This page will be regularly updated with the absolute latest information available about the NRHS trip to Williams, Arizona. The trip is being entirely run by the Grand Canyon Chapter of the NRHS, the SBRHS is only leasing the 3751 to them for the event. If you wish to ride the train or attend the NRHS convention please follow this link to the official Canyon Rails 2002 website to make your reservations.
To be informed of all the latest updates or changes by email please use this link to be notified of page updates. Updates are listed in chronological order, with the latest updates at the top of the page or use the links to jump to the update you want to read.
***** Final Update For Canyon Rails 2002 - August 16, 2002 *****
Detailed Schedule / Tender News / Tool Car Arrives / Train Consist - August 11, 2002
Cajon Pass National Forest Service Roads Closed - August 1, 2002
General Information About The Grand Canyon / Links For The Trip In August - July 7, 2002
Always Remember - Safety First / Extreme Fire Danger Turns Into Flaming Reality - June 23, 2002
Extreme Fire Danger In Northern Arizona - Part II - June 12, 2002
Extreme Fire Danger In Northern Arizona - May 31, 2002
Ticket Sales Open To Non-NRHS Members - May 28, 2002
Grand Canyon Limited Excursion Schedules - April, 2002
Preparation For Canyon Rails 2002 / Hotel & Motel Information - February, 2002
With this trip just hours away the SBRHS would like to provide some final information about preparations for the trip, and remind all those involved of some very important facts - as well as things that will help make your trip more enjoyable and safe.
'LETS ROLL' Auxiliary Tender - The 'Lets Roll' auxiliary tender finally arrived in Redondo Junction on August 14th at 1:30 in the afternoon, and was quickly inspected. A short list of repairs was generated by that inspection, which have already been performed by volunteers - some wheels needed new brake linings, and the rear bolster needed shimming to increase the side bearing clearance. Amtrak will inspect the tender on Saturday the 17th, and the engine will be lit off for most of the afternoon after a final safety meeting early in the morning. Over Saturday night the fire will be extinguished, but then on Sunday the fire will be lit and kept lit until we arrive in Williams. The locomotive will be displayed 'hot' at the Williams Depot everyday it is not being used to go to the rim. Stop by to say hello!
SCHEDULE - Right now the tentative schedule for this trip hasn't changed much since the last update on August 11, 2002. However, please go back and re-read the schedule as there have been some minor changes to it since that update. Namely, information about the eastbound route, the westbound route, a service stop has changed from Peach Springs to Kingman, and that the previous scheduling of the BNSF Display car that was to be in Williams will not be available for the convention.
To quote Rich Wessler of the BNSF, 'This train has NO priority over BNSF, Metrolink or other Amtrak trains', that should tell us all that the schedule IS tentative and will change as needed. Click here to see the latest tentative schedule.
WEATHER - The southern California desert has been just as hot as ever, and this week previous to the trip Needles, California has had daytime highs of 110 -114 degrees. Williams, Arizona has had highs in the high 80's combined with high humidity, making it feel as if it were in the high 90's. Please make sure you carry plenty of fluids for yourself and your vehicle if you are driving.
| Date | Daytime Highs/Lows Needles | Chance of Precipitation In Needles | Daytime Highs/Lows Williams | Chance of Precipitation In Williams | Humidity In Williams Low/High |
| August 19 | 107/82
Sunny |
0% | 87/59
Isolated Thunderstorms |
30% | 39/35% |
| August 20 | 106/82
Sunny |
0% | 81/59
Isolated Thunderstorms |
30% | 30/35% |
| August 21 | 105/79
Partly Cloudy |
0% | 85/53
Isolated Thunderstorms |
30% | 30/37% |
| August 22 | 105/82
Partly Cloudy |
0% | 86/55
Mostly Cloudy |
10% | 33/38% |
| August 23 | 105/82
Partly Cloudy |
10% | 87/55
Isolated Thunderstorms |
30% | 32/40% |
| August 24 | 107/82
Partly Cloudy |
20% | 88/55
Partly Cloudy |
20% | 31/37% |
| August 25 | 107/82
Partly Cloudy |
10% | 89/54
Isolated Thunderstorms |
30% | 31/37% |
| August 26 | 107/81
Sunny |
10% | 89/54
Partly Cloudy |
10% | 31/38% |
Tentative forecasts have been updated from Weather.com on Sunday August, 18th at 6:PM.
It appears as if there might be a chance of some monsoon rains (sprinkles or thunderstorms) during the convention week, these are unpredictable and could have the potential for lightning strikes as well. Please practice extreme caution if caught in a thunder storm or downpour. The forest service roads in a thunderstorm will also become a muddy problem as well, those not experienced in driving in such conditions should be very careful when leaving the pavement and pointing your vehicle down a dirt/mud road. Getting stuck and having a tow truck come from Williams to pull you out will be a very expensive mistake indeed. Links for localized weather reports are provided below.
Los Angeles - Barstow - Needles/Parker - Williams
PERSONAL HEALTH & SAFETY - The temperature and altitude in Williams will combine to dry you out in a way that you may not have experienced - Williams is at 7,000 feet and drinking water in large quantities is highly recommended. Water is the preferred liquid over a 'Super Sized Soda' or 'Big Gulp'. The altitude will also have you out of breath just walking to your car if you are a lowlander, just remember where you are at (7,000 feet) and that you should not endeavor any really strenuous activity without making sure you have the liquids you need to replace what you sweat out. Know that a headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, profuse sweating, thirst and light headedness are some of the early symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms it is important to cool your body off right away, if the symptoms persist you should seek medical help immediately.
