Are you a train nerd? Same. Which is great news because the Southern Pacific #18—aka The Slim Princess—is firing up and rolling through Independence from April 11-13th. Why? Because some pieces of history refuse to be forgotten, and we love that.
This isn’t just some rusty hunk of metal getting wheeled out for the history buffs—this is a fully restored, fully functioning steam locomotive that once ruled the Eastern Sierra. And now, thanks to a crew of passionate volunteers, it’s back to remind us that trains are dope, your kids dig them, and you should come to Independence and blow their minds.
What’s Going Down
The Slim Princess, Steamed Up & Ready to Roll – Okay, it’s not exactly a cross-state railway adventure, but it’ll be chugging along short stretches of track, proving that old-school engineering is still alive and well.
Larry Peckham Engine House Tours – Walk through a piece of railway history, check out the restoration process, and try not to touch anything you’re not supposed to.
Historic Displays & SP Boxcar 1C Restoration – Learn how a bunch of passionate rail nerds and volunteers brought this thing back to life, and why it actually matters.
Kids’ Activities – Because they usually just get to see this type of thing on YouTube, and getting kids hyped on history is easier when there’s giant awesome machinery involved.
Tri-Tip Dinner (Suggested $20 Donation) – Because steam trains and grilled meat have gone together since forever.
We know that trains aren’t everyone’s thing. But the Slim Princess was once the lifeline of the Owens Valley, connecting small, rugged Sierra communities to the rest of the world. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just something in textbooks—sometimes, it roars back to life in a cloud of steam and nostalgia, and you get to be there to see it.
Carson & Colorado Open House Weekend
When: April 11 (afternoon kickoff), April 12 (full day + dinner), April 13 (morning wrap-up)
Where: Eastern California Museum, 155 N. Grant Street, Independence, CA
Follow @carsoncoloradorailway on IG.
So, whether you’re a railway history geek, a casual fan of old-school engineering, or just looking for an excuse to eat some tri-tip and watch something cool, this is worth checking out. See you there—and yes, train whistles are encouraged.
