The Skunk Train singer Greg Schindel stands among passengers in an open air car as the train pulls out of the depot on Thursday, September 1, 2011, in Ft. Bragg, California. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)

Skunk Train back up and running

Mendocino County's famed Skunk Train returns to full operation Saturday, as the first passenger train rolls out of Fort Bragg headed for the rail-stop known as North Spur, halfway to Willits.

The line had been reduced to only short trips since late April, when a century-old tunnel just east of Fort Bragg collapsed for reasons as yet unknown.

The train, the county's top tourist attraction other than parks, had been in danger of closing, since it lacked the funds to clear the collapse — at least until San Francisco-based Save the Redwood League offered $300,000 for an option to buy an easement along the tree-lined 40-mile right of way.

Service was restored out of Willits earlier this month.

For information or tickets, visit skunktrain.com.

— Sean Scully

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