The mid-eighties, Chris and a group of other volunteers began restoration in earnest. The other was a young 15 year old boy named Chris McLarney who began caring for it in 1975.Ĭhris McLarney started the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association (PRPA) in 1977 and in

One of those concerned individuals was a man named Jack Holst, who passed away in 1972. Two years later, it was delivered to Oaks Park, where it sat for almost 30 years.ĭuring it’s years in the parks, several citizens voluntarily took care of the engine – keeping things cleaned, well greased and oiled. However, the SP&S had a change of heart about the 700 and donated it to the city of Portland. On May 20, 1956, the 700 pulled its last passenger train – with 21 cars carrying over 1,300 passengers from Portland, Oregon to Wishram, Washington and back – on the Farewell to Steam run.įollowing the Farewell to Steam run, the 700, 701, 702, Challengers and other SP&S engines were sent to the scrap yard. After that, it worked as back-up power for the passenger trains, and it pulled freight. It was the 700 and it was used exclusively in passenger service until diesel engines replaced it as the lead units in 1953. On June 21st, 1938, a brand new 4-8-4 Northern Type locomotive – was delivered to the SP&S. It’s purpose was to create a railway on the northern bank of the Columbia River.

The Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway (SP&S) was the product of a joint venture between the Great Northern Railway and the Northern Pacific Railway.

Steam link 1003