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The Baby Gauge Railroad

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  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, January 8, 2024 5:54 PM

I found a couple of things you may have already discovered:

https://www.dvconservancy.org/ryan-camp/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=262322934845740

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=951169588716301

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=219066819042852

Comments on the last video mentioned that much of the track was damaged/destroyed during the filming of "Spartacus."

Ryan is here:    36.32266 -116.67137

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • 565 posts
The Baby Gauge Railroad
Posted by Fred M Cain on Monday, January 8, 2024 12:58 PM

In David Myrick's book The Railroads of Nevada & Eastern California, Vol II, there is a reference to a "Baby Gauge" railroad in Death Valley.  Myrick also had some pictures.

After borax mining ceased, the little pike was operated as a tourist line for a number of years until there was a most unfortunate accident in 1950, I think it was, which resulted in a lawsuit.  That was the end of that.

However, Myrick stated that there was a possibility of reopening.  That was in 1963.  However, I don't believe that ever happened.

Searching for facts on the web, I found conflicting information, what information there was, that is.  There wasn't much.

One website stated that it was completely abandoned although no specific date was provided.  Another stated that the tracks are actually still there but "in deplorable condition".

Does anyone have any further info on the baby gauge?  It would be a super tourist draw to the Death Valley area *IF*, that is, they could make it safe for tourists to ride on so that there would not be another unfortunate accident.

 

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