PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, caretakers for Portland-owned steam locomotives Southern Pacific No. 4449 and Spokane, Portland & Seattle No. 700, will purchase Portland-area short line Oregon Pacific Railroad, the foundation has announced.
Foundation President Rick Franklin said in a press release that the acquisition “honors Dick Samuels’ remarkable legacy while securing a permanent future for rail excursions, preservation, and education in Oregon. This transformative step enables us to connect with our community in deeper, more impactful ways, bringing history to life through expanded excursions and enriched volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, it ensures that future generations will have the chance to experience and appreciate the rich rail heritage that shaped our region.”
The railroad, which dates to construction by the Oregon Water Power & Railway Co. in 1904, was revitalized under Samuels as a 5.5-mile line between East Portland and Milwaukie, Ore., offering excursions. The foundation says the acquisition will allow it to offer “more frequent and diverse” excursions. The organization will also need volunteer involvement to support track maintenance, yard support, and the increased excursion operations.
The foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates the Oregon Rail Heritage Center museum in Portland, and raises funds for operations, exhibits, and improvements. In addition to the two city-owned 4-8-4s displayed at the Heritage Center, the organization is also owner of Mount Emily Lumber No. 1, a 1923 three-truck Shay locomotive currently undergoing restoration to operation [see “Shay locomotive arrives …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 16, 2024].
For more information, or to donate to the foundation, visit its website.
Good for the ORH. More needs to be done to allow these type of units to run so people can see them, such as waivers from onerous insurance costs. If it wasn’t that UP owned Big Boy 4014 and Northern 4-8-4, the Living Legend, they would be stuck in some museum (like the 4014 was) and never run for the public enjoyment. If they can meet current FRA requirements, then railroads should reasonably accommodate them… There are plenty of places they could run, but we live in a litigious society and unfortunately that sees to make all the difference…
Great news! Hope they can afford to upgrade the rail to better handle the large engines’ weight. IIRC that’s why they haven’t used 4449 and 700 on the Holiday Express in recent years.