History of the OPR - East Portland Branch - Molalla Branch - Videos of the OPR in Action News & Upcoming Events - Photos of Past Events - Roster of the OPR Special Features |
History of the OPR - East Portland Branch - Molalla Branch - Videos of the OPR in Action News & Upcoming Events - Photos of Past Events - Roster of the OPR Special Features |
LATEST NEWS & EVENTS on the OREGON PACIFIC RR 2012 |
Copyright © 2004-2011 All Rights Reserved |
2011 - a Year in Review 2012 - Looking Forward Update: January 2, 2012 2011 was yet another extremely busy and eventful year for the OPR. The following are just some of the many highlights and events that occurred over the past year. The year began as the OPR and its crew undertook a major project of reconstructing the Johnson Creek Trestle on the East Portland Branch. This project was done entirely by the OPR's own crew and involved replacing the entire upper deck of the trestle. By early spring, the OPR would welcome another piece of vital equipment, a new Swingmaster Speed Swing, which was delivered via flatcar. The Swingmaster was immediately put to work in other projects throughout the rest of the year and will continue to play a major role as the OPR is constantly upgrading and maintaining it's railroad and equipment. Beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall, the OPR undertook the project of upgrading 4 major crossings on the East Portland Branch, with all new track, ties and crossing panels. Additional work included the relocation of a switch and preparation for a future additional siding and crossover track in the Sellwood area. In mid Spring, the OPR was involved in yet another TV/movie production with the filming of an episode of TNT's Leverage. OPR No. 100 and OPR caboose No. 11 as well as passenger cars from various owners associated with ORHF were used in the one day production. The scene was shown on an episode called "The Van Gogh Job" later in the summer. The OPR's brand new GMD-1 No. 1413 was invited to attend National Train Day at Portland's Union Station. Chris McLarney's restored UP caboose, which is stored on the OPR, also attended. Tours were given of the 1413 by OPR crews throughout the day. 2011 would mark the year that the Union Pacific would retire it's historic SW 1500 fleet. While this does not adversely affect the OPR, it's a significant milestone, since the historic SW 1500s were operated over the OPR's East Portland Branch during the final years of the Portland Traction Company and the SW 1500s often interchanged with the OPR on both branch lines. During the summer months, the OPR hosted several charters as well as a major 4th of July Speeder Event, where privately owned speeders were allowed to operate over both branch lines. The famous "Oaks Park Station" of the OPR was renamed "The Oaks" Station to accurately reflect its historical heritage and its original station name when it was operated as a trolley stop for Oaks Park between 1905 and 1957. In July, the OPR began a major project to custom build a brush cutting machine as an attachment to the new Speedswing. The brush cutter will be very large in size utilizing the engine of a bobcat excavator to power the brush cutting head. The project is still in the works. Walter Bebee's family was given an opportunity to come out and ride the OPR, pulled by the No. 1202, Mr. Bebee's namesake locomotive. Mr. Bebee was a good friend and mentor of Richard Samuels throughout his early adult life. In the late summer, the OPR made the decision to not restore the No. 187, a rare EMD NW5 in storage on the OPR since the early 1990s. Because of numerous other projects, limited resources and more active locomotives that are actually needed, it was decided not to put resources into restoring the NW5 and it is currently up for sale. The OPR No. 900 caboose was repainted in preparation for the Holiday Express. New wood siding was also added by the crew. The caboose may undergo additional refurbishing when the nicer weather returns in 2012. Late summer and early fall, marked major changes for the OPR yard as crews prepared for the construction of the ORHF complex next door as well as the relocation of the OPR yard in the spring of 2012. These changes had a direct and major impact on the OPR as the OPR lost its runaround track and now has limited switching ability inside its yard. This will all change in 2012 as a brand new yard is hopefully constructed to replace the old yard which will be removed to make way for the new Trimet Milwaukie Light Rail Line. By October, the OPR announced that it had purchased a historic former Southern Pacific Business Car, the "Santa Rosa". The car would be shipped to the OPR in November and is currently stored on the East Portland Branch. Plans are to use the car on public and private excursions on the OPR beginning in 2012. The OPR attended the public ground breaking of the new ORHF facility, located directly next to the OPR yard. The new ORHF facility will have a direct impact on the OPR as ORHF equipment, including the steam locomotives that will be stored and displayed there, will interchange with the OPR. 2011 saw major updates to the OPR website as new pages were added as well as many hundreds of valuable and rare historical photos from the Samuels family and elsewhere were added to the website. Stay tuned for even more major updates, articles and photos in 2012. The OPR crew replaced hundreds of ties on the East Portland branch in preparation for the Holiday Express Event. This is in addition to many hundreds more replaced on the Molalla Branch and East Portland Branch for normal servicing. Additional track work including major realignment and track work in the OPR's old yard to accommodate the large steam locomotives and allow them to interchange onto the OPR. Finally, the year was rounded out with the annual Holiday Express, hosted by ORHF, on the OPR's East Portland Branch. This year's event included both of the steam locomotives as the SP&S 700 pulled trains one weekend, while the SP 4449 pulled trains the following weekend. The event appears to be a success as trains were largely sold out, especially on the second weekend. 