Visitors to the Center can witness the maintenance and restoration of large and famous steam locomotives.
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Located in Downtown Portland OR, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is well worth a visit for any train chaser!
A relatively new facility, the center was designed to display AND maintain the steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. That's right, the city of Portland Oregon OWNS three steam locomotives! They are maintained by volunteers right here at the center. The Center is a working Steam Locomotive Shop complete with drop pit and machine shop. When work is being done on a locomotive, sections of the shop are gated off so visitors can watch from a safe distance. Volunteers are available to answer questions and explain the restoration work being done that day. |
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The Center houses three unique steam locomotives. Remember, this is a working steam shop, so you never know which locomotives will be in various stages of repair when you visit.
Other rail equipment is on display inside the museum and outside in the rail yard. Diesel locomotives, Passenger Cars, and the ever popular caboose. The Center also houses displays and an impressive gift shop. On Most Saturdays throughout the year, the Oregon Pacific Railroad offers 45 minute diesel powered train rides through a nearby wild life preserve. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is typically open Thursdays - Sundays throughout the year and admission is free! The Steam Locomotives Southern Pacific "Daylight" 4-8-4 #4449. Built by Lima in 1941. Spokane, Portland & Seattle 4-8-4 #700. Built by Baldwin in 1938. Oregon Railway & Navigation 4-6-2 #197. Built by Baldwin in 1905. The Steam Locomotives operate for Special Events, Mainline Excursions, and the Annual "Holiday Express" Train in December. Getting to the Museum The museum is located near MAX Light Rail & the Streetcar. Streetcar Stop - "SE Water / OMSI MAX Light Rail - OMSI / SE Water Amtrak Service Amtrak Trains Serve Portland Oregon Union Station. The Station itself is well worth a visit, it was constructed in 1896. When riding the Coast Starlight or Amtrak Cascades train south of Portland, you will pass right by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Keep an eye out! More information on the Center and Locomotives - Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation www.ORHF.org Friends of SP 4449 www.4449.com SP&S 700 Pacific Railroad Preservation Association www.SPS700.org |
A Group of Volunteers assists while the rod that will connect the locomotives tender is being attached via a forklift.
SP&S #700, one of the largest operating steam locomotives in the world.
OR&N #197, the oldest Steam Locomotive at the center.
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