GARIBALDI, Ore. – A few years , ago, a day like the one we experienced today at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad would have been impossible. Who would think that three legendary locomotives of Western logging railroad history would be on one magnificently scenic railroad, much less all of them in steam.
But on Thursday, the first day of our Trains-sponsored photo charter at Oregon Coast Scenic such a scenario unfolded for myself and 43 participants from the Pacific Northwest, nationwide, and Europe.
There is much to say about this railroad, the former Southern Pacific Tillamook Branch, and the locomotives, McCloud River 2-6-2 No. 25, Polson Logging Co. 2-8-2 No. 2, and the star attraction, the newly rebuilt Skookum, a rare 2-4-4-2 that has not steamed since 1955. Suffice it to say that Skookum, after a mechanical issue last week, performed well, much to the appreciation of all. After a great day with no problems, the engine had a tender axle bearing go bad, so they were setting about making repairs when we left this afternoon. To all of the staff and crew at Oregon Coast Scenic, our sincere appreciation for your efforts to get this remarkable locomotive in front of us.
I’ll share a few photos now. More tomorrow after day two.
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