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LATEST NEWS & EVENTS on the OREGON PACIFIC RR  2012
Copyright © 2004-2013 All Rights Reserved
Last Update: June 10, 2013
Photos of the No. 5100 at the ORHC on Display
Update: January 6, 2013

The OPR has loaned to ORHF, its GE 70 tonner diesel locomotive, No. 5100.   The 5100 is a historical GE 70 tonner
purchased by the Southern Pacific as a brand new locomotive in 1949.   In 1977 it was sold to Weyerhauser where it served
on the Weyerhauser Springfield Branch until it was closed in 1986.   The OPR purchased this engine in 1989 for several
years it was used to pull scrap and work trains while scrapping out the remains of the PTC Boring Branch.   The OPR has not
used the 5100 in operational service since the early 1990s.   However, a complete restoration was begun and largely finished,
including new paint and engine.   The 5100 still requires some minor work to be operational, but the OPR has pushed this
project back due to other higher priorities.

In mid December 2012, the 5100 was moved by the OPR to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center where it is currently on outdoor
display at the south end of the complex.   It is expected to remain there on display for at least several months.
Trimet/OPR Diamonds Have Arrived, East Portland Division to be Temporarily Closed Soon
Update: January 6, 2013

The Trimet Milwaukie Light Rail Project is in full swing with massive construction underway on many parts of the new right of
way.  One of those projects will be building an at grade crossing over the OPR East Portland Division mainline, near the East
Portland Yards.   The double track crossing will be one of only a few existing in the entire U.S. where a Light Rail transit line
crosses over a Common Carrier Railroad at grade level.

When complete, an interlocking plant will protect both railroads.   Per agreements with Trimet, they will have the right of way
most of the time, protected from the OPR mainline via remote operated derails.   When the OPR needs to enter or leave the
East Portland Yard, they will call the Trimet dispatcher, who will be required to lock out the Max Trains and allow the OPR
through.

The installation of the diamonds will be a major project and will involve concrete pours and additional work to the nearby
relocated Water Ave.   The OPR will be severed from the East Portland Yards while this work is being done for approximately
two weeks, beginning January 20th.
11th Street Crossover Switch Project Nearing Completion
Update: January 10, 2013

Last year, OPR crews began construction of a new crossover switch near 11th Street on the East Portland Division.  The
switch was to connect the mainline with an existing siding.   That siding was extended during the reconstruction of the 11th
street crossing last year and plans are to extend it further.    The crossover switch project was put on hold as crews worked on
other projects, but crews have returned to the crossover project and are expected to have it completed within a week.

Once the crossover is finished, plans are to relocate the cars being stored on the siding, over to the Oregon City spur for
continued storage.

The crossover switch is part of a larger project to extend the existing siding to as far north as 9th and Linn Street where it will
connect back to the mainline and allow for a run-around track.   An additional spur off of the siding is planned as a storage
spur for the OPR's Santa Rosa with a car barn constructed to protect the car.

In this photo, taken yesterday, crews are installing the long ties needed for the crossover and switches.
Prep Work for Diamond Install Continues at the East Portland Yards
Update: January 14, 2013

Construction crews are preparing to install the crossing diamonds near the East Portland Yards where the Trimet Milwaukie
Light Rail will cross over the OPR.   Light rail track has been laid just west of the OPR in the new Water Street alignment in
preparation for paving Water Street.  This new track will be connected to the diamonds when they are installed around
January 20th.   In the below photos you can see the new light rail track.   Also included is a photo rendering from Trimet
showing what the general area will look like including the OPR/Trimet diamonds and crossing.
11th Street Crossover Work Continues
Update: January 14, 2013

OPR crews have installed and ballasted the needed ties for the new crossover at 11th street on the East Portland Division.
Track has been tamped and is now ready for rails and switch installations of the crossover.   Work on the crossover is
expected to be completed this week, after which, the cars and locomotive in the siding will be removed.    In the last photo,
looking north, the siding currently ends just north of 11th street, but the siding will be extended all the way to 9th street, where
a second switch will be installed.  An additional spur will be built onto property owned by the OPR as long term storage spur
and car barn for the Santa Rosa.
Historic PGE Tower Next to the OPR is Removed.
Update: January 21, 2013