2012 promises to be a busy year, full of major challenges and events. Among just some of the MAJOR expected events to impact the OPR in the coming year is the reconstruction and relocation of the OPR yard. The continued building of the ORHF complex and the relocation of the steam locomotives and equipment from the Brooklyn Roundhouse, to the new ORHF facility via the OPR. The city of Portland will be undertaking a major project of adding a huge culvert under the OPR mainline and springwater trail, north of Oaks Park. This project will close the Springwater trail and require the intermittent closure of the OPR's East Portland Branch during the construction period of late spring, early summer. 2012 will also mark changes for the OPR's locomotive fleet. The No. 1202, which has been a mainstay for the East Portland Branch will likely be relocated to the Molalla Branch as a back up engine, while the 1413 takes over the role as the primary engine for the East Portland branch. 2012 will likely mark the beginning of construction work on the multi-year Sellwood bridge replacement project. Because the current Sellwood bridge crosses over the OPR, the new bridge will as well and this project will directly impact OPR operations. Major track equipment, such as the Jackson Tamper, which had spent the last several years working and upgrading the East Portland Branch, will be relocated to the Molalla Branch in 2012 as the crew prepare major upgrades and repairs for that branch beginning in 2012 and beyond. The OPR looks forward to a busy year, but as always, its crew is ready to take on any challenges and train service to the customers of the OPR and the public will continue. Stay tuned to this page for the latest updates, news and events of the upcoming 2012 year. |
Metal Theives Caught in the Act on the OPR Update: January 7, 2012 On Friday, January 6th, three less than intelligent individuals attempted to steel the remains of an old OPR excavator that was stored in the East Portland Yard in preparation for future scrapping. The suspects trespassed into the OPR yard and began to dismantle the equipment in broad daylight and load it onto their minivan. Employees from the next door Stacy & Witbeck Contractors, reported the theft in progress to the OPR. The OPR crew was already switching in Sellwood and headed to East Portland, light engine, while calling Police to also respond. Police arrive at approximately the same time the OPR crew did and the suspects were still on scene committing their act of theft. At least one suspect had a warrant and was arrested. The other suspects were trespassed and prosecution was referred to the DA. Metal theft is a constant issue with the OPR as well as other railroads and businesses. The OPR prosecutes all theft and crime committed, to the fullest extent of the law. Also, the OPR wants to remind everyone not to trespass on railroad property without express permission. This especially includes the East Portland Yards and Milwaukie Shops area as well as the storage areas and yards of the Molalla Branch. Very special thanks to the employees of Stacy & Witbeck for being diligent and notifying the OPR of the theft. Also to the City of Portland Police for quickly responding. |
Johnson Creek Floods, OPR Johnson Creek Bridge Being Watched Update: January 20, 2012 On Thursday January 20th, Johnson Creek reached flood stage. The OPR has a trestle that passes over Johnson Creek on the East Portland Branch's AmeriCold spur. While it is not expected that the bridge will be impacted, it is being watched as high water has damaged the trestle in the past. Here is a photo taken by Richard Samuels of the high water level at the bridge. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Prep Work Continues Update: January 20, 2012 The prep work needed prior to the major East Portland Yard Reconstruction continues. The main phase of the relocation and reconstruction of the OPR yard will take place later this spring. Meanwhile, OPR crews are removing the remaining sections of unused track, including switches and rail that will be used elsewhere on the line. Shown here is the remains of the former middle yard track that most recently came off of the ORHF spur. The rail and switch were removed. They will be used for a new siding and crossover that will be located in Sellwood near 11th street. |
1951 Portland Traction Company Time Tables Found Update: January 20, 2012 Two historic and rare time tables were recently located. They were in perfect condition and list the time tables for the Oregon City Division and Bellrose Division trolley systems. Check out our Portland Traction Company history page for a lot more information and photos! The brochures are one page front and back for each division. The Oregon City division time table is larger in size. |
Oregon City Division time table |
Bellrose Division time table |
Washout Affects the Molalla Branch (now back in service) Update: January 22, 2012 On Friday January 20th, crews were preparing to take a train from Liberal to Canby when they ran across a major washout on the Molalla branch near the Molalla River bridge. The washout did not damage the track, but enough of the road bed next the track was washed away that crews did not feel it was safe to attempt to go through. The train was taken back to Liberal and crews spent the rest of Friday lining up equipment, rock and preparing to fill in and repair the washout first thing on Monday. The washout is along the Molalla River and was likely caused by the recent flooding due to the heavy rains and snow melt. Photo by Tim Samuels. Check out our full photo essay of repairing this washout! |
Chris Fussell Photo of OPR Train at East Portland with ORHF Complex in View Update: January 30, 2012 On Saturday, January 28, 2012, Chris Fussell took this photograph of an OPR train coming into the East Portland Yards. In the foreground is the ORHF complex, still under construction, with a pile driver on the ORHF property driving piles in preparation for the new building and track, which will house the SP 4449 and SP&S 700 steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. Photo courtesy of Chris Fussell. |
