. 1) the elevation, over 7000 feet for a lot of it. More Kudos to you guys for hiking up there. 2) the place where the covered turntable was is called Norden. There was also a crew facility with bunks, a kitchen, railroad agent and other things all completely covered in snow in the winter. Because of all the old wooden snow sheds old timers on the SP called it railroading in a barn. Praaying for a good hip recovery.

[@robnnorthaustin]

OK I've watched 3 times and I so wish I could have been there with you. The next best thing is I got to watch this wonderful video. You two always make me feel so lucky to be able to share your travels and storytelling with such skill and class. Thank you.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!!!!!! We love making these. I’ve always made a lot of videos and films but usually for someone. I made VHS train tapes back in the 80s but now we can do what we want and make the videos anyway we want and just plain enjoy doing it. But it REALLY makes my day when people watch and enjoy it. So THANKS. !!!!!!!

[@greguzar8233]

One of Toy Man's top ten episodes. This is a subject close to my heart as a youth I watched as our "Mighty Southern Pacific" would slog their way through this particular part of the grade as motorists would watch from Hwy 80 on Donner Pass. The smoke from those big diesel lash-ups would billow smoke from the holes throughout the sheds. One could see where the units make progress and how slow they were going. Thanks for the memories. Greg and Jeanne.

[@ToyManTelevision]

How are you two? No more fires? Anyway Ed and his Bug Boy are in Rock Springs. Tonight. And in a few hours we are heading east to intercept. Just finished editing the video on Marylyn Monroe. And Frank Sanatra. And Jack Kennedy. Not a toy man show? Heck no! This was some real screwing around! Anyway not boring I hope! I got to ride over the pass as a kid. Really something to see!!!! Gotta love the SP!!!!!!!!!

[@jamesbuteaux5951]

We spent alot of crazy snow days at SugarBowl back in the 90s when snowboarding was just starting to be accepted (reluctantly) by the Tahoe ski areas. Many times we would hear the trains blow the horns but had no idea where the tracks disappeared into the new tunnel because everything was buried in deep snow.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup!! That’s when I was living there!

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

Who noticed that Starsky and Hutch were visiting Old Towne?? (6:02) What an adventure! Although a bit scary... I'm really glad that we decided to walk that tunnel! The first time we were there.. I chickened out! It would have taken a wild team of horses to drag me more than about 50 yards into that tunnel! This time.. Well? It's now or never! As we inched our way along in near darkness, save the light on my iPhone... I thought to myself: YA BIG CHICKEN! Think of the people who worked here, building this tunnel in 1866! History was everywhere, and I began to appreciate the sacrifice these people made! Think of how many injuries and lives were lost, in those days. After walking this grade, then visiting the California State Railroad Museum, I came away with a lump in my throat and even more appreciation for these workers! The Transcontinental Railroad is truly a marvel!. It is one thing to study history in school. Then it is another, to actually visit and walk where this history took place!

[@gleanerk]

Karyn Felix-Angell I saw star n hutch car Too

[@robnnorthaustin]

Karyn it's always fun to watch you two screwing around and the respect you showed to the builders of that great tunnel is so classy. Your having fun has taught me so much!

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

@@robnnorthaustin Thanks for the kind words! It is one thing to study history in a class, or by reading something etched into a monument. But to actually walk in the footsteps of the people, is really humbling! The building of the Transcontinental Railroad is truly an amazing part of history!

[@gmmeier321]

Great history. Thanks for the awesome lesson.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching and the kind comments. Stay cool!

[@tomas5376]

Fascinating history! My great grandmother came over the pass 2 parties before the Donners! 👍✌️😊🙏🏼

[@ToyManTelevision]

Wow!!!! Yea by the time the dinner party (it was no party) got there it was a well known path. But Donner took a shortcut, the Hastings Cutoff that cost them weeks. And by the time they got to the lake it was already snowing. Ps our friends up there just told us they just got the first snow. So they really needed to be up there before September

[@thecolonel4037]

Another good book about the pass is "Donner Pass" by John R. Signor. Lots of good pictures and it pretty well covers the building, and operation of the Pass. The Colonel, aka 'Axe

