On the way to the Oregon Pacific Rwy tour today, I spotted 3 former MILW smoothsides in what looked like a faded BN green and white, near downtown, parked on a siding. After the tour, armed with GPS, we retraced our steps, and found the cars, and bagged some pics. The porthole windows were surefire MILW heritage, but who owns them, and why are they in BN colors? What are they doing in Portland? MILW tracks didn't reach this far south, right? Oh, Fitz???
As part of the BN merger terms, Milw did reach Portland on trackage rights. Into Brooklyn Yard. But not the area you mention. When you get back to Union Station to head home, take a look on the west side, (behind), the depot. There is/was a brick building about 3-4 stories tall, across the old coach yard. It has/had a big Milw sign painted in the side facing the station. Still there? Watch out for bums.... There used to be a fair number inhabiting that area.... Boxcab E50
Hemi, I get to Portland about as often as you do. I am not familiar with them, unless they were the same ones parked near OMSI when the Springwater Trail opening took place in 2003--That's along the OP right of way. :tb-confused:
There's so much trackage in Portland. Can you narrow down where you were? There are some passenger cars over near OMSI, some with the little portholes you mention. Other than that, I don't know, but I am here so if you give me a location I might be able to get some information through the local foamer network.
Yup, you guys have the OMSI (great place to waste a few hours!) location correct. Next to a construction site of replacing a Mclaughlin Blvd bridge.
