Overnight Railroad Fieldwork
 

Our trip this week to Sacramento and Nevada City to visit Railroad Museums with our overnight camping adventure was a complete success.  The students of the Welch Crew were model crew mates helping younger students and new students become accomplished campers.

Our fieldwork experiences were informative as well. 

California State Railroad Museum:  Our first stop took us to Old Sacramento, home of the California State Railroad Museum.  While visiting the museum, our crew saw a short film describing the importance of the building and completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.  Students were able to see many of the tunnels and snowsheds we hiked last week with Greg Palmer on Donner Summit in the movie.  Students eagerly passed through a variety of train replicas while visiting the museum.

Question of the Week:  What types of train cars were typically used when the Railroad was at its peak?
Possible answers to this question:
 

  • Cab forward trains
  • Dining trains
  • Sleeping trains
  • Postal/Mail trains
  • Refrigerator trains

These are just a few examples.  Ask what made each of these trains special or unique.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum:  What a delightful experience to get up close and personal with some beautifully restored Narrow Gauge Railroad cars.  The volunteer docents at this hidden gem of a museum were delightful and eager to answer all the questions the crew had about the trains.  Students were treated to a ride on a rail car and even rang the bell on a replica steam locomotive.

Question of the Week:  What is the difference between the Standard Gauge Railroad and Narrow Gauge Railroad?
Possible answers to this question:
 

  • Standard Gauge Railroads are 4 feet, 8 inches across from rail to rail
  • Narrow Gauge Railroads are 3 feet across from rail to rail

Thanks for supporting your children in this great fieldwork experience and giving them the opportunity to grow and build trust in their crew mates through our adventure program.