New Then & Now Photo of the East Portland Yards Update: January 30, 2012 Below are two shots taken between 25 and 30 years apart, looking north in the OPR's East Portland Yards, near the UP interchange. The left photo was taken sometime in the 1980s by Richard Samuels, showing the Portland Traction Company Yards and Southern Pacific Interchange. Photo on the right shows the massive changes have occurred since then. The track shown on the left in the new photo is actually brand new track that was layed several years ago and not related to the original yard, which was entirely removed after the first photo was taken. Check out our other Then & Now photos on our Then & Now Page. |
Last Update: June 20, 2012 |
Photos of PRTD Gresham and Nearby aded to the Then & Now Photo page Update: February 7, 2012 A few days ago, OPR volunteer Kevin Novak went out and rephotographed a number of photos that are up on our Portland Traction Company history Page. Those new photos, compared to the old photos have since been added to our Then & Now page as a substantial update. Check it out... Then & Now Page. |
Molalla Branch Washout Repair Photo Page Update: February 20, 2012 A section of right of way along the Molalla River on the Molalla Branch washed away during heavy flooding in late January and threatened to wash away the track. Crews spent several days repairing the damage and here is a photo page of the emergency repairs. Photo Page of Molalla Branch Wash Out Repairs |
OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction Project Almost Underway Update: March 1, 2012 The relocation and reconstruction of the OPR East Portland Yard, as part of the Milwaukie Light Rail Project will begin in the next few weeks. Stacy and Witbeck have the contract to relocate and built new track for the OPR. The first phase of the reconstruction will likely involve adding spur track that branches off of existing new track that was laid several years ago in preparation for the yard reconstruction and now houses the ORHF Holiday Express Train. Stay tuned for progress reports and photos as they become available. |
Santa Rosa Business Car Having Major Electrical Repairs & Modifications Completed Update: March 1, 2012 The Santa Rosa Business car was purchased by the OPR late last year and has been housed in the Milwaukie OPR shop yard undergoing repairs, cleaning and modifications. This week, the Santa Rosa was moved into the OPR shop for the first time and over the drop pit, located behind the shop, to allow for major electrical modifications. These mods will allow the Santa Rose to be fully self contained and operational for the upcoming 2012 excursion season starting later this spring. |
Crossover Switch Construction in Progress on the East Portland Branch in Sellwood Update: March 1, 2012 The OPR is currently working on installing a crossover track and switch on the East Portland Branch in Sellwood near the 11th Street Crossing. The crossover is historically significant, because the Portland Traction Company had a crossover in nearly this exact location. The crossover is being installed to allow trains to enter the newly expanded siding that extends from near 13th street to almost 9th street, when complete. The new extended siding and cross over switch will allow locomotives to run around trains (something that is currently not available anywhere on the East Portland Branch) and allow for needed additional car storage. Additional plans may include an extension of the siding into newly acquired OPR property located near 9th street. |
OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction Project Almost Underway Update Update: March 14, 2012 Stacy and Witbeck crews began delivering supplies for the start of the new OPR reconstruction several days ago. The project should begin late this week. These photos by OPR owner Richard Samuels, shows crews unloading ties next to Water Ave. |
Slide Closes East Portland Branch for Part of a Day Update: March 14, 2012 On the morning of March 13th after heavy rains and some snow in the Portland area, a slide blocked off part of the OPR right of way near the Ross Island Bridge. OPR crews were able to clear the tracks and get them back in service in just a few hours. Photos taken by OPR owner Richard Samuels. The last photo showing the remains of the slide being dumped in the East Portland Yards. |
New Track Being Added to the East Portland Milwaukie Shop Yard Update: March 14, 2012 With the expansion of OPR equipment, cars and locomotives, storage space is now at a premium. Additional track is currently being expanded in the Milwaukie Shop Yard. The new space will be used to store OPR volunteer Chris McLarney's restored UP caboose so that it will remain close to the parking lot and close to a source of electrical power, while the Santa Rosa can also be stored in a separate track and just as easily accessible by visitors. |
The Last Remains of the Sellwood Carbarn to be Torn Down Soon Update: March 14, 2012 The last remaining wall of the former Sellwood Carbarn that once belonged to the precidesor railroads of the Portland Traction Company and was built around 1902, is slated to be torn down starting later this week. The Carbarn was last used as a plastics factory and was a shipper for the Portland Traction Company and later the OPR. The carbarn, located near the 13th street crossing, was sold off in 2003 and by 2005 was mostly torn down to make room for condo development. The developers, DR Horton, said that they would leave one brick wall that was facing 13th street, up as decoration. However, it has since been determined that it would be too costly to try to stabilize the wall and a decision was made to tear it down. The project is expected to affect OPR rail traffic which will have to operate on an alternate schedule while work is being performed near the tracks. |
From left to right: A photo of the car barn taken by Brian Sopke in 2000. Photo of the remaining wall still standing next to the new condo development in 2007. This brick wall is what is going to be torn down. |
