Motorman re-certification, April 17th, 2010
At the trolley barn, where 813 sleeps at night
I am switching to the main line
This is the mainline to Portland from Lake Oswego station.
Note: Since we have no overhead wire, we carry our own electricity (generator)
Ready to depart to Portland
Our pilot (right) Hal Rosene evaluates the motormen, there are four of us today.
THE SCENIC ROUTE
As a motorman, we need to be vigilant for hazards such as people walking closely
next to the track
Willamette Shore Trolley has one of the most unusual and scenic route in the
country
We go through 0.25 mile of tunnel.
Inside the trolley while in the tunnel
Exiting the 'S" shape tunnel in where it is pitch-black right in the middle
of it
The track runs right in front of a multi-million dollar house to the left
The first trestle, a 600 feet span and about 100 feet high
The second trestle, Willamette River is seen to the left
The track is literally in some of the houses' backyards
The "shoe-fly" section, there was an erosion at one point in time,
but it was never fixed, so we have a "bend" in the track
Willamette Park
The track crosses some townhouse
We cross their backyard
This is the third trestle, another stunning view of the Willamette river to
the left
Again, the track is right in the middle of a housing complex
The track is in the middle of the garden
The track crosses a parking lot
We reach Portland, South Water Front area
Hal Rosene is checking the new bearing
At the end, I am certified to run the 2010 season.
Happy Spring
(c) Yongkie Hurd, Willamette Shore Trolley motorman
April 17th, 2010