Re: the proposed tourist train from Tacoma to Mt. Ranier. Did the Milwaukee Road ever operate passenger service on this line? If so, when did they stop? Wasn't this the line that had the F7s that were geared really low for log trains, and operated 2-6-6-2s before that?

http://www.tribnet.net/news/story/3554317p-3585587c.html
ryarger@rypn.org

I rode the Mt Ranier Scenic at Elbe during the Seattle TRAIN convention. I noticed that they still have a web site so am guessing they exist. How would this line from Tacoma relate to them. Would it compete? Would the MtRS be an extension of the trip? Would the MtRS be absorbed into the new Tacoma line? Thanks for any clarification.

cwiatrowski@earthlink.net

The Tacoma Eastern (then Milw. about 1918) ran passenger trains from Tacoma and Seattle to Ashford (where buses continued on to Mt. Rainier National Park), and to Morton. They atarted out with 4-6-0's and wooden coaches and ended up with the last (excursion) passenger train being steel coaches pulled by heavy Consolidations. Last train was, I believe, in 1949.

The Train to the Mountain (a 15 year old idea that is still moving forward) may be an operation of Tacoma Rail, with a trip on MRSR most likely offered as an option. I believe MRSR will continue to remain an independent operator on Tacoma Rail's track.


steamrr@mashell.com