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Last Update: March 14, 2010
LATEST NEWS & EVENTS on the OREGON PACIFIC RR
Copyright © 2004-2010 All Rights Reserved
2009, a Year in Review
Update: January 5, 2010

More than 22 years ago, Richard Samuels formed the East Portland Traction Company that would later grow into today's
Oregon Pacific Railroad.   Operating as a common carrier railroad for almost 19 years, the OPR trains now run over an East
Portland Branch line that has seen continuous rail service for 119 years.  The OPR's Molalla Branch has now seen
continuous service for almost 97 years.   One has to wonder if the crews that built these railroads a century ago could have
ever imagined that they would still be here, fully operational and still providing service to the customers that continue to
depend on them all these years later.

Here we are...2010.   A new year that will likely pose many challenges for everyone.  The OPR looks forward to yet another
year and sincerely appreciates the business and support of its customers, rail fans and the community at large.

A review of 2009.

The OPR started out the year a few weeks after the largest snowstorm in many years had blanketed the Portland Metro area.  
After recovering from that, a significant landslide had blocked the East Portland branch in very early January, but was quickly
cleaned up and repaired by the OPR crew.

The construction of the Canby Storage Siding was completed enough to hold a number of cars.   This siding will be later
extended when needed.

The OPR's new charters program hosted a number of families and children on educational train rides on the
East Portland Branch, over the course of the year.

Chris McLarney's privately owned historical UP caboose was welcomed onto OPR property where it was fully painted and
restored to as original 1970s condition, as possible, by Chris himself.  It has been featured in several OPR runs.

The OPR purchased a brand new hy-railer...a Jeep Wrangler, which was custom fitted with brand new hy-rail gear, by the
OPR crew in their shops.

The OPR crew worked extremely hard, all year long, making numerous repairs and upgrades to both branch lines, including
major bridge repairs on the Molalla Branch and numerous tie replacements on the East Portland Branch.

The OPR hosted a day of the N Scale Modeler's Convention, where several bus loads of railfans and modelers, were able to
tour the OPR shops and view in detail all of the OPR equipment located on the East Portland Branch.

The OPR completed some major modifications and upgrades to its Jackson 6700 tamper and has now been placed back into
service.

The OPR has accommodated major construction projects on the East Portland Branch, which have disrupted service,
including the McLaughlin Overpass and the Portland Big Pipe project.   The OPR has been successfully able to accommodate
both construction crews working on its property, while still providing top notch rail service that its customers have always
expected.

Plans for the complete relocation and rebuilding of the OPR's East Portland Yard, as part of the new Tri-Met Milwuakie Line
were finalized and construction should begin within the next 1 to 2 years.

Speeder Tours were once again welcomed back onto the OPR for a weekend of speeder runs on both branches.

Movie Crews were welcomed on the OPR's Molalla Branch for the first time, as filming for a scene of Gus Vant Sant's new
movie "Restless" was shot on the OPR track, using an OPR train and crew.

And finally...the ORHF Holiday Express,  which was held on the OPR's East Portland Branch was again a great success with
record turn out of passengers.

The OPR looks forward to 2010 and all the challenges and rewards it may bring and wishes a
successful year to everyone!
1st Birthday Charter Run of 2010
Update: January 15, 2010

The OPR conducted its first charter run of 2010 on Sunday, January 10th.   This run involved a train of family and friends for
a birthday party.   As with most charters, the train was made up of engine 1202, the open air car and the Samtrak caboose.   
The weather cooperated, despite being in the middle of winter and everyone seemed to have a great time!

The OPR continues to offer private charters to anyone that may be interested, for birthday parties, office parties, weddings or
just a train ride among family and/or friends.    If interested, please visit our charter's page or give Kelly of the OPR a call at
503-651-2231
Engine 801 Repaired
Update: February 1, 2010

Engine 801 gets a new blower and minor engine repairs.  The blower on the diesel engine had to be removed and exchanged
for a rebuild unit.   In addition, contract heavy diesel mechanic Jerry Van Loo resealed one of the power assemblies of the
diesel engine.   Many more photos can be in this short feature page of the engine work.
New Jeep Hy-Railer and Jackson Tamper Photo Pages in the Special Features Section
Update: February 6, 2010

Two new photo pages have been added in the Special Features Section.

A photo page on the OPR Jeep Hy-Railer, which consolidates the better photos from other parts of the OPR website as well as
adding new not yet seen photos.   A full article on the build of the OPR Jeep Hy-Railer will be added with more photos in the
future.

