Shortline Modelers Lounge

Story by Shawn Branstetter, Photos from the collection of Steven Cope,

Ambitions

California’s Gold Rush in 1849 saw fortune seekers from all around the world hoping to strike it rich. As the mines and timber mills in Toulumne and Calaveras Counties grew in numbers, so was the need to transport the material.

Seeing that need, Thomas S. Bullock, with the help of William Crocker and Prince Andre Poniatowski in 1897, began construction on a line that would branch off of the Southern Pacific in Oakdale to connect with these logging railroads and mines in the Sierras. In 1898, the Sierra Railway reached the town of Sonora. About the same time a major gold deposit was discovered in neighboring Calaveras County and mines were being built all over the area to capitalize on the wealth. A decision was made to build a branchline to Angels Camp in order for the Sierra Railway to capitalize as well.

The Angels Branch would be a major challenge for engineers. Some even considered the project to be impossible, however William Hamilton Newall was up for the challenge and so construction of the Angels Branch began in 1898. The branch line would extend north off of the Sierra Railway’s yard tracks in Jamestown in front of the Nevills Hotel.

The Line

Climbing out of Jamestown, the line crossed woods creek and would continue to Table Mountain Cut on tight S curves and steep grades in order to gain altitude.

As the railroad continued to climb, grades could reach more than four percent with curves as sharp as 30 degrees. Because of these track conditions, Shay and Heisler geared locomotives were the preferred choice to power these trains due to their ability to pull heavy trains up steep grades with little or no slipping. This also meant that the length of the trains would rarely exceed four or five cars. In fact, special “shorty ” passenger cars were constructed specifically for this line which can bee seen in the photo below.

Drovers caboose #9 and coach #6 in Jamestown.

Sierra Railway shay #12.

The line continued along the mountain side before descending into Rawhide Valley making its way to the small community of Tuttletown.

Heisler with short mixed train at Tuttletown.

Trestles and cuts were a necessity in order to traverse the rugged terrain. As trains passed through Tuttletown they again encountered sharp curves and bridges as they made their way to Jackass Hill before descending into Melones. The decent into Melones was too steep and so a pare of switchbacks were used to ease the trains down the mountain into the Stanislaus River Canyon.

The mountains around the canyon offered breathtaking views for the passengers on these trains. Hills covered with black oak trees, meadows with an assortment of spring flowers including California Poppies and ever expanding views. A sightseers wonderland.

Continuing north, trains crossed the Stanislaus River on a large trestle taking them into Calaveras County and the town of Melonies. Today, much of this part of the line lies at the bottom of the Melones Lake.

Sierra Railway # 30 crossing the Stanislaus River. Courtesy of the Calaveras County Historical Society.

Climbing out of the canyon was another challenge. Switchbacks would again be needed to take the line to Indian Gulch nearly one thousand feet above the canyon floor. Trains were known to stop at this point to let the travelers enjoy the view.

Gee Whiz Point – 1916.

Carson Hill was the last stop before entering Angels Camp. On September 15, 1902, the line was opened and the first train arrived at the yard.

The line was a success for William Newall as well as the Sierra Railway. Millions of dollars worth of gold and other commodities, including passenger service, traveled by way of rail to market.

Angels Depot courtesy of the Calaveras County Historical Society.

Sierra Railway #30 taking on water.

Angels turntable.

Progress

In the 1930s, the US economy clasped and was thrown into a great depression. About that same time the gold rush was coming to an end. Additionally, the railroad was having a hard time competing with the ever popular automobile. The Sierra Railroad eventually filed for bankruptcy and abandoned the Angels Branch in 1935 putting an end to this magnificent line.

My sincere thanks to Steven Cope for providing images for this article.

Additional information on the Angels Branch can be found here:

• Historic Sierra Railway and Railtown 1897
• Angels Branch of the Sierra Railway
• Sierra Railroad
• Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
• Guide to the Sierra Railway / Sierra Railroad Collection, 1886-1988