Last Run of the Amador Central

A local freight railroad which ran 11.79 miles between a connection with the Southern Pacific at Ione to Martell, California, the Amador Central was run and operated by the Georgia Pacific Lumber Company. With outbound traffic of lumber and forest products, this railroad served as an important source of transportation. But in 1997, the plant and the railroad were sold, the plant was converted for particle board manufacturing, and the railroad eventually closed. We follow the last few days of operation on the Amador Central to its last day of service on March 28, 1997.

[@mctrlsys]

I am really grateful that I had a chance to railfan the AC before it died. The guy who ran it was awesome to talk to at length and was always happy to have someone to talk to.

[@WEM2016]

I live near Ione. I see that railroad every other weekend. I've always wanted to see it in its prime.

[@auburn2008db]

It's always sad to see a railroad to go into the history books. The paint scheme reminds me alot of a railroad down here in the southeast. In Port Saint Joe, Fl the Apalachicola Northern's paint is very similar to this one.

[@phillyfan-182]

show the whole video. it feels sad to see a railroad company go out of business. smh. what happened to the locomotive since the company went outta business? what happened to the crew? i would like to know what happened

[@CalifornianRailfan]

But why did they close the railroad?

[@calebweems9392]

Amador central had a small hiatus before being brought back as Amador foothills railroad for 7 years, then the lumber mill closed in 2004 leaving them with no customers.

[@CalifornianRailfan]

@@calebweems9392 oh

[@charleswhitcomb4470]

Is there any movement on the line.