Oregon Trunk Fishing Trip

Last week I had the special opportunity to go fishing with my son, Jeremy. Life is busy, but given the chance to have a day with him, made me happy to take it! We love to fly fish, and rarely take the time to enjoy such a fun hobby, so off we headed to one of our favorite spots, just three hours away, on the Deschutes River. The river is legendary for good fishing, and is a beautiful place in central Oregon, with easy access to the river at the town of Maupin. For us the area is special because it is also home of the railroad I model, ‘The Oregon Trunk’. So, to combine rail-fanning, while fly fishing with my best friend, was a ‘no brainer’.

This part of the rails now belong to BNSF, but there was a time when the Spokane Portland & Seattle rumbled down the canyon. Today, though, both UP and BNSF share the rails, with as many as six trains-a-day traveling in daylight. Our time was well spent in the bright sun of springtime. Although the fish were few, and the trains were fewer (with only a lone hi-rail hugging the canyon walls) there was no disappointment here, because it was another great time with my friend!

For those that might ask, my layout is in storage now but I’m hoping to set it up, again, in the near future. This place inspires me.

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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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R.M.

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Anonymous

What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…

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

G.P.

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

J. Arenas

Wow… You made my dream come true with the CK Holiday! I am a great admirer of your work.

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.

Rick S.

Every new release from your Signature Series gets me revved up for the rails.

R. M.

Lowell, I just want you to know – you make this hobby fun!

Gordon and Dorothy

I have never been treated as graciously and in a manner more suited to a VIP in my life, as I was on our train trip.  It’s obvious how you’ve made your life a success story.  Looking around the train and seeing your friends I’m pretty sure they  were all made to feel very special by you, and your…

K L

What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…