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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My kids absolutely love the Christmas cars! The C.K. Holiday, along with the Carolwood and Disney cars makes a wonderful Christmas train. It made many a loop under our tree this year.

Bill S.

That car is about the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in N scale!  Excellent 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…

R.M.

These are indeed miniature masterpieces.

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…

R. LeBrun

Thank you for all that you do for the N Scale community. Your products by far, in my opinion, are the top of the line when it comes to N Scale Trains and I am always on the lookout for them when they come up for auction.

Charles

“You have received many compliments when I have run my RailSmith cars with my friends.”

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!

B. Kutch

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