Chehalis–Centralia Railroad

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

The railroad operates 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.

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.[2]

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 are expected to be completed by Q3 2021.


Equipment Roster

Locomotive Number Road Name History Notes Restoration Status
15 Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade Lovingly referred to as ‘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. Hauling logs on the Puget Sounds and Cascade Railway in Mt Vernon, WA, its route went through Lewis County, Wa to transport lumber to local mills and interchanged with the main railway to export logs as well.

Ol’ 15 worked in the lumber industry for 30 years, docking at the old Chehalis Depot location on 3rd St. and Williams Ave in Chehalis, but was decommissioned as the lumber industry changed its needs for transportation.[3] 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 time line for this, as the Locomotive is missing many parts that will need to be fabricated. Awaiting Restoration
6 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard A General Electric 44 ton switcher unit, The #6 was purchased for $10,000 from the PSNS. She 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 lives at the CCR&M. She 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. Blown traction motor, otherwise in okay cosmetic condition 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 13th 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. Cosmetic damage, needs a "coat of paint". Operational
#601 Chehalis-Centralia railroad Our Diner car, the 601 is named "City of Chehalis". The car is used for excursions and dinner trains. In good condition, with some damage due to age. Operational
#602 Chehalis-Centralia railroad Our coach, the 602 is the "City of Centralia". Used for excursions and dinner trains. In good condition, some cosmetic damage. Handbrake is not used, due to positioning and its operation Operational
#8 Unknown Our MOW crane, the #8 is used for "heavy lifting" around the yard and line. Used mainly for bridge and track work, along with moving things around the yard. Visible from Highway 6, and I5. Operational

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Milwaukee Road Archives - Puget Sound & Willapa Harbor Railway
  2. ^ Anders, Kurt F. (April 2007). "1 man, 1 locomotive, 70 years together!". Trains. 67 (4): 56–57.
  3. ^ "Engine Histories – Chehalis Centralia Railroad". Retrieved March 18, 2021.

External links[]

Coordinates: 46°39′09″N 122°58′37″W / 46.65250°N 122.97694°W / 46.65250; -122.97694


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