As to other possible locomotives, I would venture that ATSF 3463 from Topeka might be a safe bet. As I recall, there exists a project to make it a demonstration of a modern steam locomotive powered by renewable fuels. Here we have a renewable energy company proposing a steam powered excursion line. Also, both projects seem to share some principal people.

On another note, the water pipeline idea seems to make the most sense as to the "why" behind the Mojave desert excursions.

Jason Midyette

True, but unless they have already decided to rehab the track for Class III, using a Hudson, or a Northern, out there would be a huge waste of locomotive.

Fascinating! I wonder who came up with this idea. Dare we say it was a rail enthusiast who saw a way to "grandfather" the pipeline as part of a rail facility?

At the same time, it may be that the operation could be short lived--just long enough to get the pipeline built, then show high losses due to the steam operation, which would then be discontinued. At the same time, who knows what might happen? Maybe the country and the presence of some landmarks and parks in the area will result in more traffic than we think.

Man, isn't it nice to have money to burn to find things like this?

And why, pray tell, would we want to operate all the way out there when we already have a route with Class 4 track right here in Albuquerque (where most of our active members live, BTW)? April 1's not here yet, guys...

To appreciate this proposal you need to visit Cadiz.

If you do visit Cadiz, take plenty of water as it will still be hot there all the way trough October, I know as I lived in Blythe for some years and enjoyed Halloween with the doors wide open and the temperature about 90+ degrees.

Like the real estate sales pitch: "Must see to appreciate!" = "Must see to believe...."

This almost sounds like a scheme by Mr. Riffin back East, but hopefully it will be more successful than he was.

As a notice for some, the website of this project was updated to its proper form, no longer showing a login screen.

http://www.desertsteamtrain.com/

In addition, a map of the route and another picture illustrating the ride from the train is also there. One page contains a video of the little saddletank steam locomotive demonstration in Cadiz.

According to the map, there would be a "small café stop" in Rice (a ghost town with a small rail yard and wye to a 4-mile spur, formerly reaching the town of Blythe 30 miles south), likely to serve passengers of the proposed short but frequent "Rice Flyer".

Have there been any updates on this operation recently?

No I've not heard anything but did see this stunning update to history on their web site....

"it was George Stephenson who adapted the idea of the steam engine and invented the first steam train, also called a locomotive, in 1829."

Has this proposal died on the vine?

I've heard a lot of stories recently about California and their lack of water, but nothing about this railroad. That aquifer could be quite valuable now!