I believe #3 has had more railroad names painted on her tender than any other locomotive in history.

She should have won the Emmy for the best locomotive in a movie.

Its kind of fitting that when she appeared in a time travel movie, it was set before her build date.

Nice video. I'm friends with Larry Jensen, author of "The Movie Railroads," and also a writer on "Little House on the Prairie." He's written consistently about #3 and other movie star locomotives as far back as the late 70s. I highly recommend his "Hollywood's Railroads" book series if you haven't read them already. If you're interested in a follow up, the 2nd biggest movie star locomotive in the US is undoubtedly Virginia and Truckee #11, the "Reno." Who was owned by MGM from 1945-1970, and then Old Tucson studios from 1970-2021, and just recently bought back by the Virginia and Truckee railroad for restoration. In fact, you could probably do a whole video of the V&T locomotives and cars that were owned by Hollywood. If that sounds interesting, I'd be happy to assist in research. Also, I've seen "Diamond Stud," it was very boring, and not pleasant, and I genuinely think the film crew was more interested in filming the train than any of the naked women.

First time watcher, 13 year resident of Sonora, CA and have been on Kelly 3 times. Twice riding in the back and once in the cab where I got to pull the whistle on a special night several years ago where they actually had her roll into downtown Sonora as a thank you for all the support the city has shown Railtown 1879. Also as a bit of trivia, they still use the water tank they used for the opening of Petticoat Junction to refill Kelly's water tank. They had to put a support structure around it because of the age of the original timbers, but you can still see the tank itself.

Sierra Railway No 3's Lima 5 chime steam whistle was even used in The Polar Express.

I grew up in Jamestown, CA. and I went to school about a quarter of a mile away from Railtown 1897 which is her current home. I have ridden behind this locomotive multiple times, and have grown up around her. This locomotive single handedly inspired my current love for steam locomotion and is the bar by which I measure all other steam locomotives. I wish they hadn't converted her to an oil burner, but its good that they did. I remember when they announced on the local news that they would be filming a movie and that we could expect to see different color smoke around town, and one day we saw colored smoke coming up around where the delorean was unloaded onto the tracks in BTTF3. And when I was a baby I was taken to the depot to watch them film part of an episode of Little house on the praire, and Michael Landon asked my parents if he could hold me. Thank you for featuring her in one of your videos.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Old No. 1, aka El Paso and Southwestern No. 1. She's a 4-4-0 American that was built by Breese, Kneeland and Co. In 1857 (!) for the railroad that became the Milwaukee Road. She was the first locomotive purchased for an upstart railroad called the Arizona and Southeastern, later to be called the El Paso and Southwestern. She was in revenue service until 1924, when the Southern Pacific acquired the EP&SW. She's been in some films, including the 1938 MGM movie "Let Freedom Ring!". She's the only Breese Kneeland locomotive that didn't get scrapped.

Thinking to myself, "I think I've seen her on the screen before." After the video: "Yes I have....A LOT!"

She was also one of the whistles for the poler express

The other famous locomotive built by the Rogers Locomotive Works was the Union Pacific #119 that was present at the driving of the Gold Spike at Promontory Summit in 1869.

I love the Back To The Future trilogy, but I guess I'm in a total minority- part one is excellent, but my favorite is part three. It's the grand finale to the whole trilogy, the completion of the story. I thought it was a great ending, especially after part two, which I found too convoluted and downbeat. I agreed with the poster tagline- "They saved the best adventure for last!". That's just me- I don't require people to agree. But I've always loved number 3, long before Back To The Future, so thanks for this video! Long may the "Cannonball" steam!!

Over 70 movie and TV shows. My god.

I have actually seen her in person. She is at the Jamestown Railroad Museum. I got to ride a train pulled by her. I could be wrong but she is still at Jamestown to this day. I one time rode in her cab when the crew took her to the round house.

She is my favorite steam locomotive

I heard of her:High Noon, the apple dumpling gang rides again and many more

I grew to love 3 as the Cannonball on Petticoat Junction. After that, I recognized her in other shows and movies.

Another movie to mention is polar express where the sound of her whistle is used for the titular train

Either Union Pacific 119 or CPRR #60 Jupiter were a product of the Rogers locomotive and Machine Works as well.

Dang Kelly’s had quite the history being in both Movie and Tv business for a long time, glad she’s still running to this day. I might plan on taking a visit to see her this summer if I do

Good old 4-6-0 locomotives

Alco basically was a Consortium of all of the smaller locomotive manufacturers. Smaller locomotive manufacturing companies did not stand a chance against the giant factories like Baldwin and Lima. That's why Alco was formed.

