Portland and Western Railroad: Roster, Overview, Photos
Published: January 13, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The Portland and Western Railroad (PNWR) - a Genesee & Wyoming property - is an essential component of the freight transportation network in the Pacific Northwest.
The railroad, a Class II regional, spans 520 miles and is fully contained within Oregon. PNWR also incorporates the Willamette & Pacific Railroad (WPRR) as part of its operations.
Its network travels from Astoria to Portland along the scenic Columbia River, stretches through the heart of the Willamette Valley from Portland to Eugene, and includes various branches running through the Northern Oregon Coast Range.
The PNWR has played a critical role in supporting regional industries and connecting communities. This article provides a detailed exploration of the PNWR's history, operations, economic impact, and future prospects.
Portland & Western SD40-2 #3369, along with a pair of GP40s, pause to work the junction at Whiteson, Oregon on August 17, 2018. Doug Kroll photo.Historical Background
The roots of the Portland & Western can be traced back to the early 1990s. Founded in 1993 as the Willamette & Pacific Railroad, PNWR has been a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming since 1995.
The railroad's formation through acquisition of former Southern Pacific branch lines. Among these were the Toledo Branch stretching from Albany to Toledo and the Westside Branch reaching from Monroe to St. Joseph, close to McMinnville.
Other lines included the Bailey Branch extending west from Monroe to a sawmill, the Dallas Branch from Gerlinger to Dallas, the Willamina Branch from Whiteson near Amity to Willamina, and the southern Newberg branch from St. Joseph to Springbrook, just north of Newberg.
These lines primarily transport lumber, paper, and some agricultural products from various shippers. Notably, the Cascade Steel Rolling Mill in McMinnville represents a key shipper, with propane shipments managed by several suppliers.
The P&W aimed to preserve crucial rail services for local industries in this region while enhancing efficiency through more localized management.
In 1995, the Portland & Western was formed to manage the remaining SP branch lines in Oregon. These included the former Tillamook Branch running from Willsburg Junction near Milwaukie to Hillsboro, the Westside–Seghers Branch from Hillsboro to Seghers near Gaston, and the remaining portion of the Newberg branch between Cook and Springbrook.
The Willamette & Pacific utilizes trackage rights on the Newberg branch and a section of the Tillamook Branch connecting Cook and Willsburg Junction, along with rights on a short segment of the SP's mainline to Brooklyn Yard, enabling interchange with Union Pacific.
The P&W officially began service on August 18, 1995, initially covering 52 miles of leased SP trackage. Shortly afterwards, the Burlington Northern, transferred portions of its ex-Oregon Electric Railway branch lines north of Salem to the new short line, including the Forest Grove branch.
Today, operations on most former SP branches are maintained under a twenty-year lease, now overseen by Union Pacific. The former BN branches operate under a combination of leases and straightforward ownership agreements.
Operations and Infrastructure
The Portland & Western - operating 20 to 30 trains per day - serves a diverse range of customers and industries, including lumber, agriculture, metal, and automotive sectors. The rail line primarily operates in the Willamette Valley and extends its network through connections in surrounding regions.
Economic Impact
The Portland and Western is instrumental in the economic vitality of the region it serves. Its primary traffic consists of:
- **Lumber and Forest Products**: Given Oregon's extensive forest resources, the transportation of lumber and other forest products is a significant aspect of railroad's operations.
- **Agriculture**: Oregon is known for its diverse agricultural output, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
- **Manufacturing and Heavy Industries**: The transportation of raw materials and finished products for manufacturing industries is critical to maintaining the region’s industrial base.
In addition to supporting these sectors, the PNWR is a significant employer in the region, providing jobs that range from railroad operations to logistical planning and maintenance.
