Welcome Back, SMV 205. With storm clouds looming in the distance, Santa Maria Valley Railroad No. 205 makes as run for it as it breaks into the sunlight on its southbound journey out of Lebanon while passing the Weldwood water tower.
Built in 1924 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, the 97-year-old No. 205 originally saw service on the San Joaquin & Eastern Railroad before being purchased by the Southern California Edison Co. The notably utility company used the 2-6-2 locomotive in the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project north of Fresno, CA.
Following its service with Socal Edison, No. 205 was purchased by the Santa Maria Valley Railroad in 1933 where it saw service until 1950 when it was retired. With its active career looking to be finished, the locomotive was stuffed and mounted at the Santa Maria Fairpark in Santa Maria, CA.
Thirty three years later, No. 205 began its next journey that would ultimately give it a new lease on life. George Lavacot purchased the engine and for the next 38 years, joined by many friends and family at his shop in Independence, OR where the engine would be completely rebuilt, worked to return it to operational condition.
With its return to steam complete earlier this year, No. 205 was purchased by Rick Franklin, owner of the Albany & Eastern Railroad. The locomotive saw its official return to service on November 19, 2021. Since then, the engine has been a popular addition to the local Santiam Excursion Trains such as today's that is bound for Sweet Home. This particular outing marked the first time No. 205 pulled a revenue passenger train south to Sweet Home and back.
