Any cool trains near Portland, OR?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be up in the Portland, OR area, and I'm interested if there are any museums or train related attractions in the area?

Is the SP 4449 anywhere it can be seen?

Thanks for the help!

[simon1966]

I was in Portland earlier this week. No real time for train stuff, but went to the Whistle Stop hobby shop. A good well stocked store, with it's own custom Accurail freight cars for NW short lines.

[Anonymous]

4449 and the SP&S 700 are at the former SP Brooklyn Yard roundhouse, which is located in the southeast quadrant of the city. Lots of other neat locomotives there, too, such as former GN F unit, and RS-4/5, etc.

[Anonymous]

Can you give me directions to either places? Is there a web site for the roundhouse? I'd really love to go to the roundhouse. Is it open all the time?

Thanks for the quick repsonse!

[simon1966]

http://wsor.com/wsmap.htm

This is to the hobby shop. It is not far from the airport, which is why I was able to get to it!

[Don Gibson]

The Brooklyn Yard is just E of McLaughlin Blvd (99E) south end of of town. Home of SP 4449 and SP&S 700 4-8-4's.

Amtrak runs the 'Starlight' (High Levels) arriving PDX Southbound 1:55 (generally). where it sits for 30 minutes, also several European made 'Talgo' s (articulated) trains daily.

Probably best train watching spot is Vancouver (WA) depot where trains arrive 35 minutes earlier / later on the Portland / Seattle corridor plus with BNSF / UP freights.

Best Amtrak Scenic train trips: PDX - Spokane eastbound along the Gorge; Eugene - Klamath Falls southbound over the Cascades (spectacular).

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!

[Anonymous]

Mapquest sows a yard just east of McLaughlin Blvd and running north and south of Holgate Blvd. Is this it?

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wes454

Mapquest sows a yard just east of McLaughlin Blvd and running north and south of Holgate Blvd. Is this it?

BINGO!

Youll need to drive in from the west side to reach the roundhouse - which isn't very round - only a few stalls left.

[Anonymous]

Thanks again! I can't wait to get up there. Do you know if they are open to visitors?

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wes454

Thanks again! I can't wait to get up there. Do you know if they are open to visitors?

It's not advertised as "open" however if anyone is inside working, visitors can come in to gawk - and generally be ignored.

They have a website: 'Friends of 4449'

[Anonymous]

Well guys, I just back from Oregon, and thanks to all for helping me find the roundhouse! I would have to say that that was the most fun I have had in a long time! The people there were friendly & knowledgable. We had a great time, got some great pictures of both 4449 and 700. They even let us in the cab of 4449! I never imagined that I would ever be in the cab of a steam engine! What a thrill!

I took along my grandfather from Pocatello, ID, who is a old steel fabricator, and he was like a kid in a candy store with all the lathes and presses and other equipment! I would highly recomment anyone making the stop there if you're in the area!

[Jetrock]

It sounds like it's a little late, but another nice thing in Portland is the historic trolley line. While trolleys may not be your thing, it's neat to see old trolleys from the 1920's or even earlier trundling down modern city streets--this is in addition to Portland's two other light-rail systems. I'll have to take a look at that yard (and that hobby shop) the next time I go to Portland.

The Coast Starlight is a nice way to make the trip, if you can afford sleeper class...the sleeper passengers get a private lounge car, and the views are spectacular even from coach!