The Last Remains of the Sellwood Carbarn Almost Gone Update: March 16, 2012 Crews began tearing down the last wall of the old car barn today and by late afternoon were almost done. Only the skeleton frame of the wall remains. When developers left the wall in place as decoration, they installed steel beams to shore up the wall, but the beams were not connected to the masonry and thus provided no support. Without further costly reinforcement, the wall had to come down. |
OPR Yard Reconstruction Delayed, Supplies Delivered on Site. Update: March 16, 2012 Stacy and Witbeck is considering delaying the reconstruction of the the OPR yard by several more weeks as PGE crews will be on site to installed a new power line tower and relocate power lines. Water Ave, next to the OPR yard, has been closed and Stacy and Witbeck are now stockpiling ties, frogs, swtich stands and rails on the closed street. |
Oaks Bottom Culvert Project Delayed For At Least Another Year Update: March 16, 2012 The City of Portland has decided that the Oaks Bottom Culvert replacement project that would have closed a section of the Springwater Trail and interrupted OPR rail service, will be delayed for at least another year. The planned closure was to occur later this spring and would have lasted up to 6 months. The OPR was going to be required to build a temporary bridge structure over the culvert work site that would be removed during the week, closing the rail line and reinstalled every weekend to allow for only weekend rail service. The project will apparently not take place until sometime in 2013. Here is the City's website on the project. |
More Historical Portland Traction Co. Timetables Sourced Update: March 27, 2012 Several additional timetables dating from the 1940s and 1950s were found, related to the Portland Traction Co. Trolley System. Here are scanned copies of brochures from 1948, 1949, 1955 and 1956. They include the Bellrose and Oregon City Divisions. Both Divisions operated on the OPR's existing track from East Portland to the still existing Golf Junction. From there, the Divisions split, as the Bellrose Division continued east on existing track to 17th street and beyond on what is now the Springwater Trail to Lents and Bellrose and at one time as far as Estacada. The Oregon City Division turned south at Golf Junction and terminated at Oregon City. The only remains of this track is the switch at Golf Junction and several car lengths of track. The rest was abandoned and removed in the 1960s. The last time table for the Oregon City Division was updated in Oct 1957, probably only a few months prior to the trolley service ending and this may be the last public timetable issued for that division. For more information, check out our Portland Traction Company History Page. |
Oregon City Div Timetable 1948 |
Oregon City Div Timetable 1949 |
Bellrose Div Timetable 1955 |
Oregon City Div Timetable 1956-1957 |
Historic Sellwood Carbarn Remains Now Completely Gone Update: March 27, 2012 The last chapter in the long demise of the historic Sellwood Carbarn has come to a close. The last brick wall of the structure was torn down several weeks ago and today nothing remains of the original structure as shown below. See other news updates for more information and/or visit our Portland Traction Company history page for more information and photos. |
OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction Continues Update: March 27, 2012 The OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction is about to continue after several weeks of delay. This week, PGE will be relocating power poles and adding a new large power tower in the vicinity of the yard. Over the course of the next few weeks, Stacey and Witbeck will begin tearing out some existing track in the OPR yard, while maintaining the OPR mainline through the yard, so that the OPR can continue to interchange with the UP while construction progresses. Construction of the new yard is expected to last into June. |
Historical Photos of the OPR No. 1413 Found Update: March 28, 2012 Several slides were recently purchased that were taken of the OPR No. 1413 in 1989. The 1413 is a GMD-1 that was formerly owned by the Canadian National Railroad. Based on the condition of the 1413 in these photos, they were likely taken very shortly after the CN completely rebuilt the 1413 from the ground up. The OPR purchased and repainted the 1413 in 2010 for use as a back up locomotive on the East Portland Branch. At some point in the future, the 1413 will take over the 1202's duties as the primary locomotive for the East Portland Branch, when the 1202 is sent to the Molalla Branch. |
Both photos from slides now owned by the OPR. Left photo: Taken by D. Whitnall, June, 1989, Toronto, Onterio. Right photo: Unknown photographer, May, 1989, unknown location. |
OPR Celebrates 21 Years as a Common Carrier Railroad Today Update: April 1, 2012 On April 1, 1991, what would later become the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company, was born as an operating common carrier railroad. Richard Samuels had already established an operating railroad company in the mid 1980s complete with locomotives and equipment that operated a scrap and dismantling business in conjunction with his steel fabrication business. By the late 1980s, he established the East Portland Traction Company with the intention of eventually taking over the Portland Traction Company's remaining operations. On April 1, 1991, the transition officially took place, with the Portland Traction Company ceasing all operations and the East Portland Traction, owned by Richard Samuels, taking over as the common carrier railroad. In 1993, Richard Samuels established the Molalla Western Railroad and took over the Southern Pacific's Molalla Branch. In 1996, both companies, already owned by the Samuels family, were officially merged and together were renamed the Oregon Pacific Railroad. For more history of the OPR, check out our OPR HISTORY PAGE. |
