RailsNW: Train Blog

The Overlander is a journey through the heart of the North Island, traveling between Auckland – New Zealand’s largest city and home of the Sky Tower,and Wellington – New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. Along the way, pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, popular with young and old alike. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges – all from the train’s panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.

The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers.  An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favorite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to!  Our journey is 223.8 kilometers long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters.

The TranzCoastal travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This journey is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins.

Travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage. 

The TranzCoastal travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand’s only road-rail bridge. As on The TranzAlpine, The TranzCoastal includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air.

Learn more and book online at:

http://www.railsnw.com/tours/newzealand/newzealand.htm#nz

The longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest, the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad is the result of one man’s passion to preserve a colorful slice of America’s heritage.  As a young man, Tom Murray Jr. first heard the unforgettable sound of geared locomotives working on the steep wooded hillsides of his father’s timber holdings.  Mr. Murray was a hands-on witness to the closing days of steam locomotive logging in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.  He resolved to do whatever he could to save for posterity some of the relics of that unique and colorful experience.  

In February, 1980 the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (more commonly known as the Milwaukee Road) shut down their lines in Washington including their 66-mile branch from Tacoma to Morton.  The rail line was acquired by Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, and a deal was soon struck between Tom Murray Jr. and good friend George Weyerhaeuser giving the newly formed Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad access to a portion of the line for tourist train service.  The following year, steam trains that had been stored and rebuilt on Murray property in Tacoma were hauling passenger trains between Elbe and Mineral Lake.  Twenty-five plus years later, the steam trains continue to run through the foothills of Mt. Rainier to the benefit and enjoyment of kids young and old alike.

Last year brought the return of the Rayonier #2, a Willamette geared locomotive:  http://www.mrsr.com/willamette.html  and at present, work transpires to restore the Rayonier #70:  http://www.mrsr.com/rayonier70.html.  Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad was recently voted the the Best Railroad in Washington State for Evening Magazine’s ‘The Best of Western Washington and Northwest Escapes’:  http://best.king5.com/winners/northwest-escapes/4261/arts-and-entertainment/train-ride. The Nisqually River bridge has been repaired and service will be from Elbe, WA in 2010:  3 departures both Saturday and Sunday May through October at 10:30, 1, and 3:30:  www.mrsr.com.

RailsNW is pleased to present one of the first trips out on the newly reopened line from Elbe, WA across the Nisqually River bridge. Our exclusive charter onboard the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad will feature two steam locomotives- a doubleheader- as we take you past Mineral and Divide to a turnaround at one of the largest wooden trestles in the Northwest. We expect to feature both the Rayonier #2, a Willamette geared engine which just returned to service last summer, as well as another of the MRSR collection. If it completes its restoration in time, we may be taking out the Rayonier #70, a Baldwin 2-8-2 rod locomotive; backup is most likely the Hillcrest Lumber #10, a Climax geared engine, but final motive power is at the discretion of railroad personnel.

A minimum of three photo runbys have been scheduled and more will be added if time permits. A full catered BBQ meal is included on the return trip to complete your day at the Mineral Lake pavillion. An open car will be part of our consist to enjoy the fresh air and unparalleled views. As this trip is limited to less than 100 passengers, we highly recommend making your reservations ASAP.

When:  12 June 2010; Cost:  $85 per person

1911 was a big year for Tillamook County, for that was the year modern rail transportation arrived. The Pacific Railroad and Navigation Company (otherwise known as the ‘Punk, Rotten and Nasty’), incorporated in October 1905, punched a rail line through the Coast Range and down the Salmonberry Canyon, ultimately meeting up with the other end of the line under construction from Tillamook northward through Bay City, Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler.  The first train from Portland arrived in Tillamook in October 1911, and soon tourists were flocking to the beach.

Nearly 100 years later, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad continues to operate regular passenger services to enjoy the spectactular Oregon Coastline between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach at a leisurely speed of only 8 mph.  Ride Thurs-Monday Memorial Day through the end of September, www.ocsr.net.

OCSR is the brain child of President Scott Wickert. It has been his vision of a steam railroad and a logging/antique railroad equipment museum that has brought the group together. His goal is simply to keep these pieces of history available for the public to learn from and to appreciate.  In 2002 Scott Wickert entered an agreement with the Port of Tillamook Bay RR (POTB) to bring his steam locomotive, CLC #2, to Tillamook to begin steam train operations in 2003.  The geared Heisler locomotive celebrates its 100th birthday in 2010!

RailsNW will also run again our popular excursion on the OCSR up to Wheeler on Saturday, July 24th:  the one and only Oregon Coast Crawler will take you on an amazing 5 hour journey.  Originating in Garibaldi, we make a leisurely trip up the Oregon Coast affording fantastic panoramic views of both Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. Our vintage train stops for a waterside picnic lunch (prepared for us of locally made ingredients by the Blue Heron Creamery) and free time at Wheeler as well as an afternoon snack and beach stop in Rockaway Beach.  A minimum of three photo runbys have been scheduled and more will be added if time permits

After our lunch stop during which we service the engine we do it all again in reverse from Wheeler, allowing for different sightseeing opportunities on the return trip. No other railroad in North America offers the range of scenery found on the Tillamook Branch Line, and no train in recent years has made it possible to experience it all behind steam power.
An open car will be part of our consist to enjoy the fresh air and unparalleled views.