Don't strike out into the great outdoors alone, besides the altitude and the heat you should also be aware that there are snakes (lions, tigers and bears), and angry ranchers out there - they are angry because you are trespassing on their property to photograph the trains, and that you driving your car over the dry grass is going to start one heck of a wienie roast. You, of course being the wienie that will have to reimburse the government to put out the fire you started with your now burned up car.
Which of course brings us to the fact that both California and Arizona have received far less than the normal rainfall amounts this past winter and are very dry. There have been some huge fires already this season in both states, and extreme care needs to be taken when you are out trackside.
SAFETY - We would like everyone to practice the Santa Fe's slogan of 'Get The Safety Habit'. Use extreme caution around any railroad, and if you see an unsafe act please advise that party of any undue danger they might be exposing themselves to. Please try to adhere to the following basic guidelines that the SBRHS feels you need to know to be safe while enjoying your rail enthusiast adventure -
1) Keep a safe distance from the tracks at all times, at least 40 to 50 feet - and remember that all railroads are private property, and are always posted as such.
2) Trains can travel in either direction on multiple tracks and are much quieter and faster than ever. If you must cross tracks please be sure to stop, look, and listen before crossing. Never cross tracks where a standing train, or any obstruction blocks a clear view in either direction.
3) Do not climb on railroad equipment or signal devices for any reason, this will certainly get you arrested.
4) Do not try to ‘beat’ a train to a crossing, never go around closed or flashing crossing gates, and do not park your car close to or just beside the tracks - effectively fouling them.
5) While steam locomotives are great machines of mechanical beauty, keep your distance - they may emit hot water and steam which can be dangerous to an unsuspecting observer.
6) Chasing of trains is not recommended on the Grand Canyon Railway. Many miles of this railroad passes through private ranch lands - and local ranchers don’t take kindly to trespassers, many are likely to shoot first and ask questions later. Other portions of this beautiful line are totally in-acessable, and much of the rest of this line passes through National Park lands, and this is another place where speeding down the highway to get one more shot is not recommended.
7) Much of the territory that this summer trip will traverse is extreme desert. Have your vehicle properly serviced or checked before leaving home and carry plenty of fluids and ice - for you and your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone and check in with family every day you’re out on the road.
Lastly, to report an emergency on the BNSF railroad, call their 24 hour Resource Operations Center at 800-832-5452, to report the same on the Grand Canyon Railway please call 928-635-9369, to report an emergency on the Arizona & California Railway call 928-669-6662, the California Highway Patrol, or Arizona Highway Patrol can be contacted by dialing 911. Please do what you can to make this trip flawless, fun and safe!
SBRHS MERCHANDISING BOOTHS - The SBRHS will be selling various high quality mementoes during this special event, both on the train and at service & watering stops. On the eastbound trip the SBRHS will have booths set up at the following Amtrak depots just prior to the arrival of the train; San Bernardino, Barstow, Cadiz, Needles and Kingman.
While the convention is going on in Williams the city will have a Railroad Days celebration going on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 23-25) in the downtown area. The SBRHS will be selling at that celebration all weekend, stop in and say hello!
On the westbound trip the SBRHS will have booths set up at the following servicing points just prior to the trains arrival; Matthie, Parker, Cadiz, Barstow (Amtrak depot), San Bernardino (Amtrak depot) and Fullerton (Amtrak depot). Help support the SBRHS!!!!!!
PHOTO CONTEST - Remember the SBRHS is sponsoring a photo contest surrounding the events of this convention, and hopes that all you photographers out there submit your best work to compete for the cash and prizes being given to the best images produced. For more information about the Photo Contest click here.
- William Ramsey - August 16, 2002
*****READ THIS FIRST, THE EASTBOUND TRIP (AUGUST 19) BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND SAN BERNARDINO WILL BE ON METROLINK THROUGH RANCHO CUCAMONGA. THE WESTBOUND TRIP (AUGUST 26) BETWEEN SAN BERNARDINO AND LOS ANGELES WILL BE ON THE BNSF THROUGH FULLERTON. ALSO, THE SERVICE SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 20 AT PEACH SPRINGS HAS BEEN MOVED TO KINGMAN, AT THE DEPOT.
Everthing in this schedule is tentative and can change at any moment, to quote Rich Wessler of the BNSF, 'This train has NO priority over BNSF, Metrolink or other Amtrak trains'. It would be safe to assume that the schedule is just a guideline once the train is on the BNSF.*****
With this event just days away the SBRHS have a final schedule we would like to pass along, this is still a tentative schedule and train movements can change at any moment for any of a number of reasons.
7:00 - 9:45 - Passenger registration & luggage check in at Los Angeles Union Station.
9:15 - Train backs in on Track 12.
9:20 - Passenger boarding begins.
9:45 - 3751 backs onto track 12 and couples to the train.
10:00 - Grand Canyon Limited departs Los Angeles Union Station.
11:19 - 3751 and train meets Metrolink 317 at Rancho Cucamonga.
11:35 - 3751 and train passes Rialto.
11:40 - 3751 and train drops Metrolink pilot in San Bernardino.
11:45 - 3751 and train departs San Bernardino and moves up Cajon Pass.
