Southern Pacific 4443: Fresno Flyer | Oakland - Fresno | March 24, 1957

On March 24th, 1957, the California-Nevada Railroad Historical Society sponsored an excursion from Oakland to Fresno and return, making a circle trip out of the two valley mainlines. Power for the trip was a classic Southern Pacific GS4 4-8-4, and ran out to Tracy via Niles Canyon and Altamont Pass before heading to Fresno on the West Side Line by way of Los Banos. Once at Fresno the consist was turned and returned to Oakland on the Fresno Line by way of Merced. The train is chased out of Oakland, and is followed all the way to Fresno after leaving the Mole, and is photographed through Niles Canyon and on Altamont Pass. In addition to the regular trackside views there are also 3 photo runbys, two of which are running rich on the oil!

This video is comprised of 8mm and 16mm movies from 4 different railfans, and shows SP steam winding down on a high note with the show put on by the GS4!

Enjoy your trip down the valley on the Fresno Flyer!