Lady Of The Northwest Returns To Steam! Joint Press Release From The Oregon Rail Heritage Center & The Friends Of The SP&S 700 (PRPA) (Photo) -05/13/25

PORTLAND, OREGON – May 13, 2025— After a decade of determined work, more than $500,000 invested (not including thousands of hours of volunteer labor), and the steadfast support of donors, grantors, contractors, and volunteers, the legendary Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 has officially come back to life.

On May 9, 2025, the SP&S 700—affectionately known as the Lady of the Northwest—was ceremonially fired up for the first time in over 10 years. This marks a major milestone in the locomotive’s restoration and is a moment of pride and celebration for all who have helped bring her back to life.

“This wasn’t just a repair job—it was a comprehensive restoration,” said Randy Woehl, President for the Friends of the SP&S 700. “We undertook an ambitious effort to rebuild and replace major and minor components, install new superheaters, fabricate new copper appliance lines, and complete an extensive list of mechanical upgrades. Every bolt and bearing was carefully evaluated and addressed to ensure the long-term reliability and preservation of the locomotive.”

“This kind of work doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” added Pat Tracy, President of the Friends of the SP 4449. “It takes all of us—organizations, volunteers, donors, and supporters—pulling together to preserve and maintain these incredible machines. We’re proud to have lent a hand in the restoration of the 700. Helping each other ensures the continued operation of all these locomotives, and that benefits everyone who loves railroad history.”

The result is a locomotive in the finest condition it’s been in since it left regular service. The SP&S 700 now stands among the best-preserved and most operationally sound mainline steam locomotives in the country.

“The 700 is a crown jewel in the Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s collection,” said Rick Franklin, President of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. “This return to steam is more than just mechanical success—it’s a living, breathing connection to the Northwest’s railroading past and an inspiration for future generations.”

The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation and the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association (Friends of SP&S 700) are deeply grateful to the individuals and institutions who made this achievement possible—including grant funders, private donors, technical advisors, and the tireless volunteer crews who worked week after week, month after month.

Please join us in celebrating this historic moment. The ceremonial lighting of the SP&S 700 is a symbol of revival, resilience, and the enduring power of steam.

Long live the Lady of the Northwest!

Media Contacts:

Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Renee Devereux
503.233.1156
rdevereux@orhf.org
www.orhf.org

Friends of the SP&S 700 (PRPA)
Randy Woehl
503.207.8699
woehl@hotmail.com
www.sps700.org

Celebrate National Train Day At The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (Photo) -04/23/25

*** PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

Celebrate National Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Steam Locomotives, Family Fun, and Living History!
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:00AM–6:00PM
Oregon Rail Heritage Center, Portland, OR

PORTLAND, OR – All aboard for a one-of-a-kind celebration as the Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) hosts a full day of steam, history, and family fun in honor of National Train Day on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

This family-friendly event invites guests to step into the golden age of railroading with train rides powered by the historic Polson #2 steam locomotive. Ride tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for children (children under 2 ride free as a lap child), $36 for seniors (65+) and active or retired military, and $115 for a family pass (includes two adults and two children). Ticket purchasers, you'll receive a coupon for 20% off our beloved Holiday Express Train—a festive tradition you won’t want to miss. Every dollar from your ticket supports the Oregon Rail Heritage Center’s mission—from restoring historic locomotives to sharing the magic of trains with visitors of all ages. Your ticket isn’t just a ride; it’s a way to help keep Portland’s rail legacy alive for generations to come.

Train rides depart every 90 minutes from 11:00AM to 5:00PM, taking guests on a 45-minute scenic journey along the Willamette River to Oaks Park and back, led by the 113-year-old Polson No. 2 steam locomotive with assistance from historic diesel locomotive OPR 100. OPR 100 has deep Portland roots—it was the engine that originally moved the city’s famous steam locomotives into Oaks Park for public display and later pulled them out to begin their restoration journey.

The celebration doesn't stop with the ride. Two of Portland’s legendary locomotives, the Southern Pacific 4449 and Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, will be under steam and on display throughout the day. This year marks a significant milestone for SP 4449—the 50th anniversary of its return to service for the 1975–76 American Freedom Train, which toured the country in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial. Restored in 1974 after years on static display, SP 4449 traveled more than 24,000 miles across 21 states, serving as a powerful symbol of American innovation and unity. Today, it remains one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world.

Joining these giants will be a very special guest from Union Pacific Railroad: the brand-new Lincoln Locomotive No. 1616, making its first public appearance as part of its official national debut tour—right here in Portland.

Unveiled on Presidents Day 2025, Union Pacific’s Locomotive No. 1616 is a striking commemorative engine honoring President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, creating Union Pacific and authorizing construction of the transcontinental railroad. This act helped unite the country during a pivotal moment in history and laid the groundwork for the nation’s explosive economic growth.

“America’s history is Union Pacific’s history,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “By signing the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, President Lincoln created our railroad and ignited The Great Race to connect the country and fuel the economy – roles our industry still plays today.”

The Lincoln locomotive is the second presidential engine in Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, joining No. 4141, created in honor of President George H.W. Bush. No. 1616 features a unique paint scheme inspired by Lincoln’s era, with design elements that nod to locomotive No. 119, famously present at Promontory Summit, Utah, for the golden spike ceremony marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.

Painted by Union Pacific employees, No. 1616 will serve as a traveling ambassador for American railroading, and Portland is proud to be the first stop on its cross-country debut tour. This striking engine will visit communities across the nation to highlight the enduring impact of railroads on our country’s past, present, and future.

Bringing this locomotive to Portland is a significant honor, and its presence at National Train Day reflects Union Pacific’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, rail history, and innovation. John Turner, Sr. Vice President–Northern Region at Union Pacific, is scheduled to speak, alongside Rick Franklin, President of ORHF, and other civic and community leaders who will be joining us to mark this special occasion.

Visitors will also enjoy:

• Model railroad displays showcasing intricate train layouts
• Four food trucks with tasty offerings
• Tabling by rail-focused partners including Operation Lifesaver, Willow Creek Railroad, Union Pacific, Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway, Santiam Excursions, and Albany & Eastern Railroad
• Hands-on activities, education, and railroad fun for the entire family

“This event is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s railroading legacy and the role Portland plays in preserving it,” said Rick Franklin, President of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation. “We’re proud to make this living history accessible not just to our community, but to train lovers around the world. We value our relationship with this city and its residents, and we take immense pride in keeping these locomotives — and the stories they tell — alive and steaming ahead.”

Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended at www.orhf.org. A limited number of tickets may be available for sale on the day of the event.

Getting there is easy! Limited parking is available, but guests are strongly encouraged to use TriMet or the Portland Streetcar. The Center is located directly across from the OMSI MAX Station, offering easy access via public transit.

?️ Event Details at a Glance

What: National Train Day Celebration
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:00AM–6:00PM
Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR
Admission: Free to attend

Train Ride Tickets:

• $40 for adults
• $30 for children (under 2 ride free as a lap child)
• $36 for seniors (65+) and active or retired military
• $115 for a family pass (includes two adults and two children)

Ticket purchasers, you'll receive a coupon for 20% off our beloved Holiday Express Train—a festive tradition you won’t want to miss. Every ticket purchased helps power the mission of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center—preserving Portland’s historic locomotives, bringing rail history to life, and inspiring future generations through hands-on experiences.

Tickets & Info: www.orhf.org | 503-233-1156 | info@orhf.org

Press Inquiries: rdevereux@orhf.org