14:00 - 3751 and train arrives in Barstow to be serviced and watered.
15:00 - 3751 and train departs Barstow for Needles (could leave earlier if watering & service is done).
17:00 - 3751 and train arrives at Cadiz for a quick service, departs at 17:20.
19:00 - 3751 and train arrives at Needles, passengers are bussed to Laughlin to overnight (could arrive earlier).
7:00 - 9:00 - Passenger have breakfast & checkout of Laughlin hotels.
9:00 - Passengers board buses for Needles, arriving at 9:45, boarding immediately.
10:00 - 3751 and train departs Needles.
12:00 - 3751 and train arrives at Kingman for service, departs at 12:30.
15:00 - 3751 and train arrives at Williams Junction, backs into Williams Depot at 15:30.
8:00 - Bus departs for the Verde Canyon train trip, will return to Williams Depot at 16:00.
10:30 - Lecture by Pat Stein about the northern Arizona logging railroads, held at the Williams Middle School in the auditorium.
20:00 - Western railroad multimedia presentation presented by Vic Neves, held at the Williams Middle School in the auditorium.
20:00 - 22:00 - Night Photo Session, meet at the Williams Depot to be shuttled to the site.
8:00 - 12:00 - Grand Canyon Shop Tour, meet at Williams Depot to be shuttled to the shop.
9:00 - 10:30 - Harvey Girls presentation from ladies that were real Harvey Girls, held at the Williams Middle School in the auditorium.
9:00 - 15:00 - Flagstaff Non-Rail bus tour to the Museum of Northern Arizona.
12:30 - Grand Canyon Sunset Special departs Williams Depot, will return at 22:30.
17:45 - Grand Canyon train 3 arrives at Williams depot.
8:00 - 12:00 - Grand Canyon historian Al Richmond will review the first 100 years of operation, held at the Williams Middle School in the auditorium.
11:00 - 12:00 - Lloyd E. Stagner presents a visual history of the Santa Fe's operations of yesteryear, held at the Williams Middle School in the Auditorium.
13:00 - 15:00 - Board of directors meeting in the Mountainside Inn Banquet Hall.
15:00 - 17:00 - Annual membership meeting in the Mountainside Inn Banquet Hall.
18:00 - 22:00 - Annual Banquet in the Mountainside Inn Banquet Hall.
8:00 - 3751 and train depart from the Williams Depot on a trip to the rim, with some doubleheading of 4960 and 3751 during runbys.
9:00 - 18:00 - BNSF display car & Operation Lifesaver is open at the Williams Depot.
9:00 - 17:00 - Nonrail Bus Tour to Sedona.
10:00 - Grand Canyon Railway train 2 departs Williams Depot for the Grand Canyon.
11:30 - 3751 and train arrives at the Grand Canyon Depot.
12:15 - Grand Canyon Railway train 2 arrives at the Grand Canyon Depot.
14:30 - 3751 and train depart from the Grand Canyon Depot.
15:30 - Grand Canyon Railway train 3 departs the Grand Canyon Depot.
17:45 - Grand Canyon Railway train 3 arrives at the Williams Depot.
19:00 - 3751 and train arrives at the Williams Depot.
8:30 - 3751 and train depart Williams for Parker.
13:00 - 3751 and train arrive at Matthie, for service, depart at 13:45.
19:00 - 3751 and train arrive at Parker.
8:30 - 3751 and train depart Parker.
12:00 - 3751 and train arrive in Cadiz, drop AC pilot and service 3751, departs at 12:30.
14:30 - 3751 and train arrive in Barstow, service 3751 and water (will be watered by a 1902 steam powered fire pumper supplied by the California State Firemens Association), departs at 15:00.
17:00 - 3751 and train pass through San Bernardino on continues on the BNSF through Fullerton, enroute to Los Angeles Union Station.
18:30 - 3751 and train arrive in Los Angeles.
- William Ramsey - August 10, 2002
The 'Lets Roll' auxiliary tender being generously loaned to the SBRHS by the 4449 group is finally on track and here in Los Angeles. The tender originally was sent to Vancouver mistakenly, after some initial confusion it was expedited in a southerly direction, and was reported in Clear Creek, California on August 7, 2002 at 7:05am on the rear end of H-VBCBAR9-04A. Later it passed through Monolith (Tehachapi) on a BNSF southbound train led by 5245 at 5:35 pm on August 8. Even later the same day it was reported to be passing Edwards, California at 19:02.
The tender is ex-SP cab-forward 4219's tender, 4219 was an AC-10 class built in 1942 and vacated (SP's term for sold for scrap) by 1958. It's appearance has been modified by cutting down the forward area that once housed the oil bunker to the same height as the cistern end and rounding it off to match the curve of the 4449 tender cistern end.
It is interesting to note that this tender is lettered DLMX, as in Doyle L. McCormack Leasing. This weekends volunteer work party at Redondo Junction is going to concentrate on preparing this tender and the tool car for departure on August 19th, as well as some last minute preparations on the engine.
- William Ramsey - August 10, 2002
A leased tool car has arrived in the SBRHS compound to be outfitted for the trip to Williams. The SBRHS does have a tool car, but it was decided to use this car for a couple of reasons. First it has windows that work, and the organizations car doesn't - the crew would cook inside a closed car. Second, there was some work that the car needed - fitting for HEP passthrough - that didn't fit into the budget of this trip or the schedule. Historically this car was used to move horses for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. More on the car soon.
