The date is 11-20-54 and train 476 is running late with GS-3 #4417 as the power. Normally, train 476 runs in the dark, but as luck would have it, 476 rolled thru Martinez behind #10. The 4417 has just cleared Ferry St. in Martinez and the engineer is opening up the 4-8-4 for the climb up the hill to the bridge. With good engineers, the 4-8-4 could handle anything but there were some who didn't have the skill yet and the GS's would lose their traction and stall and a helper from Port costa would come over and give the 4-8-4 a shove.
Photography courtesy of George Manley
Matt
