Speaking of needing a pic of Sierra #30 at PLA (my latest blog post), I've had the following unidentified pic in my collection since early '97. I've never been able to remember what this unit was and have not seen it since to my knowledge. Now, Sierra 30 is a 2-6-2T. The unit in this pic appears to be a 2-6-2T. Reviewing my pics from this trip, I've been able to identify and account for every other loco the PLA had at the time of this trip except for Sierra 30. The big question, is this Sierra 30? (edit: since this is not the loco I was hoping for, photo has been deleted.)
John, In my "Sierra Railway" book authored by Dorothy Newell Deane, there are several pictures of Sierra #30 but it is a tender engine. From what I've read, the #30 was used on the Angels Branch. The roster lists no tank engines either but at the time the book was written that info might not have been viewed as pertinent. I remember seeing that engine in your picture from many years past but don't recall getting any pictures of it or railroad name on it. Now you've got me wondering. Greg Elems
There is a history of Sierra #30 on the Nyles Canyon Railway website. It describes the conversion of Sierra #30 to a tank locomotive and then back again. It doesn't give a date, but she was converted back to a tender locomotive while at Castro Point, so I doubt your picture at Nyles is of #30. Also, look at a picture of #30 while on the Sierra and you will notice that the steam cylinders don't match your photo of the tank engine. http://www.ncry.org/roster/s_30/srr30.shtml Here are some more current photos of #30 http://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=224
And I think I found your locomotive Central Pacific RR #233 http://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=223
Curn, that is excellent! Thanks so much!! Great research! Definately my pic is the Central Pacific unit. For some reason the only thing I seemed to have in my head was the pic I had was an older unit than Sierra 30. Just had to make sure.
