Diehard railfans or residents who live near where the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (MRSR) operates in Elbe, New Reliance or Mineral might notice the railroad’s Baldwin Polson 70 steam engine’s whistle sounding a bit different.
“For the first time since 2019, our beloved Polson 70 will be blowing its original Crosby 3-chime whistle,” MRSR said in a Feb. 24 Facebook post. “Didn’t notice? What kind of railfan are you?!”
In 2019, the Crosby whistle was on its last legs and finally broke, according to the railroad. As classic steam engine whistles are now expensive collectors items, MRSR staff weren’t sure they were ever going to be able to replace or repair it.
Eventually, they found a “museum-quality” Ashton whistle to replace it from another steam engine MRSR has in storage that is currently undergoing restoration — Porter No. 5.
The sound wasn’t the same though, the post added.
As restoration continued, staff began to worry that they would soon need whistles for both Porter No. 5 and Polson 70.
“Then Monday morning hit and we found the (Polson) 70’s whistle sitting on the breakroom table, repaired and as good as new! Our very own machinist, welder, and all around good guy, Chris, did some extra‑credit work over the weekend,” MRSR wrote on social media. “Borrowing some tools and knowledge from his old mates at Dennison International Motorsports, he rebuilt the (Polson) 70’s whistle with a new valve, return springs and a new languor plate.”
Now, the Polson 70 steam engine can now sound off again with its original Crosby “logger” whistle, “just like it came straight from the Baldwin factory.”
A video with the train’s whistle sounding off can be viewed on MRSR’s Facebook at https://fb.watch/y1NbSrq3lG/.
Owned by the local nonprofit Western Forest Industries Museum, the MRSR offers a variety of seasonal and holiday steam train excursions throughout the year. To learn more or purchase tickets for upcoming steam train rides, visit MRSR’s website at https://mtrainierrailroad.com/.
For other updates on MRSR operations, follow the railroad on its Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MtRainierRailroad.
