Survey to determine the Ranch's Strategic Intent Post-Fire

The Swanton Pacific Railroad serves as an operational memorial to Al Smith who acquired the trains that were build for the 1915 Pan Pacific International Exhibition. Al relocated the trains to Swanton Pacific Ranch where, with the help of many volunteers, he created a working railroad. The rolling stock consists of three one-third scale Pacific-type steam locomotives that were built for Exposition, a diesel switcher locomotive, motorcar and a variety of passenger and maintenance of way railcars.

Unfortunately, the Santa Cruz fires have impacted both the Swanton Pacific Ranch and the Swanton Pacific Railroad.  The fire damaged or destroyed the Roundhouse, Car Shop, Car Barn and Cal Barn.  The Machine Shop, Train Station and picnic grounds were spared any damage.  The 1913, 1914, and 1500 steam locomotives were badly damaged by the fire but we are optimistic that they can be restored. We have lost all of our passenger cars and most of our maintenance of way cars.

On the bright side, the 1912 steam locomotive was off site having a new boiler installed and the 502 diesel locomotive was in the Machine Shop.  These two locomotives will will play an important role in our efforts to rebuild the railroad. 

Are you curious about how the recovery is going, please follow our Facebook page to get the most recent updates. Click below or enter the address into your browser to see the most recent posting.

https://www.facebook.com/SwantonPacificRailroad/ 

If you are interested in volunteering to help with the recover please click on the Volunteer Opportunities tab. If you are interested in helping to support the rebuilding of the Swanton Pacific Railroad financially, please use the link below to make a donation: 

Support Swanton Pacific Railroad Recovery
 

Events:

• Fire Damage and COVID-19 

  • With the damage from the Santa Cruz fire and given the current situation with COVID-19 our volunteer work weekends and other railroad events have been canceled until further notice.  

Informal Visits: 

• Until the areas impacted by the fire are determined to be safe to enter and the rules associated with the current COVID-19 outbreak allow us to open to the public we are not accepting any visitors at the railroad.  Please check back on this web site for any updates.