“Monster” Of A Time At Railtown

A “monster” showdown at Railtown 1897 Historic State Park yesterday evening.

Famous motorcycle, car and truck customizer Jesse James of Monster Garage fame challenged the Sierra Railroad´s Old No. 28 steam locomotive to a railroad drag race.

An up-coming episode of Monster Garage television show features Sonora resident Joe Nemmer – a railroad restoration specialist with Railtown – as part of the team that converts a new Dodge Magnum into a railcar dragster.

Discovery Channel TV cameras and crews were in Jamestown Monday night with the supped up black and gold Dodge to record the challenge for the show´s ending.

About 100 spectators watched as the old steam engine raced the Magnum down the tracks in front of the Jamestown Depot. The train made a valiant, but unsuccessful effort to catch Jesse. When the Magnum derailed the race ended .

You can catch the Monster Garage show on the Discovery Channel June 28, 2004.