Old Poway steam locomotive returns to service
By Steve Dreyer
The historic steam locomotive that runs around Old Poway Park was placed back into service Saturday morning.
The engine has been out of service for regular maintenance since early December
After Saturday, the train will resume its regular schedule of the first and third weekends of each month. Tickets are $2.50 for adults and 50 cents for children.
Last railroad volunteers expressed concerns that the engine’s boiler might be in need of a serious overhaul or replacement. The city commissioned a boiler expert to look it at. He concluded that the boiler was in “great” shape.
The engine is owned by the city but operated by the all-volunteer railroad. The city bought the train, along with the balance of the estate of John S. Porter, in 1987. Porter had built a small station, house and shed on what is now part of Old Poway Park.