Last Update:  February 6, 2010
In the Spring of 2009, the OPR purchased a brand new 2009 Jeep Wranger.   In the spring and summer months, the OPR
crew set about to adapt a set of custom hy-rail gear to the Jeep.   This adaptation required extensive fabrication to the frame
and bumpers.   It appears that this may be the only modern Jeep Wrangler hy-railer in existence.

The Jeep Wrangler 2 door was chosen for its compact size, full frame and 4wD, which are easier to adapt hy-rail gear and it's
streetability.   The vehicle serves multiple-roles on the OPR.   Its company transportation for the Samuels family, serves as an
inspection vehicle for both branch lines and is also used to run with speeders on trips on other railroads around the country.

The Jeep made its first non-OPR track maiden run on the weekend of July 10, 2009, with several speeders on a NARCOA
sponsored run on the Washington & Idaho Railroad.   

The hy-rail gear is mounted on the front and rear of the Jeep, attached to the frame rails via custom made mounts.   Each set
of gear, is operated by a separate hydraulic pump.  Both hydraulic pumps are located in the front, under a special hatch
directly in front of the grill.   A fail safe mechanism allows each pump to raise and lower either set of hy-rail gear, in case one
of the two hydraulic pumps fail.

Stay tuned for a full detailed photo series on the original build.   For now, here are some photos of
the Jeep Hy-railer finished and in action on the OPR and other railroads around the Northwest.
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The Jeep on the OPR's Molalla Branch
The Jeep out on the BYCX, on a Narcoa sponsored speeder run.
2009 Jeep Wrangler Hy-Railer
The Jeep out on the MHRR on a Narcoa sponsored speeder run.
The Jeep on the East Portland Branch
A few detailed pictures of the Hy-rail gear set up