As part of the new Sellwood Bridge Construction, PGE recently removed one of its large power line towers that was located
next to the OPR tracks.   The towers are a fixture along the OPR's East Portland Branch and actually follow the line from East
Portland all the way to Estacada where they feed power from the Faraday Dam rebuilt on the site of the former Cazadaro Dam
that at one point supplied the power for the trolley and motor car lines for most of Portland.    The power lines were rerouted
to new towers.   Photos by Dick Samuels, OPR owner.
Sellwood Bridge Move
Update: January 21, 2013

This past weekend, construction crews replacing the Sellwood Bridge completed a major milestone as they moved the old
bridge onto new piers to make room for the new bridge construction, while allowing traffic to still pass over the old bridge.   
The project was massive in scale.   The Sellwood bridge project has potential to have a major effect on the OPR as the OPR
East Portland Division tracks pass under the east Sellwood bridge approach.    The project is expected to take several more
years and so far, impact to OPR service has be minimal as crews have not yet begun major work on the east approach.  Work
on the east approach is expected to take place during the latter part of the project, possibly in the next year or so.   Photos by
OPR owner Dick Samuels.
OPR/Trimet Crossing Construction Now Underway
Update: January 25, 2013

Construction crews for the Milwaukie Light Rail have begun construction on the new at grade crossing that will cross the OPR
mainline just south of the OPR's new East Portland Yard.   The Light Rail double track will cross over the single track OPR
mainline, requiring the installation of new brand new crossing diamonds.   More information on these diamonds and photos
can been seen further down on this page.   We'll update on the construction as it progresses.

The project requires that the OPR be severed from it's East Portland Yards for approximately two weeks, while crews install
the new crossing.   Photo by OPR owner Richard Samuels.
OPR 1202 Now Operating on the Molalla Branch Division
Update: January 25, 2013

On Wednesday January 23rd, Union Pacific crews moved the OPR 1202 from East Portland, down the UP mainline, to the
Canby Interchange.   The 1202 was set out at the south end of the interchange where it was picked up by OPR crews today
and taken to Liberal to make it's first revenue move on the Molalla Branch.   Loads and empties were hauled back to Canby
later in the day.

The 1202 was moved to the Molalla Division because the primary Molalla Division locomotive, the No. 801, is suffering from
mechanical problems that require a complete engine rebuild.  That rebuild is scheduled for later this winter and will take at
least several months.  Meanwhile the No. 1202 will be the primary locomotive for the Molalla Division along with the No. 901,
which serves primarily on the west end of the branch for American Steel.   Below photos taken by OPR's Brian Samuels.
Trimet/OPR Crossing Diamonds Installed, Construction Continues
Update: January 28, 2013

Over the past weekend, construction crews installed the two crossing diamonds on the OPR's East Portland Division, near the
East Portland Yards.  The diamonds will allow Trimet's Milwaukie Light Rail to cross the OPR at grade.    While the diamonds
have been welded into place, the project will continue for several more weeks as crews contain both crossings in concrete.
Photos by OPR owner Richard Samuels.
East Portland Division 11th Street Crossover Nearly Complete
Update: February 7, 2013

The 11th Street Crossover Project is now almost finished.  Crews have installed and spiked all of the rail and switches.  Switch
stands have been installed at both ends.   The crossover needs to be ballasted and tamped which will happen next week and
it will then be open for train movement.    The box car and passenger car in the siding will be moved and stored on the nearby
Oregon City spur.   The No. 187 locomotive will be moved to the OPR shops it preparation to be disassembled by its new
owners.   The below photos were taken earlier in the week and show the project prior to adding the final rail.
Trimet/OPR Crossing Diamonds Installed, Project Finished, East Portland Division Reopened.
Update: February 7, 2013

The East Portland Division is now back in service as crews have finished installing the two Trimet diamond crossings over the
OPR mainline near the East Portland Yards.   The extensive project involved laying new rail, installing the two diamonds and
pouring concrete around both diamonds in preparation for the area Max/Bus Station construction.

The below photos include the final days of construction this week as well as the No. 100 making the first movement over the
diamonds today as a load of cars is brought in to Milwaukie.

