Hello, My name is Greg Lussier and I am currently working on a prototypical Milw Rd. layout in which a portion of it will be displayed at this year’s Kittitas County fair with the Heritage Center. This year’s event will be on historic railroads in the Kittitas area and the impact they had. Anyhow, I was also told a little news about the NP depot, below is a copy of the message I received from one of the events organizers. Below is a copy of the message Pam sent me (who is in charge of the exhibit). "Greg, As it so happens, I'm secretary of Historic Ellensburg. Our group has been the main catalyst in trying to obtain the Northern Pacific Depot from the 3 owners who let it sit and rot for several years. Just last Monday, the Ellensburg City Council announced at the City Council Meeting that it had been successful in convincing the owners to sell the Depot to the City. The contract has been signed. The City will fullfil its end of the deal by repairing the roof of the building. Upon completion of damage repair, the City will then sign the building over to Historic Ellensburg. At that time we will begin renovation of the building. I'm hoping that an architect's rendering of the restored depot will be available for the Heritage Center Display over Labor Day. Historic Ellensburg has a Depot Committee already at work. You can let your Railroad friends know that the Northern Pacific Depot in Ellensburg will be historically restored to its previous grandeur. We are most proud to undertake this activity. "
I'd forgotten all about the ex-NP caboose. Is it still there? Is the semaphore still there? Both are precious assets! Boxcab E50
I'll try and find out tomorrow. I have to visit the CWU library for some research on another railroad.
guys I'll forward this question to the heritage center as well. Otherwise I am planning to go to renslow this next week. if i have some extra time I'll check on it. is it near the depot?
The caboose should be across the parking lot from the depot. Last time I saw it, it was painted BN green and yellow, but with no markings.
There is also a BN caboose at the Thorp fruit stand, I saw it last summer, it is on a slight tilt though, but lloks to be in OK condition. Kevin D Mumaw
I haven't stopped there since 1998. Don't recall it being on site at that time. Wonder where it came from? Something else for Greg to check out! Boxcab E50
Looks like I will be heading out tomorrow. thanks for all the info guys. I spoke with the heritage center and they said the NP caboose is still there and as far as they know there are no plans to move it. I'll check into this other one.
I've never seen those, where are those located? </font>[/QUOTE]Kurt- I don't know where all are. But there was at least one located just down hill from the lower Hyak ski area parking lot. There was a road to it from the parking lot. That one belonged to a fellow from Edmonds. Boxcab E50
I got some pictures of the caboose by the NP depot. it is in sad sad shape. It looks like it was painted a while ago in a red color that is now washed out pink. Windows are all broken or boarded up. There is a fence around it as well. not sure if that was there before the vandals took it. As soon as i scan the picture i'll post it. Also took some pics of the depot. it is in bad shape as well. I hope the city is able to restore these. I forgot to check out the throp one. I am heading back that way this weekend. I will try to remember to check out this one and snap a pic.
