Friday, May 16, 2008

NWPR Engines


As I understand it, these locomotives were beautifully restored sometime in the early or mid-90s, and operated on the north-south running rail line through town, until after only a few years someone decided the economics of rail and machine maintenance didn't add up anymore. With the price of highway transportation skyrocketing, someone ought to get out their calculators again. You can see evidence of a "fender bender" on this one (those steps are supposed to be parallel to the ground), as well as unauthorized paint applications. The windows are broken, and all available copper ripped out. The bright side is the beautiful grove of madrone trees and manzanita making a foothold on the tracks, offering some pleasing contrasts.

7 comments:

Louis la Vache said...

How sad to see these locomotives wasting away and being vandalized!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Such an impressive looking engine and then such a sad tale. Right now, the cost of gasoline is going to reach $10.00 a gallon and that might make fixing this locomotive up and setting it on the tracks to prosperity.

Profile Not Available said...

We have a couple of train museums within a short drive of here, and I agree with Louis, it is sad to see these wasting away.

Kym said...

The second photo has nice lines softened by the greenery.

iBlowfish said...

I like your thought about gasoline price and this vandalize locomotive. It's too bad American prefer traveling with their car instead this beautiful train. Well done.

Benjamin Madison said...

I like the way these trees have snugged themselves up to the engine in a very orderly fashion.

Dina said...

Sad to see how a mighty train has been brought down.