- William Ramsey - August 10, 2002
The train consist as secured by the Grand Canyon Chapter for this convention is listed below, and like the schedule could change, it is a tentative consist.
| TRAIN POSITION | EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION | LENGHT IN FEET | DIRECTION FACING | ESTIMATED ARRIVAL IN L.A. | AMTRAK # |
| 1 | ATSF 3751 & Tender | 109 | Forward | Present | N/A |
| 2 | DLMX 4219 (4449 'Lets Roll' Auxiliary) | 47 | Forward | 8-11-02 | N/A |
| 3 | AMTK Genesis | 69 | Forward | Present | ??? |
| 4 | AMTK Genesis | 69 | Backward | Present | ??? |
| 5 | Pony Express - PPCX 800320 (Tool car) | 84 | Forward | Present | 800320 |
| 6 | El Capitan - 4705 | 85 | Either | 8-16-02 via #11 | 800721 |
| 7 | Powhatan Arrow - WATX 539 | 85 | Either | 8-16-02 via #1 | 800403 |
| 8 | Clinchfield - WATX 500 | 85 | Either | 8-16-02 via #1 | 800402 |
| 9 | Royal Gorge | 85 | Forward | 8-17-02 via #11 | 800380 |
| 10 | Pine Tree State | 85 | Forward | 8-17-02 via #11 | 800326 |
| 11 | Silver Lariat | 85 | A forward | 8-17-02 LAUS | 800190 |
| 12 | Overland Trail - SP 2981 | 85 | Forward | 8-18-02 LAUS | 800633 |
| 13 | Colonial Crafts | 85 | Vestibule forward | 8-18-02 LAUS | 800061 |
| 14 | Plaza Santa Fe | 85 | Forward | 8-17-02 via #11 | 800392 |
| 15 | Kitchi Gammi Club - VRIC 7 | 85 | Vestibule forward | 8-18-02 via #1 | 800705 |
| 16 | Dover Harbor | 83 | Forward | 8-18-02 via #11 | 800073 |
| 17 | MKT 403 | 85 | Platform to rear | 8-18-02 via #11 | 800393 |
| Total Length | 1,396 |
- Grand Canyon Chapter NRHS - August 10, 2002
After the recent flurry of fires in the Cajon Pass area earlier this summer the National Forest Service has closed all forest service roads to vehicles and hikers between Keenbrook and Summit. All paved roads remain open, however dirt roads that crisscross the pass are closed - including all roads to Sullivans Curve. The entire Cajon Pass area is inside the San Bernardino National Forest boundaries and the Forest Service has closed the roads for the reasons specified in the fax below received by an enthusiast from the Lytle Creek Station of the Forest Service. Old highway 66 thru Blue Cut, Swarthout Canyon Road (paved section) and Cleghorn Road & Cajon Blvd. at Cajon Station are open for use. Highway 138 is open both directions from the 15 freeway, as is the paved section of the old 138 road that leads into Mormon rocks. The Summit overlook on highway 138 is open - and basically everything EAST of Summit out onto the desert is open. For further clarification it is suggested to contact the San Bernardino National Forest, 1824 South Commercenter Circle, San Bernardino, CA 92408-3430, 909/383-5588.
Unless the National Forest Service lifts it's temporary restrictions in the San Bernardino National Forest, images like the one above of the Union Pacific Challenger will not be possible in the much favored Sullivans Curve section of the pass until July 21, 2003.
ORDER # 02-5
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the San Bernardino National Forest. This closure is effective July 22, 2002 through July 21, 2003.
1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Blue Cut/Louisiana Fire Closure Area, which is located in T3N, R6W, Sections 13, 22,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,32,35,and 36; T3N R5W, Sections 18,19,20,29,30 and 31;T2N R6W Sections 1,2,3,11,12,13 and 14, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.52 (c)
2. Being on any National Forest System road located within the Blue Cut/Louisiana Fire Closure Area, except for Forest Service Road 3N21, from its beginning point at Highway 138 to the Pacific Coast Trailhead. 36 CFR 261.54 (c)
3. Being on any National Forest System trail located within the Blue Cut/Louisiana Fire Closure Area, except for the Pacific Coast Trail. 36 CFR 261.55 (a)
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (c), the following persons are exempt from this order.
1. Any Federal state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
3. Owners and leases of land within the Closure Area are allowed in the closure area to access to their land.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
- William Ramsey - August 1, 2002
The SBRHS has recently secured the use of the 4449's 'Let's Roll' auxilary tender to be used behind the 3751 on the upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon for the 62nd Annual Convention of the NRHS. The 4449 group are long time friends and supporters of the SBRHS's CMO Bob Kittel, and they gladly lent their auxilary tender to the SBRHS for this trip. The tender was inspected in Portland by Amtrak for the trip and a few very small items have been identified as needing attention - they will be handled by the SBRHS volunteer crew when the auxilary arrives in Los Angeles.
The 261's auxilary tender was under consideration for a time, however the expense for that auxilary and the distance it needed to be moved all had a somewhat negative effect on the SBRHS's bottom line. The SBRHS has already acquired photographs of the connections on the rear of 4449's tender for the purpose of creating the needed plumbing to connect the '51's tender to the 'Let's Roll' auxilary. The auxilary is expected to be rolling south this week sometime.
