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Last Update: July 23, 2010
LATEST NEWS & EVENTS on the OREGON PACIFIC RR
Copyright © 2004-2010 All Rights Reserved
2009, a Year in Review
Update: January 5, 2010

More than 22 years ago, Richard Samuels formed the East Portland Traction Company that would later grow into today's
Oregon Pacific Railroad.   Operating as a common carrier railroad for almost 19 years, the OPR trains now run over an East
Portland Branch line that has seen continuous rail service for 119 years.  The OPR's Molalla Branch has now seen
continuous service for almost 97 years.   One has to wonder if the crews that built these railroads a century ago could have
ever imagined that they would still be here, fully operational and still providing service to the customers that continue to
depend on them all these years later.

Here we are...2010.   A new year that will likely pose many challenges for everyone.  The OPR looks forward to yet another
year and sincerely appreciates the business and support of its customers, rail fans and the community at large.

A review of 2009.

The OPR started out the year a few weeks after the largest snowstorm in many years had blanketed the Portland Metro area.  
After recovering from that, a significant landslide had blocked the East Portland branch in very early January, but was quickly
cleaned up and repaired by the OPR crew.

The construction of the Canby Storage Siding was completed enough to hold a number of cars.   This siding will be later
extended when needed.

The OPR's new charters program hosted a number of families and children on educational train rides on the
East Portland Branch, over the course of the year.

Chris McLarney's privately owned historical UP caboose was welcomed onto OPR property where it was fully painted and
restored to as original 1970s condition, as possible, by Chris himself.  It has been featured in several OPR runs.

The OPR purchased a brand new hy-railer...a Jeep Wrangler, which was custom fitted with brand new hy-rail gear, by the
OPR crew in their shops.

The OPR crew worked extremely hard, all year long, making numerous repairs and upgrades to both branch lines, including
major bridge repairs on the Molalla Branch and numerous tie replacements on the East Portland Branch.

The OPR hosted a day of the N Scale Modeler's Convention, where several bus loads of railfans and modelers, were able to
tour the OPR shops and view in detail all of the OPR equipment located on the East Portland Branch.

The OPR completed some major modifications and upgrades to its Jackson 6700 tamper and has now been placed back into
service.

The OPR has accommodated major construction projects on the East Portland Branch, which have disrupted service,
including the McLaughlin Overpass and the Portland Big Pipe project.   The OPR has been successfully able to accommodate
both construction crews working on its property, while still providing top notch rail service that its customers have always
expected.

Plans for the complete relocation and rebuilding of the OPR's East Portland Yard, as part of the new Tri-Met Milwuakie Line
were finalized and construction should begin within the next 1 to 2 years.

Speeder Tours were once again welcomed back onto the OPR for a weekend of speeder runs on both branches.

Movie Crews were welcomed on the OPR's Molalla Branch for the first time, as filming for a scene of Gus Vant Sant's new
movie "Restless" was shot on the OPR track, using an OPR train and crew.

And finally...the ORHF Holiday Express,  which was held on the OPR's East Portland Branch was again a great success with
record turn out of passengers.

The OPR looks forward to 2010 and all the challenges and rewards it may bring and wishes a
successful year to everyone!
1st Birthday Charter Run of 2010
Update: January 15, 2010

The OPR conducted its first charter run of 2010 on Sunday, January 10th.   This run involved a train of family and friends for
a birthday party.   As with most charters, the train was made up of engine 1202, the open air car and the Samtrak caboose.   
The weather cooperated, despite being in the middle of winter and everyone seemed to have a great time!

The OPR continues to offer private charters to anyone that may be interested, for birthday parties, office parties, weddings or
just a train ride among family and/or friends.    If interested, please visit our charter's page or give Kelly of the OPR a call at
503-651-2231
Engine 801 Repaired
Update: February 1, 2010

Engine 801 gets a new blower and minor engine repairs.  The blower on the diesel engine had to be removed and exchanged
for a rebuild unit.   In addition, contract heavy diesel mechanic Jerry Van Loo resealed one of the power assemblies of the
diesel engine.   Many more photos can be in this short feature page of the engine work.
New Jeep Hy-Railer and Jackson Tamper Photo Pages in the Special Features Section
Update: February 6, 2010

Two new photo pages have been added in the Special Features Section.

