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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.
SP 4449 was built in 1941 as a GS-4 "Northern" type locomotive. A 4-8-4
wheel arrangement, she is 110' long, 10' wide and 16' tall. The
locomotive and tender weighs 433 tons, and it operates with a boiler
pressure of 300 psi. Her eight 80" diameter drivers and unique booster
truck can apply 5,500 horsepower to the rails and exceed 100 mph.
The only remaining operable "streamlined" steam locomotive of the Art
Deco era, SP 4449 pulled Southern Pacific "Daylight" coaches from Los
Angeles to San Francisco over the scenic Coast Route and then on to
Portland until 1955. Retired to static display at Oaks Park in 1958,
most thought SP 4449 would never run again.
In 1974, she was selected to pull the American Freedom Train throughout
the United States, and was subsequently rebuilt. SP 4449 ran for three
years to the delight of over 30 million people. She is arguably one of
the most beautiful locomotives ever built -- and kept that way by the
all-volunteer Friends of SP 4449!
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A random SP 4449 photograph from the archives.
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Excursions
ORHF's Holiday
Express is tentatively scheduled for this December, check back later
for details. There are no other excursions currently scheduled,
however, trip information will be posted when
they become available.
We're Homeless!
We are anticipating a notice to vacate the Roundhouse, and as it
stands today there isn't a home for Portland's three steam locomotives to go to.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation is in the process of
acquiring property in southeast Portland,
and your help is needed! See ORHF
for more info and the latest news. |
Oregon Cultural Trust
We're now a member of the Oregon Cultural Trust, where every gift counts. Yours can count twice!
Add your support for Oregon's culture. Make a gift to the Friends of SP
4449. Then make a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust and claim
a 100% tax credit. It's that simple. Learn more or donate online at culturaltrust.org
New Concessions Items
Our 2009 calendar is available for purchase, as well as excellent videos
that featuring on-board camera views and
behind-the-scenes footage from our recent excursions. See Concessions |
By sharing photographs of
what goes on behind the scenes, many of which illustrate the work
volunteers put into maintaining and operating the steam locomotive, we
hope you gain a better perspective of what it takes to keep the SP 4449
alive and operable!
Latest Additions of 2008
- Cruisin' Sherwood 2008
- Test Run to Longview, WA (to be posted)
- ORHF's Holiday Express '07
Major Accomplishments
- Babbitt Bearing Project 2007
- Roller Bearing Project 2005 |
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Friends
of SP 4449
Inc. - P.O.Box
#42486 - Portland, OR 97242
*This website is best
viewed at 1024x768 or higher resolution*
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