These two Greg Brown photos show the OPR operating in its earliest days. On the left, Engine No. 100 on the East Portland Branch. On the right, Engine No. 801, painted in Molalla Western colors on the Molalla Branch. Both engines are still faithfully serving on their respective branchlines, although the No. 801 has since been relettered Oregon Pacific. The No. 100 will always remain in its historic Portland Traction colors dating to its original purchase from EMD by the PTC in 1952, due to its extremely historical nature. |
Track Construction for the New OPR East Portland Yard Continues Update: April 7, 2012 Stacey and Witbeck crews ready two new prefabricated switch sections for the OPR yard reconstruction, now underway in the OPR's East Portland Yard. Reconstruction is slated to continue through June as the OPR yard is relocated and rebuilt as part of the Milwaukie Light Rail project. Stay tuned for more photos and updates as this project progresses. |
Several Historical PTC Photos Found Update: April 9, 2012 A few days ago, two interesting historical photos surfaced of the PTC and predecessor railroads. The first black & white photo was taken at an unknown date and appears to show Portland Traction Co. crews working a derailment wreck on the Boring Branch, near the Harney Street Crossing, west of 82nd Ave. We're not sure of the age of the photo, but the P. T. on the car possibly stands for an early version of the Portland Traction Co. corporate name dating to the 1930s. Interurban No. 1125 appears to be in use as a crew car. The second photo was taken by G. L. Bolinsky in June, 1966 and is part of the Keith Ardinger collection and used by permission. Photo shows the PRTD No. 100 and 200 engines in the PRTD Yard, which was then undergoing reconstruction as part of the Marquam I-5 Bridge project in the background. An off ramp to the planned Mt. Hood Freeway was to pass right over the PRTD yard and track was relocated to make way for pillars. However, that project was later cancelled. History comes full circle as the PRTD Yard, now the OPR Yard, is currently undergoing reconstruction for another transportation project, the Milwaukie Light Rail. |
East Portland Branch Will Be Closed This Week for Track Work Update: April 9, 2012 The East Portland Branch will be closed the week of April 9th, through Friday April 13th due to track work in the new OPR yard reconstruction area. The OPR will be isolated from the UP interchange during that time while crews relocate track and install piping under the right of way. The OPR will be using the shut down the period to finish the cross over switch in Sellwood, near 11th street. Shippers have been notified and normal traffic will resume over the weekend and next week. |
East Portland Yard Construction Continues Update: April 12, 2012 This week, crews were tearing up some of the rail in the existing OPR East Portland Yard in preparation for installing drain pipes from the ORHF site. Currently the OPR is cut off from the UP Interchange. That will change by Friday, when crews build a new temporary run through track to allow the OPR to operate and interchange as crews construct the rest of the yard over the next few months. In other news (far right photo) neighboring ORHF has taken delivery of its used ties which will be used in it's construction project of the new ORHF complex. |
East Portland Yard and Sellwood Crossover Construction Continues Update: April 13, 2012 Crews are still working on two critical projects on the East Portland Branch. Stacey and Witbeck crews which are in the multi-month long process of rebuilding the OPR East Portland Yard, are now finishing the temporary run through track in the Yard which will allow OPR trains to continue to interchange with the UP during construction. The run through track should be open by this weekend. New yard construction will continue through June. OPR crews were finishing installing the crossover switch in Sellwood, near 11th street. This crossover switch was installed as part of the rebuilding and redesigning of the siding that ran between 11th and 13th street, but will eventually run as far as 9th street. The crossover switch will allow OPR locomotives to run around trains if needed and be able to store cars on both ends of the siding. The new crossover switch is actually located in the same location that PEPCo and the Portland Traction once had a crossover switch, but was later removed. |
Photo on left is looking south showing the temporary run through track on the left and a new switch that will connect to the spur where the ORHF Holiday Express cars are temporarily stored. Photo on left is looking north at the new crossover switch in Sellwood. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update Update: April 18, 2012 Today, crews removed track inside the current ORHF Holiday Express compound to allow them to install a switch which will eventually lead to several storage spurs as part of the new OPR Yard. Mainline OPR Yard track was also removed to allow for subgrade compacting. |
Photos take by Richard Samuels. Left photo facing south from inside the current ORHF Holiday Express compound, not to be confused with the new ORHF Complex currently being built on an adjacent piece of property. Right photo taken looking north along the OPR main run through track. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update Update: April 20, 2012 New switch installed just south of the ORHF Holiday Express Compound. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update Update: April 24, 2012 New OPR run through track being removed and relaid as part of the new OPR Yard on April 23rd. The main track is priority so that OPR trains can continue to connect to the UP interchange during most of the yard reconstruction. |
Photos take by Richard Samuels. Left photo looking north, right photo, looking south. |
