Yesterday, Sept 29, 2002, we culminated this work with a successful test run on the Portland & Western track out to Hillsboro and back. We are very pleased with the results and are now turning to the final preparations prior to leaving for Montana in little over a week.
Click on thumbnail or text to see larger photo. All photos by Terry Thompson.
As the 700 backs out of the roundhouse under its own steam, the onlookers break into applause
and cheers.
On the turntable, Greg Kamholz is in the engineers seat while P&W pilot Ken Nichols is in
the gangway.
On the P&W at St. Mary's junction, the 700 has been coupled to a string of 17 cars weighing about
2200 tons. While it's sunny at the time of this picture, the weather will change shortly to a hard shower.
Since the start is uphill through two switches and the track is now slippery, we elect to
take the safe course and have nearby power help us up the hill and cut off at the first opportunity.
A tired, but happy Acting President Jim Vanderbeck rests a moment at St. Mary's.
SP&S pulls Montana Rockies Rail Tours Excursion