PORT ANGELES — The restoration effort for Port Angeles’ Rayonier Logging Locomotive #4 is moving to the second of four project phases.
The #4 locomotive, located at Lauridsen Boulevard at the corner of Chase Street, was donated to the city of Port Angeles in 1960. It was built in 1924 by Willamette Iron & Steel Works in Portland, Ore., and is one of only six Willamette locomotives left in the world, according to project manager and Rayonier historian Scott Golding.
In 2023, the first step in the restoration efforts commenced. That phase involved removing asbestos insulation from around the locomotive’s boiler.
The project was completed last winter with a total cost of $58,000, funded by the city.
“Since then, we’ve been working to get the restoration specifications completed to the point that we can send out a good set of specifications to potential bidders,” Golding said in an email interview.
The second phase will involve constructing a shelter above #4 and cleaning, repairing and painting it.
The design for the structure is currently in the works. Although the steering committee had drafted an initial design, Golding said a local timber family offered to fund a “grander design.” The individual is willing to fund a shelter with costs up to $100,000, Golding added.
Golding said he hopes the structure will be completed by early spring, and the restoration work will begin once the weather improves.
“Over the next couple of months, we expect to be able to reward everyone’s faith and perseverance with some visible improvements to the site,” he said.
The only Willamette in operating condition is the Rayonier #2. That locomotive, part of Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, was restored to operation a few years ago, Golding said.
The man in charge of the restoration efforts, Brian Wise, agreed to write the specification for the restoration of #4.
“So many people have been enjoying Mt. Rainier’s operation this summer that he hasn’t been able to get away to Port Angeles as quickly as we would have liked,” Golding said. “However, we’ve recently received his finished product, and it was well worth the wait.”
Golding is hoping that the restoration and shelter will be completed by the end of next summer. The third phase will add a log car.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is donating a “period appropriate logging cart” that will need some minor restoration. That will cost about $20,000 to truck the cart over and repair it, Golding said.
The steering committee has raised a little more than $40,000 for the second and third phases. Golding said they have about $29,000 left to raise.
The fourth phase, turning the site into a park, is still in talks regarding potential designs and costs.
An initial design has been developed, but Golding said it has not been finalized and funding has not been determined. It likely will involve a few sidewalks and ensuring people can go right up to the locomotive, although it is unlikely it will be open to go inside.
Golding said the locomotive probably will be opened during special occasions.
“There’s been a lot of talk about it [the locomotive], and a lot of efforts to try and get the train restored over the years,” Port Angeles parks and recreation director Corey Delikat said. “It always comes down to timing and partnerships.”
Before coming into the city’s possession, #4 was used by Long-Bell Lumber until 1947. At that point, Rayonier used it for the next few years before restoring it and donating it to the city, according to the website restorethe4.org.
Groups working to help restore the project include the city, the North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders, the Rotary Club and more.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
