RailsNW is pleased to once again present a specialty charter with the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad out of Elbe, WA. In a unique triple-header steam locomotive opportunity, we will start our journey by traveling across the Nisqually River bridge to Mineral Lake for a catered BBQ lunch. We will then continue out down the line after lunch, making our way to a large wooden trestle at Divide. The afternoon will be filled with amazing scenery and many photographic encounters.
The trip will use three restored steam locomotives:the Rayonier #2, a Willamette geared engine which just returned to service in 2009, the West Fork Logging 3-truck Heisler, and assuming all proceeds on schedule, the Polson Lumber #70, a Baldwin 2-8-2 rod locomotive. Please note that final motive power is at the discretion of railroad personnel. As this trip has very limited space available, it is highly recommend making your reservations ASAP.
Phone: 503-292-5055 if you have any questions, or you can book online.
The longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest, the MRSR is the result of one man’s passion to preserve a colorful slice of America’s heritage. As a young man Tom Murray, Jr. first heard the unforgettable sound of geared locomotives working on the steep wooded hillsides of his father’s timber holdings. Mr. Murray was a hands-on witness to the closing days of steam locomotive logging in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. He resolved to do whatever he could to save for posterity some of the relics of that unique and colorful experience.
After the 1980 Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (more commonly known as the Milwaukee Road) shut down their lines in Washington including their 66-mile branch from Tacoma to Morton. The rail line was acquired by Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, and a deal was soon struck between Tom Murray, Jr. and good friend George Weyerhaeuser giving the newly formed Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad access to a portion of the line for tourist train service. The following year, steam trains that had been stored and rebuilt on Murray property in Tacoma were hauling passenger trains between Elbe and Mineral Lake. Twenty-five plus years later, the steam trains continue to run through the foothills of Mt. Rainier to the benefit and enjoyment of kids young and old alike.
The RailsNW 2011 charter excursion season – RailsNW: Train Blog
Last June brought our first ‘Rainier Rambler‘ at the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe, Washington. The trip will be repeated on May 21st, 2011, this time as a planned all day triple-header from Elbe to Divide. …
Publish Date: 01/21/2011 16:33
http://www.railsnw.com/blog/index.php/2011/01/21/the-railsnw-2011-charter-excursion-season/
