By Justin Franz

The long-brewing restoration of Oregon Railroad & Navigation 197 got a major boost over the weekend when it was announced that a former Union Pacific executive would help raise the $1 million needed to get the 4-6-2 locomotive back under steam. 

OR&N 197 is owned by the City of Portland and is currently cared for by the Friends of OR&N 197 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The locomotive was built in 1905 for OR&N, which eventually was taken over by UP. Under UP ownership, the locomotive was renumbered 3203. The locomotive ran until it was retired in 1958 and was put on display at Portland’s Oaks Park along with two 4-8-4 locomotives: Southern Pacific 4449 and Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700. The locomotive was removed from the park in 1996. 

Neil Ferris, president of the Friends of OR&N 197, tells Railfan & Railroad that over the last few years a number of significant projects have been completed, including the rebuilding of the locomotive’s air pump and fabrication of an all-new cab. Ferris said the group believes it will take about $1 million to restore the locomotive to operating condition. 

Enter John J. Gray, a former UP executive who established the “UP in Smoke Foundation” to fund the steam locomotive restorations, most notably UP 4-6-6-4 3985 and 2-10-2 5511 in 2022. Gray has promised a 1:1 matching grant to raise the money needed to get 197 completed. To help lead that work, the Friends of OR&N 197 are teaming up with project manager Jon Brewster. The group has also hired FMW Solutions to assist with the restoration of the boiler. Ferris said the boiler and the running gear will be the two biggest projects for the team. The restoration will be completed with a combination of paid staff and volunteer labor. 

When restored, locomotive 197 will be an ideal addition to the operating fleet at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. This year, the museum began offering more frequent steam excursions on the nearby Oregon Pacific Railroad, in addition to its popular Holiday Express rides in the winter. For years, ORHC used the two 4-8-4s for the short trips, but railroad officials have asked that the use of the heavy Northerns be more limited to preserve the track. This year, ORHC has been using Polson Logging Co. 2-8-2 2 on loan from the locomotive owner and board member Rick Franklin. 

For more information and to learn how to donate to the restoration, visit the Friends of OR&N 197’s website or Facebook page.