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Welcome to the official Friends of SP 4449's website. We're a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the former Southern Pacific steam locomotive based in Portland, Oregon.
What's happening on the SP 4449?
The 2019 Holiday Express was a big success. You can see a video of the 4449 pulling the Holiday Express here.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is now closed due to the COVID-19 so, unfortunately, work on the SP 4449 and railcars by our volunteers has also come to a stop until further notice.
Click here to see more of what the SP 4449 has been up to recently.
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When can I ride behind the SP 4449?
The next opportunity to ride a train being pulled by the SP 4449 will likely be Holiday Express 2020. We'll post it here if things change.
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On December 14, 1974, Southern Pacific 4449 was towed out of Oaks Park in southeast Portland, OR. and taken to Burlington Northern's Hoyt Street Roundhouse in what is now the Pearl District.
There, the 4449 was disassembled, inspected, repaired, and reassembled to pull the American Freedom Train in 1975-1977, a train full of historic artifacts that toured around the United States.
Over the course of 40 years, this steam locomotive and the crew that kept her operational has continued to pull officer specials for railroads, star in a Disney film, run excursion trains for the public, and return to Oaks Park during Holiday Express events.
Some of the same crew members who took part of the activities in 1974 continues to be involved today with a whole new batch of volunteers working to carry 4449 into the next generation. |
Come see us!
Come see the SP 4449 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center located at 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR. Now is a good time to visit! For those taking transit, the MAX orange line passes right by the front gate. See MAX and Streetcar websites for more information.
Heritage Center hours are 1-5 PM Thursdays and Fridays, 12-5 Saturdays and Sundays. There is no charge to enter the facility, but your support at the donation box or concessions shop is much appreciated!
Friends of SP 4449 Inc. - P.O.Box #42486 - Portland, OR 97242
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