[@jeffbangkok]

Best ever, Thank You 2 once again for taking us along

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!! Really fun (and painful) one to do

[@deandanielson8074]

Congratulations to the both of you for doing the hike on the Donnor Pass. Wonderful live-action and historic photos. As I have observed before, you do such a great job of historical search of the records and couple it with fine video photography. Really well done and full of fun. Dale, you sound like you have a bad cold. If so, I hope you get better soon. Thanks you two for wonderful experiences so nicely gift wrapped for us lucky viewers / subcribers. - Dean from Minnesota

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi Dean! Yup. A bit of a cold. But as soon as I beat it I get a new hip!!! Yeepee I hope! A bit scary. Doctor: hold my beer I need to make an incision! Who’s got the hip? It’s in a brown shoe box. Don’t open the box, I’m trying to keep it mostly sterol.

[@FastSports-ScaleCarGarage]

What a great video of a great trip!! Thank you for posting it!!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

More coming. Right now we are chasing the big boy again!!

[@kenshores9900]

Crazy! Yet another great episode.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks! Fun one to do. We have really been wanting to get back there and this time, walk the whole tunnel to the China Wall. Wow!!! About a mile on a really painful hip. But sooooo worth it.

[@LarryWGrant-dw6jo]

What a history lesson! Amazing video and images. Thanks for all the work you do to produce this!

[@ToyManTelevision]

You are so welcome!! I just love making videos like this. And I hope this will be wondering the internet now forever. It’s a good thought.

[@christopherhereford1803]

Thanks Dale and Karyn, that was breathtaking!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you for watching!!

[@stevenbeardsley218]

You guys are awesome thank you for the video .

[@gregsmith1719]

This is one of your best, Dale! You have images here that are still haunting me! Keep it up!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi and thanks. Really turned out nice. And a grand day out. One of the last for my god given hip. Next time, titanium!

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Wow what a great adventure thank you for taking us along I will be praying for your hip

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching!

[@kerridillon3120]

Thanks for another awesome adventure Dale & Karyn! I'm glad you didn't let your hip pain derail your train of thought! 😉 anyhooo....get it fixed & keep on having fun!! From Kerri the Merri 🤡

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

Must say this is been one educational video well enjoyed also places I will never be able to see thank you for the visit

[@ATSFVentaSpurNscaler]

Dale and Karyn, that was one fascinating odyssey across Donner's summit grade. Thanks for taking us along the journey with you here in KZbinLand. Dale, you better get that hip taken care of. Are your doctors pushing for hip replacement surgery, and you're just putting it off? Stay safe out there my friend. I'll be trucking my semi into Salt Lake City on Monday, Sept. 30, and then be shutting down for at least a couple days in North Salt Lake to have my truck worked on in the shop. While I'm in the area, I sure would love to finally meet you and Karyn if that would be possible. -from Tom Pilling

[@greggwinovich8196]

Daley and Karyn You both have out done Your research.So much information brought to lite in this year of the one hundred and fifty year of the trancontinal rail road.You have layed back myth tought in my california history class.Thank You for the great tag along...

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. We are off chasing 4014! And I’m waiting for my hip from Amazon. We are getting it for Christmas! Well an early Christmas. Or late birthday 🎂

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

We have been out all spring and summer chasing trains, and the history connecting the east and west of the country! We like to "visit" Salt Lake too... once in a while.. as we pass through! Once we "land" for the winter, we plan on having some quality granddaughter time, and get some laundry done! Thanks anyway!

[@joebear1194]

13:16 if you look closely you can see the lines match up in the rock

[@weeniedogwrangler7096]

Very well done episode. I've been up there many times but never hiked the tunnels. Next time you're going to Sacramento you should consider taking the extra time to go up or down the Feather River/Western Pacific route. Gorgeous scenery and a lot of railroad history. The Keddy Wye, Clio Viaduct, Williams loop, Pulga bridges are all worth the visit alone. The Western Pacific RR Museum is also worth a visit if you've never been there. When I lived in Portola you always knew when Donner was having issues by the increase in train traffic coming down the Feather River line, as it was used as a bypass for the problems up on "the hill". We got snow, too, and on rare occasions they'd have to call out the rotary plow, but it was nothing like the amount of "Sierra cement" Donner gets. And Dale, get that hip replaced. It's well worth it not to have all that pain.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi!! Yup. I chased 3885 up feather river years ago. Wow!!!!!! In the rain! Not wow! Loved portola. Really need to go back with Karyn. We do love a WP paint job!!!