A photo page on the OPR Jeep Hy-Railer, which consolidates the better photos from other parts of the OPR website as well as
adding new not yet seen photos.   A full article on the build of the OPR Jeep Hy-Railer will be added with more photos in the
future.

A photo page on the OPR's Jackson Tamper and its special modifications was also added.   Additional photos of the
modifications will be added in the future, so please check back.
New Section Added Showcasing Historical Photos Related to the OPR
Update: February 7, 2010

A new section has been added called Historical Photos on the OPR.

This new section compiles various historical photos found elsewhere on this site onto one page and will include some new
photos.   This page shows photos that date from the early 2000s all the way back to when the two branches were first
constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you have any photos related to the OPR, Portland Traction Company or Southern Pacific Molalla Branch, that were taken on
either the East Portland Branch or Molalla Branch of the OPR over the last 100 or so years and would like them showcased
on this page, please send the webmaster an email and we'd be glad to post them.
For our news and updates, click here for 2008 and click here for 2009.
For our news and updates, click here for 2008 and click here for 2009.
OPR Dodge Dakota Hy-Railer is Retired from Service
Update: February 18, 2010

The OPR has retired its 2000 Dodge Dakota Sport Hy-Railer from railroad service.    The Dodge has been used on the OPR
for approximately 10 years and has served multiple roles, as company transportation for the Samuels family, rail inspection,
railroad service and MoW.   It was also used on numerous private speeder excursions all over the Northwest.

The Dakota had to be retired due a cracked frame which would not allow the vehicle to be FRA recertified.
In 2009, the OPR purchased a 2009 Jeep Wrangler and equipped it with custom hy-rail.  That vehicle now fills most roles that
the Dakota previously served.   The Dakota will remain in the Samuels family as Kelly's farm vehicle.
East Portland Branch Temporarily Closed for Big Pipe Project
Update: February 20, 2010

The East Portland Branch will be closed through February 24th as crews perform work on the Big Pipe project that will directly
impact the railroad.   Crews have been working on the Portland Big Pipe project near the OPR tracks since last September.   
This project has caused the OPR to shift its schedule of operations to early morning, late evening or weekend hours of
operation while Big Pipe crews work during the day.   But over the next week, crews will open cut directly under the railroad,
requiring that the track be closed during that time.   The removal and relocation of man holes extremely close to the track
require the extensive closure.  The OPR is working with city officials and contractors with Moore Excavation to help ensure
work on the Big Pipe project goes as smoothly as possible while minimizing impact to OPR customers.

Work on the tunnel is now beginning to shift away from the railroad and is expected to stop impacting railroad service in
approximately a month.

For more information, this is the city's official Big Pipe Project Website.  The section that affects the OPR is the
East Side CSO Tunnel.
Moore Excavation Crews working on the Big Pipe Project next to the OPR tracks.
While crews excavated and removed and/or relocated several sewer/water man holes, the ground around the track in several places had to be dug out for access.
East Portland Branch Reopened on a Modified Schedule
Update: February 28, 2010

The East Portland Branch reopens after being closed for approximately one week, on a modified schedule.   The modified
schedule allows the railroad to operate on weekends while Big Pipe crews work during the week next to the track.   High
priority traffic is moved in the early mornings or late afternoons when crews are not working.   This modified schedule is
expected to continue for approximately another month.   The Big Pipe crews have begun digging away from the railroad, but
still will require the right of way to move equipment for a few more weeks.
Engine 802 returns to the OPR Milwaukie Shops, Restoration to Begin
Update: April 4, 2010

OPR Engine 802, EMD SW8, has returned to the Milwaukie Shops.   No. 802 was originally purchased in 2004 from the Lewis
& Clark Railroad, out of Battleground, Washington.   It was put to work on the East Portland Branch.   With the purchase of the
1202 in approximately 2006, the No. 802 was moved to the Molalla Branch.   In recent months, with the purchase of the No.
901 and the rebuilding of 801's engine, No. 802 was left in back up service.     