The nearby Water Ave is now also open to vehicle traffic.
Golf Junction Rearranged
Update: February 26, 2013

Golf Junction looks a little dififerent today.  As part of the new crossover switch at 11th street and the plan to relocate the 187
to the shop area for scrapping (see other news post), several cars were moved at Golf Junction.   The once empty Oregon
City Spur is now occupied with a derelic box car and passenger car that once occupied the siding at Gold Junction.  The 187
was moved from fenced compound at the end of the siding to the shop.    This leaves room for car storage on the Golf
Junction siding while the siding is expanded to 9th street.
OPR 187 Prepped for Scrapping
Update: February 26, 2013

The OPR 187 will be scrapped soon.   It was moved from it's storage compound at Golf Junction to the OPR shops, where
scrapping will begin soon by the new owner.   Plans are to save the engine, which will be installed in the OPR's 1127
restoration project.  Other parts were saved for OPR use.  The trucks, frame and body will be scrapped and retained by the
new owner.    The OPR has offered the 187 for sale for the last several years, but with no takers.   The fate of the 187 was
sealed several years ago, when metal thieves broke into it and completely ransacked the cab and cut all of the traction motor
cables.   The damage made repairs uneconomical.   With the purchase of several new locomotives in the meanwhile and one
locomotive restoration already underway, there was no economical reason to retain or restore the 187.   Unfortunately
because no buyers could be found and because metal thieves continued to break into the compound and dismantle and steel
parts, it was decided that the remaining asset value of the 187 had to be utilized and it was sold to a scrapper.

The below photos show the 187 set out on McBrod Ave, just below the OPR shops, next to the OPR's newest locomotive, the
1413.
OPR Hosts a Wedding Train
Update: February 26, 2013

This past Sunday, the OPR hosted a wedding train for a couple.   The wedding took place at the Oaks Pioneer Church,
located near the Spokane Street crossing on the OPR.   The wedding party was transported to Oaks Station via the Santa
Rose and 1413, where they deboarded and held their reception at the Oaks Park Pavilion.   Congratulations to the couple.
OPR Hosts its First Charter of 2013...More to Come.
Update: March 9, 2013

Today, the OPR hosted its first charter train of the 2013 season.   The charter was a birthday train and lasted several hours.  
The weather was perfect on this early March day.   Also for the first time, the OPR made a stop at the new ORHF facility and
allowed the passengers to tour the new home of Portland's three famous steam locomotives.

For more information on our charters, please visit our charters page.   Or call 503-659-5452
Primer Mover Engine Swap of the OPR 801 Begins
Update: March 28,  2013

The OPR's No. 801 has faithfully served on the OPR Molalla Division since approximately 1993.  Still today a favorite of the
OPR crews, the locomotive has been repaired several times during it's life on the OPR, but now requires a major engine
overhaul.   This month, OPR crews are removed and hood and removed the prime mover  and set it aside for future rebuild.
In the next few months, the engine out of the OPR No. 187 will be removed and installed in the 801.   The No. 187 has been
sold and is slated to be scrapped in the next month or so.   The engine in the 801 was completely overhauled years ago, but
never used.  Both the 801 and 187 share the same 8-567-B engine.   Eventually the current 801 engine will be completely
rebuilt and installed in the No. 1127 restoration project.
Car Drives onto OPR Tracks on the East Portland Division
Update: April 1,  2013

Early last week in the last evening hours, a car mistakenly drove onto the OPR tracks on the East Portland Division, near the
Goodwill crossing.   The vehicle apparently mistook the tracks as a road and driver drove until he was high centered.  No
damage to the tracks were done, however OPR officials had to respond to the scene.   The vehicle was towed off of the tracks
without incident and the driver appeared to be uninjured.
OPR Celebrates 22 Years of Common Carrier Service on this Day
Update: April 1,  2013

It was this day, 22 years ago, that the OPR officially began operations as a common carrier railroad and took over the
Portland Traction Company operation.    Known originally as the East Portland Traction Company, Dick Samuels formed the
company several years earlier to full fill his contract to scrap the Portland Traction Company Boring Branch and eventually
take over the remaining operations.   By 1993, Mr. Samuels would purchase the Southern Pacific Molalla Branch, naming that
operation the Molalla Western.  By 1997 both operations were officially combined under a new name, the Oregon Pacific
Railroad.   For more information about the OPR history, check out our OPR history page.
OPR Hosts Another Charter
Update: April 2,  2013

On this day, the OPR hosts another birthday charter on the East Portland Division.  Today the charter consisted of the 1413,
open air car and former Samtrak caboose.   The train stopped at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where the passengers and
guests toured the museum and had lunch for several hours.

