Lewis & Clark Explorer Train Rolls to an End Explorer Train Ends 3-Year
Run The final day of the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train was October 3,
2005. On that day, 120 Astoria 3rd graders met the train, brandishing
welcome signs to passengers on the last westbound run. It was a sad day for many, including Astorians who were proud to host
the train, metro-area folks who appreciated this coastal travel option,
and for those who resided near the 90-mile route, who enjoyed its friendly
crossing whistle twice-daily, four-days per week during the summer. This excursion train operated the 2003-2005 summer seasons, running
between Portland and Astoria, Oregon, providing passengers
with a leisurely ride through L&C historic sites, bald eagle sanctuaries,
and other points of visual and historic interest. Committed train and
concession staff was a vital part of the positive passenger experience. In addition to a host of volunteers and financial contributors, the
L&C Explorer Train would not have been possible without the effort
of Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson, who was instrumental in securing
state funding for the railcars. In addition to a host of volunteers and
financial contributors, the L&C Explorer Train would not have been
possible without the effort of Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson,
who was instrumental in securing state funding for the railcars. Additionally,
with the assistance of U.S. Representative David Wu, $2 million in
federal funding was appropriated for the rehabilitation of the western
40 miles of the Astoria line, much of which had not received any use
for eight years and had fallen into disrepair.
It
Took a Village to Run a Train
The L.C. Explorer Train was operated by Portland & Western Railroad,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. P&W made
a 3-year commitment to operate the train on an ODOT Rail Division contract.
Dedicated employees of both P&W and ODOT Rail worked tirelessly
to insure the safe and efficient operation of the train, often giving
up weekends and evenings to assist with operations or repair and maintenance
work.
Astoria-end volunteers included greeters who turned out daily to welcome
the train and provide area information, (Buckskin Dan was a favorite!)
and a bevy of bridge turners who dutifully turned the hand-cranked bridge
spans closed to allow safe train passage. Staff resources provided by the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce,
City of Astoria, and Port of Astoria assisted in many ways, and a dedicated
train committee worked through local operations logistics and helped
raise funds. A host of other volunteers assisted with wheel chair lift operation,
mechanical trouble-shooting, and brochure distribution. A labeling party,
coordinated by the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce to correct a
visitor guide misprint about the train, attracted over 90 volunteers
one evening. In addition to volunteer support, financial support for marketing and
local operations was provided by organizations and businesses throughout
the region. It took a village ... so thank you to all who contributed to the success
of the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the L&C Train:
Q. Why can’t the train operate through the
November 11, 2005 Lewis & Clark Signature Event to be held in
Astoria?
A. Two reasons: Daylight hours are limited now, so both boarding
and disembarking safety is compromised. Also, Portland & Western
Railroad, the train’s operator, is carrying special insurance
to run passenger service on the line, and an extension of the insured
time period is cost prohibitive.
Q. WHY is the train ceasing operations after October
3, 2005?
A: In honor of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration,
ODOT Rail made a 3-year commitment to operate this train. The agency
satisfied this commitment, and could not continue subsidizing train
operations beyond this time frame.
Q. What will happen to the three RDC Budd cars
that comprised the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train?
A. The State of Oregon provided the funds for the purchase of these
rail cars, with the requirement that the money be paid back at the
end of the three-year run. Therefore, ODOT Rail will sell the cars,
and the proceeds will be used to satisfy this requirement. If you have
an interest in purchasing these rail cars, please contact Keith Ayers
of ODOT in Salem at (503) 986-2835.
Q. Are there efforts underway by another entity
to continue operation of train service between Portland and Astoria?
A. Many people have voiced a desire to see continued excursion or
passenger rail service between the metropolitan area and Astoria. To
this end, some Astoria area citizens are researching the viability
of a for-profit business operation. Others are discussing the option
of a short, round trip excursion ride departing out of Astoria to perhaps
Clatskanie or Rainier, a move that keeps the rail line in good working
condition, and offers the best views of the Columbia River. No formal
plans have been announced for either venture.
Q. Who should I contact if I am interested in
operating passenger/excursion rail service on this line?
A. Portland & Western Railroad operates the rail line between
Portland’s Linnton boarding area and Astoria. Contact Paul Zalec,
Vice President, Passenger Operations at (503) 365-7717 X 111 or email [email protected]
Astoria
For a current event calendar in the Astoria area, contact the Astoria-Warrenton
Chamber of Commerce at (800) 875-6807 or go to
their web site at www.oldoregon.com
Lost and Found
Personal items left behind on the train will be stored through October
31, 2005. Unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill Industries. For
information about items lost on the train, please contact Bob Melbo
at ODOT Rail, Monday thru Friday. (503) 986-4137 or [email protected].
Links to Other Sites of Interest
- Astoria Railroad Preservation Association: www.astoriarr.org
- Pacific NW Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society: www.pnwc-nrhs.org
- American Association of Railroaders: www.aar-therailroaders.org
- American Railway Caboose Historical Educational Society: www.arches.org
- For Rail Aficionados: Train Specifications
The Lewis & Clark Explorer train was comprised of three Budd RDC cars,
B.C. Railway heritage. The L.C.Explorer Train was operated by Portland & Western
Railroad on an ODOT Rail Division contract.
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