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

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What They Say:

D.K.

I am speechless!  The AFT Showcase car is everything I hoped it would be; and more.

J D

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

S. Reames

I received my observation/business car today and – like all of my other cars from you – I love it!

J.Wallace

AFT is a real dream come true for me. Thanks for all your hard work!

B. Kutch

Love your 3-rail O Scale Atlas Woodside Reefer series. Looking forward to future issues.

Dan D.

I look forward to continuing to buy trains from my favorite special run train maker. That’s how I think of you now, “The Train Maker”.  And speaking of cool trains, I just received a box loaded with great looking Texas Special cars. Thanks.  I certainly look forward to all the new releases you are planning.

D.

“You have no idea how excited I am about these cars . . .”

Chuck T.

Just a quick note to acknowledge receipt of my AFT Tool Car. Thanks so much for another Outstanding Piece of Craftsmanship! The AFT is my most prized “N” Scale collection. I had perceived that there were delays in getting this last car into our hands, but thought it was a problem with China. Your letter…

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.

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.