The Skunk Train is back in operation after a derailment. On November 23rd, the Skunk Train’s 4:30 p.m. Christmas excursion from Willits derailed one passenger car 30 minutes into the trip. The ten passengers were uninjured, transferred, and the remaining train returned to Willits. The investigation determined the cause was a wheel climbing a joint on the outside rail of a curve with slightly reversed track elevation, but new wheels and recent maintenance ruled out broader equipment or infrastructure issues. Service resumed the next day after track repairs.