Napa Valley Wine Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train runs twice a day for lunch and dinner, and is operated by the Shortline, Napa Valley Railroad. The Wine Train runs between Napa California and St Helena. On March 15, 2001, I was allowed to accompany Conductor Kent Kahle and Engineer Darrell Tilcock on the day's run of the Lunch Train. Upon arrival, I signed the release form and Kent took me on a tour of the inside of the train itself. I had left my camera in the car, so no pictures were taken of the beautifully restored interiors. the 27 pictures on this page were all taken from the inside of NVR's Alco FPA-4's #70 and #71, with the exception of the last image which was taken at the conclusion of the day. I would like to thank the Napa Valley Railroad for allowing me to ride that day.
Engineer Tilcock performs the mandatory air test.
Looking south from the locomotives. this is where the train is serviced and
stored.
Looking north, these are the NVR's Locomotive shops. the locomotive in the barn
is the freight locomotive, and the locomotive on the right is being converted to
run on natural gas.
Arrival at the Napa Station to pick up the day's passengers, the day started
cloudy but cleared up for the trip back to Napa later.
We are now
leaving Napa, the gates are turned on by the conductor
The VA Home in Yountville. the mustard is heavy in the valley at this time of
year.
Just north of Yountville the train climbs a 1.5% Grade, but it never felt like
it
At the top of the Yountville Hill, the grade is lined by these trees, very
beautiful when in full bloom.
Approaching Grgich Winery, The
train will stop here and drop off anyone who wants to visit the winery, the
train stops again on the way south to pick them up.
Another view of the Napa Valley Scenery.
Another view of the Napa Valley Scenery, the Valley is also home to hot air balloon
rides.
St Helena, shortly we will run around the train with the locomotives for the
trip south.
Arriving on Schedule at St
Helena. the depot is one of the oldest in California
Having disconnected from the cars, we begin to run around them on the main
The whole train as we move onto the siding to re-connect the train. notice the
Sun has now come out.
Almost connected to the train.
Highball South.
Approaching Rutherford, this was actually on the Northbound trip, but I only
shot southbound Rutherford with my 35mm, I will replace this one when it is
developed.
Oakville California.
Another view of Yountville Hill, this time we are going down the hill.
One of many wineries in the Valley, this one is just north of Yountville.
My Favorite looking Winery, this one is just south of Yountville
Vineyards just Northwest of Napa
Discharging Passengers back at Napa