[@joelvale3887]

Great history information. Thank you .

[@sammisworkshops3762]

Alfred A Hart is the Photographer, BTW You might want to check Gerald Best's book, Locomotives of the Southern Pacific, (mine is buried in storage sorry) for more info like driver and cylinder size and of course who built the engine.

[@manubird2475]

You two have outdone yourselves with this spectacular, information-packed video. Mahalo from Hawai'i! I'm particularly impressed by the research. Well done.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!! This one was fun as heck! Wow!! What a great hike. Tell your friends!

[@johnnyjames7139]

You have outdone yourselves w this one. The Chinese were and always will be the heros of the Central Pacific.

[@ToyManTelevision]

And the opening of the west. We are chasing 4014 right now. But the Chinese kept moving East in spite of the Chinese exclusion act. Their influence can be seen all over Wyoming especially in Evanston.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

I don't think we knew the full extent of how we had out-done ourselves, until the next morning! Neither of us could move! Again, I thought of those workers. What were their mornings like? I have nothing but pure respect for these Chinese workers, and the sacrifices they made. Our Country was built on immigrant help. People not only wanting, but creating a better life for future generations. Okay.... Coffee, an Excererin Extra-Strength, and get going!

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Absolutely fantastic thank you so much I enjoyed your video so much I love it thank you for the history of the area and the railroad you two are the best God bless both of you I hope your hip feels better 😁

[@sammisworkshops3762]

Union Pacific still uses SPs old rotary snowplows too just to keep the pass open in the winter.

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

I had to watch this again,so cool. We had the chinese workers here in New Zealand in the early days to build the railways and for the gold rush,mining etc. Many stayed to run shops like fruit and veg .Nearly every town in N.Z has one or two run by them. A big cudos to the chinese community.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Really a crime how they were treated. Check our vid on “underground ironton on Steve’s railroad. The scene is now at garagemahall. But inspired by underground penlton Orego.

[@19brandon66]

Outstanding video...in your Top 10 list for sure. So glad you made it back from your hike in one piece. Proud of you guys for the attempt. I would have needed a bench to sit on every 100 yards. :-) And, how about those cab-forward locomotives! I had no idea...

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi! I love the respirator the Engeneer needs in the snow sheds and tunnels. Can you imagine how horrid that job was? Engeneer isn’t always a grand adventure. And in the winter, all 9 months of it, add in snow. And more snow. And cold. And running at 2 AM.

[@drewzero1]

If you're ever in the Green Bay area, the National Railroad Museum has one of the old pusher snowplows that you can go inside and walk around in. Not worth the trip just for that, but maybe for the A4 "Dwight D. Eisenhower" and Big Boy 4017 which also allow cab access.

[@ToyManTelevision]

On the bucket list for sure

[@kennethcox3902]

Hi Dale and Kern I wonder if I could get my worn out hip through the tunnels on the scooter I will give it a try next year. As a boy I lived @ Soda Springs during the time when the City of San Francisco was stalled there. My uncle helped evacuate some of the passengers who were fragel. Ken Cox

[@painter662]

You forgot to mention one tiny detail... all that Boring Digging and leveling was done through solid Granite. That entire region in the Sierra is Granite. But other than that... It was a cool story. thank you for sharing.