Diesel Roster
| Model Type | Road Number | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP4ED (Norfolk Southern) | 101-102 | EMD | 7/1961 | 26786, 26795 | 101 scrapped; ex-W&P 101-102; NS 9738, 9728 (rebuilt as hump engines); built as N&W GP18 943, 956 |
| SW1200m | 1201 | EMD | 10/1953 | 18861 | ex-Rail Link 1201; ex-W&P SW1200m 1201; built as Pittsburg & Shawmut SW9 232 |
| SD7 | 1501 | EMD | 11/1952 | 17145 | Retired; ex-W&P 1501; ex-SP 1539/1401/2701; built as SP 5280 |
| SW1500 | 1551 | EMD | 12/1969 | 35293 | ex-G&W 47; built as Houston Belt & Terminal 50 |
| SW1500 | 1552 | EMD | 1/1970 | 35792 | Renumbered from 41; ex-I&M 41; built as SP 2556 |
| GP9 | 1801 | EMD | 4/1959 | 25130 | ex-W&P 1801; ex-SP 3855 (2nd)/3693; built as SP 8830 |
| GP9 | 1802 | EMD | 7/1956 | 22075 | Off Roster. ex-W&P 1802; ex-Austin & Northwestern 44; ex-Kyle Railroad 5944; built as Rio Grande 5944 |
| GP9 | 1803 | EMD | 1/1957 | 22920 | ex-Louisiana Delta 1752; ex-SP 5790/3579; built as SP 5738 |
| SD9 | 1851 | EMD | 4/1954 | 19449 | ex-SP 4326/3819; built as SP 5360 |
| SD9 | 1852 | EMD | 5/1955 | 20216 | Off roster. ex-W&P 1852; ex-SP 4397/3916; built as SP 5438 |
| SD9m | 1853 | EMD | 1/1953 | 17157 | Rebuilt as SD9m by SP; ex-SP 1532/1402 (2nd)/2709; built as SP SD9 5288 |
| SD9 | 1854 (2nd) | EMD | 4/1955 | 20204 | ex-Lavacot Locomotive Works 4433; ex-Willamette Valley 4433; ex-SP 4433/3904; built as SP 5426 |
| SD9 | 1854-1855 | EMD | 11/1955 | 20693, 20695 | ex-W&P 1854-1855; built as Chicago & Illinois Midland 52, 54 |
| GP38m | 2005 | EMD | 12/1963 | 28467 | ex-Utah Railway 2505; ex-SP GP35E 6526; built as SP GP35 7414 |
| GP38m | 2152 | EMD | 12/1970 | 36694 | ex-GMTX 2683; built as B&O 4818 |
| GP39-2 | 2301-2317 | EMD | 8/1974 | 74602-1 thru 74602-17 | ex-AT&SF 3100-3116; built as AT&SF 3600-3616 |
| GP40P-2 | 3001-3002 | EMD | 8/1967, 9/1967 | 33269, 33273 | Paired with slugs. 3001 scrapped; ex-NS 1377/1382; built as N&W GP40 1377, 1382 |
| GP40 | 3003-3004 | EMD | 1/1967 | 32606-32607 | ex-LLPX 3203-3204; ex-EMD Leasing 200-201; ex-GO Transit 725-726; built as Rock Island 3004/380; 3000/381 |
| GP40 | 3005-3006 | EMD | 1/1967 | 32607, 32600 | ex-LLPX 3205-3206; ex-EMD Leasing 202, 205; ex-GO Transit 720-721; built as Rock Island 3005/374, 3002/375 |
| GP40 | 3007 | EMD | 1/1967 | 32603 | ex-LLPX 3211/4401; ex-EMD Leasing 206; ex-GO Transit 723; built as Rock Island 3001/377 |
| SD40M-2 | 3051 | EMD | 1/1069 | 34576 | ex-Kansas City Southern 612 (2nd); built as C&NW SD45 943 |
| SD40M-2 | 3052 | EMD | 1/1070 | 35754 | Renumbered 3603. ex-Buffalo & Pittsburgh 450; built as St. Louis Southwestern/SP SD45 9153 |
| SD40-3 | 3300 | EMD | 8/1978 | 776098-7 | Rebuilt from SD40T-2; ex- Missouri & Northern Arkansas 4076; ex-UP 8585/4015; built as Rio Grande 5392 |
| SD40-3 | 3369 | EMD | 7/1978 | 776057-20 | Rebuilt from SD40-2; ex-HLCX 7839; ex-BNSF 7839; built as BN/C&S 7839 |
| GP38-2 | 3532 | EMD | 1/1973 | 71702-3 | Off property, transferred to Arizona Eastern. ex-HLCX 1829; ex-UP 349; ex-MP 2076; built as MP 925 |
| GP38-2 (EMD) | 3570 | EMD | 10/1972 | 72604-3 | Off property, transferred to Arizona Eastern. ex-HLCX 3866; ex-UP 492/1992; ex-CSX 2602; ex-Seaboard System 4092; built as L&N 4092 |
| SD45-2 | 3601 | EMD | 2/1967 | 32776 | ex-I&M Rail Link 462; ex-HATX 462; ex-Huron Central 462 < ex-SP SD45R 7496; built as SP SD45 8862 |
| SD45-2 | 3602 | EMD | 6/1967 | 32842 | ex-I&M Rail Link 463; ex-HATX 463; ex-Huron Central 463; ex-Buffalo & Pittsburgh 498; ex-SP SD45R 7498; built as SP SD45 8928 |
| SD45-2 | 3604 | EMD | 5/1968 | 33662 | Renumbered from 3053. ex-I&M Rail Link 456; ex-HATX 7565; ex-SP SD45R 7565; built as SP SD45 8973 |
Conclusion
The Portland and Western is more than just a transportation service; it is a lifeline for the communities and industries it serves in the Pacific Northwest.
