Backwoods railroads : branchlines and shortlines of western Oregon

Title:

Author:

Burkhardt, D. C. Jesse, 1953- author.

General Note:

"The 2021 version of Backwoods Railroads is a book in two parts. The original component is the full text of the first edition, essentially as published in 1994. The other part is a comprehensive recap of what has happened since then to the rail lines described in the first edition."--Introduction to updated editon.

"Originally published in 1994, and now updated with new content and additional images, Backwoods Railroads is an engaging description of western Oregon's evolving contemporary branchline and shortline railroad operations. Burkhardt's unique photojournalistic account focuses on the Willamette Valley and its bordering mountain chains-the Coast Range, the Cascades, and the Siskiyous, capturing a sense of the state's rural, small-town character and heritage"-- Provided by publisher.

Edition:

Updated edition.

Contents:

Backward along the Bailey Branch -- Mountain branchline -- Expansion from Tillamook Bay -- Heavy industry and tourism: Tillamook's fine mix -- Tracks into Santiam country -- 116-Mile local -- North Willamette shortlines -- Semaphores and timber -- No soot, no cinders.

Physical Description:

pages cm

Subject Term:

Railroads -- Oregon.

Publisher:

Washington State University Press,

Publication Date:

2021

1994

ISBN:

9780874224092

Publication Information:

Pullman, Washington : Washington State University Press, 2021.

Call Number:

385.09 BURKHARDT

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003597088	Adult Nonfiction	385.09 BURKHARDT	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

Today, a freight train rolling over a rural feeder track on its way to or from a western Oregon railroad town is almost an anachronism. Routes may host only one train a day, or two trains a week, but still provide an economic lifeline for a number of businesses. These evolving branchlines and shortlines are taken out of service, sold or leased to new owners, and sometimes abandoned. Many are endangered, and once gone will be gone forever.

Originally published in 1994, and now updated with new content and additional images, Backwoods Railroads is an engaging description of contemporary branchline and shortline railroad operations in western Oregon. This unique photojournalistic account focuses on the Willamette Valley and its bordering mountain chains--the Coast Range, the Cascades, and the Siskiyous. As the state's economic heart, the area's intricate railroad network is the closest Oregon comes to the trackage density found in many eastern and midwestern states. Small companies took on much of the railway construction, hoping to profit by hauling passengers and agricultural products, and by providing an outlet for logging operations in the foothills and mountains.