Willits
Riding the 'Skunks'. The California Western Railroad opened in 1885 to haul lumber from the redwood forests of Northern California between Fort Bragg on the coast and the junction with the Northwestern Pacific Railroad at Willits. The name 'Skunks' was coined in 1925 when 'railbuses' were introduced on the line, powered by petrol engines, with oil burning stoves to keep passengers warm. The combined effect of the fumes was a distinctive odour which resulted in the nickname. The tag was eventually applied to all CWR trains. Now a successful heritage operation, a 'Skunk' train is seen here shortly after arrival at Willits from Fort Bragg in the summer of 1988.
Location: Willits
Original line: California Western Railroad
Photographer: John Furnevel
Contact photographer: John Furnevel
Date: 31/07/1988
Image number: 71918