THANK YOU, GOOD BUDDY! This, in my humble opinion, is the finest movie you've made. You've guessed it, I'm a big fan of old No 3, and its good to see a photo of her in original condition. Didn't know she'd been in silent movies as well. I watched 'Duel in the Sun' purely to see her 'walk on' part (along with 'Inyo') and, quite frankly, she deserved a better film for her first talking venture. Indeed, No 3 and Inyo were the only roles in the movie........ I caught her playing a walk on part in another TV movie - can't recall its name - where she's pulling a flatcar with the hero's horse drawn carriage up an incline. A few years back I restored a Tyco/Mantua model of her, and remembering all the fancy film liveries she's carried, did her up in plain, workaday black as herself - "Sierra Railway No 3" on the tank. Great programme - loved it all.

Ol # 3 Used to wake me up Saturday mornings crossing Lime Kiln Rd near Sonora Ca. That distinctive whistle would have me running outside to watch her pass. 😊

In the old days locomotives were assigned to specific engineer's. After church on Sunday they would go down to the railyard and polish all the brass on the locomotive so it would look good. They were also encouraged by the various railroads to personalize their locomotives. I knew an old engineer in the Train club who started as an eight-year-old Tallow boy on the railroad. Before rule G came into effect when he was a student fireman he said he could tell who was running the engine by the smell of the whiskey in the cab. Drunk people in the old days could perform jobs better than sober people do now. Railroading was a profession in the old days and now it is just a job.

Famous ten wheeler

There was nothing wrong with the original boiler that could not have been repaired with enough funding. The UT thickness readings are still visible and for the most part are decent considering its age. However, there were two significant problems: the firebox was fairly thin near the mud ring, and it was a lapseam boiler, which would require a comprehensive inspection every year to inspect the seams. Due to the various issues with the boiler and the fact that it would only be more and more difficult to maintain as the locomotive got older, it was decided to replace it. Being more for the proper preservation of the artifact, I would have advocated to repair and modify it to retain as much original fabric as possible, but unfortunately I wasn’t there or in any position to do so, having been 13 years old at the time.

I love this engine! My favorite appearances of her were in BTTF3 and Little House on the Prairie. Also, she serves as inspirations for several characters in fan adaptions I have. Some just having her whistle, while others take her full form.

I want to start by saying, I certainly hope this video motivates a younger, modern audience to go watch Classic TV and movies. W. N. Kelley is an example of why I wish American steam locomotives should not have their names taken away from them if they have been named. I agree, I prefer to address No. 3 by name. No actual actors are referred to by number. And I think it was time someone did make a video listing all of the movies and TV shows that featured W.N. Kelley. Some of those I've seen and I am big fans of. I can see you yourself are an enjoyer of Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. "Darling, I love you but give me Park Avenue." Kelley appeared in The A-Team two-part special "When You Comin' Back, Range Rider?" working as a means of transport for a rancher who was using her to transport poached wild mustangs. The second part of that episode is actually scheduled on air on MeTV at 5PM central tonight so you uploading this couldn't have had better timing!

Sierra Number 3 is stunningly beautiful locomotive who found a career after her railway days and one i actually respect alot because prior to watching this video i only remember her from BTTF 3 yet it seems she was one hell of an actress and BFFT 3 was yet another acolade to her many years as an actress. if she was human she would actually be one of the most respected and probably most influencial actresses in hollywood. i have always wanted to see her in person but the issue is im a poor man with barly 2 farthings to rub together on a good day and finding that pot of gold to go to america and witness a legendary loco like her would be that bridge too far (it would bankrupt me). and HitD i would also call her "Kelley" but id also give her the surname of "Sierra" as it would give her that flair and also respect the company who made her career possible.

Celly Looks Amazing 😊 I Like The Steam Engine

The mini documentary I didn’t know I needed to see, until I watched it, thanks bro

Awesome video I never that locomotive wasn't that many movies and television that's amazing

i think it's funny that despite the stupidly high number of movies and shows she has been in, the first time i ever saw her in any form was when me and my family just stumbled upon railtown after moving to a house 20ish minutes away, also her likeness and sounds were probably in even more movies, i know they at least used her whistle for the sounds of the whistle of the polar express in 2004

That is the best info on the Sierra 3 I have ever seen. Thank you Darkness 🇦🇺

"That had a giant spider" that made me laugh alot!

