On Saturday, May 19, I participated in another Martin Hansen photographer's special at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. This event celebrated the debut of Polson Logging company 2-8-2 No. 2 on the railroad, where it will become a regular steam power. There is quite a history of this locomotive when it operated for years at the Mid Continent Railroad Museum in New Freedom, Wisconsin. Owner Skip Lechter recently funded and completed a total rebuild, and the museum refused to reimburse him, nor let the engine operate on their tracks. Skip got the engine transported to the Oregon Coast Scenic. Yesterday this special included the No. 2 plus former McCloud River 2-6-2 No. 25. 2 pulled logging cars recently acquired from the Mt. Rainier Scenic while 25 pulled a mixed freight. My photo is a teaser. I have lot going on right now and will deal with more later, possibly a new Railimages album. Thank you Kurt Moose for the attention you have paid to my steam images.
Besides the above, they have the McCloud River #25, an old BN green SD9 chopnose, and Doyle McCormick's old F-unit, painted in GN colors. I think a couple of RDC's as well, but I don't think they run anymore. I try to make it down there once a year, vacation with the Mrs, and just "accidently" pull into town! Mr. Fitz, as you can see, usually gets to hang out for awhile to check it all out, I usually get about an hour.....
Kurt, I don't hang out anymore. If it wasn't for my daughter coming up from CA to drive me there I would not have been there. It was a neat reunion with a lot of other steam fans whom I have done this sort of thing with in the past. A couple more. OK. left the cursor in the wrong spot. The above one was taken at Wheeler. The next one was taken at about 6:40 in the morning before everything started, showing 25 as part of the fun, as Kurt mentioned.
Oh, Man! She looks awesome with the green boiler jacket and polished brass. 50+ years ago, my buddy Fred and I (ages 13 and 11 respectively at the time) got a chance to visit the Cadillac and Lake City, winding up with a short cab tour of #2 after a nice slow ride though the Michigan woods. That definitely made an impression- to the extent that I had fully intended to visit North Freedom when #2 returned to service and was bitterly disappointed at the disagreement that ensued there. Sir, you have shot some absolutely superb photos. Thank you very much for posting.
Ken, the F unit 274 that once belonged to Doyle McCormack pulled the regular scheduled trips that day, and of course the two steamers in this post are active. Not sure about the "Holstein" diesel, but every time I visit there it's in a different location. Soon the Skookum will be up.
That looks really great. I could easily be fooled into thinking that was a shot back when that loco was new to the rails.
Usually I process or at least look at all my photos within 24 hours of a trip. Can't believe how life catches up with you. Retired, and can't figure out how I ever had time to go to work. I downloaded a few more from my cameras yesterday. More Wheeler stuff, both locos.
