WILLITS, CA – Throngs of rail buffs are expected to descend upon the northern California community of Willits for the Skunk Train’s special six-day steam engine celebration, September 22-27, 2006.  Highlights of the Skunk Train’s Steam Engine Celebration include a unique route and schedule, guest speakers, special amenities, the addition of a second steam locomotive, and the star of the show – the Skunk’s very own Old 45 Steam Locomotive.

The Old 45 Steam Engine normally operates out of the Fort Bragg station at the western terminus of the Skunk Train’s 40-mile railroad.  During the celebration, the Old 45 will relocate over the coastal range to Willits for the first time in years.  The Baldwin Steam Engine #45 (built in 1924) is a Mikado-type 2-8-2 super-heated steam engine.  Joining the Old 45 will be a second steam engine provided by Roots of Motive Power for unique “double-header” steam trips.  A third diesel locomotive will be added for dynamic braking.

At several locations along the route, passengers will be allowed to de-board the train for photo opportunities or “photo run-bys.”  The “photo run-bys” are noteworthy since one of the charms of the Skunk Train is that its route is accessible only by train and guests are rarely allowed to de-board to take photos of the train in motion.
 
            Following is a brief overview of the six-day event:

• Friday, September 22 – One way excursion from Fort Bragg to Willits pulled by the Old 45 Steam Engine.  Return transportation to Fort Bragg by bus is included in price.  This is one of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile route.
• Saturday, September 23 – Tuesday, September 26 – Double-headed steam engine trips depart Willits for a 6 to 7 hour round-trip.  Each day features a special itinerary, meal and amenities.
• Wednesday, September 27 – The final day of the celebration features a one-way trip from Willits to Fort Bragg pulled by the Old 45 Steam Engine.  A barbecue lunch will be served at Northspur, with bus transportation provided back to Willits from Fort Bragg.  This is the second of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile rail line.

Each of the 6 to 7 hour long trips aboard the Skunk Train will showcase a different set of “photo run-by” locations, musical entertainment, guest speakers, lunch, commemorative memorabilia, plus a unique schedule and amenities.  Cost is $195 per trip for adults or $75 for children (ages 3 to 12).  Group rates for 20 or more are available, as are train and hotel packages, and multiple-day discounts.

For more information and reservations, please call (866) 45-SKUNK (457-5865) or visit www.SkunkTrain.com.  The reservation office is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to the 121-year-old Skunk Train, the Sierra Railroad Company also operates the Sacramento RiverTrain (Woodland), the nation’s newest dinner train; and the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train (Oakdale), the movie railroad.  Passengers board the Skunk Train at stations in Fort Bragg, 100 West Laurel Street, just off State Highway 1 and Willits, 299 East Commercial Street, two blocks from U.S. Highway 101. 

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Sierra Entertainment is a subsidiary of Sierra Railroad Company and operates the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train (Oakdale, CA), Skunk Train (Fort Bragg & Willits, CA) and Sacramento River Train (Woodland, CA). In addition, Sierra Entertainment manages movie making for all three railroads.