For over 100 years, the Quincy Railroad has connected the small mountain town of Quincy, California with the outside world. When the Western Pacific Railroad built the Feather River Route in the early 1900s, the route did not directly serve Quincy. Since Quincy sits in a low lying valley, it is not practical for the mainline to drop in elevation, only to climb back up. Therefore, Quincy Junction and the Quincy Railroad were created.
Quincy Junction lies approximately 3 rail miles outside the town of Quincy. It is here where the Quincy Branch connects with the now Union Pacific mainline.
The Quincy Railroad has operated this 3.5 mile branch line since its creation. In the past, passenger trains could be seen along this line, connecting with Western Pacific's famous California Zephyr train. Today, the railroad is owned by Sierra Pacific Industries. It handles over 1,000 car loads per year, all of which originate from the Quincy Mill. The cars are loaded and brought to Quincy Junction, where they are interchanged with Union Pacific and taken anywhere in the United States.
As storm clouds gather in the distance, the QRR #12 and four loads of freshly cut lumber can be seen making the slow trek along Greenhorn Creek. Soon the #12 will be put to the test as it tackles a 4% grade en route to Quincy Junction.