As this trip is limited to less than 100 passengers, we highly recommend making your reservations ASAP. Feel free to call us at 503-292-5055 if you have any questions.  More information and online reservations can be found here:  http://www.railsnw.com/tours/charter/garibaldi_steam/garibaldi_steam.htm

If you haven’t ridden the Alaska Railroad, this summer is your time. Tracks run nearly 500 miles through pristine wilderness, while the state of the art dome cars enhance your experience. Boasting over 10,000 glaciers and a national park larger than the state of Massachusetts, Alaska is sure to impress even the most veteran traveler.

When you’re not enjoying the luxuries train travel affords, consider glacier cruises, wildlife viewing expeditions, deep sea fishing trips or simply relax in the shadow of Mt. McKinley. Glacier laden valleys, crystal clear streams and coniferous forests of the 49th state beg to be explored as you glide effortlessly along the ribbon of iron through roadless country. Satisfy your wanderlust aboard the Alaska Railroad by day and sleep comfortably overnight in hotels.

When President Warren G. Harding drove the golden spike, officially completing the Alaska Railroad- built with the same equipment used to contruct the Panama Canal- he opened the interior of Alaska to everyone. Make this summer your year for Alaska. There is no better way to see interior and/or coastal Alaska than by rail.

Our friendly reservation staff can easily direct you to any of our packages or design something special for you and your family. In a state two and a half times larger than Texas, you’ll undoubtedly find plenty to do. Space has already started filling up for 2010, so confact us to start your vacation planning today.  Here is only one suggestion for an amazing adventure:  http://www.railsnw.com/tours/akrr/alaska_tour_anchorage_tour022.htm#ak

Whatever your budget, call now and allow our experienced staff of rail travel experts design your perfect custom trip. With availability always stretched thin, we highly recommend securing your reservations ASAP by calling 1-800-717-0108 or visit http://www.railsnw.com/tours/alaskaframe.htm

This fantastic offer has been extended until 24 December 2009, and offers a saving of up to $2,500* per person off the Platinum Service fare.

The Southern Spirit includes all accommodation on and off the train, meals, special events and touring. Both itineraries offer 14 unforgettable days of indulgence in a truly Australian Rail experience. Join The Southern Spirit’s first journey in 2010 and experience the rail journey of lifetime.

http://www.railsnw.com/Tours/australia_southern_spirit/australia_southern_spirit.htm

Itinerary 1 – The Grand Tour departs Uluru to Brisbane 9 January 2010

Highlights include Uluru touring, Stop in Coober Pedy, close encounter with seals on Kangaroo Island, tour and wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.

Itinerary 2 – The Coastal Epic departs Brisbane to Uluru 24 January 2010

Highlights include Welcome Cocktail Party, Sydney Harbour Australia Day Event at the Shangri La Hotel, stop at Glenrowan Home of ‘Ned Kelly’, The Parkes Dish Experience.

10 days, double occupancy:  $3098 per person

Limited to 54 total persons, already 25% full and always sells out.

More information here:  http://www.traintrips.biz/new-england-fall-colors-rail-spectacular-2010.html

Call 1-800-717-0108 to book

The Oregon Coast Crawler is ready to roll down the tracks again in 2010… mark the date for Saturday July 24th.  OCSR’s Heisler #2 departs Garibaldi, OR at 10am for a special 5.5 hour run to Wheeler, complete with a waterside picnic lunch.  Price remains a bargain at $98 per person and seats are limited to 100 riders:  http://www.railsnw.com/Tours/charter/garibaldi_steam/garibaldi_steam.htm

Please email jill@railsnw.com if you would like to be on our list for all Pacific Northwest charter excursion announcements.

The following fall charters still have space:

Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad triple-header 02Oct09:  http://www.mrsr.com/specialevents.html

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad photo freight farm benefit: 19Oct and 09nov:  http://www.helmstetterfarm.org/

California Zephyr/Western Pacific 100-year anniversary over Altamont Pass and Feather River special event:  http://www.trainsunlimitedtours.com/feather-river-express.html

We are also making plans for our 2010 charter season in the Pacific Northwest.  Please let us know if you would like to join our trip ‘interest list’

The news is out, the Sierra Madre Express WILL return to Mexico’s Copper Canyon- we are just now waiting for the final approvals as to tour dates.  If you are interested in this train, keep an eye on our website, or ask to be put on our calling list when the trip is ready to be booked.

In addition to the Sierra Madre Express, RailsNW also offers countless independent and customizable rail tour options for Mexico’s Copper Canyon.  Fall is the start of the best season to travel in this region, and space is always at a premium.  Please contact us for custom itinerary planning to visit sunny Mexico this winter!

On the train right now #2 Steam Engine