For more information about how to charter a train on the OPR, please visit our OPR Charters Page.
No. 1202 Will Be Moved to the Molalla Branch This Week
Update: January 21, 2013

OPR Engine No. 1202 is expected to be transferred to the Molalla Branch sometime this week.   Union Pacific crews will move
the engine light engine, single unit from the East Portland Yards to the Molalla Branch interchange.    Currently the Molalla
Branch has two locomotives on site, the No. 801 and the No. 901.   The 801 has been the primary workhorse of the branch for
almost 20 years, but its engine needs a major overhaul.   The 1202 will replace the 801 for at least several months or longer
until the 801 can be repaired.  Plans are to use engine parts from the derelict No. 187, which has a rebuilt engine.

The 1202 has been the primary workhorse of the East Portland Division since 2005.   It's been augmented by the famous No.
100 and most recently by the No. 1413.   Those two engines will soon be the only operable power on the East Portland
Division.   The No. 1127 is slated to have its restoration continued in the future and it will likely become the primary engine
when completed several years from now.   Until then, the 100 and 1413 will serve in that role.
Dismantling of the No. 187 has Begun
Update: April 6,  2013

Recently OPR crews have begun the dismantle process of the No. 187.  While the 187 has been sold to scrappers who will
eventually scrap the entire locomotive, the OPR has an agreement with the new owner to salvage the engine out of the 187,
which will be swapped into the OPR's No. 801.   Since this project has priority, the OPR has begun the process of removing
the hood and rails and other parts of the locomotive to gain access to the engine, prior to the new owner scrapping the rest of
the locomotive sometime in the future.
Fire Damaged OPR Passenger Car Sold to New Owner
Update: April 6,  2013

Several years ago the OPR acquired a fire damaged passenger car with the intention of fully restoring it and using it on
excursions.    Work on the car had begun, but was put on hold due to other pressing projects.   Meanwhile, the OPR
purchased the already restored and operational Santa Rosa Business Car and work on the former car was suspended
indefinitely.   The passenger car languished on the Golf Junction siding with the likelihood of being scrapped in the future.

However, it's now received a new lease on life as it was just recently purchased by a new owner who intends to fully restore
the car.   As part of the sale agreement, the car is being stored on the OPR's Oregon City Spur.   The new owners have since
cleaned out the inside of the car, fenced it off and covered the windows.   Because the car will be stored on the OPR for the
indefinite future, we'll be keeping tabs on its restoration and look forward to seeing the progress, so stayed tuned.   
New Historical Portland Traction Company Photos
Update: April 9,  2013

Two new historical photos of the Portland Traction Company have surfaced.  Both have been added to our
Portland Traction Company History Page.    The first photo was taken at Cazadaro at an unknown date, but probably 1920s.  
Cazadaro was the far eastern end of the PEPCo and interurban lines.   It was located east of Estacada and was the
interchange for several logging railroads that continued east into the Cascade Range.

The second photo is the EMD builder's photo of the Portland Traction Company's No. 200, taken in 1952.  The No. 200 is the
sister engine to the OPR's No. 100, former Portland Traction Company No. 100.   Both engines still exist today with the OPR
operating the 100 in regular service while the 200 is believe to still be operating as a plant switcher back east.
Stacy & Witbeck Crews Move Equipment from East Portland to McBrod Ave Spur.
Update: April 16,  2013

Last Friday, Stacy & Witbeck crews moved a tamper, ballast car and regulator from East Portland Yards to the OPR's McBrod
Ave Spur.   This equipment was being used to work on the OPR's East Portland Yard Project. With that project nearly
completion and the need for the equipment to be used elsewhere, Stacy & Witbeck needed a place where the equipment
could be loaded from rails onto trucks.   The end of McBrod Ave has street track and allows for easy access to load rail
equipment onto flatbed trucks via cranes.   This past Monday, crews off loaded the equipment and they departed the OPR.  
Stacy & Witbeck will bring back its crews and equipment to finish up the remainder of the East Portland Yard project as it
relates directly to the ongoing Trimet Milwaukie Light Rail Project.
Two New Historical Photos
Update: April 18,  2013

Two new historical Portland Traction Company photos have surfaced recently.  The first photo taken November 1957 shows
the PRTD No. 100 at the East Portland Yards.  Note the trolley poles still attached to the 100, used to shunt crossings.  Not
long after this photo was taken, the trolley service on the Portland Traction Company line ended and the power lines came
down.   The trolley poles were then removed once all crossings were shunted conventionally.

