Museum News Archives

August 2004: The OERHS has decided to retire Blackpool Double-Decker from service on the Willamette Shore Trolley. She has operated faithfully on the line for several years and is a crowd favorite. However the rigors of operating 14 mile round trips, 4 times a day has taken its toll on this antique trolley car. But don't this the car will never turn its wheels again! 48 will be moved to the museum in Brooks, and will continue operation in the less demanding museum line.

For those who would like to ride on #48 on the Willamette Shore Trolley, there are Farewell runs planned for the end of August 2004. 

July 2004: Portland did it several years ago, well now the Oregon Electric Railway Museum does it, opens the Westside Extension! The new line brings museum trolleys to the west gate of Antique Powerland, right next to the Willow Creek Miniature Railroad. One-way mileage is now about 1-mile for trolley riders! 

The next step is to extend the line from the 911 Depot into the parade grounds. The track is already laid, it just needs overhead strung, but there are special poles required due to a road crossing on a curve. IT is hoped to have that open next year. 

The final piece of the puzzle to form a loop is to connect the west end with the parade grounds end, but that is still a couple of years away. In the meantime, be sure to stop by the museum and take your 2-mile round trip back in time on our streetcars!!

Effective with the May 2004 timetables, the Willamette Shore trolley will no longer serve Riverplace in Portland. Service is being cutback to Moody and Bancroft Streets.

The reason for the cut-back is the impending North Macadam development along Moody Street. Construction is to last fore the next few years. Also the Portland Streetcar is being extended down to this same district.

Our Portland Departure times will not change. Passengers wishing to continue into Portland will be advised to use Tri-Met busses. We will provide Tri-Met schedules when WST trolley service re-starts in May. 

We regret this change, but it is necessary for the safety of our riders.

The Museum plans to have regular weekend operations for the summer of 2004. We will be open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day until Labor Day. See Schedules and fares for more details. Stay tuned to this website for more details as they come!

A major milestone was achieved on November 16th 2002. Aussie open car #1187 was moved into the carbarn under its own power. This marks the first time any trolley has enter the carbarn using the newly installed overhead wire. This momentous occasion signals the end of phase one of the museum. Phase 2 has already started with extensions of the mainline on either end.

In March 2002, the OERHS took delivery of Brill Trolley bus that had operated in Vancouver British Columbia. It was built in the early 1950's and is an Aluminum body. Purchase and transportation costs were donated by a member of the society.

In March 2002, the OERHS received several donations from PGE and other sources that will greatly enhance the interpretation of our working trolley museum. The donation includes a Dynamo with a builders plate showing a patent date from the late 1800's. Also various heavy duty insulating boards. A separate donation included Wig-Wags and Semaphore from various Oregon railroad right-of-way locations.

Museum volunteers are working hard to extend the trolley line into the parade grounds. This is a difficult task. It involves crossing a busy museum road that heavy steam tractors use. It also requires the moving of a demonstration sawmill. We are pouring concrete foundations for the rails as wooden ties would not be able to handle the loads. To date forms have been laid for the "curve" and rail is already in place by the Brooks Depot.

The museum is adding concrete flooring to the carbarn. This will allow safer and easier access by our visitors when docents lead them through our historic trolley collection. About 2/3 of the carbarn is now completed!

Steam-up 2001 was a blast!

1187 taking passengers.

We had a very successful year. Nearly 1000 paying passengers rode our trolleys for the two weekends of the Steamup held on July 28&29 and August 4&5. Riders also got to ride a bit further on the mainline than ever before. Track and overhead was extended from the north crossing to along the western property line southward bringing the round trip ride of little more than 1 mile. 

Changing the poles

This year museum volunteers (Charles Philpot, Bill Binns, Gene Fabryka, Paul Jarmusz, Greg Bonn, Jack Norton and others) worked hard on getting Sydney open car # 1187 ready for service. The car operated very well both weekends with just minor problems at one wire frog that was later fixed. 

1187 and 1213 together.

Riders also got a special treat the second weekend. MUNI LRV 1213 was brought out on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon for public rides. The extra special part was when we swapped cars. We would have 1187 go to end of track (literally) by the depot and then bring in 1213 behind it. What a site to see a 1912 built car bumper to bumper with a 1977 built car!