With the No. 802 being a unique switcher engine, with a Southern Pacific history and the only engine in the OPR fleet to have
dynamic brakes, the intention has always been to fully restore the locomotive.    When vandals caused damage to the 802 in
Canby, it was decided to move the 802 to Milwaukie.    Restoration will begin almost immediately, including prepping for new
paint and other work.    It's planned to restore the 802 to its authentic Southern Pacific heritage.    For more information
on the No. 802, visit our OPR 802 roster page.
First picture on far left is courtesy of Kevin Novak, showing the 802 at the OPR Canby interchange on April 2nd, ready to be picked up by the UP Oregon City switcher to
deliver to Milwaukie.  All other photos were taken during the move from the East Portland Yards to Milwaukie, over the East Portland Branch, on April 3rd.
Former SamTrak (Oregon Pacific) 4501, 45 tonner, spotted on the Nevada Northern Railroad
Update: April 4, 2010

Special thanks to Jeff Moore for sending these photos in of the 4501.   The OPR sold the 4501, in September 2008, to the
Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad.   The POTB subsequently sold the 4501 to private operator, S & S Railroad in late 2009, after
the POTB decided to not finish repairing the Samonberry River washouts.    Photos were taken by Jeff on March 30th near
Shafter, Nevada.   It appears S & S Railroad leases part of the Nevada Northern Railway to store cars south of Shafter.  
For more information about the former OPR 4501, check out our 4501 roster page.
The OPR Purchases a ex-CN GMD-1
Update: April 20, 2010

The OPR has recently struck a deal to purchase an ex-CN GMD-1, No. 1413 (formerly No. 1045).   The locomotive is currently
at it's present owner's shop receiving brand new paint in the standard OPR red/white scheme.   More information and photos
will be posted on this locomotive as it becomes available.   Current plans are to operate the new GMD-1 on the Milwaukie
branch, augmenting the No. 802 once it's restored and the No. 100.   Engine No. 1202, will likely be moved to the Molalla
Branch, where it will augment the No. 801 and No. 901.

Stay tuned for more information and photos.  Until then, here are a few reference links to what a GMD-1 is and what they look
like.   The OPR is very excited about purchasing this new and unique locomotive.

Wikipedia, GMD-1 article
Photos of most CN GMD-1s
Rare photo of 1413 in action on the CN
A photo of 1413 when it was numbered 1045, taken in 1985.

If you have any photos or information on this particular locomotive, the OPR would greatly appreciate knowing more about the
locomotive it has purchased and documenting its history.   Please email the webmaster here.  
Restoration of No. 802 is Now Underway
Update: April 22, 2010

OPR's No. 802 is now inside the Milwaukie shops and restoration is now underway.  Over the past few weeks, disassembly of
the 802 has begun with the removal of the hand rails and other parts in preparation for removal of the entire hood assembly
in the near future.  The trucks are being prepped for removal.   The 802 will be fitted with a set of car trucks during the
restoration process, while the original trucks are restored and repaired.   The current trucks, which are not original to the 802,
will then be fitted to another locomotive.   Stay tuned for more progress on this restoration.  For more information, please visit
our No. 802 Roster Page.    Plans are to fully restore the 802 to original Southern Pacific markings and condition.
OPR Crew Replaces a Switch Frog on the McBrod Spur
Update: April 22, 2010

A broken switch frog at the end of the McBrod Spur on the East Portland Branch had limited the southern end of the spur's
use, until today.   The OPR crew was able to replace the switch frog with an intact frog and the spur will be restored to full use
for any future traffic.
A Scene for TNT Network's "Leverage" was Filmed on the OPR
Update: April 29, 2010

On April 29th, crews and actors from the TNT network TV show "Leverage" were on the OPR's Molalla Branch to film a scene
for an up coming episode of the soon to be released 3rd season.   The OPR can't disclose details of the scene or show
photos of the actors or scenes in progress, but the production company was gracious enough to allow us to photograph some
of the set up and production crew at work.   The scene involves an OPR train going over the Molalla River Bridge, with OPR's
engineer, Tim Samuels at the controls.   All filming occurred at the north end of the bridge and the OPR train had to make
numerous passes over the bridge to accommodate the various scenes and takes.   Filming for these scenes lasted one day.   
"Leverage" is currently filming its 3rd season and a number of scenes of this TV series have been recently filmed in the
Portland Metro Area.   According to TNT's website, Leverage's 3rd season will premier June 20th on TNT.

