Southern Pacific 2472 gleams in the morning light.

SP 2472 led a photographer's special on Niles Canyon Railway on March 28.

WP F7 918-D brings up the rear of a Niles Canyon train enroute to Niles

Steven shooting steam!? What's this world become!?! Some of you might understand I am not the biggest of steam fans, but, when 2472 runs, for sure I will be up there to check her out. Here ... (more)

A conductor supervises a young boy as he prepares to board the coach of the Niles Canyon steam special in Sunol, California.

Checking the sand level on Southern Pacific steam locomotive 2472 before the next run through Niles Canyon at Sunol, California.

Close up of the running gear of Southern Pacific steam locomotive #2472.

Southern Pacific 2472 pulls the Photographers Special through Niles Canyon.

Southern Pacific 2472 crosses Farwell Bridge in Niles Canyon with the Photographers Special.

Southern Pacific 2472 cab.

Southern Pacific 2472 puts on a great show with whistle blasting as she rounds the bend and approaches the passenger depot at Sunol, California.

Southern Pacific 2472 pulls a train of Harriman coaches across Farwell bridge and under the telltales at Niles Canyon, West of Sunol, California.

The Photographers Special pulled by Southern Pacific 2472 arrives at Sunol station and waits for passengers to board on Saturday morning, August 30, 2008.

Southern Pacific 2472 is pulling the Photographers Special through Niles Canyon near Sunol, California on August 30, 2008. This was one of many photo run-bys during the excursion.