Chehalis–Centralia Railroad

The Chehalis–Centralia Railroad (CHTX) is a heritage railroad based in Chehalis, Washington.

Locomotive No. 15 is a 1916 Baldwin, with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement that once pulled log trains for the Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade Railroad which operated in the Chehalis, Washington area until 1955. Today the locomotive runs on the Chehalis–Centralia Railroad.

The railroad operated No. 15, a 2-8-2 steam locomotive built by Baldwin in 1916, over a 10-mile section of former Milwaukee Road track. The route was originally built by the Puget Sound & Willapa Harbor Railway in 1914[1] and winds through scenic hills, farmland, and over several wooden trestles over the Chehalis River, along with various tributary streams including the Newaukum River.

Operations were suspended indefinitely in 2022 due to insurance issues.[2]

History

The railroad was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1986 by Chehalis citizens inspired by a visit to Chehalis by the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. The organization removed No. 15 from a city park where it had been on display for over 30 years, and brought it to the Mt. Rainier shops in Mineral, Washington, for restoration. Work on the locomotive was completed in 1989 and the railroad started operations later that year over ex-Milwaukee Road, Weyerhaeuser Timber Company-owned track. In 1993, the Port of Chehalis purchased the route. In 2006, there were 10,250 riders – a record for the railroad.[3]

In December 2007, the railroad sustained significant flood damage, but with much work from the dedicated volunteers of the railroad the right-of-way has been completely restored, and trains can once again run all the way to Ruth.

In Early 2019, The #15 was found to have major boiler damage and could no longer be steamed safely. The locomotive has been out of service since. Repairs were expected to be completed by Q3 2021. However, this was hampered by severe washouts in February 2022.[4] Funding to restore the line was requested from FEMA and the SBA. This funding was granted, and a complete restoration and overhaul of the line was completed in Mid 2023. During this period of time, major work was completed both on the line and in the yard that had been deferred for years. This included a complete re tamp and regulation of the rail line, over 1,000 ties replaced, and cosmetic restoration of the depot and engine #6. Restoration of Locomotive 15 has been suspended due to lack of funding.

Equipment Roster
Locomotive Number Road Name History Notes Restoration Status
15 Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade Nicknamed ‘Ol 15, it first arrived in Washington in 1928, purchased by the Cowlitz, Chehalis and Cascade Railway to transport timber for Washington State’s booming lumber industry. Operating on the Puget Sounds and Cascade Railway in Mt Vernon, WA, its route went through Lewis County, Wa, transporting lumber to local mills and interchanged with the North American network to export logs as well.

15 worked in the lumber industry for 30 years, operating out of the old Chehalis Depot location on 3rd St. and Williams Ave in Chehalis, but was retired as the lumber industry changed its needs for transportation.[5] Known as "The Chehalis", this locomotive is owned by the City of Chehalis.

 Down for maintenance
25 Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade The "sister" to #15, #25 or "The Centralia" resided in Fort Borst Park from 1956 till 2007. The 25 was relocated to the CCR&M shop, where it awaits future restoration. There is no current timeline for this, as the Locomotive is missing many parts that will need to be fabricated. This locomotive has been found to be in better condition to #15, and restoration is being looked into. Awaiting Restoration
6 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard A General Electric 65 ton switcher unit, The #6 was purchased for $10,000 from the PSNS. It is used for yard switching, and pulls excursions when the #15 is down for maintenance. Operational
9 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard A Vulcan Iron Works diesel stored at the CCR&M. It is in good condition, however is inoperable due to a blown traction motor. Due to the scarcity of parts, it is unknown if this locomotive will ever run again. Recently, #9 has been moved to near the top of the restoration list, and an examination is being conducted to determine feasibility. Blown traction motor, stored. Unknown
#99 Spokane, Portland & Seattle The last surviving SP&S business car, the 99 was purchased from a private collection in Moses Lake, and moved via the BNSF mainline to the Chehalis yard. The car is in good condition, and is used as premiere seating for excursion runs, and a private dining car for dinner trains. The first run ever made with this car was on March 13, 2020, and was used for crew members. The car has cosmetic damage that needs to be repaired, and the SP&S historical society plans to repaint it in 2021. In August 2021 the car gained HVAC capabilities for the first time in 40 years. Painting of the car was completed in early 2022, and numbering and striping is underway. Fully restored to pre retirement condition. Operational
#601 Chehalis-Centralia railroad 601 is named "City of Chehalis", and is a dining car. The car is used for excursions and dinner trains. Operational
#602 Chehalis-Centralia railroad 602 is the "City of Centralia", and a coach. Used for excursions and dinner trains. Operational
#8 Unknown #8 is a MOW crane, and is used for "heavy lifting" around the yard and line. Used mainly for bridge and track work, along with moving items around the yard. Out of Service

See also

Notes
  1. Milwaukee Road Archives - Puget Sound & Willapa Harbor Railway
  2. "Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum Suspends All Passenger Operations". Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  3. Anders, Kurt F. (April 2007). "1 man, 1 locomotive, 70 years together!". Trains. 67 (4): 56–57.
  4. "Flood Causes Washouts on Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Line, Scenic Rides to be Postponed".
  5. "Engine Histories – Chehalis Centralia Railroad". Retrieved March 18, 2021.

46°39′09″N 122°58′37″W

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