A photo page on the OPR's Jackson Tamper and its special modifications was also added.   Additional photos of the
modifications will be added in the future, so please check back.
New Section Added Showcasing Historical Photos Related to the OPR
Update: February 7, 2010

A new section has been added called Historical Photos on the OPR.

This new section compiles various historical photos found elsewhere on this site onto one page and will include some new
photos.   This page shows photos that date from the early 2000s all the way back to when the two branches were first
constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you have any photos related to the OPR, Portland Traction Company or Southern Pacific Molalla Branch, that were taken on
either the East Portland Branch or Molalla Branch of the OPR over the last 100 or so years and would like them showcased
on this page, please send the webmaster an email and we'd be glad to post them.
For our news and updates, click here for 2008 and click here for 2009.
For our news and updates, click here for 2008 and click here for 2009.
OPR Dodge Dakota Hy-Railer is Retired from Service
Update: February 18, 2010

The OPR has retired its 2000 Dodge Dakota Sport Hy-Railer from railroad service.    The Dodge has been used on the OPR
for approximately 10 years and has served multiple roles, as company transportation for the Samuels family, rail inspection,
railroad service and MoW.   It was also used on numerous private speeder excursions all over the Northwest.

The Dakota had to be retired due a cracked frame which would not allow the vehicle to be FRA recertified.
In 2009, the OPR purchased a 2009 Jeep Wrangler and equipped it with custom hy-rail.  That vehicle now fills most roles that
the Dakota previously served.   The Dakota will remain in the Samuels family as Kelly's farm vehicle.
East Portland Branch Temporarily Closed for Big Pipe Project
Update: February 20, 2010

The East Portland Branch will be closed through February 24th as crews perform work on the Big Pipe project that will directly
impact the railroad.   Crews have been working on the Portland Big Pipe project near the OPR tracks since last September.   
This project has caused the OPR to shift its schedule of operations to early morning, late evening or weekend hours of
operation while Big Pipe crews work during the day.   But over the next week, crews will open cut directly under the railroad,
requiring that the track be closed during that time.   The removal and relocation of man holes extremely close to the track
require the extensive closure.  The OPR is working with city officials and contractors with Moore Excavation to help ensure
work on the Big Pipe project goes as smoothly as possible while minimizing impact to OPR customers.

Work on the tunnel is now beginning to shift away from the railroad and is expected to stop impacting railroad service in
approximately a month.

For more information, this is the city's official Big Pipe Project Website.  The section that affects the OPR is the
East Side CSO Tunnel.
Moore Excavation Crews working on the Big Pipe Project next to the OPR tracks.
While crews excavated and removed and/or relocated several sewer/water man holes, the ground around the track in several places had to be dug out for access.
East Portland Branch Reopened on a Modified Schedule
Update: February 28, 2010

The East Portland Branch reopens after being closed for approximately one week, on a modified schedule.   The modified
schedule allows the railroad to operate on weekends while Big Pipe crews work during the week next to the track.   High
priority traffic is moved in the early mornings or late afternoons when crews are not working.   This modified schedule is
expected to continue for approximately another month.   The Big Pipe crews have begun digging away from the railroad, but
still will require the right of way to move equipment for a few more weeks.
Canby Grand Central Station restaurant Features OPR Photos and Artifacts
Update: March 14, 2010

Canby Grand Central Station Restaurant is a new restaurant in the Canby, Oregon area, owned and operated by the Larry
Lee family of Lee Farms.    The restaurant is owned and operated by family friends of the OPR's Samuel's family.   

Canby Grand Central Station restaurant is decorated in a high class railroad theme, dominated by artifacts and photos of the
Oregon Pacific Railroad.   Patrons may recognize the many photos throughout the restaurant of the OPR and its operations
on both branches, but especially the Molalla Branch.   All photos and artifacts were gathered, framed and labeled by Kelly of
the OPR.

The UP interchange of the OPR, passes right by the Canby Grand Central Station restaurant.  Patrons can view Union Pacific
trains as they pass within close proximity on the UP mainline.

The OPR thanks Larry Lee and the Lee family for displaying its heritage inside this wonderful new establishment.  The
Samuels family are regular patrons and highly recommend the Canby Grand Central Station Restaurant and Lounge.

101 N. Elm Street
Canby, OR 97013
503-266-2200
Open everyday, 4pm to Midnight
www.canbygrandcentralstation.com