Historic rail engine chugging back into action in foothills
By John Holland, Modesto Bee
JAMESTOWN — Steam locomotive No. 3, a Sierra Railroad workhorse that found fame in movies and television, will return to the limelight next month.
After a 14-year absence, the engine is set to debut July 3 at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. It will pull passenger trains that day and July 4, then enter limited service on the excursion schedule.
“A lot of engines came and went, but someone had a soft spot for this one,” said George Sapp, restoration lead worker at the park.
Railtown employees and volunteers have worked for three years to overhaul the 119-year-old locomotive, which was pulled from service in 1996 because of wear and tear.