OPR Conducts First Charter of 2012 Update: April 21, 2012 The OPR conducted the first passenger charter train of the 2012 spring/summer season on Saturday, April 21st. Approximately 20 people rode the train on the East Portland Branch as part of a birthday celebration. The OPR continues to offer charters to the public. For more information, please visit our Charters Page. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update Update: April 27, 2012 Stacey and Witbeck crews are now laying the new OPR mainline run through track in the OPR Yard. Service to the UP Interchange should be restored by tonight and OPR trains will run on this brand new track while the rest of the yard is reconstructed over the next several months. |
OPR Operates Another Passenger Charter Update: April 29, 2012 The OPR operated its second charter of the season, giving a train ride to a private family birthday party. Last weekend, the OPR operated its first charter of the season. Charters are available generally year round, although the most popular season is during the warmer months. For more information, please visit our Charters Page. |
East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update - ORHF Complex Update Update: April 29, 2012 Stacey and Witbeck crews have now finished part of the mainline run through track in the OPR Yard. This track will allow OPR trains to continue to operate through the yard and interchange while the rest of the yard is constructed. Eventually, the mainline run through will be modified and shifted over. Throughout the build process, service to the interchange will be intermittently interrupted, but not expected for any extended periods of time. Meanwhile, ORHF's Enginehouse and Complex construction, next door to the OPR is also progressing, with the concrete floor now fully poured and grading preparations being completed for the new ballast and rail as well as the building. This project is not directly related to the OPR, however, ORHF will interchange with the OPR when the project is finished and the OPR and Richard Samuels is providing technical advise on the project to ORHF and the contractors. All below photos were taken Friday April 27th. |
Photos generally looking south as crews build out the main run through track. |
Photos generally looking north |
Ground level photos of the ORHF project, showing the newly graded ROW into the complex from the OPR and the newly poured concrete floor of the engine house. |
OPR Operates Another Passenger Charter Update: May 14, 2012 The OPR operated another charter, giving a train ride to a private family birthday party. Charters are available generally year round, although the most popular season is during the warmer months. For more information, please visit our Charters Page. |
OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction Update Update: May 14, 2012 The OPR East Portland Yard Reconstruction is proceeding as planned. The old main yard switch was removed by crews and was given to ORHF to be installed at their complex next door. The OPR will straight line the switch on Monday and restore main line access to the UP interchange. Currently the contractor, Stacey and Witbeck, is working on building new spurs and track, while removing all existing track and replacing with new ties and good rail, while maintaining a temporary run through track to keep the OPR in business. The OPR is temporarily storing an ORHF gondola full of used ties at The Oaks Siding. The ORHF complex is also making progress as the main steel beams were erected last week. |
From left to right: (1) ORHF borrowed Gondola temporarily stored at The Oaks Siding. (2) Main OPR yard switch removed. Track will be straight lined by end of today. It will eventually all be replace with new rails and ties. (3) Temporary OPR run through track at the north end of the old yard, middle of new yard. (4) ORHF building and track beginning to take shape. |
OPR Announces a Public Open House Event on July 4th at The Oaks Station. Update: May 14, 2012 The OPR is announcing a planned event that will take place at The Oaks Station on July 4, 2012. The event will be exclusively OPR and will be an open house showing the OPR's new business car, Santa Rosa, Chris McLarney's restored Union Pacific Caboose and the OPR's historical PRTD No. 100 Locomotive. Speeders will be on hand to give public rides from The Oaks Station, north to East Portland and back. The No. 100 Diesel Locomotive will give cab rides south to the Golf Junction and back. For more information, check out our July 4, 2012 EVENT PAGE. |
OPR Repairs Broken Rail on East Portland Branch Update: May 11, 2012 Last week the OPR suffered a minor track problem, when a broken rail was discovered between 13th and 17th street on the East Portland branch. This section of track, commonly referred to as "the pass" is the oldest original intact section of the OPR's East Portland Branch, with the oldest original rails and ties. Some rail having been welded by the Portland Traction Co. in the 1940s or 1950s. Crews repaired the broken rail and replaced numerous ties in the area of the broken rail. Eventually this track will be upgraded, but it is currently excepted track from 13th street south and is sufficient to operate freight traffic for now. Passenger trains are not operated this far south on the line. |
East Portland Yard Update Update: May 11, 2012 Stacey and Witbeck crews continue to tear out old track and upgrade to new track and ties inside the East Portland Yard. |
East Portland Yard Will Be Out of Service This Week During Upgrade Project Update: May 15, 2012 As Stacey and Witbeck crews replace a major section of OPR track and switch at the UP interchange, OPR trains will not be running through the yard and interchanging with the UP. Temporary yard track should be restored by the weekend. This is all part of the OPR East Portland Yard Upgrade and Relocation Project underway now and expected to last through June. OPR service is only expected to be interrupted occasionally and the OPR is working with customers to minimize any impact. Below are photos of the main south leg interchange switch being replaced with a new switch, rails and ties. Current plans indicate the new switch will eventually connect to the ORHF facility, allowing ORHF to interchange with the OPR. The old interchange switch will be used on the ORHF site, where it is needed. Bottom photos courtesy of Matt Baccitich from Trimet. |
