Southern Pacific

Historical & Technical Society

2008 Annual Conference
Bakersfield, California
September 24-28, 2008

Bakersfield, the major southern railroad hub of California's rich and sprawling San Joaquin Valley, and gateway to Tehachapi Pass, is the site of the 28th Annual Conference of the Southern Pacific Historical and Technical Society. Conference activities begin Wednesday afternoon, September 24th, with registration at Conference headquarters, the luxurious Doubletree Hotel, easily reachable from either I-5 or the 99 freeways.

Three solid days of presentations begin Thursday morning, starting at 8:00 a.m. Each program will be given twice, to maximize your opportunity to see and hear an excellent series of programs put together by people who know SP railroading. A full slate of new presentations and clinics is being planned. Watch this page for speakers and programs.

Other activities include model displays, the wall of trains, a model contest and photo contest, all in a room with a 24-hour security guard. Bring in your latest creation and get the chance to win an award. This year, there is a special contest for models of PMT equipment.


Turntable at Bakersfield

There will also be an attendees-only swap meet, a large vendor's room, a Board of Directors meeting, annual members meeting, old timers talk and cocktail party. Saturday night cocktails, dinner, and guest speaker — celebrate with an adult beverage, fine food, and first person stories about the beloved Espee railroad.

Model Railroads/Extra Fare

A special trip with limited seating is being planned to the Kern County Museum, home of Southern Pacific's TW-8 2914. The museum also houses an impressive collection of antique vehicles and restored historical buildings. Details will be posted once it is confirmed.

SP Depot at Bakersfield

Area Attractions

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy Bakersfield's fine restaurants featuring Basque, Italian, Mexican and American cuisine. Bakersfield is also famed for its many locations featuring Country Western entertainment. The area in and around Bakersfield exhibits a great deal of railroading. Visit the former Southern Pacific depot in Bakersfield or travel south to Tehachapi Pass, and the site of the famous "Loop" at Walong. Watch the San Joaquin Valley Railroad operate on former SP trackage in and around the area or watch modern passenger trains arrive and depart on the Amtrak San Joaquin route. As always, follow railroad property access and safety rules.

Hotel Reservations

Doubletree Hotel Bakersfield
3100 Camino Del Rio Court
Bakersfield, CA 93308

The hotel fronts Rosedale Highway and is just west of Highway 99. It is convenient to some great restaurants as well as many attractions in the City of Bakersfield. Standard room rates start at $104 per night for a single bed and $114 for two beds. Please make sure to reserve your room early to avoid additional charges as this special rate ends August 22, 2008. For reservations, please call 800-222-Tree or contact the hotel directly at 661-323-7111, and request special rate "SPH."