The famous movie locomotive Sierra No. 3 this morning leaves the Sacramento railyards, where it has been undergoing rehabilitation, and heads for home in Jamestown, Tuolumne County.
The ironhorse star of such movies as "High Noon," "Back to the Future III" and "Unforgiven" and many television shows is to be trucked south on Interstate 5, entering at Richards Boulevard about 9 a.m., a news release from restoration officials states.
The locomotive has been undergoing boiler work at the Sacramento shops of the California State Railroad Museum. Restoration work will be completed at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
The steam locomotive was built in 1891 and spent its early years in Arizona, arriving in Jamestown in 1897. There, it hauled ore, lumber, marble and other goods out of the foothills. Unlike other steam locomotives, Sierra No. 3 did not end up on the scrap heap with the advent of diesel-powered train technology.
The locomotive is expected to return to operation at Railtown in April, the start of the historic park's excursion train season.
Actor Clint Eastwood is one of "Old No. 3's" ardent supporters. He rode the locomotive at the start of his career in the television series "Rawhide." It also was used in his productions of the movies "Pale Rider" and "Unforgiven."
"It is housed in the original roundhouse, which is still in use," said Eastwood. "Together, these two assets provide a rare opportunity to experience history just as it was 109 years ago. Having this locomotive in operation will give filmmakers another reason to stay in California."
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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