Bill Binns helping a youngster  off the car

Many volunteers came out as well to man the gift shop, operate the cars, act as conductor as well as perform gate duty at the entrance to WAPI or made sure operations ran smoothly. Here is a list of volunteers, I may be missing some: Bob Terkelsen, Paul Jarmusz, Greg Bonn, John Nagy, Bill Binns, Gene Fabryka, Jim (of Salem), Jack Norton, John Carmody, Herb and Carolyn Vernon,  Harold and Marilyn Fullman, Bill Leroy, Jack MacDougall, Mike Parker, Dick Shipley, Hal Rosene, Ron Vandehey. 

Carbarn door Complete, and other Museum updates

Volunteers completed and installed the front (or south) doors to the car barn. You will not that at the center of each door is a "V" cutout. This will allow the overhead wire to enter the carbarn. On the interior of the carbarn 3 banks of high intensity lighting fixtures have been installed. With the lighting, restoration has begun on the Aussie 1187 Car. The plans are to ready this car for passenger service in time for Steam-up 2001. 

Trackage on the mainline has been extended by about 1000 feet. We now have nearly a mile of mainline. The overhead will be extended at least part way on this extension.

Work continues on the landscaping around the property. Many trees and a new lawn has been planted. Volunteers are also working on MUNI LRV 1213 by installing trolley poles so it can be operated. The mainline is not designed for pantograph operation, and 1213 at one time did operate with poles. 

In late May the museum will host the Western ARM meeting. ARM is the Association of Railway Museums. ARM is impressed with our efforts and wanted to come visit to see our progress.

On May 18-20 the Western Region of the Association of Railway Museum (or ARM) held a conference at our museum. The OERHS is a member of ARM. A separate page full of details and photos from this event has been created here:

West ARM conference Report

Museum acquires San Francisco LRV

The OERHS recently took delivery of a light rail car #1213 from MUNI in San Francisco. The car was one of the first modern LRV's to run in that city. It was originally a demonstration unit from the builder Boeing/Vertol in 1977 and number 1221. At the end of the demo it went back to Boeing and was later returned to SF as #1213.  This is one of only 2 LRV's in SF that had been equipped with trolley poles, later the car used pantographs. 

The fleet of Boeings have had a lot of problems over the years as well as their sister cars in Boston. All of these cars are being replaced by newer cars. #1213 may be the only one saved from SF, no other museum has shown interest in obtaining one. 

The car was shipped in two pieces. The car has been put back in one piece at the museum and will later be made operable. For more Photos, see the new MUNI 1213 Roster Page.

WAPI receives a railroad crane

The Steam Fiends at Western Antique Powerland museum have obtained a rare find. A working railroad steam powered wrecking crane of Southern Pacific Heritage. The track it is sitting on at WAPI was donated by the OERHS as well as some technical assistance. The Steam Fiends have plans to make the crane operable. There are also plans to connect the track it is sitting on with the Trolley line. It is great when museums can work together! 

Museum acquires a Trolley Bus

The OERHS took delivery in September 2000 of a Seattle Trolley Bus number 648. It is a Pullman built in July of 1944. It was originally number 998 until 1974 when it was changed to 648. It was retired in Jan. 1978. The bus is 37' feet long. The paint scheme is the livery of the former Seattle Transit System from 1955-1968. The bus joins the society's only other trolley bus, Seattle Trolley Bus 604. 

A Trolley bus is often referred to as a trackless trolley. The busses require two poles, as opposed the traditional trolley using one pole. A standard trolley receives power from the overhead wire, with the return power (negative/ground) going through the trolley wheels to the running rail. A bus does not run on rails, therefore a second wire must be strung to provide the ground return.

Steamup 2000 a Success

Revenues were up for 2000, and interest was very high at this years Steamup. Held on July 29&30 and August 5,6, numerous riders enjoyed the one mile round trip ride on car 813.

Car 813 was brought down from the Willamette Shore Trolley to give riders a better streetcar experience, at least until we can get another car into running shape. The overhead was extended a week before the Steamup, more then doubling the line passengers rode on compared to 1999. Several operators came out to give the rides and give small talks about the museum's collection and volunteer efforts. As usual museum members came through and made this year the best year to date at Steamup. We can't wait for 2001!

To the left is 813 on the newly laid and wired north extension. To the right 813 is seen by the south carbarn curve during Steamup 2000!

