| Niles Canyon Railroad Museum - #2472 was built in 1921. SP classed the 2472 as a P-8, along with 14 sister engines built from the same order. The 2472's first assignments were passenger trains on the Overland Route between Ogden, Utah and Oakland, California. Crews appreciated the smooth ride afforded by the engines of its class. Overland Route runs used the same engine without change for 500 miles. When larger and more powerful locomotives replaced Pacific’s on long runs, the Pacific’s were relegated to locals and commute service, particularly the San Francisco - San Jose run. This is where many remember seeing the #2472 performing its daily chores. The #2472 served for almost 36 years on the Southern Pacific. The end came in 1957 when diesels had replaced almost all steam engines on the SP. Fortunately, the #2472 was saved from the scrapper's torch and was put on display in San Mateo's County Fairgrounds. It sat there until 1976 when a group of determined volunteers decided to restore it. |