Through its rich history, robust operations, and commitment to sustainable practices, PNWR has established itself as a pivotal figure in the region's economic landscape.
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak Posts Record Ridership and Revenue in Fiscal Year 2025
Feb 24, 26 11:22 PM
Amtrak, the national passenger rail operator, has announced historic results for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), reporting the highest ridership and revenue in its history as demand for train travel across t… -
NC By Train Posts Busiest Month In 35-year History
Feb 24, 26 06:17 PM
North Carolina’s state-supported passenger rail service, marketed under the NC By Train brand, reached a milestone last fall. -
Northern Pacific 4-6-0 No. 1364 Returns To Life
Feb 24, 26 11:12 AM
The whistle of Northern Pacific steam returned to the Yakima Valley in a big way this month as Northern Pacific 4-6-0 No. 1364 moved under its own power for the first time in 73 years. -
CSX’s 2025 Santa Train: 83 Years of Holiday Cheer
Feb 24, 26 10:38 AM
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, CSX’s iconic Santa Train completed its 83rd annual run, again turning a working freight railroad into a rolling holiday tradition for communities across central Appalac… -
Alabama Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 24, 26 09:25 AM
There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway! -
Rhode Island Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 24, 26 09:21 AM
Let's dive into the enigmatic world of murder mystery dinner train rides in Rhode Island, where each journey promises excitement, laughter, and a challenge for your inner detective. -
Virginia Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 24, 26 09:20 AM
Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration. -
Tennessee Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 24, 26 09:17 AM
One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. -
Southeast Wisconsin Eyes New Lakeshore Passenger Rail Link
Feb 23, 26 11:26 PM
Leaders in southeastern Wisconsin took a formal first step in December 2025 toward studying a new passenger-rail service that could connect Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Chicago. -
MBTA Sees Over 29 Million Trips in 2025
Feb 23, 26 11:14 PM
In a milestone year for regional public transit, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) reported that its Commuter Rail network handled more than 29 million individual trips during 2025… -
Historic Blizzard Paralyzes the U.S. Northeast, Halts Rail Traffic
Feb 23, 26 05:10 PM
A powerful winter blizzard sweeping the northeastern United States on Monday, February 23, 2026, has brought transportation networks to a near standstill. -
Mt. Rainier Railroad Moves to Buy Tacoma’s Mountain Division
Feb 23, 26 02:27 PM
A long-idled rail corridor that threads through the foothills of Mount Rainier could soon have a new owner and operator. -
BNSF Activates PTC on Former Montana Rail Link Territory
Feb 23, 26 01:15 PM
BNSF Railway has fully implemented Positive Train Control (PTC) on what it now calls the Montana Rail Link (MRL) Subdivision. -
Cincinnati Scenic Railway To Acquire B&O GP30
Feb 23, 26 12:17 PM
The Cincinnati Scenic Railway, through an agreement with the Raritan Central Railway, to acquire former B&O GP30 #6923, currently lettered as RCRY #5. -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Feb 23, 26 11:54 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides On The B&SV
Feb 23, 26 11:53 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boon… -
North Carolina Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 23, 26 11:48 AM
A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine! -
Nevada Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 23, 26 11:43 AM
While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway. -
Reading & Northern Surpasses 1M Tons Of Coal For 3rd Year
Feb 22, 26 11:57 PM
Reading & Northern Railroad (R&N), the largest privately owned railroad in Pennsylvania, has shipped more than one million tons of Anthracite coal for the third straight year. This was an impressive f… -
Minnesota's Northstar Commuter Rail Ends Service
Feb 22, 26 11:43 PM
Metro Transit has confirmed that Northstar service between downtown Minneapolis (Target Field Station) and Big Lake has ceased, with expanded bus service along the corridor beginning Jan. 5, 2026. -
Tri-Rail Sets New Ridership Record in 2025
Feb 22, 26 11:24 PM
South Florida’s commuter rail service Tri-Rail has achieved a new annual ridership milestone, carrying more than 4.5 million passengers in calendar year 2025. -
CSX Completes Major Upgrades at Willard Yard
