Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad coach number 2127 - Date/Photographer unknown.

10 June 2008

All Aboard! It's Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Tillamook Oregon USA - After six years of stream trains chugging along the picturesque rail lines between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad has become a key attraction in Tillamook County.
 
And what's not to like about restored cars, an exclusive route along the bay, and an authentic, antiquated, transportation experience? There's something for the engineering enthusiasts, the locals who want to show off their home turf to visitors, and aging generations of Thomas the Tank Engine fans.
 
This year, OCSR has even more to offer, from immediate perks to big dreams for the future, rising and expanding the steam from the locomotives.
 
To start, the train will run through the end of September, a bit longer than usual, and on Mondays in July and August, in addition to its regular Friday-Sunday schedule. There are two planned day-long trips to Salmonberry in October. One such trip was offered last year, but the locomotive malfunctioned, and the group didn't make it all the way.
 
OCSR, a nonprofit group, recently acquired an old-fashioned commuter car, pictured above, from a private owner in California. After a fresh coat of paint, new windows, and spruced-up seats, the enclosed car will hold 96 people, almost doubling the train's current capacity.
 
OCSR aims to have the car ready in time for the 4 Jul 2008 Fireworks Spectacular, when the train carries revelers to Rockaway for the ocean-front evening fireworks show. The group typically borrows cars from the Port of Tillamook Bay to meet the extra demand and still sells out, Kim Wickert said.
 
The permanent indoor seating also opens up a new realm of possibilities, from Santa train rides in December and other themed trips that haven't been possible outside the summer months, to dinner trains in years to come.
 
The commuter car adds to the overall look and feel of the OCSR experience, which includes the Heisler No. 2 engine, a scarce, geared, locomotive that was built for logging railroads, like the one owned by the port.
 
"Steam locomotives in general are rare," Wickert explained, adding that the one operated by OCSR is especially so. There are only about 30 Heisler engines left in the world, and only 11 of the type used by OSCR still run.
 
With such treasures as these, the non-profit is looking to finally set up permanent shop at the Port of Tillamook Bay, its partner from the beginning. If the group is successful in securing a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Transportation, it will begin work for a 15,000-square-foot facility to house machinery, administrative offices, meeting and public viewing rooms, giving it a museum feel.
 
"We can't wait for the future to come, to show the public what Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad has tucked away," Wickert said, explaining the group has equipment spread all over the Northwest for lack of a home.
 
Construction could begin in 2011. The Collection Restoration Facility, to be located next to the Tillamook Air Museum, would be the catalyst for more growth, allowing for routes from Garibaldi to Tillamook, the acquisition and restoration of more equipment and countless volunteer opportunities.
 
For more information, a schedule and prices, visit www.ocsr.net.