Day 38 - McEwen Railway Depot, Sumpter

The platform at McEwen station. The Volunteer Association that cares for all the historic equipment operates a steam train for tourists during the summer. They also have a special Christmas train - which would be an awesome ride - but perhaps on the chilly side!

This is one of 3 White Pass and Yukon cars in their custody.

Surreal Settlin' Pond.

The railyard also features a surrealism garden.

The Jail Car.

Lots of surrealists fit their way into the landscape.

The chief of the surrealist clan.

Almost like the headpiece of a Chinese lion dance costume.

The local bird population finds a use for this old railcar.

A true railyard - there's crazy stuff all over. However - it's kept incredibly clean and the road ways are free of dangerous stuff. Must thank the volunteers for this.

Not much left of this - whatever it was!

Weathered wood and metal look brilliant under this light.

This train's work is done.

We now know the Wildfire Lab is around here somewhere. The very nice train guys probably know nothing about it.

Lifter at the Crossing.

Another take.

Down at the end of the Yard is the Executive Suite.

Detail view - how did pink upholstered chairs en up here anyways?

The Team assesses The Crossing.

By chance, we run into Jim, the Operations Manager for the railway - and he offers us the chance to see inside the Yard Workshop. As Jim says, all the volunteers get out of this is bragging rights. They have much to brag about. This engine is the last working wood-fueled steam engine in the US. At Christmas, it takes 4 days of tending to get steam up.

Origin plate for the engine above. It is also original.

The Shop Office.

Engine #19 is undergoing its 15-year inspection cycle. There are some problems with the boiler they are actively working on - so all of its cladding is off.

Engine #19's headplate and headlight.

The Great Big Rack of Wrenches.

They mean the elevator to the underground gold mine.

Next stop - Whitney Ghost Town. Unfortunately there is no access to the grounds or buildings. Just roadside views.

The Sumpter Motel, built during the Great RV War of 1815.

Every town has a Black Market. Rarely is it so obvious.

 

 

 

 

 

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