The second photo was taken by Richard Samuels in January 1965 just after the famous Oregon 1964 floods.  It was taken
from the north end of the present day North Bridge on the OPR's East Portland Branch, looking south.   The overflowing
Willamette River on the right has overwhelmed and washed out the tracks in the area.
Work Will Begin on the Privately Owned Great Northern Business Car
Update: April 18,  2013

The derelic Great Northern Business Car A-26 that was recently sold by the OPR to a private owner, but will remain on OPR
property, will soon have its restoration take a major step forward.    The car is currently stored on the OPR Oregon City Spur.  
The OPR will move the car this coming Monday to East Portland, where the owners will have the car sand blasted and
painted.   The car will then return back to the Oregon City Spur where the owners will have a rod iron fence installed around
the car while further interior restoration work is under taken this spring and summer.
1977 Reprint of a 1904 Street Rwy Jnls, Offers Unique Glimpse into Portland Traction History
Update: April 25,  2013

Part of the Samuels Family collection is an issue of Traction Heritage Magazine.  A magazine printed in 1977 that reprints
older articles.  One of those articles printed originally in 1904 is all about the then new constructed Oregon Water Power & Ry
Co.  The predecessor to PEPCo, the Portland Traction Company and ultimately, the OPR's East Portland Division.   Shown
here is the article.   We will also post it on our Portland Traction Company History Page.
1202 in Action on the OPR's Molalla Branch Division
Update: April 26,  2013

The OPR 1202 has been working the Molalla Branch now for several months very successfully.   Prior to that, it was the
primary locomotive for the East Portland Division, where it was commonly seen pulling both passenger and freight trains.  
Shown here in a photo taken by OPR's Tim Samuels, the 1202 is crossing the Molalla River Bridge with loads of lumber on
April 26, 2013.
Great Northern A-26 Business Car Restoration Progress
Update: April 26,  2013

The restoration of the privately owned Great Northern A-26 business car is currently underway.   The owner of the car had it
sand blasted at the OPR's East Portland Yards this week and it will be painted in primer this Saturday.   It will then be returned
to its resting place at Golf Junction, on the Oregon City Spur, where restoration work will continue.
Work Progressing on the New OPR Brushcutter
Update: April 26,  2013

Although the OPR's brushcutter project has been over a year in the making, work is progressing rapidly and the project is
nearing completion.   The new brushcutter attachment and engine will be attached to the OPR's speedswing when complete.
The brush cutter is entirely shop made and OPR shop fabricated, mostly by Richard Samuels and Brian Samuels.
Work Progressing on the New OPR Brushcutter Part 2
Update: May 2,  2013

More photos from the Brushcutter as the project nears the homestretch for completion.   Note the photo of the diesel engine
that will power the hydraulics.
Engine Removed from the OPR No. 187 Locomotive.
Update: May 3,  2013

As part of the project to replace the engine in the OPR's No. 801 Locomotive, crews removed the engine out of the OPR's No.
187.  As reported in earlier news posts, the No. 187 is slated to be scrapped entirely.  So far, some parts have already been
removed and a few days ago, the entire prime mover was removed.   This engine, which was overhauled a number of years
ago, but never fired, will be installed in the No. 801 soon so that it can be returned to service.
Privately Owned Great Northern Business Car Project Update
Update: May 4,  2013

The Great Northern Business Car A-26, which was sold to a private owner by the OPR has since been sand blasted and
primer painted at the East Portland Yards.   Yesterday, the OPR 100 brought the back to the Oregon City Spur, where it will
remain in storage as the owner continues with his plans to restore or convert the car.