Museum construction Update

Here is the latest update of things happening at the museum as of August 2000

• The first light has been hung inside the car barn
• Work on the western leg of the line has progressed 200 feet between 12/30/00 and 1/6/01.
• The framework for the carbarn front doors are complete. They are being painted at this time before being hung.
• Two tail tracks are being built out the rear of the car barn for more equipment storage.
• Power has been brought to the carbarn.
• The northern section of mainline overhead is installed.
• Ballast has been tamped on about 1/3 of the line.
• Trolleys ran from the 911 end out around the car barn to the access road on the north line.
• Landscaping is a continuous effort
• For photos of the construction, click here.

Museum prepares for 2000 Steamup

Volunteers have worked hard through the winter to extend the line much further then the public has seen over the past two Steamups. The line now continues pass the car barn, around the back and ends at the northwest corner of Western Antique Powerland. Electrification has also been extended along the line.

Rides again will be offered during the two Steamup weekends. The plan is to bring down the Portland Brill Master Unit #813 from the Willamette Shore Trolley. This will be the first time that this car has operated under wires in many years. Here are the important facts:

• What: The Great Oregon Steamup 2000

• Where: Western Antique Powerland, Brooks, Oregon, Exit 263 off I-5.

• When: Sat/Sun: July 29&30 and Aug 5&6 10 am - 5 pm

• How Much: 

  • Powerland Entrance: $6.00 Adults; $2.00 children 6-12

  • Trolley Rides $3.00 for 3 round trips.

  • Miniature train rides: Extra

  • Free Parking

Bring the whole family. Please visit the Antique Powerland website for specific details about Steamup.

OERHS Adds a Trolley to the Collection

On Saturday December 4th a new trolley entered the car barn at the Museum in Brooks. It is a former Double-Decker Hong Kong Car. The car is sitting on Track one with the other narrow gauge streetcars in the collection. This car had sat in Portland for many years. It had been owned by late Portland Business man Bill Naito. The car had been donated to the society. More details and photos will be added in the coming months. More photos are available on #12's roster page.

Car Barn/Museum construction continues.

Updated February 2000

• The Right-of-way mainline trackage has been doubled in length! Favorable weather conditions and a dedicated track crew are responsible for this feat! (2/00)
• The retention pond is full of water (2/00)
• Steel has arrived to fabricate the car barn doors (2/00)
• All of the OERHS roster at Brooks is under cover in the car barn! (10/99).
• Crews are fixing the carbarn leads (9/99)
• Landscaping the grounds continues (9/99).
• First electrified operation was done by 401, first public ride by 1187. (7/99)
• Powerhouse is complete and energized (7/99)
• Overhead has been strung over the mainline (7/99)
• Rail and ties from Ruby Jct. are 100% delivered (7/99)
• Rail & Ties from West Salem 100% delivered (5/99)
• Stringer wires are readied for overhead installation (6/99)
• The northern track extension continues (6/99)
• Track 3 & 4 are installed inside the car barn (6/99)
• The Powerhouse structure is complete (5/99)
• Track 2 & 4 are complete with track 2 now holding streetcars (1/99).
• Museum crews continue to work on scraping the old Portland Traction Right-of-Way in Gresham near the Light Rail Ruby Jct. Shops. The rail & ties will be used at the museum. (1/99)
• Bracket arms are now in place on many of the poles along the right-of-way. Soon overhead wire will be up on the line. It is possible that we may be under wire in time for the Steam-up in late July. (1/99)
• The roadbed for the museum mainline has been extended north and west. (1/99)
• Construction of the powerhouse is underway (1/99).
• The car barn shell is 100% complete with the exception of the end doors (11/98)
• Track one into the car barn is complete and was the first track to house streetcars in the new barn. This track is dual gauge (narrow & standard) for the two narrow gauge cars, Portland 506 & LA 1318 (10/98)

Trolley Operation during Steam-up

July 1999 marked the start of Electrified trolley operation at  Western Antique Powerland.  The Oregon Electric Railway Museum finished the overhead wire just in time for the annual Steam-up at WAPI. Locomotive # 401 was the first to have it pole up days before the event. Sydney open car # 1187 was the first to have it pole up for public rides at the museum. Later 1187 was side lined. Locomotive # 401 was then coupled to BC Electric # 1304. 402 pushed/pulled 1304 giving public rides.

The ride was not any longer then previous stamp-up's (about 1000 feet). However previously 1187 had to tow a generator for electrical power. This year the rides were much quieter since the power came from the quiet overhead wires!! Later in August the Truck museum had a major event. 401/1304 again gave rides to the public. 

The OERM is a trolley museum again. Hopefully next year the trolley museum will operate most summer weekends. 

