PORT ANGELES – Efforts to restore an historic steam locomotive in Port Angeles and create a new park around it are underway.
The City of Port Angeles, the North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders and others in the community, such as the Rotary Nor ’Wester are leading “Restore the 4”.
Rayonier #4 currently sits along Lauridsen Boulevard near Peabody Street. It is a rare Willamette geared locomotive, built by Willamette Iron and Steel in Portland, Oregon, in 1925. She is one of only six remaining Willamette locomotives. Rayonier operated the locomotive in Western Clallam County before donating it to the City in 1960.
“We’ve been looking for a partnership since about 2013. About two years ago, we had a gentleman stop by who works for Rayonier and is one of the historians and he was very familiar with number four and he is doing this as a private citizen helping us get this restored. But he’s also working with the second half of Rayonier for funding and we tied in with the North Olympic Peninsula Railroad Club as a nonprofit. And then the city set aside 50 thousand dollars to remove the rest of the asbestos in there so we could start working on the train here soon,” said Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Director Corey Delikat.
Organizers say the project will be accomplished in four phases. The first phase includes the removal of remaining hazardous asbestos insulation from around the boiler, making the site safe for future work. Second, the locomotive will be cleaned, repaired, and painted; a shelter will be constructed to protect it from the elements. Third, a log car and logs will be acquired to expand the display of logging heritage. Finally, the site will be transformed into a park, including displays related to the peninsula’s logging heritage.
“I’m super excited. I probably have gotten more complaints since becoming director in 2013 about the train and I’m saying, ‘well, come on, let’s partner up, let’s do something’ and then you never hear back from someone. So it’s just a great opportunity But when you have the opportunity you run with it,” said Delikat.
The North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders, with assistance from volunteer Rayonier employees, will raise funds for the second and third phases. Design for the fourth phase is not yet complete; the City is actively seeking local organizations to partner with for the final phase.
The fundraising goal for this project is $100,000 and will be raised from community contributions. For more information or to donate, please visit www.RestoreThe4.org.