Historic Steam Locomotives to Get New Home
January 9th, 2012
Rendering courtesy of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation.
Out of the six largest operating steam locomotives in the world, Portland owns two — more than any other American city. These engines and more Oregon rail transport history (which predates the transcontinental railroad), will be showcased at the new Oregon Enginehouse and Rail Heritage Center set to open later this year in Portland’s Central Eastside. You may even catch traveling exhibits such as the luxurious New York Central-3 passenger car, originally owned by Harold Vanderbilt.
The fall opening of the new eastside Portland Streetcar line will complement the center. Whether you’re looking for an activity with dinner or enjoying spare time before a Blazers game, the streetcar can get you to and from the center and plenty of nearby attractions.
Dozens of volunteers worked three decades to preserve this slice of rail history, restoring the SP& S 700 and the better-known SP #4449, which pulled the 1975-76 American Freedom Train in celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. For the full story, check out this video from the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation:
Tags: central eastside, enginehouse, history, locomotives, rail, railroad, trains
January 12th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Very nice to know an important part of history, the ironhorses, are being preserved for the future generations to enjoy. And even better that it is in our city!