This event was coordinated by OPR's Kelly Anable.  If any production company is interested in filming on the OPR, please
contact Kelly at 503-651-2231.   This marks the 2nd time in recent months that the OPR has had production crews filming on
its property.   In November, Gus Vant Sant filmed a scene from his upcoming movie on the OPR using an OPR train and crew.
From Left to Right:
(1) OPR 901 operated by Craig Samuels, is making a reverse move from American Steel to the filming site on the Molalla River Bridge.  (2)  Crews temporarily cover any
proprietary markings on the railroad cars prior to filming.   (3) OPR name was covered for this particular production, not at the request of the OPR, but due to
requirements of the TV show scene.  (4) OPR's Tim Samuels was the engineer of the 901 during filming.  (5) Weather was a mix of sun breaks and occasional rain squalls
like this one.
From Left to Right:
(1) Film crew filmed many of the scenes near the north approach of the trestle.  (2)  OPR's Craig Samuels relays instructions between the Director and OPR engine crew.  
 (3 & 4) Film crew moving to other side of the bridge to film additional scenes from a different angle.  (5) One last shot of the 901 as it crosses the Molalla Bridge as part
of filming.
OPR Participates in Amtrak's Union Station, National Train Day Event, Portland, Oregon
Update: May 10, 2010

On May 8, 2010, Amtrak hosted an event at the Portland Union Station, honoring "National Train Day" and starring the  
Southern Pacific 4449.   As part of this event, Chris McLarney's restored Union Pacific CA-4 Caboose, No. 25198, was also
invited.   At the last minute, Amtrak also invited the OPR to bring along one it's locomotives to be placed on display.   Amtrak
had the historic No. 100 in mind, but because it lacks roller bearing trucks and would be operated over the UP mainline, it was
decided to bring the OPR 1202 instead.

Also at the event, was the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historic Society's No. 600, Mt. Hood Passenger
car and the BNSF No. 7400 locomotive.    ORHF, PRPA, Friends of the 4449 and many other railroad related groups were
also in attendance.  Guy Howard and Kevin Novak also brought two speeders to be put on display.

It was a great event and the OPR enjoyed the opportunity to display one of it's locomotives and participate in facilitating the
move of Chris's beautifully restored caboose.    Special thanks to Amtrak and its employees and too all the groups in
attendance and put on a great show.

A new page was created that show cases all of our photos from the event, including moving the consist between East Portland
and Union Station, the events on National Train Day and moving the consist home, between Union Station and East Portland.

OPR's National Train Day 2010 Photo Page.
OPR Hosts another Charter Train Ride
Update: May 24, 2010

Childswork Learning Center chartered an OPR passenger train to give rides to some of it's preschoolers on Saturday May
22nd.    The OPR offers charter train rides for any kind of event, including educational events, birthday parties, weddings,
family get togethers, or any other event.  Please call Kelly at 503-651-2231 for more info, or check out our
Charter's page.
First photos of the OPR's Newest Locomotive, GMD-1 No. 1413 (OPR No. 1201)
Update: June 1, 2010

The OPR has recently agreed to purchased the ex-Canadian National GMD-1, No. 1413 from Western Rail, in Washington
State.  As part of this agreement, Western Rail painted the GMD-1 in OPR colors.   While the GMD-1 still resides in
Washington while preparations are made for the sale and move to Milwaukie, Oregon, these are several photos, courtesy of
Todd Havans, Western Rail, Inc., that show the freshly painted locomotive.    Check out the OPR No. 1201 Roster Page for
more info.
Restoration Update of the OPR No. 1127 (OPR No. 802)
Update: June 12, 2010

The restoration of the No. 1127 (former OPR No. 802) has reached several milestones in recent weeks.   Major disassembly
has taken place with most components removed in preparation for hood removal.   Some major sanding and needling scaling
has been completed, and some damaged parts have been removed in preparation for all new steel to be fabricated and
added to portions of the body and frame.    The roller bearing trucks, which were added in approximately 2004 when the OPR
purchased the 802, were removed and replaced with temporary car trucks, until the new friction bearing trucks can be
obtained from OPR No. 803 and returned to the Milwaukie shops to be placed under the No. 1127.