- William Ramsey - July 19, 2002
There are several newspapers that will be carrying articles about the trip and the SBRHS in the near future, the San Bernardino Sun has informed us they are running a story on Monday July 22, the Barstow Desert Dispatch says their story will run on Tuesday August 6. Another story is supposed to run soon in the Redlands Daily Facts. I am sure that many more will be run before the trip happens, I am aslo hearing that the Highway 66 Museum in the Barstow Depot is planning a big barbeque the afternoon that the train comes through town. This is typical of the fans that love this locomotive, they will come out at any time, wait as long as it takes, and it does not matter how hot, cold, windy or rainy it is.
On a different note, the 3751 is being steamed up this weekend for a final systems check, it will be hot for 4 days as some final work is being accomplished. Once the work is finished the locomotive will be returned to the compound, which itself has been lengthened to accomodate the locomotive and tender without separating the two - thanks to the hard working track gang, more on that in next weeks update.
- William Ramsey - July 19, 2002
Grand Canyon National Park is located in the remote northwestern corner of Arizona. The isolated location of this incredible natural wonder discouraged all but the most adventuresome visitors until the completion of the southern transcontinental railroad in the 19th century. Even then, the difficult stagecoach rides from railroad stops in Williams and Flagstaff made the trip to the Grand Canyon a rugged adventure.
Leisure travel to the Grand Canyon became more commonplace after the completion of the Grand Canyon Railway line from Williams to the South Rim in 1901. Rail travel was the most popular way for people to visit Grand Canyon through the 1920s. Eventually, however, the popularity of the automobile and the construction of highways like Route 66 made train travel obsolete. The Santa Fe Railway closed the spur line to the canyon in 1968.
Today, most visitors to Grand Canyon arrive in personal automobiles or aboard chartered tour busses. These modern visitors may not realize it, but many of the highways they travel parallel the railroad lines that brought the first wave of leisure travelers to the Grand Canyon. In fact, historic Route 66 and the modern route of Interstate 40 are both located within a half mile of the Grand Canyon Railway facilities in Williams, Arizona.
Modern travelers need hardly leave the interstate before beginning their Grand Canyon experience. The historic significance of the Grand Canyon Railway line, combined with quality personal service and the convenience of arriving at the South Rim by train, has made Grand Canyon Railway the choice for an ever-increasing number of Grand Canyon visitors.
The South Rim is located in an exposed high-desert region, renowned for radical temperature extremes. Weather can change abruptly any time of year. Summers are mild but prone to spectacular thunderstorms and sudden temperature drops. Winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional snowstorms. The 5,000-foot elevation difference between the rim and the river means summer rim temperatures in the 70s to 80s can translate to scorching heat exceeding 110-degree temperatures at the canyon bottom. Spring and fall tend to be pleasant and warm. At any time of year, wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy footwear, thick socks, and layers of light protective clothing. Bring plenty of water and high-energy foods.
While it is easy to overstate the severity of personal automobile traffic problems on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway does provide a nice alternative to arriving at the national park in a personal automobile.
The Grand Canyon Depot is conveniently located less than 200 yards from the south rim. Railway passengers have easy access to several stops in the national parks free shuttle system when they step off the train. They can also easily walk to restaurants in the nearby El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge or the cafeteria at Maswik Lodge. (A free shuttle for railway passengers with limited mobility meets each train.) Grand Canyon Railway passengers may also choose from among three motorcoach tours, which are specifically tailored to fit the train's schedule.
The railway also provides its passengers with exemplary service and entertainment en route to Grand Canyon National Park. Passenger service attendants are on hand in each passenger car to answer questions and take care of passengers' needs, and musicians stop in each car to sing traditional western songs. A café car is generally available to all passengers and most upgrades come with full-service bars and a variety of complimentary snacks.
Above and beyond service and convenience, Grand Canyon Railway provides passengers with a genuine historic experience. The company operates a fleet of historic equipment, ranging from vintage steam and diesel locomotives to a collection of passenger cars built between 1920 and 1960. In the early days of the 20th century, most people arrived at Grand Canyon by train. Free from the stress and dangers of driving modern highways, these early passengers arrived at the canyon relaxed and prepared to immerse themselves in the spectacular beauty of Grand Canyon. Modern Grand Canyon Railway passengers can get a taste of that historic experience, and step off the train just a few steps from one of the most spectacular places in the world.
To learn more about the past, present and future of Grand Canyon National Park, click on the official website of Grand Canyon National Park.
Nestled at the base of Bill Williams Mountain in the world's largest continuous stand of ponderosa pine forest, Williams is a place where cowboys and pickup trucks are as much a part of the picturesque landscape as the blue sky, sparkling sunshine and clean air. Mountain lakes, enchanting back roads, and forested trails afford abundant natural beauty and recreation year-round. The town of 2,900 residents maintains the charm of an early 19th century western town, and its personality reflects a rich diversity of cultural influence including mountain men traders, Native Americans, cattle ranchers, railroad laborers, and tourists from around the world on their way to Grand Canyon. America's main street, Route 66, runs through the middle of town. In fact, Williams was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate highway.
Originally a mountain town and logging center, and once a home to gambling, opium dens and brothels, Williams is now a quaint mountain settlement where shoppers peruse 19th century storefronts and listen for the nostalgic sound of the train whistle from the historic Williams Depot at the center of town. Williams offers a variety of outdoor recreation and wildlife. Seven high-country lakes are within minutes of downtown. Elephant Rocks Golf Course is an eighteen-hole mountain playground for golfers. The playable course is set amongst the ponderosa pine about one mile from the Williams Depot.
