May 28, 2010 > Niles Canyon Railway steams along Niles Canyon Railway steams along By William Mancebo Photos By William Mancebo Grab your family and friends; then come out to the Niles Canyon Railway for a ride on a vintage steam locomotive. On May 29 and 31 the Golden Gate Railroad Museum brings its restored steam locomotive SP 2472 to the Niles Canyon Railway for two special days of trains on Memorial Day Weekend. Take a ride on the SP 2472, built in 1921 to pull the famous Overland Limited from Sparks, Nevada to Ogden, Utah; and one of the longest runs of its day. Riding on this hi-tech machine of that era is a special step back in time. Steeped in train history, Niles Canyon Railway offers various engines and specialty cars aboard their collection of restored locomotives. Steam locomotives had pulled trains through Niles Canyon for 80 years before diesels took over in the 1950's. Now you can climb aboard and take your own passage back in time to enjoy a truly memorable Memorial weekend. If you have a passion for the sight of steam billowing into the sky with the sounds of an iron horse this event is for you. Part of the fascination of a steam locomotive is seeing the wheels and rods flashing with all of their working parts exposed. It will allow you to marvel at their grace of movement and there's nothing like hearing an echo of the whistle bounce from the canyon walls. The Niles Canyon Railroad has a small but well maintained collection of historic rail stock. Throughout the year, their trains run along Alameda Creek carrying passengers on weekend excursions, including the extremely popular "Train of Lights" during December's holiday season. For the Memorial weekend event, trains will depart from the Sunol Depot at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 29 and Monday, May 31. Niles Canyon Railway Sunol Depot 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol Niles Station 37001 Mission Blvd., Fremont For more information visit http://www.ncry.org. Special ticket fees for this event: Adults $25 Coach/$40 1st Class/$79 Executive Class Children: $10