On March 16, 2009, I had the wonderful opportunity to ride on the SP 2472 in Niles Canyon, CA. The 2472 is 4-6-2 Heavy Pacific steam locomotive. The 2472 was taken out to run some steam tests for an inspection. My ride was unique in that I rode on the top of the tender! It was up close and personal with steam, smoke and soot. It was a paculiar consist made up of the 2472, a Western Pacific GP7 and a caboose! The GP7 was a "helper" engine. It would pull the 2472 backwards for several miles and stop. The 2472 would fire up and run forward... pulling the GP7! In this shot the 2472 has a full head of steam and is heading towards the town of Niles.