Does anyone have any info on Espee's Brooklyn Yard, as it appeared in the 90's, prior to the UP merger? Specifically, track diagrams or photos of the intermodal yard and engine facilities would be a huge help. The main yard would closely follow. Has UP made any changes to the intermodal yard since then? I'd like to build a small layout based on the Brooklyn yard and intermodal ramp and Willsburg Junction and could use some information to assist with track planning. Thanks!
Might try the book by Ed Austin & Tom Dill "Southern Pacific in Oregon" if you can find one. There might be the maps you are looking for. I know there are lots of photos from years gone by. The sand house and fueling station are now gone as the Yello Peril services the locomotives at Albina yard these days.
Sure sounds like a neat layout idea! I would sure like to see some pictures of this facility. It's been a while since I was last there. Boxcab E50
Here's a current view of the former SP roundhouse area at Brooklyn Yard. I've been told the SP had their small engine facilities to the right of the roundhouse.
The roundhouse is also currently the home of SP 4449 and 2 other steam engines that must move soon, as the UP claims it NEEDS the space. Included in those efforts is also a movement, for some obvious and some not-so-obvious reasons, to save Brooklyn Roundhouse as a historical site. I wish them the best of luck!
At this point in time, such an assertion makes me curious. Did they state a specific purpose? It would be difficult to believe that real estate value could have any place here, in this present economic atmosphere, at a site that might even need some cleaning from years of use. Or that shipping markets are driving any present need to expand. So, what are they up to...? ??? Boxcab E50
This didn't just happen, its been going on for several years now. Brought on by the movement from trailers to containers. All those yellow thingies by the roundhouse and turntable are container chassis. I thought they were normally stored standing on end, but apparently the UP does it different. I guess they say the roundhouse/turntable area is preventing them from configuring their IM facility in a manner they would prefer. The fact that just to the left in this photo is a major city street & bridge that severely cuts ground left/right (south/north) traffic movement down to one lane right up next to the rails doesn't seem to be an obstacle. Seems its not abnormal for the UP to antagonize or simply jack with someone regardless of cost. And oh, yeah, the 4449 DOES say SOUTHERN PACIFIC it. I think they've also prohibited it from movement on its mainlines, or set exorbitant rates.
It would be difficult to believe that real estate value could have any place here, in this present economic atmosphere, at a site that might even need some cleaning from years of use. Boxcab E50[/quote] It is very possible the area will need a very expensive clean up. When the SP&S/BN Hoyt Street roundhouse was torn down and the property sold years of oil, diesel fuel, and other chemicals were discovered when excavation for the condominiums started. It cost millions and "clean" soil had to be brought in before the area was safe. The same problem is almost a certainty with the Brooklyn roundhouse.
If true, it's a great (NOT) PR move. Doing that to one of the world's most famous locos would be odiferous beyond that smell of a skunk. Boxcab E50
I don't know it to be a fact, but it seems all recent excursions have been on other than UP trackage — mostly BNSF and even some W&P.
Most of the movements have been on BNSF, PNWR, or OPRR trackage. I don't know if there is a reason for this or if they just have an easier time negotiating with these other roads. A lot of PNWR folks I know are closet foamers, so that may have something to do with the frequency of 4449 on PNWR trackage. For the 4449 to go anywhere outside the roundhouse, however, it does have to travel on at least some UP trackage.
Here are a few ground level shots for you guys that I took back in 2007. Here you can see the roundhouse in the distance. Puget Sound & Pacific Turn Table Ben
Some more historic equipment. And who could take pictures at Brooklyn Yard without snapping a shot of a former SP unit working? Ben
It's been so long, and much has changed. Wasn't there a yard tower to the left of, and behind where that engine is positioned? Near where the silver signal box is located? Boxcab E50
Ya know I wish I had the answer but it was my first time in that area of Portland. Maybe someone else will know? Ben
If there was a yard tower there it was pre-1992. I went to college mere blocks from this yard and spent a lot of time rubber-necking off the same overpass where bravogjt apparently took that one shot and also just sneaking up close and taking a look. It was all still SP back then. Seemed like it would go on forever... sigh! One thing that was constantly in the background those years was the sound of trains being made up. You'd hear those little EMD switchers picking up speed and chugging another line of cars together. Some people complained, but to me it was just a reminder that all was right in the world.
Brooklyn Yard Found this photo from Jeff Black on Nor-Cal SP Connection that shows the yard tower you might be thinking about. I haven't been there in quite some time so the tower might now be gone.
