Bound for the NRHS Convention in San Jose, SP 4449 climbs the 1% westward grade at Kegg Pit, California. At the time, no one realized that this would be the last time the Daylight 4-8-4 would go to the Golden State on the Shasta Route. My wife, one other railfan and I were the only people here. Most of the railfan world was chasing the UP 3985 down the Feather River Canyon, which occurred the same day.
This powerful and beautiful 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive hauled the Coast Daylight and other SP varnish. It came back from retirement to haul numerous specials and excursions, including the American Freedom Train.
