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Oregon Rail Heritage Center (SP4449, SP&S700, OR&N197) #3
Here’s chance to take a look at three of Oregon’s railroad treasures. The City of Portland owns three historic and world famous locomotives. Southern Pacific 4449 was built by Lima in 1941 and is probably the most famous steam locomotive in the world, having pulled the Freedom Train during the 1976 Bicentennial following its career pulling SP Daylight passenger trains. Its stable mate Spokane Portland & Seattle 700, built by Baldwin in 1938, is also a 4-8-4. It used to pull SP&S passenger trains between Portland and Spokane, Washington that were connections to the GN Empire Builder and the NP North Coast Limited transcon trains. Both of these engines have been restored to operation. The 4449 will have just finished its 15 year FRA mandated boiler overhaul and the 700 will be undergoing its 15 year inspection during our visit. The final locomotive in the collection is the oldest of the three, the Oregon Railroad & Navigation (UP) 4-6-2 built in 1905 by Baldwin to serve the Lewis & Clark Exposition in Portland. All three locomotives will be on display in their new engine house, ready for you to examine, touch and photograph. You might even get a chance to chat with famous SP4449 restorer and engineer Doyle McCormack.