The Chiggen
Most steam locomotives operating today have fascinating histories, but the Chiggen's story is unique. The Chiggen's started life as the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Co. No. 2. It is a 0-4-0ST type standard gauge saddle tank locomotive built in 1909 by H. K. Porter. It served a dual role, initially working for the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company and later for the Bechtel Kaiser Rock Co. in Oroville, where it operated alongside a former Folsom Prison locomotive.
Today, "The Chiggen" is part of "The Skunk Train," which takes passengers into the heart of an old-growth grove of Redwood Trees.
In the late afternoon, the sun penetrates the Redwood canopy, bathing the scene in a warm glow. I love the greens and yellows of the trees reflecting off the side of the locomotive. And if you look closely at the coupler, you can see a rubber chicken sporting a bandana leading the way.
