The Mendocino Railway, a subsidiary of Sierra Northern, purchased the railroad in 2003 after the California Western filed for bankruptcy.

46, (a 2-6-6-2 Mallet), pulled the railroad's Fort Bragg - Willits summer steam excursion train, the "Super Skunk".

46 was donated to the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, as a result of high maintenance costs, and the opinion that the locomotive was too light on its feet.

45 began to show its age, and, as a result, the Sierra Railroad discontinued the Super Skunk service to Willits.

45 occasionally traveled to Willits for special events, although a diesel helper was required for additional power and dynamic braking.