[@bigwoz78]

Absolutely love this episode. Take care of that hip

[@ToyManTelevision]

Getting a new one from Santa for Christmas 🎄

[@ericgonzales552]

I love this series of videos. I was looking forward to this, as well as to the upcoming video inside the old SP Sacramento Locomotive Works shops. I grew up in the Bay Area, and have been up and around this area, and studied it almost endlessly, yet, have never taken the opportunity to walk the old grade. Kinda hard to do now from Omaha... A few things that I did notice though... Tunnel 41 wasn't completed in 1991. It was completed in the 1920s as part of the effort started by EH Harriman to double track the line. Of course, by the 1920s, the ICC had already ruled that the UP couldn't control the SP. But the SP continued with the project. The SP is who took the original #1 track out of service in 1993. A second section was also removed from service further down the mountain at Yuba Gap (Pass) which happens to be the location where the 1952 City Of San Francisco was caught in an avalanche. For what its worth, yes I have walked part of that section, as there's a nice place to pull of I80 and park, right at the railroad grade. As to the wooden snow sheds being replaced by concrete, yes a lot was replaced in the 1950s. However, the section there from tunnels 6, 7, 8 were done around 1986 or 87. In his book, Diesels Over Donner, the late Richard Steinheimer has some pictures of the work being completed. All they literally did was pull the wood sheds down and shove the debris over the side.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. Kind of convoluted history. But the “big hole” was dug in the 20s. But double tracked and enlarged in the 90s so they could abandon the old line. And run double stack. I love that the wood is still out there. Standing up the China Wall you know what you are seeing. Really not changed at all. You pull up old photos from 1868 and the wall is right there and the wood is laying around.

[@johnnyjames7139]

The later route of the Western Pacific thru Feather River Canyon would seem more practical because of the lower elevation. But Erich Thomsen who was in charge of the track for WP told me that Feather River Canyon has endless land slides.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I’ve explored it. Really really something to see.

[@davedocker1195]

Great vidio

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!!!

[@makenchips]

Very nice historical review! Photo inserts were outstanding. I would like to know what resources you used, really added to the commentary! Most excellent review! Steven Columbus Michigan 🇺🇸

[@ToyManTelevision]

Mostly just the internet which is often a problem. Also Jerry Best book. And a BS filter.

[@donaldkarcheriii7249]

I do not know what you do besides this Channel and your model trains, but I can't imagine a past where one or both of you weren't engaged in public speaking. I would pay to come here the both of you guys explain the history of a phone booth down on the corner from my house. Seriously I could see you guys in front of an audience explaining your trips and I would pay to come here you, provided I didn't live in Florida. When it comes to model trains I'm on the other end of the spectrum from you guys. I'm building an N scale platform. I'm still old school I still describe it as a platform. Even with N guage you run out of room.

[@ToyManTelevision]

We were teachers. Karyn K-12 and I taught film making at college and university.

[@blnmadisonbm]

Can you MOUNTAIN BIKE through the tunnels?🚵‍♀️🚵‍♂️ I enjoy your ADVENTURES!👍

[@royreynolds108]

I don't know for sure but I can't think of a reason you couldn't as other rail trails are rideable.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Sure! It’s also drivable if you have a key to the gate. UP uses it as an access road so we were passed by a UP crew truck on the way back! They don’t really monitor what goes on. We didn’t see any bikes but with a good light it’s a no brainer. 6 miles.

[@blnmadisonbm]

@@ToyManTelevision COOL! Thanks!

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

@@blnmadisonbm Just be sure to have a darn good light, of some kind! It's just dark enough in there, and there are just enough large rocks to pose a hazard for the unexpecting! I wouldn't want anyone to end up arse over tea-kettle riding through there!

[@blnmadisonbm]

@@karynfelix-the-Cat THANK YOU for the headache up. My NITE RIDER helmet light will light the way!🚵‍♂️🚵‍♀️😊

