Unfortunately, it was real cold in NE Oregon a couple weeks ago - teens during the day, below zero at night, yet very little snow on the ground. Both Sumpter Valley #19 (Alco 2-8-2) and W.H. Eccles #3 (2T Heisler) were found to have freeze damage, but the #3 was repaired in time to run trains last weekend (12 & 13) in excellant weather. Tuesday saw a foot of new snow at McEwen yard, no wood left for the #3, and the #19 unable to be repaired in time. #3 only has footboards, so no way to plow through the snow. The trains for this weekend have been cancelled.

#19 will probably work a photo train next spring, then Memorial Day weekend will be it last when it is taken out of service for a FRA 1472 overhaul - which has not been funded yet. #3 will run trains for the rest of the summer, but may be restricted to the McEwen end of the line during fire season. It is also possible that the Panama GE diesel might be rebuilt in time for service next year.

see www.svry.com