The new owner has been leased a section of the Oregon City spur by the OPR.  He then graveled and maintained the spur
and built a very nice wrought iron fence to house and protect the car as work progresses.
Chris McLarney's UP Caboose Will be Featured at this Years National Train Day
Update: May 5,  2013

OPR volunteer Chris McLarney owns an impressive and accurately restored Union Pacific Caboose that he worked on mostly
himself.   This caboose is currently stored at the OPR shops when not in use.  This year, Chris's caboose has been invited to
the National Train Day event at Portland's Union Station.   The OPR plans to pull Chris's caboose to the Oregon Rail Heritage
Center at East Portland, this Friday, where the SP&S 700, PRPA's Traveler's Rest and Chris's UP caboose will travel to Union
Station under the SP&S 700's power.   All be featured on display along with other rail related equipment on Saturday May
10th.   OPR volunteer Kevin Novak will also be on hand featuring his speeder on display.    The OPR will not be featuring one
its locomotives this year as in year's past.
No. 187 Engine Being Transported to the Molalla Branch Division
Update: May 8,  2013

The No. 187's engine, which was removed last week, was transported to the Molalla Branch Division by truck. Crews will soon
get to work installing the engine into the OPR No. 801 so that it can be returned to regular service.
Oregon Pacific Railroad Offering Public Train Rides on Memorial Day and 4th of July
Update: May 8,  2013

The OPR will be offering at least two special public events over the next few months. The first event will be on Memorial Day,
May 27th. Starting at around 10am, the OPR will have a train at Oaks Station, near Oaks Amusement Park and will begin
giving rides along the East Portland Division through the afternoon hours. There won't be a set schedule and instead trains
will run based on demand. Locomotive rides will also be available. Speeders might be on hand to give rides to the public as
well, although this is still tentative. The expected consist for this event will be the OPR's No. 1413 locomotive, our red
excursion caboose, excursion open air car, Chris McLarney's restored Union Pacific caboose and the OPR No. 100
locomotive.

On July 4th, the OPR will be offering a similar event. Both speeders and a train will be on hand from approximately 10am until
after the fireworks show at Oaks Amusement Park, around 10pm. The expected consist for this event will be the OPR's No.
1413 locomotive, our red excursion caboose, excursion open air car, Chris McLarney's restored Union Pacific caboose and
the OPR No. 100 locomotive.

Ticket prices for both events will be $5 per person to ride either the train or speeder. Locomotive cab rides will be available for
$10 per person. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the event on a first come, first served basis.
OPR Brings Chris McLarney's Caboose to ORHC & Helps PRPA Switch out Train Day Train.
Update: May 12,  2013

This past Friday, OPR's No. 100, brought Chris McLarney's restored UP caboose to the East Portland Yards where it was
switched into the PRPA's Train Day Train.   The PRPA and it's SP&S 700 locomotive, were invited to attend the National Train
Day event at Portland's Union Station, this past Saturday.    The OPR 100 switched out the PRPA's Traveler's Rest passenger
car and Chris's caboose as well and helping to pull the 700 out of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

The SP&S 700, Traveler's Rest and Chris's caboose all traveled to Union Station under the 700's power.
Crews Pouring More Concrete Around the East Portland Diamonds
Update: May 8,  2013

Stacy and Witbeck crews work on pouring concrete around the diamond crossings at the East Portland Yards. While the track
has long since been installed and in service, crews had not finished the concrete pour around the diamonds, instead working
on the adjacent Trimet Water Ave crossing.
OPR Hosts Another Charter
Update: May 12,  2013

This past Saturday, the OPR ran another birthday charter.   As part of this charter, the OPR brought the train to the Oregon
Rail Heritage Center, where riders were able to take a private tour of the museum.   The SP&S 700 was at Union Station that
day, but riders were still able to see the museum's other exhibits.    For more information on how to charter a train on the
OPR, please visit our Charter's page.
SP&S 700 Returns from Train Day, OPR 100 Bring's Chris's Caboose Back to the OPR Shops.
Update: May 12,  2013

This past Saturday evening, the SP&S 700 and its consist returned from an all day National Train Day event at Union Station.  
The OPR No. 100 switched out the PRPA's Traveler's Rest passenger car and Chris McLarney's restored UP caboose.   The
700 returned to its resting place in the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and the OPR 100 brought Chris's caboose back to the
OPR shops.
Two historical Portland Traction Company photos from Samuels collection.
Update: May 17,  2013

Two very interesting photos have surfaced from the Samuels collection.  The first photo was taken in July 1957 by Doug
Anderson and shows Oaks Station looking south.  Note the passenger shed on the right and the spur going into Oaks Park on
the left.   Only a few months after this photo was taken trolley service would end on this line forever.  Photo next to it what that
same view looks like today.

