92 replies to this topic

[folsom72]

Wow! An excursion train in Folsom to El Dorado County? It sounds like a natural to me... what a huge advantage to the competitive world of tourism. Folsom is already easy to access... I truly believe that this idea would be the needed step to turn Folsom into a world class tourist destination... And what a way to preserve history!

Good job to those involved with making this happen. I for one, will be watching the board members to see how they treat this gold mine of an opportunity for our city.

P.S. Where can I buy my tickets? Wine or no wine, my and the kiddies are there!

[Joe Mayer]

Folsom,CA

[Chad Vander Veen]

I am a volunteer with the SVRR and if you are interested in helping(there are things for everyone and anyone to do) all of the information is located at the museum which is in downtown Folsom next to the depot and is open from 11-4 on Saturdays and Sundays. We have work days every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-3:00. There is also a Saturday group that meets twice a month. I look forward to seeing you out there! We have a great team of people and we do our best to have fun while accomplishing our projects.

What do you work on? What are you doing to get this proposal moving?

[Joe Mayer]

Folsom,CA

[mylo]

We work out on the track clearing tree limbs, weeds etc. and repairing track if needed(also taking rides when possible). At the shop we have various projects with our equipment(speeders, skagit, trailers and hi-railers). We also have groups that are working on marketing, legal, grade X-ing, graphics, rolling stock acquisitions/agreements, engineering and the list goes on. All of these groups are meeting on a regular bases to keep moving forward and could definately use support if you have a background or just a desire to be a part of this awesome project. We would love to have you!

Now THAT is an answer

[zmocar]

What do you work on? What are you doing to get this proposal moving?

The FEDS ( Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Histirical RR), have been active since the early 1990's starting with the annual Folsom Handcar Derby. The organization became a 501©(3) non-profit organization in 1995. They were instrumental in the design and building of the Folsom turntable in historic Folsom. ( Re-built on the orginal pivot stone from the mid 1800's). Since then they have been working on aquiring the Folsom Railroad Depot, when or if the Folsom Chamber decides to relocate and aquire the Folsom wye for turning trains, shops, and storage of vintage RR equipment.
The Sacramento Valley Rail Road, SVRR, is the original name of the first passenger Railroad west of the Mississippi that ran from Sacramento to Folsom in 1856.
Currently, presentations of the SVRR business plan have been selectively given to regional interest groups. Final presentations are being completed as permits are aquired.
Yes, nothing comes quickly when dealing with two counties, a city, and special districts.
Support is always needed, support from organizations with common interests, support from those that will enjoy a return of RR history, support from the powers in control.
The SVRR plan is a regional gem that can include local dining establishments, shopping establishments, winery establishments, (all along the existing right-of-way) and of course the history that still today is in place. (Existing raill on this route can date back to the late 1800's)

[john]

joe - please email me at webmaster@myfolsom.com when you have press releases...

[Joe Mayer]

More power to you if this becomes a reality!

[mylo]

It is important to note that they mention a few times that the railroad has been "abandoned" but this is definately not the case. It is still considered the same as any other working railroad in the Federal Governments' eye even though it doesn't get much use.

That must make a huge impact in the plausability of this effort. I'm sure if it truly were "abandoned" it would take miracles to re-enable the line. Since it isn't, it's surely just a minor (relatively speaking) re-purposing to make a project like this happen?

[Joe Mayer]

Folsom,CA

[4thgenFolsomite]

It is and that is one of the things that makes this so exciting. And you won't believe how beautiful it is all the way up to Placerville. Because the track was built back in the 1860s there were no roads to speak of(for the track to follow) so a lot of the spots that have the best scenery are only viewed from the track. Even as you wind your way through Folsom most of the track is hidden and over looking Humbug Creek and Willow Creek until you get up to Oak Ave and Bidwell. There really is a hidden gem right under our noses and most people are not aware that it is there but they are really going to love it when they see it.

wow, that sounds beautiful. can a train, or little single car like they have at the handcar races, go the whole distance now? I got to go for a little ride in one of those little covered open cars from BJs to Scholar Drive and it was fun!!! It would be an absolute hoot to ride out of Folsom through the hills.....

[Joe Mayer]

Folsom,CA

[TedJaduh]

What was all the activity on the tracks a couple of days ago?

[zmocar]

What was all the activity on the tracks a couple of days ago?

Tuesday, the JPA's contractor for weed control sprayed pre-emergent for the right-of-way from Folsom Blvd & Bidwell to Missouri Flat Rd. The FEDS Hist. RR supplied the personnel and equipment to flag RR crossings for the contractor's equipment and to clear any debris from the track .

[mylo]

I wanna go on the train!