Niles Canyon Railway | First Run of 2026 | Sunol → Niles (Fremont) Left‑Side POV

Join me on the first Niles Canyon Railway trip of 2026, filmed on 14 March 2026, capturing a left‑side POV from an action camera mounted on the first wagon. This cinematic ride from Sunol to the Niles district of Fremont showcases the locomotive, canyon scenery, historic bridges, and the original Transcontinental Railroad alignment. 🚂 About the Niles Canyon Railway The Niles Canyon Railway (NCRY) operates on the historic 1860s Western Pacific Railroad corridor, later incorporated into the First Transcontinental Railroad. The line spans roughly 9.2 miles (14.8 km) between Sunol and Niles and is preserved and operated entirely by volunteers of the Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA). The railway features original 19th‑century engineering, including: Stone‑arch bridges Early railroad culverts Retaining walls Multiple Alameda Creek crossings Passenger excursions began in 1988, after volunteers restored the abandoned Southern Pacific line. 🗺️ Route: Sunol → Niles (Fremont) This segment is part of the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It represents the final western link completed in 1870, connecting the Bay Area to the national rail network. The train follows Alameda Creek through rugged canyon terrain, tight curves, and historic right‑of‑way that challenged 19th‑century railroad builders. 📅 First Run of the 2026 Season This trip, filmed on 14 March 2026, marks the first public excursion of the year, kicking off the 2026 operating season for the Niles Canyon Railway. 🏙️ About Niles (Fremont) — One of America’s Happiest Cities The Niles district belongs to Fremont, California, which has repeatedly ranked as the Happiest City in the United States in national studies. Fremont scores highly in community well‑being, life satisfaction, and overall quality of life. 🤝 A Volunteer‑Powered Railroad Everything you see — from locomotive restoration to track maintenance — is made possible by the dedicated volunteers of the Pacific Locomotive Association, preserving California’s railroad heritage for future generations. #NilesCanyonRailway #Sunol #Fremont #NilesDistrict #CaliforniaTrains #HeritageRailway #Railfan #TrainRide #POVTrain #ActionCamera #RailwayHistory #TranscontinentalRailroad #PacificLocomotiveAssociation #HistoricRailroad #CinematicRailfanning #2026SeasonOpening #FirstRun2026