West Side Lumber Company |
Geared Steam Locomotive Works ©
Slim Gauge Logging in Tuolumne County
Most American steam-powered logging railroads had faded into oblivion by the 1940's. However, West Side Lumber Company still had significant stands of timber to harvest from inaccessible tracts in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and their three-foot-gauge logging railroad, with its geared engines, steamed along until 1960. The fascination of "back woods" railroading, enhanced by the rugged beauty of its locale and the lure of the narrow gauge, made the West Side a legend in its own time.
Don Olsen's collection of vintage films provides an amazing picture of the West Side during its final twenty years, and is augmented by maps, historic still photos, and aerial views of many camps. In the spring, double-headed Shays and a wedgeplow clear snow from the line and start the season's action. Unusual scenes such as link 'n' pin work trains, wrecks, and flying switches make this West Side epic one of the most comprehensive records yet offered.
Footage of narrow gauge Shays and a standard gauge Heisler .
70 minutes
PENTREX
P.O. Box 94911
Pasadena, CA 91109
Page changed: January 04, 2004 05:48:20 PM