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

I was very fortunate as a kid my grandma sent me and my mom to Washington State on the Amtrak in 1997 I got to ride over the Donner Pass on the Amtrak I remember coming out of that big tunnel and seeing big rigs on the road below and how tiny they were it was a very interesting and awesome vacation what I got Jack London Square we got off the California Zephyr and got on the coast Starlight and went up through Oregon and to Washington and got off at Chehalis Washington and while I was up there I got to see Mount Saint Helens and go ride the Chehalis and Cowlitz Scenic Railroad they have a 282 X logging steam locomotive it's a Baldwin and I got to ride in the cab the engineer invited me into the cab at the end of the line I was riding in an open-air car and when they uncoupled the cars that come around to the end of the train he had the cab of the steam locomotive in the entrance part of the open-air car and he had the fireman come get me and see if I wanted to ride in the cab of the locomotive and you asked to my parent was my mom was there and she let me go and I got the blow the whistle and highball the steam locomotive but I got to take the Amtrak back home to Salt Lake so it was a very awesome trip from going to Salt Lake City to Washington State and back on the Amtrak and going over Donner Pass I have some pictures of that vacation and it was the greatest vacation of my entire life and I had no idea Union Pacific made a big tunnel and completely bypassed The Summit I knew that the the Amtrak's been taking the Western Pacific Feather River Canyon route for a while now cuz I been rail Fanning Amtrak here in the valley for a while thank you for showing me this it brings back memories cuz I remember going over the Continental Divide and going through that tunnel and on that grade in 1997 this is cool thank you for giving me an update on Donner Pass I was very fortunate to be able to ride the train over that peace out into the world have a great day

[@ToyManTelevision]

I got to ride over it on the old line in the 60’s. Scary for me!!! Looking down in places 1400 feet. In the sheds you can sort of tell your not in a tunnel as there are flashes of light. But you can’t see anything. Then suddenly you are out on the cliff and suddenly right back in a tunnel. Wow!!!

[@PlaneBoy2520]

Quick question, do you guys plan on going to the cumbres and toltec this year? They’ve just finished restoring DRGW 168 and they plan on running it next season with its new passengers cars! And along with that they plan on having plenty of new visitors running for the narrow gauge convention!

[@nateshon3eastbroadtoprailr448]

The light at the end of the tunnel may be an oncoming train!

[@ToyManTelevision]

In this case no tracks. Or we wouldn’t be anywhere near it.

[@bobbob2890]

You brought your walking shtick? I like it! Tripolar cause Mania and Depression aren't Enough.

[@VW7472]

Get that hip fixed so your adventures will continue! Love your show!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Soon!!! Really soon! Scary soon!

[@markbass7145]

At 13:15 the trees on the cliff are still there

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

We noticed that too! According to pictures, the background of natures great creations never seem to change. Mountains are unmovable. But people and their structures do change, over the decades. I love looking at old photos! I can usually tell where the picture was taken. Only the structures, vehicles, and people are the giveaway to the decade or era. Mankind was given the ability to change the landscape, and literally, move mountains. The building of the Transcontinental Railroad is a perfect example of that. Without the help of modern-day machinery and only pure man-power, the railroad became a success! To stand in the shadows of this piece of history was humbling.

[@azmike1]

I stood on another existing cab forward at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn MI. I have to look at my photos to confirm though. No?

[@ToyManTelevision]

May be from another railroad. This is the only SP. but a few other railroads used similar locomotives. They do have a Big Boy! Oh and there a another Big Boy a few hundred feet from me right now! We are chasing 4014 again.

[@azmike1]

@@ToyManTelevision I'll check it out. Thanks.

[@rrelectric5159]

@@azmike1 I believe the locomotive at the Henry Ford Museum is C&O 1601 an Allegheny 2-6-6-6 not an SP cab forward.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

great video toy man :)

[@w.e.n8030]

The light at the end of that tunnel looks way to small for a train to fit through.😉

[@ToyManTelevision]

It gets bigger as you go. And go. And go.

[@joemazzola7387]

The Lincoln highway starts in times square new York City then through new Jersey

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

Hi you 2 I heard that Big Boy will not stop in Pomona but instead it will stop in Colton yard, I hope it will stop here at it's old home, be it a real shame if it didn't. take care..

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. Can’t get very close. But the 3 trips in Cajon pass are given to the museum as a fundraiser. Will make a bunch of money for the collection. They said there was to be a huge event, the cajon excursion is the event!

[@williamfields7287]

We are taking the ride on the Big Boy when it is here. I've been up and down the Cajon pass all my life and now I get to travel it by train. Very much looking forward to that. 🚂🚃

[@FutureRailProductions]

1876 and 1877? Don't you mean 1866 and 1867? I was also up at Donner Summit a year ago and hiked through the summit tunnel. Didn't get a chance to hike through the rest of them though.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Oops. I do that. 18 something.

