City of Prineville Railway: A new chapter

On January 14th Barb and I celebrated 40 years of marriage. On that day, we moved the last truck of household goods from our home of 27 years in Portland, to the Central Oregon town of Prineville. You may have heard of the ‘City of Prineville Railway’.

 

You may have been wondering ‘what happened to Lowell’ as you have not heard from me for a while. This is the first time we have ever moved any distance like this and if you have ever done it, you know the epic undertaking it is. Especially after you have been on the same house for many years.
 
Why Prineville you ask? Barb and I have always loved Central Oregon and vacation here every year. This house, on a few acres, became available. Barb and I looked at each other and said, ‘we are not getting any younger if we are ever going to do this’.  And Boom!  Well actually I wish it was as fast a ‘boom’.  I will tell you for sure, I never want to move again, and never plan to.

Population here is around 4000. Sitting in the Crooked River Valley (where there is great fly fishing) and at the base of the Ochoco Mountains, Prineville is a quiet little town. The fact that the City of Prineville Railway still operates trains connecting the the BNSF on the Oregon Trunk Rwy, (catch the connection of my model railroad), is just a huge plus.  To have the quietness of the area (we are not in town) broken by the wonderful sound of a train horn echoing off the canyon walls is like heaven. And on special occasions, the steam whistle of the Mt. Emily Shay!!
 
Oh and by the way, there was also a family connection here that made the decision easier.  I thought it was great timing that Atlas released N scale CoP boxcars the same month we were moving. A good sign.
 
Now getting things back in order, the future looks like a green light ahead!
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Lowell Smith

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon. Read more

6 Comments

  1. Michael Campbell on March 10, 2018 at 10:57 am

    Congratulations on the move, Lowell and Barb! The area sounds fantastic (especially the steam whistle). Please let us know if any lots open up nearby… you may get a neighbor soon!

  2. Lowell Smith on March 10, 2018 at 11:29 am

    Thanks Michael,
    We have had several friends say the same thing. It would be great to have our own rail community here! And, Prineville is only two hours from TRAIN MOUNTAIN!

  3. David Grundler on March 12, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    Congrats! Dawn and I are so happy for you two. Prineville is a beautiful area.

    • Lowell Smith on March 21, 2018 at 9:15 am

      thanks David! It was a big move. Hope to see you again sometime.

  4. Bob Paquette on April 28, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    Hi, Lowell: You going to get a 10-gallon hat and big belt buckle 🙂 ?

    • Lowell Smith on May 7, 2018 at 2:37 pm

      Meet ya at the rodeo Bob! Crooked River Roundup!

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What They Say:

D.G.

Nothing better than receiving that white box from Lowell Smith.

D.K.

Aside from the quality, creativity and originality, you are to be commended for your ongoing commitment to this (GAC) series, and all of your series of trains over a period of so many years.  There is always something to look forward to. Keep up the great work!’ D. K.

G.P.

I just received the “The Great Locomotive Chase” set from the Walt Disney Family Museum. Very nicely done!

Jerry E.

Received GN A10 today. Absolutely stunning! I am very pleased. Thank You all.

K. Lyons

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you do for the modeling community. I can honestly say that my enjoyment of the hobby has benefited greatly because of you.

B.L.

Thank you ever so much for being such an integral part of the model railroading hobby!

G.D.

Lowell, thanks to you and your company SP&S modelers (myself included) are having a much easier time modeling the North Bank Road. Thank you for your hard work!

Jim and Jo Ann K.

Every aspect of the trip was professionally done.  You and Barbara were on top of every change and your matter-of-fact assurances speak highly of your professionalism.  Jo Ann is a retired chef  and we know what good food is, and the meals provided on the CZ trip were stellar! BRAVO to you and Barbara for…

J D

Thanks, Lowell, for another awesome addition to an already incredible train.

J.R.

Lowell, I received my Great Locomotive Chase set today. “THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.” Keep up the good work.