Work continues on the right-of-way and straighten out the car barn leads. 

If you plan to visit the trolley museum, members are on site most Saturdays from 10am - 4 pm. A Museum volunteer will be able to provide tours and answer questions about the trolleys inside the carbarn. Please note: DO NOT CLIMB ON OR IN ANY OF THE MUSEUM EQUIPMENT without a museum volunteer permission and supervision.

The museum is located at Western Antique Powerland located just west off of I-5 Exit 263 at Brooks (10 miles north of Salem). Admission to WAPI is $1.00 during non-event days. 

OERHS Receives Major Grant

By Charlie Philpot

Reprinted from The Transfer

The Oregon Electric Railway Museum, part of the Western Antique Powerland at Brooks, Oregon is fast becoming a reality. The Meyer Memorial Trust has provided OERHS a $100,000 grant to help complete Phase I. These funds in combination with member donations, a bank loan and thousands of volunteer hours will assure that a large car barn, power system, 1 1/2 miles of mainline track with overhead will be completed. This means the museum could be in limited operation by the summer of '99!

The Meyer grant also includes funds to cover the remaining costs of moving the collection and equipment from Glenwood.

Members are encouraged to visit the new museum site. The car barn is nearly completed and construction of the interior track system will begin shortly. All switches and sidings from the mainline to the car barn are complete. Poles and overhead hangers are installed along 1400 feet of mainline. Overhead will be installed soon. Final design of the power system is nearing completion and construction should begin in August. The reproduction streetcar donated by the Spaghetti Factory restaurants has been converted into a temporary station/gift shop complete with protective roof and platform. Much of the OERHS collection is now on the site.

Completion of Phase I will provide protection of the collection and enough infrastructure to begin operations. The funding committee is beginning plans for developing support for Phase II which includes a large machine shop/restoration building. They are also planning for Phase III which includes an interpretive center with library, displays, ticket counter, restrooms, and gift shop. There's a big job ahead, but OERHS should be proud of the progress made to date. However, even more progress could be made with more volunteer help and financial support!

New WST Manager

The Willamette Shore Trolley, operated by the volunteer members of the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, announces that Rod Cox has accepted the position of manager of passenger operations for the trolley line. With the hiring of Cox, the trolley line will expand its' schedule to 4 trips per day, five days a week from 3 days a week and two runs per day.

The management position remained vacant for 5 months after Chris Larsen left at Christmas to attend a university. Rod has been a motorman for a number of years even working for the previous operator of the line, Gales Creek Enterprises. While operating the trolley, he loves to tell stories of the days when Southern Pacific ran Interurbans, called Red Electrics, from Portland to Lake Oswego. Rod will also operate the trolley on weekday afternoons. Besides being a motorman, Rod often spends time repairing track and maintaining signals along the right of way. He lives in Salem and is planning to commute to Portland each day.

With the hiring of Rod Cox as manager of passenger operations, the trolley line will be expanding its schedule on Saturday May 22nd, Memorial Day weekend. The trolley will then run for the rest of the summer from Wednesday to Sunday with four round trips per day. Departures from Lake Oswego will be at 10 AM, Noon, 2 PM and 4 PM. Departures from RiverPlace in Portland will be at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM, the 5 PM run being a one-way trip. Round trip fares are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, and $3.00 for children. More information may be had by phoning 222-2226.

As summer was approaching the need for a station master became imperative to the historical society. The trolleys are run by volunteer motormen and women and this summer there is a great shortage of operators especially for weekday operations. Rod will help fill that gap. Weekdays are not as busy as weekends and are popular for families that like to stop and picnic at parks along the scenic line.

New Willamette Shore Trolley Car Barn!!

The new car barn was dedicated on September 9th. It is near the intersection of State St. and B. Ave in Lake Oswego. In mid-October we received the keys so we can finally get The double-decker # 48 and the Broadway car # 813 under cover.

This is a view looking North at the Trolley Barn. It is a two track facility. The Track to the right of the building is the Willamette Shore Mainline. the track to the right of that is the Former SP Line now operated by the Portland & Western / Willamette & Pacific.         Here is another view of the barn's south side in Lake Oswego.   This is the Blackpool Double-Decker # 48 inside the Barn. Now Restoration of this car can begin without the rain hampering progress.     This is the Willamette Shore's other car. Former Portland "Broadway" Car # 813 inside the car Barn. This track has a pit for undercarriage access.

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