Oregon Zoo
Washington Park And Zoo Railway

Story and photographs by Richard Elgenson

RailNews Network writer

The Zooliner is powered by a Caterpillar 3208 and  is shown in the lower left photo.  The coupling system and hose connections are seen in the lower right photo.  Also from the zoo web site, "This diesel-powered streamliner was built  in 1958. A replica of General Motors’ "Aerotrain," the engine’s 165 horsepower is transmitted to eight driving wheels through a hydraulic-type torque converter transmission and spiralgears. Safety features include a "dead man control" to ease the train to a halt in an emergency.  A governor holds the train to a 12-mile-per-hour maximum. A conventional automatic air brake system provides safe train handling."

   

From a handout provided by Ken Lauderback of the WP & Z RR, the water tank was originally built for the Oregon Centennial Exposition by Simpson Lumber and moved to the zoo station at the close of the exposition.  The green light is a switch indicator.
   
The train route traverses grounds with lush flora and fauna.
   

   
Let's go for a train ride!
   
The cab of the Zooliner loco has plenty of gauges.  One of the most important ones is the PA system with which to narrate the train ride through the zoo.  One the WP & Z RR, the engineer provides the narration.
   
Ooooh, our first animal sighting.  This makes me think of a network.
   
We pass a lone wolf whose mate has recently passed away, elk, the aviary (not shown), the new dinosaur exhibition, and later, the elephants.
   

   
Just like some real railroads, this one passes throught an industrial area.  The corner of the WP & Z RR shop building is visible.
   

Washington Park and Zoo Railway Page 3