The TUT trip in question went to the 2005 NRHS Convention, which was held in Portland, Ore. The consist was a combination of PVs and cars from North Star Rail (aka Friends of MILW 261), and included NSR's ex-MILW Super Dome #53 and Skytop parlor #186 "Cedar Rapids".

The same consist was used for the "Western Star" trip on the BNSF from Portland to Wishram, Wash. up the Columbia River Gorge. This trip used the city of Portland's 4-8-4s, the ex-SP 4449 and ex-SP&S #700, doubleheaded (with the Amtrak P42 behind). The 700 led the outbound leg to Wishram, where the steamers switched places, allowing the 4449 to lead the return.

The other big trip that month was the trip to Coos Bay on the CORP ex-SP branch. This was the same line that has recently figured in the controversy with CORP embargoing it and the Surface Transportation Board allowing the Port of Coos Bay to re-open and operate it.