The second photo was taken by Richard Samuels in March 1959.   It shows Golf Junction looking north from south of 13th
street.   Note the speeder and storage sheds that were at one time located here.   Photo next to it was that same view looks
like today.
Engine 187 Featured in a Local Business Catalog Back in 2008
Update: May 18,  2013

Engine 187, which is currently meeting its final demise as its being disassembled and scrapped, was once featured in a local
Baggallini catalog, a woman's hand bag company based here in Milwaukie.  The catalog was recently discovered in the
company collection and here are a few photos from the catalog, including the cover, featuring parts of the No. 187.
PEPCo Timetable Found from 1942 (Gresham Division)
Update: May 18,  2013

Another timetable related to the former operations that the OPR now runs has been found.  This time, its a PEPCo timetable
dating from 1942, WW2.   The Timetable is interesting for a number of reasons.  First of all, it's the oldest timetable we've be
able to find so far.  Most of our timetables exist from the late 1940s through the late 1950s.    Secondly, it shows a few stations
that we previously did not know existed, such as a station at SE 17th Street.   And thirdly, the front of the timetable has
several features involving the war.   More timetables can be found on our Portland Traction Co. History Page.
Lots of Historical Information Found in a 1958 Portland Traction Company Magazine Article.
Update: May 21,  2013

Written only a few months after trolley service ended on the Portland Traction Company lines, this article in the August 1958
edition of Western Railroader magazine has some interesting information and photos.  This article has also be published on
our Portland Traction Company History Page.
OPR Molalla Division Out of Service this Week Due to Construction.
Update: May 21,  2013

The City of Canby is currently planning an expansion of Sequoia Parkway to 13th Avenue.  This project, among other things,
will allow truck traffic on Mulino Road to avoid passing under the OPR overpass on Mulino road, near 13th Ave.   The primary
purpose of the expansion to provide a main road through the Pioneer Industrial Park that the city hopes to continue to
expand.  The project will involve a new road bridge over the OPR Molalla Branch Division tracks, near American Steel.    The
project began as the city expanded Sequoia Parkway from 99E south to accommodate heavier traffic and trucks anticipated
from the future industrial park expansion.  The final stage of this project is a connection between where Sequoia Ave currently
terminates, next to American Steel, to 13th Ave.

The first phase of the new bridge construction involves installing large underground utilities under the OPR railroad tracks.  
This week, OPR crews are removing a section of rail to allow the contractors to install the underground piping.   The OPR
Molalla Division will be out of service until the end of this week while this work is performed.
OPR Hosts Successful Memorial Day Public Train Ride Event
Update: May 27,  2013

On May 27th, the OPR hosted a special public train ride event at Oaks Station.   The event included the OPR 1413, open air
car, No. 900 caboose and Chris McLarney's restored UP caboose, as well as speeders.   The public was invited to come out
and ride our train for a nominal fee.    Despite the poor weather, a number of people showed up to ride.   Because of this
success, the OPR is going offer additional public trains throughout the summer on an occasional basis and depending on
public demand.
OPR Announces Other Public Train Rides Dates This Summer
Update: June 10,  2013

The OPR will be continuing to offer train rides through this summer to the general public.   Due to crew availability, the dates
will limited and we will only be scheduling approximately 1 month in advance.  But so far, the following dates and times are
scheduled for public rides out of Oaks Station.

JUne 15, June 22, July 4 and July 13.   Except for July 4, all times will be noon-6pm.   Trains may run past 6pm depending on
public demand.  For July 4th, trains and speeders will operate from approximately 10am till 10pm.

Additional dates will likely be added for late July, August and September, so please stay tuned.   Ticket prices will be $5 per
person to ride on the train and $10 per person to ride in the locomotive.
Next OPR Public Train Rides will be this Saturday June 15th  noon-6pm
Update: June 12,  2013

The OPR has added this coming Saturday to its dates for offering public train rides on the OPR.   Trains will begin departing
Oaks Station at noon and will depart based on public demand.   Rides last approximately 40 minutes between Oaks Station
and East Portland.   Ticket prices are $5 per person to ride on the train and $10 per person to ride in the locomotive.

See our Charters and Specials page for more information.