Thank you for posting this fascinating look at the history and ongoing career of Sierra #3 aka "Kelly/Kelley" 😀 Some of my fondest childhood memories are linked to the 1960's and '70's shows where Kelly appeared ❤

3s whistle was also used in the 2004 film The Polar Express, along with a WHOLE bunch of other pieces of media

I personally loved to see the history behind this magnificent engine, and I found all the instances of major events corresponding with her Sierra Railroad number to be hilarious in a good way. I mean, what are the odds that so MANY events involved with her happened on the 3rd of something, or another anything that involved the number 3?

This somewhat ties to #3 but on my trips to Colorado I often see the Emma Sweeney. It’s a prop locomotive built for the 1950 film “a ticket to Tomahawk” and was sold in an auction in the late 1950s. It served as the stand in for #3 in petticoat junction and was primarily used for close up shots. The prop is in a park in Durango repainted back into the Emma Sweeney.

A true American Treasure

Dang! This beautiful girl was in more movies and TV shows then most well known actors in Hollywood was. Other than the makeup paint she had to wear for each roll she played in and very little cosmetic surgery she is beautiful for a hundred year old girl.

I've actually seen The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, so that mention in the video makes me happy. Rest in peace, Don and Tim.

Don't forget she makes a voice appearance in "The Polar Express" as the locomotives whistle, while the locomotives design is based off the Pere Marquette 1225

I love Petticoat Junction!

fun fact: in the TV show gunsmoke, number 3 potrayed burlington northern number 8, however, burlington northern never had a steam roster, this railroad was formed in 1970 by the merger of CB&Q, great northern, northern pacific, and SP&S, while the steam era came to an end in 1960

Ha I didn’t know the locomotive Doc Brown stole was the same one that chased Professor Fate from his shortcut in The Great Race 🤣

Sierra No. 3 was NEVER offered to Silverfoot at any point. Silverfoot was only interested in the Sierra’s freight operation and nothing more.

I'm surprised she hasn't received an Oscar yet.

The worlds most famous locomotive movie star

Let's see your train collection!

Can you do a video on the top 5 steam locomotives that appear in movies. Please include sierra 3, Pere Marquette 1225, and sp 4449

What a great fun and educational video, well done. Glad you did the TV shows as well as the Movie's 🙂 In Casey Jones she was #1.

Lots of places out west had poor Cole if they had any Cole at all. They did have oil though. Let's not forget during this era many smaller locomotives out west we're still Wood-Fired. At many stops they would be a pile of cordwood for the tender.

My favourite is the Rio Grande Southern Nr.20 Emma Sweeney (next to Marilyn Monroe).

I thought she looked familiar. I know her from back to the future part 3

I believe the design of Central pacific 131 may had been the inspiration for Sierra 3 in 1891.

The "Color of a Brisk....." was a terribly sad movie, but wonderful to watch....

I was waiting for Darkness the Curse to at least mention that her whistle was used in the making of The Polar Express, proving the locomotive with her whistle effect.

No.3 should be the California state steam locomotive

So number 3 is a ‘ Ship of Theseus’ of sorts.

They should give her a star on Hollywood walk of fame

this vidio is actully underated and dammmmmmmmmmmm

She also kinda appeared in polar express (her whistle was used for the locomotive in that movie)

If this engine existed in the Thomas and Friends universe, she'd either be a super attention-seeker (like James on steroids), or someone who wants to escape the limelight. Either way, given her early history regarding accidents, she'd fit right in on Sodor.

Out of Perverted curiosity, I went & found "Diamond Stud 💎", and in fact she is in the movie. She kinda takes a starring role. 🎥🎬

I like the engine in Back To The Future 3 and it's whistle in The Polar Express

fun fact: The train's whistle was also used for the polar express movie. I guess she technically star in it though.

"And the Oscar for Best Locomotive goes to..."

I wonder which was more worn by the time of replacement: Her boiler, or Dolgoch's original boiler

As of now Sierra 3 is under an FRA inspection and rebuild. It is projected to be completed this fall but I’ll be willing to guess it’ll be more like the spring or summer. The reason being that’s just how things go in restoration from what I’ve seen.

Love this train. Darkness the BTTF3 train is my British rail. i really want to make a model of the BTTF3 train but morally i know it's all wrong. Most of that trains consist was not from or before 1885. There is no no no way a Pullman heavy weight was around in 1885. I think the log car is also early 1900s. Plus yeah that boiler would explode. But the consist doesn't line up in time. This time glitch must be addressed in full.

