Next Friday (Oct 16) are the Fall Colors runs - this operates the normal train schedule and is aimed at the general public. I don't know which steam engine will be used.

Next Saturday & Sunday (Oct 17-18) are the Fall Photo Trains. These are for the hardcore photographer. Continental breakfast starts at 6:00am, train tries to be up the line a ways for sunrise shots about 7:00am. After a couple runbys, train will return to depot so engines can get water, passengers can get rid of or add more coffee and pick up anyone that slept in. Additional runbys until lunch (provided), then a few more runbys until crew runs short on time usually late afternoon.

This year two trains are scheduled pulled by Sumpter Valley Railway #19 (2-8-2 Alco 1920) and wood burning Heisler #3 (1915) celebrating its 100th birthday. Consists are typically a mixed and a freight using a combination of original Sumpter Valley and former DRGW/WP&Y/EBT cars.

There is a motel, cabins and a B&B in Sumpter; Baker City (25 miles) is on I-84 and has plenty of rooms. Be sure to wear good footwear - many of the photo locations involve hiking across the dredge tailings which are a heavy round gravel.

Last trains of the year will be Sat/Sun December 12-13 for Christmas. Santa will greet kids at Sumpter depot. Saturday night there is an extra run to attend Sumpter's night Christmas parade.

If anyone is interested - SVRR is a non-profit that has been running trains for 39 years and is dependent upon volunteers for most phases of repair, maintenance and train crews. Anyone interested in volunteering next season please contact the railroad.


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