The Northwest Railway Museum is pleased to announce its acquisition of an early Alco switcher from the Port of Longview, Washington. The Museum has been awarded the bid to purchase the Northern Pacific Railway's second diesel electric, an Alco HH-660 built in February 1940. The Museum's plan is to move it to Snoqualmie by truck sometime next year for restoration to its circa 1940's appearance (paint, lettering, headlights & footboards). It will be exhibited at the restored Northern Pacific Snoqualmie Depot.

The locomotive was delivered as the #125. Its history includes service as the King Street coach yard switcher and as a dock switcher at the Port of Seattle. Its local significance makes it eligible for nomination to the King County Landmarks Register.

The locomotive is operational but has several issues including worn wheels and some type of prime mover bearing problem. Although it will be maintained as an operational locomotive, it will only be operated during special events. (Earlier this year, the Northwest Railway Museum acquired two former Army Baldwin RS4-TC locomotives to pull trains on the interpretive railway. They are NOT part of the Museum's Collection.)

Estimated costs for this project are substantial: $7,000 for restoration & $26,000 for transportation. Naturally, the Northwest Railway Museum is interested in any assistance rypn.org readers may be able to offer this project.

The Northwest Railway Museum is located in Snoqualmie-North Bend, WA. Features include a six-mile interpretive railway and a restored 1890-built train station. The Museum received over 75,000 visitors in 2000. Museum programs are described on the web at www.trainmuseum.org

Richard R. Anderson
Executive Director
Northwest Railway Museum


Northwest Railway Museum Web Site
rra@trainmuseum.org