Annual events take place Memorial Day Weekend, the 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend and Thanksgiving through New Year's. This year promises to be an exciting time with the celebration of 100 years of the Grand Canyon Railway in September.
- Grand Canyon Railway - July 7, 2002
National Park Service Grand Canyon Site
- William Ramsey - June 23, 2002
This organization is on the eve of a very exciting and important cross country excursion to the Grand Canyon. The last passenger excursion of this kind was done by this group in 1992 - more than 10 years ago. Planning for this trip has been an ongoing project for more than two years, and many people have invested countless hours in putting this event together - both in the SBRHS and in the Grand Canyon Chapter of the NRHS. Many of the Grand Canyon Chapter planners are actual employees of the Grand Canyon Railway - dedicated railroad professionals in their own right. These employees - as with any railroad - are always committed to the safety of their passengers, crews, and the public at large. Just as the SBRHS has an unblemished safety record, so does the Grand Canyon Railway, and both entities go to great lengths to maintain those spotless safety records.
Besides safety, there is something else in the heritage of both the Grand Canyon Railway and the SBRHS that link and bind the two together - the Santa Fe Railway. The Santa Fe of course owned the line to the Grand Canyon, and the 3751 was one of Santa Fe’s legendary 4-8-4 passenger locomotives. The parent to both the Grand Canyon Railway and the 3751 also went to great lengths to protect and educate its employees about the importance of safety.
All great railroads and organizations such as ours understand the importance of continually refreshing the concept of safety to its employees, passengers, and the general public. Unfortunately a week doesn’t go by without the media carrying the sad news of someone being injured or killed on or around the rails. This fact reinforces the need for all railroads and railroad historical organizations to continually remind the public about the importance of rail safety.
We want to stress to all of you about to take to the roads and highways this August that we want you all to be safe and smart around the rails. So please read these very basic safety tips and observe them while being a railroad enthusiast this summer. You should also consider yourselves safety ambassadors and freely share this information with anyone that you meet near the rails. None of us wants this trip to be marred by an unfortunate accident by anyone.
1) Keep a safe distance from the tracks at all times, at least 40 to 50 feet - and remember that all railroads are private property, and are always posted as such. You can and may be detained or even arrested for trespassing if you are on railroad property.
2) Trains can travel in either direction on multiple tracks and are much quieter and faster than ever. If you must cross tracks please be sure to stop, look, and listen before crossing. Never step on top of the rail while crossing, but always step on the roadbed (ties or ballast), many an ankle has been turned while stepping on top of rails. Slipping off of the top of the rail you might also fall and hit your head, rendering you unconscious and laying on the rails. Never cross tracks where a standing train, or any obstruction blocks a clear view in either direction.
3) Do not climb on railroad equipment or signal devices for any reason, this will certainly get you arrested.
4) Do not try to ‘beat’ a train to a crossing, never go around closed or flashing crossing gates, and do not park your car close to or just beside the tracks - effectively fouling them.
5) While steam locomotives are great machines of mechanical beauty, keep your distance - they may emit hot water and steam which can be dangerous to an unsuspecting observer.
6) Chasing of trains is not recommended on the Grand Canyon Railway. Many miles of this railroad passes through private ranch lands - and local ranchers don’t take kindly to trespassers, many are likely to shoot first and ask questions later. Other portions of this beautiful line are totally in-acessable, and much of the rest of this line passes through National Park lands, and this is another place where speeding down the highway to get one more shot is not recommended. Driving recklessly will only ruin your trip if you run over a deer, or a tourist, or get a ticket - any of these are very real possibilities that would just insure that you don’t get that next shot. Lastly Northern Arizona is in the middle of a severe drought - as is the majority of the west, and the Forest Service has closed many roads into the wilderness because of the extreme fire danger. It would be better to ride one of the special trains during this week long convention - they will have runby’s and are set up specifically for the photographers among you.
7) Much of the territory that this summer trip will traverse is extreme desert. Have your vehicle properly serviced or checked before leaving home and carry plenty of fluids and ice - for you and your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone and check in with family every day you’re out on the road.
Lastly, to report an emergency on the BNSF railroad, call their 24 hour Resource Operations Center at 800-832-5452, to report the same on the Grand Canyon Railway please call 928-635-9369, to report an emergency on the Arizona & California Railway call 928-669-6662, the California Highway Patrol, or Arizona Highway Patrol can be contacted by dialing 911. Please do what you can to make this trip flawless, fun and safe - Let’s Roll!
- William Ramsey - June 23, 2002
Two major fires in Central Arizona have now joined and threaten to burn more acreage as 10,000 to 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. High winds, drought, and plenty of fuel have all combined to create this massive 275,000 acre fire - a total of 82 homes have been destroyed at this point, and a break in the weather is not for seen for two weeks. The fire has a 50 mile long front and threatens to burn many more homes before it will be contained. For more information go to the Arizona Daily Sun.
On a related note fires in Colorado have kept the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad closed and threatens to bankrupt not only the railroad but the local economies that are supported by the railroad. For information on the situation go to the Cumbres & Toltec Information site. The Durango & Silverton Railroad has reduced it's operations drastically to do what it can to reduce the threat of accidental fire. Trains are only running to Hermosa and backing all the way back to Durango. For local news and more information go to the Durango Herald.