[@samfuller6273]

E Campus Vitus 3691 . What Sayith the Brethren?

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

I have a suggestion for you you guys should get some mountain bikes if you don't like the skinny Tire ones cuz you guys go over pretty rough trails and you don't probably move very fast you could get some fat tire bikes that can handle that Terrain very easily and they have very low gears so you don't have to Pedal that hard and you could go a lot further distances I'm a bicycle mechanic that's what I do I ride a really expensive downhill mountain bike and it's amazing how many miles you can bust out and not even feel tired because the bicycle carries your weight and your muscles just propellant think of it this way you are the engine and the bike frame is the chassis and transmission I need to get you guys on a bicycle I really good off-road one look up fat tire bikes or 27.5 inch wheel full suspension mountain bike and you can get these bikes that are fat tire bikes with full suspension as well so it's not bumpy and rough to ride you guys need a bicycle that's badass to be able to explore more of these grades peace out into the world have a great day

[@ToyManTelevision]

We’ve talked about it. Karyn rode a motorcycle forever me too. But we have never been on a mountain bike. Could be fun if we can physically pull it off.

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

Toy Man Television go to Saturday Cycles in Salt Lake City and they will show you what I'm talking about by what I mean a full suspension fat bike or wider Tire 27 inch 5 and yet these bikes have to buy 10 or 1 by 11 drivetrain so that means they have 10 gears in the back and some of them go up to 54 tooth so they can be an extremely low gear ratio so it doesn't take much effort to go over rough Terrain if you're interested on how to shift and ride a mountain bike I don't live far away from North yard and I could meet you by the gravel lot by the north side of the yard to show you how to ride a mountain bike your knees and your legs and your feet would be so thankful if you would ride a mountain bike instead of hike railroad grades are usually not steeper than 4% grade most the time I've gone up well over a 40% grade really steep on my mountain bike it's amazing what these things can do when you put them in low gear awesome video thank you for all that you do I love your documentary railfan stories that you tell peace out into the world have a great day

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

I used to be an avid bicyclist in my younger days. I have had really bad knees since 12, and I rode a bike to help strengthen them. But repeated times of dislocating my knees has left me with a boatload of knee problems. Before Dale and I met, I did purchase a mountain bike. I took to riding it again. Just on flat land. While I enjoyed riding again, the knee pain returned with vengeance. I really need knee surgery, but it will have to wait. I do have a stationary bike that I jump on. That way, if I over-do, at least I am already home, and someone doesn't have to come to rescue me! LOL!

[@trainzguy2472]

Actually, the main reason why they built a new tunnel and abandoned the old route was because it couldn't handle long and tall double-stack trains.

[@ToyManTelevision]

The new tunnel couldn’t handle them either. Sort of. The “big hole” tunnel was dug in 1924. Or so. Single track. So they used it as track 2 over the top old line was track one. So in 92 they re dug the big hole into a bigger two track bore. And then abandoned the old line. Or should I say turned it into a service road. And a rail trail of sorts. Sort of unofficial rail trail. But thousands hike it every year. Some of the people we met walk about 3 miles of it every weekend

[@kenshores9900]

That was a very long walk for having bad hip joints. Were you able to find miscellaneous spikes and such?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi ken. The path, road, is really “clean” because UP uses it as an access road and has cleaned up any spikes. But climb up any hill and it’s a treasure trove of parts of snow sheds and other odd blots and spikes and lesser collectibles. But I’ll bet if you really look close you can find Chinese artifacts as well.

[@kenshores9900]

The contribution the Chinese made to the building of that railroad has gone down in history. The wall is but one example.

[@nateshon3eastbroadtoprailr448]

Did you get a new Mustang?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Nope. That’s the white one. Similar to the red one but no roll cage.

[@nateshon3eastbroadtoprailr448]

@@ToyManTelevision oh, ok

[@samfuller6273]

I have slag for every city in California.. this one is Sac-crappy-meto.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

That's interesting and the history involved is even more interesting. The anti-chinese legislation is not surprising, all you have to do is look at what political party was in charge at time. It's the same one as FDR.