You should do a video on the Midnight Rider accident, where a camera assistant died when the crew filmed on a CSX bridge without permission, and a train came. It seems like the kind of video you'd make.

Let's not forget. In the old days your father or your grandfather Ranch out west. Everyone knew how to ride and shoot because they were necessities of life and not a hobby. In the 1950s most of the population of America still lived on Family Farms. They were the descendants of the pioneers who built a great country out of nothing. They were tough and strong people in both mind and body. Criminals such as horse thieves were hung from the nearest tree. Justice was a Warm Gun. Their grandfathers would tell them stories about having to defend their homesteads against Indians. Women knew how to ride and shoot and if they were alone with their children and Bandit or Indians came out of the woods they would pull the shotgun from Over the fireplace and they were ready to defend their home and their children. People were self-reliant on those days. Women could spool wool into yarn and then knit warm clothes for the winter. The phrase Homespun versus store-bought. You gave a woman a live animal and a bunch of raw vegetables and 2 hours later you came back and had dinner.

please do one about the blue commet

I would like to see one done on the Timken four aces 1111

Rogers locomotive would build one all those locomotives from start to finish it would take 28 days to build a brand new engine. The restoration of Sierra number 3 took multiple millions of dollars and three years. Alco could build a big boy and 6 months. It took them years to restore the big boy and I don't know how many millions of dollars to do it. When I was a kid I loved watching the beginning of Petticoat Junction. I used to love the old westerns because everything revolves around the train. Trains were so important to people in the old days and now they are not important at all and that is just so sorry. In the old days Americans made the best of everything. 20% of Baldwin locomotives where sold to foreign countries because they were the best steam locomotives in the world. They have companies that make replica steam locomotives. But I don't think they make anything like a big boy.

My only nitpick is that it’s pronounced “too-all-um-me” county. Other than that, it’s a fantastic video! I just started volunteering at Jamestown myself, so I’ll be getting to work very closely with #3 as she’s returned to service!

Once the boiler is replaced is it still the same train? Sad they changed the headlamp

Taunton Mass had 2 locomotive shops that built steam locomotives. The Mason Machine works and the Taunton locomotive works. Just a little local history

The short films called Casey Jones used the No 3.

Sounds to me we need a movie clip compilation of all her screen time.

Can you do a video about J.K.Bowker?

Didn't No.3 also starred in DR. Quinn Medicine Woman which Johnny Cash also stared in.

I think she was also the whistle for the polar express, but I’m not 100% sure

Actually, this locomotive whistle was used in the movie Polar express

Btw Toulumne is pronounced “two-all-uh-me”

I wonder did Bea and Edgar ever ride the real Sierra #3? I know that there is a plack at Jamestown in their memory.

Not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but Sierra number 3s whistle may have been used in the polar express

LIGHTS CAMERA AND ACTION

In 1893 they had a financial panic. During the Panic the Santa Fe Railroad watch broke and had to be reorganized.

The one locomotive that will rival Sierra Ry. 3 for movie stardom is Virginia and Truckee #11 which is now in Virginia City, NV.

Her sister #28, Was in cosmos with Carl Sagan

I always called her the cannonball mainly because the Casey Jones tv show

Bill Tremewan, pronounced “Truh-mew-in”.

Imagine if CP 131 watched Back to The Future 3 and saw a ten-wheeler playing her. I've watched enough Thomas and Friends to know where that would go.

talk about the blue commet

I'm sorry, did you say most people agree Back to the Future II is better than III? Really? Long time BTTF fan that I am, choosing which is my favorite is like choosing amongst one's children, but I've always seen Part II as the least strong. Don't get me wrong; I do think it's the film that uses time travel most cleverly by revisiting the climax of the first from a different angle (and super-evil alternate Biff being basically Donald Trump was prescient for 1989). However, the 2015 scenes' intentionally goofy future predictions feel quaint to dated with that year in the rearview mirror, it's painfully obvious the Bobs (director Zemeckis and writer Gale) couldn't figure out anything for Jennifer to do other than being almost literal dead weight, and it's the movie with the least character growth, unless you count Marty's shoehorned-in "chicken" trigger - which doesn't pay off until Part III. And it didn't have Sierra #3 - so minus a hundred points.

Year built:March 26,1891

Btw, Tuolumne county is pronounced Two-Wall-Me