OPR East Portland Yard Returned to Service, Project Update Update: May 19, 2012 As Stacey and Witbeck crews continue the East Portland Yard replacement project. The former south leg UP interchange switch was removed and replaced with a brand new switch, which will become the ORHF interchange switch into the ORHF complex. The East Portland Yard was out of service to OPR trains while this switch was being replaced. Temporary service through the yard and to the interchange has since been restored. Major progress on the OPR yard is expected to take place the next two weeks as Stacey Witbeck ratchet up the work level to get major aspects of the project done with in the next month. Photos courtesy of Matt Baccitich from Trimet. |
From left to right: (1) Subgrade compaction near the future ORHF switch (2) Future turnout to the ORHF facility (3) With future ORHF switch complete, new track stills needs to be connected to the existing interchange track. This was completed Friday 5-18-12. |
OPR Conducts Another Private Birthday Charter Update: May 20, 2012 The OPR conducted another private birthday charter today. All charter trains leave "The Oaks Station" near The Oaks Amusement Park and travel to East Portland and back. For more information, please visit our charters page. |
OPR Finds Another Historical No. 1413 Photo Update: May 28, 2012 The OPR has found another historical photo of the No. 1413, a GMD-1 that the OPR purchased several years as its newest acquisition. The photo was taken by Michael Bannon of the 1413 when it was still owned by the Canadian National on May 20, 1989. This was likely taken very soon after the 1413 was completely rebuilt by GMD and upgraded to new CN specs. |
East Portland Yard Project Update Update: May 28, 2012 The below photos were taken on May 24th and only show a tiny fraction of the progress of the East Portland Yard project. Stacey and Witbeck has intensified work over the week and will continue to do so through June as the project nears completion by July. |
Photos show the ORHF complex spur under construction. OPR track construction taking place on the right. When finished, ORHF will interchange with the OPR prior to entering the UP. |
OPR tail track being constructed next to the ORHF complex. This will be storage track used for switching cars north of Trimet interlock, to make up for the OPR's future limited ability to move cars to the south during switching |
OPR Crews Help OR&N No. 197 Crew Prepare for the Big Move Update: June 5, 2012 The OR&N No. 197 is a 1905 Baldwin 4-6-2 that was donated to the City of Portland in 1958 and was on display at Oaks Park with the No. 4449 and No. 700 before being moved to the Brooklyn Roundhouse where it's been undergoing a multi-year restoration. The 197, along with all the locomotives and equipment at the Brooklyn Roundhouse will have to be moved to the new ORHF facility next door to the OPR Yard. Because the No. 197 was in pieces while being restored, it was necessary to assemble the engine as much as possible for the move to the new facility. The OPR donated it's new Linkbelt 8030 crane and OPR crew members Brian and Craig Samuels to operate the crane. When the 197 arrives at the new facility, restoration will likely continue until the 197 is brought back to operational service. Photos are courtesy of Scott Gordon |
East Portland Yard Project Update Update: June 5, 2012 Crews are continuing the massive East Portland Yard reconstruction project. By late last week, crews had finished assembling significant portions of the south end tail track and several switches. (first three photos). By yesterday, crews had begun to salvage the former UP south leg interchange, which will no longer be used as part of the new yard. (last photo) |
New Stabilizing Shocks Being Fitted to the OPR 1413 Update: June 11, 2012 The OPR 1413 is currently being fitted with a custom stabilization shock system to reduce rocking of the engine on certain sections of the OPR's East Portland Branch. It was discovered that the 1413 tended to sway on the jointed rail on some sections of track. This wasn't a problem on welded mainline track. The 1413 was originally designed to be used on light branch line track with its original 3 axle trucks, but has since been modified with 2 axle trucks from a GP9. The shocks will be mounted to the frame and the middle of the trucks on each side. This should reduce swaying to acceptable levels. Once this project is completed, the 1413 will be put into regular service on the East Portland Branch. |
The 1202 was used to move the 1413 into the shop for the modifications. Richard and Brian Samuels fitting the new shock system. The 1413 currently sits over the rear outdoor pit so it can be easily moved back into the shop as the project continues. It's expected to be completed in the next few weeks. |
East Portland Yard Project Update Update: June 11, 2012 Crews are continuing the massive East Portland Yard reconstruction project. By last Friday, crews were finishing with the ORHF interchange with the OPR. The main yard has been graded down and new rocked roadbed was being laid in preparation for new track. Work continues on the south end tail track and turnouts at the south end of the yard. The ORHF complex main track has been almost finished and is awaiting final touches and ballasting. Work continues on additional track within the complex that runs around the east side of the building. |
The ORHF interchange with the OPR being completed. First three photos are looking north. Last photo is looking south. |
Work continues on the south end tail track and the mainline track through the yard. Photo on left shows new main yard has now been graded down and fresh rock road beds are being laid. |
Work continues on the ORHF complex with progress being made on the building. Most main track has been installed and is awaiting finishing touches and ballast. |
