‘A big part of my memory’: Fresno’s bittersweet farewell to Roeding Park train

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A local landmark with more than a century of history in Fresno is preparing for its next chapter.

The Baldwin S-10-0-6-0 steam locomotive, better known by its number, #1238, has stood in Fresno’s Roeding Park for nearly 70 years. But soon, it will make its way to Kingsburg, where the town’s train depot plans to give it new life.

The locomotive was supposed to start its journey to Kingsburg on Wednesday, but organizers say mechanical issues meant that the train will remain in Fresno for the time being.

Originally built in 1918, the locomotive was retired in 1956 and later brought to Roeding Park as a static display. Many Fresno residents say it became a childhood staple, an iron giant to climb on and explore.

“When I was a little boy, I used to crawl around on it,” said Lynn Clark, a longtime fan of #1238. “It’s a big part of my memory.”

But after years of wear, the train was fenced off. In 2022, the City of Fresno donated the train to the Kingsburg Train Depot.

“After they went into retirement, a lot of them went to scrap,” said Michelle Roman, President of the Kingsburg Train Depot. “So there wasn’t a lot of them left.”

Roman says the train once ran up and down the Central Valley. The depot has laid down 350 feet of brand-new track to welcome it, complete with plans for a fresh paint job and full restoration.

“Our ultimate goal is we’re going to be restoring it to all its glory, with all the bells and whistles – literally,” Roman said. “It’s really going to be a great piece added to our depot.”

The move is bittersweet for some, like Kiersten Fields, whose grandfather helped place the train in Roeding Park decades ago.

“Every time we came down Belmont Avenue, [my dad] would tell us the story about how his father put it in,” Fields said. “I was happy to know that it’s going to go to a good home. But nostalgic, you know. I want it to stay in Fresno.”

Others echo that mix of pride and loss.

“They’re taking so much of this history away from Fresno,” said Lynn Clark. “But at least it’s going to be used for education, and I think that’s great.”

For Fields, saying goodbye to the train is about more than just history; it’s personal.

“I’m doing this for my grandpa,” she said. “Everybody else in the family’s gone now. I’m the last one that’s still here. So this is for my family.”

While the train’s move was originally scheduled to begin this week, officials say it’s been delayed. A new departure date is expected to be announced by the end of the week.

Until then, the locomotive remains at Roeding Park for one last visit.