On Saturday October 18, the Sumpter Valley Railway Restoration
Inc. will be running its third annual Fall Foliage and Photographers Special
train. Vintage steam locomotives will haul restored freight and passenger
equipment throughout the day with two full round trips and plenty of photo
opportunities. The first section departs McEwen station just after 8:00 AM to
allow for the best early morning light and a continental breakfast will be
provided in the depot. Lunch is also available for an additional $5.00, but
passengers may also choose to bring their own or dine in one of Sumpter’s
restaurants during the layover. Later in the afternoon another round trip will
be made to allow for new photographic locations and maybe include a surprise or
two.
The trains are limited to 55 seats , so make your reservations before the
excursions sell out. Also, since lunch will be catered, all reservations for
meal tickets must be made by Saturday October 11, 2003.
Originally built beginning in 1890 to haul timber, the SVRy
quickly became a common carrier transporting passengers, logs, lumber,
livestock, mining equipment, gold, mail and ore. The three foot gauge SVRy ran
from Baker City to Prairie City in Eastern Oregon, a distance of over 80 miles.
Ceasing operations in 1947, the line was removed and never expected to run
again. It escaped this fate and is now operated by the Sumpter Valley Railroad
Restoration Inc, a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to rebuilding
and operating this historic line. Located just off I84 and 22 miles from Baker
City, the Sumpter Valley operates each weekend from Memorial Day to the end of
September, and includes several Night Train and Photo Specials.
Sumpter Valley Railroad Web Page
Sumpter Valley Railroad
P.O. Box 389, Baker City, OR 97814-0389
(541) 894-2268 or Toll Free (866) 894-2268 (June – September)
(541) 523-3453 Winter Months (October – May)
Fax: (541)
894-2230
E-mail:
svrydepotstaff@eoni.com
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