Again, we can't say enough about the danger, we want you to be extremely cautious while out beside the rails this summer. Here in California we are not exempt from the danger, in the past two weeks we have had a serious fire burning on Cajon Pass, in Central California and down in San Diego. We would suspect that the forest service roads in Northern Arizona will remain closed as long as this extreme danger exists. This may sound repetitive, however we want you to seriously consider purchasing a ticket to ride the special double headed (3751 & 4960) excursion train to the rim. This will be the only way for you to video or photograph this special historic train on the Grand Canyon Railway. To do this you can book reservation here.
- William Ramsey - June 23, 2002
This may sound like a repeated message but it is not, we must re-state the severity of this problem. In recent days the danger has been so extreme that the Forest Services in Colorado and New Mexico have closed down the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad until the danger is reduced - purely as a preventative measure. To read about the circumstances and the unfortunate sequence of events go to the Cumbres & Toltec Information site. In Colorado 87,000 acres have burned and thousands of people have been ordered to be prepared to leave their homes at a moments notice. The Durango Herald has reported the Durango & Silverton is open, but they are on a higher alert for fires and are monitoring the fire danger moment by moment.
In Northern Arizona the National Forest Service has closed and locked all forest service roads, and they have required the Grand Canyon Railway to double their own fire suppression efforts. Usually the Railway follows each train with fire suppression equipment 15 minutes after it has passed, now they follow each train with a second team of fire suppression equipment 45 minutes after it has passed to insure that in the event of a fire along the line that it is caught immediately.
Usually in Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Colorado July 1 marks the beginning of the monsoon season - summer rains from the moist south. It is extremely important to everyone that this begins on time to relieve what has been described as the worst fire season in 100 years.
The SBRHS is still recommending to our supporters and the public to purchase tickets to ride the train on the Grand Canyon Railway rather than attempting to chase it. Even if the monsoons come and relieve the extreme danger of fire there is little opportunity to photograph this rare event except on board the train. Current ticket information and availability can be found on the Canyon Rails 2002 website. We are also expecting a finalization of the trains consist within a week to 10 days, you will know as soon as we have been given the information. Thanks for your patience, be safe.
- William Ramsey - June 12, 2002
The SBRHS has just been notified of the National Forest Service closing and locking many forest service roads in Northern Arizona, due to the serious lack of rain this past winter. Those of us living here in Southern California can attest to this fact as well, we have only received about 4 inches of rain this winter where we should have received in excess of 16 inches at this point. Additionally, it isn't even June yet and Southern California has already had numerous wildfires because of these dry conditions - and it will only get dryer and more dangerous as the summer heat starts to kick in.
It is for these reasons that the SBRHS is requesting that anyone trackside during this trip be extremely cautious of the very dry conditions that currently exist in both California and Arizona. Additionally, the SBRHS is strongly suggesting to it's supporters and the general public that instead of attempting to chase the train by car on the Grand Canyon Railway that they seriously consider riding the train to the rim on August 24 because of this extremely hazardous fire danger. From the information that we have just been made aware of, there could be no access to the line at all because of this danger. This coupled with the fact that ticket sales have just been opened to the public means that if you don't quickly move to buy your tickets to ride the train that fans and photographers could potentially be seriously disappointed - without a ticket to ride the only places to photograph the train would be the Williams Depot at departure and arrival, and arriving or departing at the Grand Canyon Depot.
The advantages of riding the train are many; multiple runbys are planned, the train will be double headed (3751 and 4960), you will get the shots you want, and there will be guaranteed smoke while these two historic engines strut their stuff for enthusiasts on the runbys (something that is always a gamble if you randomly choose a spot to shoot along the line).
Special advertising is scheduled to hit several national publications in June and July, and I would imagine that trains and events during the convention will quickly be selling out as a result.
CONSIDER THIS ADVANCED NOTICE, IF YOU SNOOZE, YOU WILL LOOSE!
Availability and pricing is available by contacting the Grand Canyon Chapter of the NRHS at 928-635-4960 - or go to the Canyon Rails 2002 Ticket Order Form and follow the instructions.
- William Ramsey - May 31, 2002
Tickets to ride the train to the convention have now been opened to the public (June 1, 2002) as well as to all convention events that have not been already sold out. You should move quickly to secure your opportunity to ride behind this historic train - either inbound, outbound or to the canyons rim. Availability and pricing is available by contracting the Grand Canyon Chapter of the NRHS at 928-635-4960 - or go to the Canyon Rails 2002 Ticket Order Form.
As of this update this is the availability of tickets for convention events or to ride the train:
August 19 & 20: Inbound - Los Angeles to Needles, Needles to Williams, Coach and First Class tickets are available. Tickets for the Dome car are sold out.
August 21: All Convention options remain available (Verde Canyon Railroad Excursion, Western Railroad Multimedia Presentation and Night Photo Session).
August 22: Tickets for the Shop Tour and Sunset Excursion remain available but the bus tour to Flagstaff is sold out.
August 23: The Annual Convention Banquet is completely sold out.
August 24: Tickets for the 3751 Grand Canyon Limited excursion are available in Coach and First Class, tickets for the Dome car are sold out. The Sedona Bus tour is sold out.
August 25 & 26: Outbound - Williams to Parker, Parker to Los Angeles, Coach and First Class tickets are available. Again tickets for the Dome car are sold out.