Molalla Branch Out of Service Due to Car Accident Bridge Damage Update: June 12, 2012 Yesterday, a vehicle struck the Canby-Mulino Road Overpass and heavily damaged one of the bridge bents and several pilings. The news story can be found on Koin.com. According to Koin TV, the driver was attempting to avoid a rear end collision and swerved to a miss a car, hitting the OPR bridge. Further information indicates that another car ran a stop sign near the bridge and forced the driver to swerve to miss the other car and run into the bridge. The driver was injured and transported from the scene. Out of respect for the family we are not naming the driver on our site, but the driver and family are friends of the OPR and live near the Molalla Branch Railroad tracks. The bridge will require repairs before the line can be put back into service and its expected that repairs will take at least several days. The next train is Friday and its expected that repairs will be completed by then. The OPR family and crew sincerely wishes the driver a speedy and successful recovery with their injuries. |
The first two photos are of the crash scene taken by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The last photo is a wide angle of the bridge taken several years ago. |
East Portland Yard Project Update Update: June 14, 2012 A quick update of the East Portland Yard Project from yesterday is this photo showing the main track construction well underway. Shown here are two storage spurs as part of the main yard, nearing completion. Stacey and Witbeck crews are working fast and furious and the yard is expected to be completed as scheduled by next month. |
East Portland Yard Project Update Update: June 16, 2012 Update of the East Portland Yard project including the new ORHF complex. The ORHF interchange switch and spur from the OPR into the ORHF complex is now complete and most ORHF track has since been ballasted and tamped. The ORHF main track should be inspected by the OPR and put into service sometime next week if all goes well. The OPR is required to inspect this track because ORHF is an industry track that interchanges with the OPR and the OPR is responsible to make sure the track is safe for OPR or UP trains to operate over. The OPR main yard construction is well underway with substantial progress being made. See photos for more information. |
Looking south at the ORHF building and freshly ballasted ORHF track |
Looking north at the new ORHF interchange track, mostly complete and ballasted, but not yet in service. |
Looking south at the ORHF car storage and future round table lead track under construction. |
Looking north, then south at the main OPR yard under construction and going well. |
Molalla Branch Back in Service Update: June 16, 2012 The Molalla Branch was placed back into service on Friday after being out of service for several days due to a vehicle accident that damaged the bridge. Crews were able to quickly repair the bridge in just a couple of days and the normal Friday schedule was maintained. See earlier updates for details on the accident. |
OPR Builds Hinges for new ORHF Complex Doors Update: June 20, 2012 OPR chief fabricator Brian Samuels is currently fabricating brand new hinges, which will be used to hang the historical doors from the Brooklyn Roundhouse onto the new ORHF Roundhouse Complex. Heavy duty custom hinges were needed due to the size and weight of the doors. The project should be finished by the end of this week and delivered to ORHF. |
OPR Makes First Historic Switching Move into ORHF Complex Update: June 20, 2012 The OPR made the first switching move into the ORHF complex today, when the No. 100 brought a BNSF gondola of used ties onto the ORHF property that was formerly being stored at the OPR's Oaks Station Spur. This marks the first locomotive or train to operate on the new ORHF track. OPR's Craig Samuels was the engineer and Richard Samuels conducted. The gondola was placed on ORHF's new car storage track where the ties will be unloaded by ORHF volunteers. The Portland Traction Company No. 100 locomotive, an EMD SW1, was used for this historic move, because its the most historic engine in the OPR fleet and has significant ties to ORHF's mission of preserving the three steam locomotives. It was the No. 100 that placed all three steam locomotives in Oaks Park in the 1950s and it was the No. 100 that helped to remove them in the 1970s and 1980s. The No. 100 is now the first locomotive to operate on the new ORHF complex. |
2012 January - June Archive |
ORHF Moves Steam Locomotives from Brooklyn to the New Complex Next to the OPR Update: July 10, 2012 On June 26, 2012, ORHF made the historical move into its new complex, when all three steam locomotives and other cars and equipment were moved from the Brooklyn Roundhouse to the new complex next to the OPR. The move was planned and conducted, largely in secret. The OPR No. 100 was on hand to assist in switching the cars and locomotive into the ORHF complex. Below are several photos taken during the move. |
Office Cars in the Old OPR Yard Relocated to the New OPR Yard Update: July 10, 2012 Four private office cars that were stored and in active use in the OPR's old yard, were recently relocated into the new yard and their home track. The OPR has rented out yard track to two customers for a number of years who store and use several office cars. The office cars are an active business with power hook up and access to public streets. As part of the OPR yard relocation, the office cars had to be relocated into the new yard. Stacey and Witbeck and disconnected the office car spur early during construction to make room for other track work. To relocate the cars, this spur had to be reconnected for less than a day. Temporary track was built to allow the cars to be moved into a new spur constructed specifically for the office cars at the west end of the new yard so they could be next to Water Ave and public access. The move went well without any problems, despite the cars having not been moved in a number of years. The last three photos below show the cars in their new location. |
Another Birthday Charter Update: July 10, 2012 On June 30th, the OPR conducted another birthday charter on the East Portland Branch. For more information about chartering a train on the OPR, please visit our "charters" page. |