Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (MRSR) has announced it will open RailCycle Mt. Rainier, a new rail bike attraction, and is entering final negotiations to begin operating steam train excursions from Chehalis this summer — two years sooner than predicted in August 2022.
RailCycle Mt. Rainier
RailCycle Mt. Rainier is a family-friendly pedal-powered rail bike excursion that offers a unique way to experience the Pacific Northwest’s rich history of logging and railroading while enjoying stunning views of glacially fed rivers and streams, according to a news release from MRSR. “Our RailCycles take advantage of both railroad and bicycle technology to ensure that they are easy to pedal and accessible for many. Our RailCycles are designed with optimal safety and performance in mind, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame construction, with heavier steel wheels, ideal for railroad applications. Seats are easy to access and provide
comfortable support,” MRSR said in the news release.
Excursions will depart from Eatonville.
Excursions in Chehalis
MRSR is also finalizing negotiations with Chehalis Centralia Railroad and Museum (CCRM) to lease their rail line, station and event space to operate summer and fall excursions.
The railroad “intends to bring steam engine, Polson 70, along with several passenger cars to Chehalis for the summer operation which will feature family-friendly excursions, some especially geared towards children, BBQ camp, Blues Trains and Beer Tasting Trains,” according to the news release.
MRSR has been working to restore their track to service, particularly focusing on expansion to operate out of Eatonville. “While this work remains ongoing and fundraising efforts are taking place, MRSR is unable to operate on their own line,” said the railroad in a news release.
CCRM, on the other hand, has been unable to obtain liability insurance due to two crashes involving CCRM’s trains and the resulting pending lawsuit.
While negotiations are being finalized, “both groups remain optimistic,” according to MRSR.
“Since we announced our acquisition of the railroad, the support we have received has been overwhelming. We have a talented staff and board of directors, robust community support, and over 80 volunteers actively working to help revive the railroad. The outpouring of help has made summer operations an aggressive, but realistic target. We appreciate CCRM’s willingness and warm, friendly response to the proposal, and the help they’ve given us in making this idea a reality,” said Bethan Maher, executive director of MRSR and Western Forest Industries Museum (WFIM), which acquired MRSR in August 2022 after its previous owner, American Heritage Railways, closed the organization in 2020.
Mary Kay Nelson, CCRM’s president, said “So far, I haven’t found anybody who doesn’t think this is a win-win situation, not only for our railroads, but for the public who keeps contacting me and saying, ‘When is the train going to start running again?’”
The agreement for summer railroad operations is currently being finalized; however, both entities report that excursions are targeted to begin in mid-June, according to the news release.
MRSR has launched a campaign to raise $80,000 to help bring their equipment, which has not operated since 2020, back into service and compliance, as well as perform necessary bridge repairs to facilitate the move.
MRSR will need to obtain a series of permissions to move equipment and finalize all pertinent inspections, according to the news release.
WFIM intends to expand MRSR’s operations to the town of Eatonville, creating a significant economic demand generator for the town, while constructing a new station and museum to showcase historic railroad and logging equipment and highlight the stories of the people that worked on and lived along the railroad, according to a news release.
Read more about the proposal with the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum here: https://chronline.com/stories/chehalis-centralia-railroad-mt-rainier-scenic-railroad-look-to-partner-to-bring-excursion-trains,318093
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More information on both initiatives can be found at: RailCycle.com and MtRainierRailroad.com.