For more information and photos, please check out our all new page dedicated to the
Restoration of the No. 1127 (OPR No. 802)
New photos added from Craig Samuels 6-12-10
OPR Purchases a Link Belt RTC 8030 Boom Crane
Update: June 13, 2010

The OPR purchased a used Link Belt RTC 8030 boom crane out of Montana.   This is a 30 ton rough terrain 4x4 crane with a
boom extension over 90 feet, that will replace the OPR's 1973 boom.   The OPR will still need to install hy-rail gear on the new
crane, much like the old boom crane has.  It will then be pressed into service with one its first jobs likely to be removing the
hood of the No. 802 for it's continuing restoration process.
Photos Courtesy of Craig Samuels, OPR
Left photo shows the current 1973 boom crane used by the OPR since at least the late 1980s and still lettered for Samuel Pacific Industries.   This
crane has performed many interesting jobs over the years.   The new Link Belt RTC 8030 is shown in the next 3 photos.   Hy-Rail Gear still needs
to be installed.
Trucks swapped on No. 803 in preparation for its sale and move to Western Rail.
Update: June 14,  2010

In mid June, 2010, the OPR swapped out a set of roller bearing trucks from the No. 802, which is undergoing restoration at the
Milwaukie Shops, to under the No. 803.  The friction bearing trucks previously under the 803 will later be swapped into the
802.   The 803 has been sold to Western Rail as part of a deal to acquire a GMD-1.   Because the 803 has to travel over the
UP/BNSF mainlines to reach its new owners, roller bearing trucks are mandatory.   The 802, once restored will be permanently
assigned to the East Portland Branch, where roller bearing trucks are not necessary.

The sale of the No. 803 is complete and its expected that the 803 will be shipped from the Molalla Branch to its new owners,
Western Rail Inc, by June 18th.

For more photos of this swap, please check out our No. 803 Roster page.
For photos of the 802 restoration and the removal of these trucks, please see our No. 802 Restoration page.
All photos are courtesy of Craig Samuels, OPR
No. 803 has departed OPR property for the last time, enroute to new owners.
Update: July 12, 2010

On June 18, 2010, No. 803 departed OPR property from the East Portland Junction of the OPR and UP, enroute to its new
owners, Western Rail.   Now designated WRIX 803, the move has been plagued with numerous problems, with the engine
being shipped to the wrong location several times, as well as disagreements over meeting changing requirements for shipping
locomotives over class 1 railroads.   As of July 11th, the 803 is in Cheney, Washington awaiting it's final movement to the new
owners.    The sale of the 803 supports the purchase of the No. 1413, which the OPR looks forward to receiving in the near
future.
Craig Samuels photo of the 803 set out in a UP destined train, at the OPR/UP Canby Interchange.
No. 602 placed on flatcar, preparing to depart OPR property as part of its sale
Update: July 12, 2010

In May, 2010, the OPR agreed to purchase a GMD-1 from Western Rail in part exchange, for two OPR locomotives.  The 803
and the 602.  The 803 has since departed OPR property for the last time on its own set of trucks.   No. 602 (former Oregon
Pacific & Eastern locomotive) will be shipped on an 89 foot heavy duty flatcar, to Usk, Washington.    The trucks of No. 602
were removed and placed on a 2nd machinery flat car and will be shipped along with the main body of the 602.
The 602 has been prepped for shipping, but is currently being stored at the RSG mill, on the OPR Molalla Branch, until
shipping can be arranged.  Its expected that the 602 will be taken to the Canby Interchange on Friday, July 16th, where it will
be on its way to the new owners the next day.   For more in information about the 602 and more photos of it being loaded onto
a flat car, please visit our No. 602 page.
OPR hosts speeders on its two branch lines
Update: July 12, 2010

