2Across our country, there are numerous historic steam railroads that transport passengers through beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas. The steam railroad in my town, Ft. Bragg, CA, is no exception. Built in the late 1800's to carry lumber from the coast mainly to other parts of California, the railroad has transformed into a visitor attraction in the region, appealing to people all over the world. What started as three small, diesel "rail buses," (called "Skunks" because "you could smell 'em before you could see "em) has now been replaced with a classic steam engine, historically preserved and fully functional. Over 70,000 tourists come every
year to enjoy the curvy, scenic ride through the mighty redwood trees, over creaking, wooden trestles, and through dark hand-dug tunnels. This book is told by a grandpa to his grandson, relating his own personal experiences as its conductor, engineer, and brakeman - how the story unfolded and became a reality.