Big Steam in Portland Oregon this weekend SP 4449 and SP&S 700 - General Discussion (Trains.com) - Trains.com

Fans of the SP and the SP&S, as well as steam lovers everywhere, may be pleased to note that two of Portland's finest big steam locomotives (SP 4449 and SP&S 700) will be running this weekend! Bring the kids, grandkids and even the whole family.

SP 4449 will be pulling a Polar Express trip out of OMSI [Oregon Museum of Science and Industry] Dec 9-11 and Dec 16-18. See
http://www.orhf.org/2holiday.html
for details. This train will run along the former Portland Traction line now owned by the Oregon Pacific Railroad. The trip is a fundraiser for a proposed museum for Portland's steam engines. Many trips are already sold out, but the 4449 is just a joy to behold.

Details about the 700 steam up are below. It runs to an Amtrak open house on Sunday 12/11 at 4 pm. Thank you to Charlie at the Whistle Stop for putting this in his newsletter.

December 11th – Portland, Oregon - Amtrak Open house and SP&S 700 – Amtrak will be hosting a Holiday Open House at Portland Union Station between 1 and 5 pm. Enjoy refreshments while you look at exhibits from the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association and Operation Lifesaver. Santa Claus will arrive at Portland Union Station at 4:00 PM aboard a special train pulled by Spokane, Portland, and Seattle steam engine (#700).

Donate a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, or bring a canned food item for the Sunshine Division food bank, and receive a coupon to travel Amtrak Cascades and bring a friend for free, or receive a coupon for two children along for free with a paid adult.

Railfans everywhere will understand my delight that I can show my kids two big engines on the same weekend.

Hooray!
Peter
conford