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Noticed on another forum that Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe, WA) has about completed restoration of Polson Logging #70.
Question: Does anyone know when the first scheduled, public operation of the engine will be? I noticed there is a "triple-header" scheduled for May 21 of this year that is supposed to include the #70 (barring unforseen problems). Is that the first scheduled appearance of the #70?
As far as I know, that is the first scheduled public excursion with the #70.
That may change once restoration is completed, but for now I think it's the first one that's been confirmed. There will be several events featuring the 70 this season, and once the engine is running smoothly, it's likely to become the regular engine on the excursion runs.
No, I"ll be working as the trip coordinator on this one, like I do on most of the special events. That means I work with the crew (and client if it's a charter) and help decide on photo runby locations and other stops etc. We plan that stuff out ahead of time, but a lot of factors can prompt changes, from the weather, different lighting conditions can make or break certain locations, to the number of passengers and how quickly they load and unload etc. and any mechanical issues that may occur.
Because I'm so familiar with the line and the operation, that lets me adjust things as we go, possibly saying "We've got time for another runby" or "We need to be at the Lake by 12:00 for the BBQ, so we need to work fast on this runby"
While I'd *like* to say it's the 'first trip', I'm told the Bunny Express is going to beat us out of the gate... though we will be the first non-rabbit excursion with the #70 and the first to Divide, all before the regular season!
Jill http://www.railsnw.com/Tours/charter/rainier/rainier_rambler.htm
That's probably true Jill, but as far as I know, your trip is still the first one where they have specified the #70 will be on the train. The Bunny Express may well run with the #70, but it's also possible that problems will force them to swap in another loco. For that reason, they probably won't make a big deal about the 70 being on that run, so that if something comes up, folks aren't disappointed.
Thanks for the info, Bob. Any plans for special trips in conjunction with the NRHS convention this summer? Are the tracks to Tacoma passable to the tide flats?
The track to the Tideflats are in servicable condition. Tacoma Rail occasionally runs a trip to Northwest Trek. Not sure if they have any scheduled for this year.
Yes, we'll be doing something for the NRHS, not sure exactly what the details are though.
Well, I've also heard there will be public rides with #70 out of Tacoma's FreightHouse Square prior to our May 21st date... but I don't have any specifics on that. I'm sure the Bunny is a 'test' for use on ours!
I've been told NRHS set up a plan with Tacoma Rail to travel out to MRSR for the convention. Will be interesting to see.
Has the line been opend up between Eatonville and Tacoma? I was under the impression that there was damage from the storm that took out the Nisqually bridge.
> I've also heard there will be public rides with #70 out of Tacoma's
> FreightHouse Square prior to our May 21st date...
Well, I'm not privy to all of the planning and special events, but that one is definitely news to me. I'm not aware of any plans for MRSR trips to Tacoma. Doesn't mean they won't happen, but I haven't heard anything suggesting they will.
> I've been told NRHS set up a plan with Tacoma Rail
> to travel out to MRSR for the convention.
If that info is correct, I would strongly suspect that the equipment involved on the move would be the same consist they use on the "Train to Trek" trips they do to NW Trek at Eatonville, typical two TR diesels and their passenger cars. I guess you'll know for sure when the NRHS releases trip info in a few weeks.
Has the line been opend up between Eatonville and Tacoma? I was under the impression that there was damage from the storm that took out the Nisqually bridge.
There is a small washout near Lake Kapowsin that for the time being prevents operations north of Eatonville, but TR is scheduling a repair soon. TR has agreed to allow us to operate out of Freighthouse Square in May for a model railroad show, which at this point is still very tentative. We have not yet formally met with the model railroad club to address logistics.
Brian Wise
General Manager
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
More like next few months at the rate they're going. I know NRHS conventions in recent years have held their cards very close to the table, but this is downright nuts. I know more than a few fans who have told me they won't be going as they have nothing promised to ride at all and they have made other plans around the same timeframe.
I'm sad to say I'm one of them. I was offered a paid photo gig on the Saturday of the NRHS convention, and since they needed to get a photographer booked well in advance, it was either confirm or pass on the shoot, so I took it. I don't know what trip I'll end up missing because of it. I'm hoping it won't be the rumored 4449 trip over Stampede, but I suspect it will be. On the other hand, I've ridden the line before, including behind 4449, so it's not too big of a loss.
Yes, the trip is still a go. As Jill mentions, it's actually a RailsNW charter, so you can't buy tickets from MRSR, which is probably why they don't have it listed on our website. But you can buy them at the link listed above, and get 'em quick, I hear they're going fast!
Kind of unrelated, but I was wondering if you guys ever run past Mineral anymore and if so do you run as far as Morton? Hoping to get my "foamer" wife and daughter out there this year. Also, would appreciate volunteer info for when I am done with the Air Force at the beginning of next year. Not much experience with metal work, but I'm a good carpenter. Thanks for any info.
There should be a volunteer form on the website, best days to come out are saturdays, Brian is usually there Tuesday-Saturday. The Morton Line has several washouts south of the big trestle at divide.
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