Locomotive History

How It Started

Locomotive History at Pinnacle Peak & Southern

In 2023, a few members of the Sahuaro Central Historical Railroad Preservation Society saw two engines in the society's museum at the park. They decided they would create a railroad for the enjoyment of the public, while also bringing awareness of working, rideable locomotives.

The Ben Hammer 4-4-0 American locomotive

Under Restoration

The American

The American is a 4-4-0 engine that is currently being restored. Donations are being accepted for boiler repairs.

The locomotive is one of two Americans built by Ben Hammer in the 1970s. Ben completed his first American while still in California. He moved to Sun City, Arizona and started his second 4-4-0 at that time, which is the one we have now. Ben died before he could complete our American, hence the need to complete the boiler welds and certify the boiler.

Ben took advantage of castings from the Sandley Light Railway Company for his cylinder castings, saddle wheels, pilot beam, smokebox door and other components of the locomotive, easing his assembly challenges.

Donate to the Boiler Restoration

Our Primary Locomotive

The Hurlbut

Named for the manufacturer, the Hurlbut, a 4-4-4, is our primary locomotive. It started out as a 14 inch gauge amusement park locomotive, and operated at Encanto Park in Phoenix in 1963.

After many years of service it was donated to the Sahuaro Central museum through the efforts of Paul Pristow. Ken Bain, a member of Sahuaro Central, restored the locomotive, both operationally and cosmetically. He retained the 14 inch gauge during that restoration. Once the decision was made in 2023 to have an operational railroad in 15 inch gauge, the locomotive was widened to 15 inch gauge by Mike Grant and his brother Billy Grant. Bob Rauperstrauch widened the main rod components that same year.

The locomotive is powered with a 12 hp Kohler gasoline engine with a centrifugal clutch. Power to the drivers is through a chain drive from a 1936 Chevy stick shift transmission. While not a sophisticated system, it has proven to be robust, and it is our main motive power on the railroad giving rides to the public.

See It For Yourself

The Railroad on Film

Stan Ferris of the Crows Nest Railroad has filmed the Pinnacle Peak & Southern for his YouTube channel, including our track crews building the line extension.

Watch: Laying Down the Rails in the Heat See our equipment today →