Speaking of reservations, do you have your accomodations taken care of for this trip? If not, time is slipping away, and you may have to overnight in Flagstaff or in your car. Hotels and Motels are listed on this page with phone numbers. NRHS members should get reservations through the Canyon Rails 2002 website as blocks of rooms have been reserved at special rates.
We hope to be able to soon list a consist for this train, and we are working on finalizing the schedule. However there are many details that haven't yet been worked out pertaining to these issues and will take some time to shake out. We appreciate you patience while the powers that be are working hard to finalize the details of this trip.
- William Ramsey - May 28, 2002
The most current schedule information is listed below. Please note that this excursion will be a high speed trip on the BNSF mainline, and that the use of a second tender or tank is going to be employed so that we don’t need to stop every 100 miles for water. This was a major concern for the BNSF and Amtrak, they didn’t want to have a train on the system limited to 55 miles per hour and stopping every 100 miles. So the plan at this point is to run the train at about 70 miles per hour to keep up with the freights, and use a second tender to shorten the stops that we do have to take to service the engine. All times are local time, this is only an estimation of the schedule - please treat it as such.
8-19
10:00 depart LAUPT.
12:00 in San Bernardino for 5 minutes to exchange pilots.
14:00 in Barstow for water & service.
15:00 depart Barstow.
17:00 to 17:20 service in Cadiz.
19:00 arrive Needles.
8-20
10:00 depart Needles.
12:00 to 12:30 service in Peach Springs.
15:00 arrive at Williams Junction.
15:30 arrive at Williams Depot.
8-21
20:00 to 22:00 night photo session.
8-24
8:00 depart Williams Depot for south Rim.
11:30 arrive south Rim.
14:30 depart south Rim for Williams.
18:30 arrive Williams Depot.
8-25
8:30 depart Williams Depot.
13:00 arrive Matthie, Arizona for service.
13:45 depart Matthie.
19:00 arrive Parker, Arizona.
8-26
8:30 depart Parker.
12:00 arrive Cadiz for service.
12:30 depart Cadiz.
14:30 arrive Barstow for service & water.
15:00 depart Barstow.
17:00 pass thru San Bernardino.
18:30 arrive LAUPT.
- William Ramsey - April 2002
The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) annual convention will be held in Williams, AZ in August, 2002. The host of the convention is the Grand Canyon Chapter (GCC), and has been planning this event, Canyon Rails 2002, since early in 1999. The highlight of the convention will be the steam-powered special passenger train operating from Los Angeles to Williams and return. GCC contacted the SBRHS early in the planning stages about using 3751 for this historic trip over mostly former Santa Fe lines. SBRHS has been working with GCC and doing preparation work to make this event happen. It promises to be a fitting event marking the Diamond Anniversary of 3751, which rolled out of the Baldwin Shops in May, 1927.
This will be a spectacular steam operation taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest. The trip will operate over the current BNSF and former Santa Fe “transcon” main line from Barstow to Williams eastbound, on the return trip, 3751 will travel south over the secondary Peavine line to Wickenburg, AZ, turning west on the former Santa Fe line to Parker, CA, now operated as the Arizona & California. This will give passengers an opportunity to accumulate rare mileage over the freight-only line from Williams to Parker before reconnecting with the BNSF at Cadiz, CA.
Individuals wishing to purchase tickets should check out the GCC event web site at www.canyonrails2002.com regarding membership, registration, ticket sales, schedules, transportation, and lodging. Tickets will only be made available to NRHS members, and anyone interested should plan to join. Pre-registration for the event has been extended into February. Pricing for the trip was not established as of this writing. The probable schedule as shown on the GCC web site on January 4 is shown below, but plans are subject to change.
August 19: Los Angeles to Needles, CA
August 20: Needles to Williams, AZ
August 24: Williams to Grand Canyon round trip
August 25: Williams to Parker, AZ
August 26: Parker to Los Angeles
2002 promises to be the biggest operating year for the SBRHS and 3751 since the 1992 Santa Fe Employee Recognition Train journey to Topeka and Chicago. Please check the NRHS site for accomodations and convention packages. For those not riding the train, make sure you get your room reservations early. Here is a random partial list of possible accommodations:
Colorado River Inn (Best Western) 760-326-4552
Days Inn & Suites 760-326-5836
Budget Inn 760-326-2212
Overland Inn 760-326-8808
Imperial 400 Hotel 760-326-2145
Relax Inn 760-326-4445
Royal Inn (Best Western) 760-326-5660
Super 8 Motel 760-326-4501
Westerner Motel 800-385-8608
Econolodge of Williams 928-635-4085
El Rancho Motel 928-635-2552
Best Western Inn of Williams 928-635-4400
Best Value Inn-Williams Grand Canyon 928-635-9202
American Inn 928-635-4591
Days Inn 928-635-4051
Econolodge 928-635-4085
Fray Marcos Hotel 928-635-2180
Holiday Inn 928-635-4114
Howard Johnson Express Inn of Williams 928-635-9564
Motel 6 928-635-9000
Best Western/Parker Inn 928-669-6060
Branson’s 928-667-3346
Budget Inn Motel 928-669-2566
El Ranchito Motel 928-669-2231
JT’s on the Keys 928-667-4336
Kofa Inn 800-742-6072
Motel 6 928-669-2133
Stardust Motel 928-669-2278
Harbor Inn 928-667-2931
- Paul Prine - February 2002
