News

The PRPA began the SP&S 700's 1472-day boiler rebuild and inspection in 2016. We have the skills and the will to get our favorite steam locomotive back out on the line, but we need your support! Click on the logo above for more information about the project and to do your part to help!!

• PRPA at Winterail: The Pacific Railroad Preservation Association will have a table at the 46th annual Winterail railroad photography exposition and rail collectible sale in Corvallis, OR, on March 16, 2024. Stop on by and say hi if you're going!
  03/05/2024
• PRPA Annual Meeting: The Pacific Railroad Preservation Association will have its 2024 Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, February 3 at 10 am at the Multnomah Arts Center at 7688 Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 (see map below and to the right). All members are welcome to come for our annual update on the SP&S 700. Guests who are interested in joining or learning about our organization are also welcome to attend! See you there!
  01/05/2024
• Garry Johnson: The PRPA is sad to announce the passing of long-time member, supporter and friend Garry Johnson in March. Garry worked on many of the PRPA&s projects over the years going back to the Brooklyn Roundhouse days. The last years Garry spent much time doing a little of everything at his beloved Willow Creek Railroad at Brooks. He will certainly be missed.
  04/02/2023
• Braemer Charitable Trust Grant: The Braemer Charitable Trust has awarded the PRPA with a $15,000 grant to repair the feedwater pump on the SP&S 700. Thank you, Braemer Chartible Trust, for your support of our favorite cultural treasure!
  02/15/2023
• Drummac Chris McLarney Memorial Award and Donation: Each year, Drummac recognizes one of its employees for exhibiting the characteristics of PRPA founder and former Drummac supervisor Chris McLarney by "significantly contributing to the success of [their] team, working with integrity and passion, and... always looking for opportunities to help others along the way." The 8th annual award was announced in December 2002. In addition to a bonus and a plaque given to the awardee, Drummac makes a donation to the PRPA in honor of the winner. Thank you, Drummac, for honoring our founder in this way and for your continued support of the PRPA!
  01/31/2023
• Preserving Oregon Grant The PRPA wishes to thank the Oregon State Parks Department for awarding us our recent Preserving Oregon grant. This $18,300 grant is a matching grant and will be used to repair the 700's feedwater pump.
  08/07/2022
• Oregon Parks Department Grant The PRPA is sincerely thankful to the Oregon Parks Department for their recent grant of $8,000. This grant is earmarked for bodywork and painting of the #105 Gregory Kamholz car.
  06/27/2022
• The SP&S 700 has passed it's hydro! The 700's boiler passed a hydrostatic pressure test with the locomotive's new super heaters installed and firebox work completed! This is a big milestone on the path back to steam. The PRPA would like to specifically thank SP 4449 crew members Neil Ferris, Bob Frazeur, Gary Oslund and Pat Tracy for their extensive help on test day.
  05/24/2022
• Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant! The Emery Rail Heritage Trust recently awarded us a $29,000 grant. Funds from this grant will be used for outfitting the SP&S 700 with new jacketing and lagging, and for a repair in the steam chest. Thank you Emery Rail Heritage Trust for your major role in helping us to complete our FRA 1472 inspection!
  03/21/2022
• The PRPA would like to thank the Autzen Foundation for awarding a grant in the amount of $5,000. This grant will go to install Head End Power (HEP) in the Kamholz Car (PRPX 105). Since 1951, the Autzen Foundation has supported charitable work in Oregon. Grants are awarded to smaller non-profit organizations; most often to groups involved with social services, education, environmental, arts and culture, and youth-centered missions.
  03/8/2021
• Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant The Emery Rail Heritage Trust and the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association are pleased to announce the award of a special mid-year grant of $35,000 to complete the boiler inspection and repair for the 4-8-4 SP&S 700. Thank you Emery Rail Heritage Trust!
  8/10/2020
• Oregon Cultural Trust Grant The Oregon Cultural Trust has awarded the PRPA a grant of $12,869 to continue the 15-year rebuild and restoration of the SP&S 700, an important piece of history and cultural attraction. Thank you Oregon Cultural Trust and citizens or Oregon!
  8/10/2020
• Support the SP&S 700 While You Shop at Amazon Did you know that your purchases at Amazon can help maintain and operate the SP&S 700 locomotive? Amazon donates a portion of their profits to us whenever you shop through the AmazonSmile link below. You will still receive the same great prices, discounts and free shipping that you are used to and you'll get the same prices, so please consider bookmarking and using the following link for all of your Amazon shopping: smile.amazon.com/ch/93-0884555.