Niles Canyon Railway [December 1999]

The Niles Canyon Railway operates between Fremont and Pleasanton, California, on the right-of-way abandoned by the Southern Pacific in 1985. This final link in the historic Transcontinental Railroad has been restored by the volunteers of the Pacific Locomotove Association. The Railway operates public excursions on the first and third Sundays of every month, plus special trains and charters.

I first visited the canyon in 1999, and was hooked instantly. Nothing prepares you for the vista of an open railroad car, as the train winds its way adjacent and over Alameda Creek. Canyon photography is something of a challenge, however; light only makes itself available at certain angles and only for a few weeks out of the year.

The Polar Express

During December, the Niles Canyon Railway operates a special holiday excursion, the Polar Express. Volunteers spend over a month decorating the vintage railcars with strings of lights and other holiday appointments. The excursion is operated weeknights, so that families can schedule a trip together. The Polar Express is popular, and reservations are required.

This was also my first serious attempt at nighttime photography. As an exercise, I shot a roll of print film (Kodak Royal Gold 100) to get a better understanding of exposure. What I learned was that a tripod and cable release were essential. Also, longer exposures with small apetures (f/5.6 and below) seem to work better than short/large combinations, up to the limits of film reciprocity (about four seconds).

As the Polar Express prepares to depart Sunol, a junior passenger inquires about the Engineer's Judgement and train handling skills. December 1999
	The sun begins to drop below the hills, and passengers eagerly await the Conductor's signal to board. December 1999
After a trip down Niles Canyon, the Polar Express approaches Niles Junction, the end of the line. December 1999
	The train pauses for a few minutes at Niles, as the sun quickly drops below the western horizon. Perhaps someday, passengers will transfer here to the Amtrak Capitols, which race along the mainline nearby. December 1999
Niles Canyon Railway trains operate in push-pull mode. Control has been transferred to the locomotive on the east end of the train, which will depart momentarily. December 1999
	Once inside the canyon, only twilight and the Polar Express are visible. December 1999
After returning to Sunol, passengers detrain and head for other forms of holiday revelry. Note the brightly-lit red boxcar (ex-ATSF), which houses the Railway's gift shop. December 1999
	Another load of passengers boards the Polar Express. Obviously, it's a popular train. December 1999
On the way down the canyon, the train passes the wig-wag grade crossing signal at Brightside. December 1999
	With the glow of the Bay Area Metropolis in the distance, the Polar Express returns to Sunol, bearing another load of holiday cheer. December 1999

[December 1999][February 2001][May 2001]