The crew, mostly volunteers with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, poses with the 1925 American Locomotive at its home in California before starting the trek to relocate the engine to Tillamook.

5 April 2011

Steam-Powered Tourism

Tillamook Oregon USA - A 1925 American Locomotive featured in the movie "Stand By Me" was unloaded at the Tillamook Air Museum 30 Mar 2011. The 74-ton steam engine, last operated along the Mt. Shasta Dinner excursion route in 2008, is the latest addition for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
 
"This is a very big step," said Kim Wickert, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad board member.
 
The steam engine will be key in the non-profit railroad's expansion plans. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad operates seasonal excursions between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach and hopes to expand the runs to Tillamook in the next few years.
 
The steam engine was purchased from 4 Rails Inc. in California for an undisclosed amount.
 
"This project is actually being financed by one of our members who wishes to remain anonymous," said OCSR President Scott Wickert. "The railroad will pay back that cost over time."
 
Gresham Trucking and Redmond Heavy Hauling charged $15,000 to load the steam engine and its tender and haul them via tractor-trailer to the Tillamook Air Museum. Ten people associated with the railroad accompanied Scott Wickert on the trip.
 
"A lot of heads turned as we drove this big rig up from California to Oregon," Scott Wickert said. "The engine stood 16 feet high and rode on a 134-foot trailer." The more powerful 74-ton engine will allow the railroad to expand excursions with a loop from Rockaway Beach to Tillamook, where the railroad is remodeling the old Tillamook depot. OCSR recently relocated the old train depot to the Blue Heron French Cheese Company in north Tillamook, with plans to restore the building and turn it into an office, museum, and ticket center.
 
Railroad Board Member Doug Rosenberg said the locomotive and depot will be an anchor for economic development.
 
"I have seen so many of the young people get away from Tillamook County over the years," he said. "It kills me to see them go off to somewhere else. This project is helping to keep young people in our community. It is also designed to bring more tourists to the area and keep them longer by offering them more services."
 
The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad also expects to expand its excursions from four days a week to seven days from July first through Labor Day.
 
"We currently only have one locomotive. It is a 60-ton engine that we use in our excursions between Garibaldi and Rockaway," Scott Wickert said. "It has been a good engine, but we are really limited on the operation schedule."
 
By regulation, every 30 days the engine's boiler must be washed and the locomotive serviced, a process that takes about four days.
 
"This will actually be our primary engine and our other locomotive will be our backup," Scott Wickert said. "Having two functioning steam engines means we can also have charter excursions."
 
The current excursion route begins in Garibaldi and runs to Rockaway Beach and back. The train stops in Rockaway Beach for about half an hour before returning to Garibaldi.
 
"Our economy has been slower this year than last," said Lee Hohman, Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce board member. "I think that's because of the uncertainty of everything. So the steam engine will attract many people. We see this as a real plus for economic development. Some of those train riders go to the beach, some go across the street for ice cream, and others go to the stores to shop," Hohman said. "Some people actually take the first train and stay for the whole day."
 
The new engine will be stored at the Air Museum hangar while OCSR makes room at Garibaldi for the expanding train operations. Some minor work will be done on the old engine. Scott Wickert is hopeful it will be ready for the excursion season's opening on Memorial Day weekend. Excursions continue through September.
 
In June and September, the railroad runs the excursions only on weekends. Each round trip lasts about 90 minutes. Cost is $16 for adults and $9 for children. Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling the railroad at 503-842-7972 or visiting www.ocsr.net.
 
Jeremy C. Ruark.