On the weekend of July 3 and 4, 2010, the OPR hosted numerous privately owned and operated speeders on both the East
Portland Branch and the Molalla Branch.   Developing into somewhat of annual tradition, the OPR hosted invited speeders,
their operators and attending friends and family to run the East Portland Branch on July 3rd.  Then on July 4th, the invitees
ran the Molalla Branch multiple times, while being treated to a barbecue lunch at the Samuels family residence, put on by
OPR's Kelly Anable.   Speeder operators then set out on the American Steel Spur for a perfect view of the 4th of July
fireworks show from the City of Canby.    The event went very well and the OPR would like to thank all who attended.  Many
attendees often volunteer for the OPR, including clean up runs on the branch lines as well as hosting public speeder rides
during the annual Holiday Express and their support of the OPR is sincerely appreciated.   
(More pictures will be uploaded in the next few days.)
Chris McLarney's restored Union Pacific Caboose operated on the OPR
Update: July 19, 2010

On July 10, 2010, the OPR brought out the No. 100 and Chris's UP caboose for a private run on the East Portland Branch.  
Chris's brother Kelly, nephew Miles, along with Amtrak Road Foreman Pete Cozzi and his son Grant, were invited to ride the
freshly restored UP caboose No. 25198.   No. 25198 has been entirely restored, with most work being conducted by Chris
himself.  Chris is the owner of this caboose and it is stored at the OPR shops, where it can be used for public outings and can
be easily viewed by the public.   The No. 100, which has served continuously on this railroad since 1952, is currently used
largely in back up service and this was an opportunity to stretch the legs of the Portland Traction Company veteran.   

More information and photos of Chris McLarney's caboose can be found on our UP 25198 Roster Page.
More information and photos of the No. 100 can be found our PTC No. 100 Roster Page.
Check out our McLarney UP 25198 Roster Page for more photos!
Engine No. 602 moved from Liberal Yard to Canby Wye.   Soon to be delivered to new owner.
Update: July 19, 2010

On July 16, 2010 after approximately a week delay and much extra work in securing the No. 602 body to a heavy duty flatcar,
the 602 was moved by the OPR 801 in a regular Canby bound train of mixed loads and empties.   The 602 was interchanged
with the UP and was suppose to depart the OPR bound for its new owner, Western Rail Inc.  However, the UP had other plans.
 Clearance for departure was granted too late for the UP Oregon City Switcher to get the notice and the 602 had to be left an
Canby for yet another week.   It's currently stored in the Canby wye, until it can be shipped out on July 23rd.   The following
are some photos of the 602 move between the Liberal Yard and Canby UP/OPR interchange.
More pictures can be found on our No. 602 Roster Page.
Engine No. 602 finally leaves OPR property on way to its new owners, Western Rail Inc.
Update: July 23, 2010

After weeks of various issues with the Union Pacific regarding shipping the No. 602 from the OPR in Canby, Oregon to
Western Rail in Usk, Washington, the No. 602 (now WRIX 602) has finally shipped and is now in the hands of the UP on its
way to the new owners.  After a mix up with the UP prevented the planned departure of the 602 on July 16th, the 602 and its
trucks had to be stored in Canby in such a manner to prevent vandalism, until they could be shipped again.   The UP agreed
to ship the 602 along with multiple loads and empties on July 23rd.   Because of the unusual amount of traffic on the OPR's
Molalla Branch, the UP had to operate an extra Oregon City Switcher during the day.   By early afternoon, the 602 and other
OPR loads and empties were on their way to the UP's Albina Yard.    WIRX 602 has now officially left OPR property and is
officially no longer an OPR locomotive.   We wish her well in her future career!
Craig Samuels photos of the OPR 901 interchanging the 602 in preparation for the UP O/C switcher, for the last time in July 22nd and on July
23rd, the UP O/C switcher taking the 602 to Albina, before she heads to Usk, Washington.
Chris McLarney's Caboose is brought out again.   
Update: July 23, 2010

Approximately a week after being brought out to operate on the OPR after a several month hiatus, the restored UP caboose
was once again brought out on the OPR for another private picnic run on July 19th.   Again being pulled by the No. 100, but
this time, the Samtrak 900 caboose and open air car were part of the consist.   If you are interested in chartering a private
train ride on the OPR, check out our Private Charters Page for more info.