Portola Run an Engine Program

[Anonymous]

Yesterday, a friend and his wife from out of town and I went up to Portola Rail Museum and rented the GP9 for an hour to have the experience of running a GP9. You have to reserve one of the engines ahead of time so we wanted an F unit, but all three are being serviced for different problems so we used the ex SP GP9 2873 painted in the merger paint that never was. SP/SF They get the engine warmed up before you get there and the enjoyment starts as soon as you get on the engine.

The mars lights are still mounted on that unit both on the front and rear so it is a nice engine. I do not have a web page to post pictures, but we took many shots and you cannot believe the smiles on our faces as we took turns at the throttle. The simple show you the details and certainly watch over you, but from the other seats after they get comfortable with your running.

The real excitement started when Peter released the brakes and started west on our first trip. I am sitting in the fireman’s seat and watching him run and outside on the main the 1983 Heritage unit was pulling into the yard for a crew change. It was unbelievable to be riding in a GP9 and take a picture of the new SD70Ace outside. We continued to run the GP9 for an hour and then caught the 1983 in the yard later waiting for a crew.

That museum is really tops for Diesels and operation. They are not number one like Hertz, but you can rent a locomotive and run it to your delight.

WOW, if you have ever wanted to do this and live in Northern California, I would highly recommend this option. We got to run it about seven times around the loop and absolutely enjoyed the experience to the maximum. And by the way, His wife got to run it also.

Just do it if you ever wanted to run a diesel.

[palallin]

Sounds good, but you left out an important varible: how much does it cost?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by palallin

Sounds good, but you left out an important varible: how much does it cost?

The price for the GP9E is $125 an hour, but some of the switchers are $95 an hour. Two can run it by taking turns and the cost is one half for each. That is what we did and that made it fairly inexpensive by todays standards. Just riding along with the other person is great and you get one hour of riding and only pay for your portion. Three or more can participate and everyone has fun.


The program runs from early May to November 15th normally, but we actually ran on the 17th since the weather was so good. The diesels do not use coolant except for water and it must be drained for the winter. That is the reason most will be kept running except for the new ones with anti-freeze in them.


http://www.wplives.org/

[dacort]

I've done this several times over the years and highly recommend it also. I've gotten to drive two switchers and an F-7. It's a great museum, too, even if you're not driving anything.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dacort

I've done this several times over the years and highly recommend it also. I've gotten to drive two switchers and an F-7. It's a great museum, too, even if you're not driving anything.

I agree with you about the museum being great. They were very friendly and helpful.
We are going back in the spring to run one of the F units also.