Feb 22, 26 11:14 PM
In a significant boost to freight rail operations in the Midwest, CSX Transportation announced in January that it has finished a comprehensive series of infrastructure improvements at its Willard Yard… -
New Hampshire Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 22, 26 09:39 AM
This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure. -
New Jersey Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 22, 26 09:37 AM
If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other. -
Nevada Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 22, 26 09:36 AM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
West Virginia Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 22, 26 09:34 AM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
New York Central 4-8-2 #3001 To Be Restored
Feb 22, 26 12:29 AM
New York Central 4-8-2 No. 3001—an L-3a “Mohawk”—is the centerpiece of a major operational restoration effort being led by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) and its American Locomotiv… -
Norfolk Southern To Buy 40 New Wabtec ES44ACs
Feb 21, 26 11:52 PM
Norfolk Southern has announced it will acquire 40 brand-new Wabtec ES44AC locomotives, marking the Class I railroad’s first purchase of new locomotives since 2022. -
CPKC To Buy 65 New Progress Rail SD70ACe-T4s
Feb 21, 26 11:28 PM
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is moving to refresh and expand its road fleet with a new-build order from Progress Rail, announcing an agreement for 65 EMD SD70ACe-T4 Tier 4 diesel-electric freig… -
Ohio Rail Commission Approves Two Projects
Feb 21, 26 11:09 PM
At its January 22 bi-monthly meeting, the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved grant funding for two rail infrastructure projects that together will yield nearly $400,000 in investment to improve… -
CSX Completes Avon Yard Hump Lead Extension
Feb 21, 26 03:38 PM
CSX says it has finished a key infrastructure upgrade at its Avon Yard in Indianapolis, completing the “cutover” of a newly extended hump lead that the railroad expects will improve yard fluidity. -
Pinsly Restores Freight Service On Alabama Short Line
Feb 21, 26 12:55 PM
After more than a year without trains, freight rail service has returned to a key industrial corridor in southern Alabama. -
Phoenix City Council Pulls the Plug on Capitol Light Rail Extension
Feb 21, 26 12:19 PM
In a pivotal decision that marks a dramatic shift in local transportation planning, the Phoenix City Council voted to end the long-planned Capitol light rail extension project. -
Norfolk Southern Unveils Advanced Wheel Integrity System
Feb 21, 26 11:06 AM
In a bid to further strengthen rail safety and defect detection, Norfolk Southern Railway has introduced a cutting-edge Wheel Integrity System, marking what the Class I carrier calls a significant bre… -
CPKC Sets New January Grain-Haul Record
Feb 21, 26 10:31 AM
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) says it has opened 2026 with a new benchmark in Canadian grain transportation, announcing that the railway moved a record volume of grain and grain products in Janu… -
New Documentary Charts Iowa Interstate's History
Feb 21, 26 12:40 AM
A newly released documentary is shining a spotlight on one of the Midwest’s most distinctive regional railroads: the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS). -
LA Metro’s A Line Extension Study Forecasts $1.1B in Economic Output
Feb 21, 26 12:38 AM
The next eastern push of LA Metro’s A Line—extending light-rail service beyond Pomona to Claremont—has gained fresh momentum amid new economic analysis projecting more than $1.1 billion in economic ou… -
Age of Steam Acquires B&LE 2-10-4 No. 643 (2025)
Feb 21, 26 12:33 AM
When the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum rolled out B&LE 2-10-4 No. 643 for public viewing in 2025, it wasn’t simply a new exhibit debuting under roof—it was the culmination of one of preservation’s lo… -
NCDOT Study: Restoring Asheville Passenger Rail Offers Economic Lift
Feb 21, 26 12:26 AM
A revived passenger rail connection between Salisbury and Asheville could do far more than bring trains back to the mountains for the first time in decades could offer considerable economic benefits. -
Brightline Unveils ‘Freedom Express’ To Commemorate America’s 250th
Feb 20, 26 11:36 AM
Brightline, the privately operated passenger railroad based in Florida, this week unveiled its new Freedom Express train to honor the nation's 250th anniversary. -
Age of Steam Roundhouse Adds C&O No. 1308
Feb 20, 26 10:53 AM
In late September 2025, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, announced it had acquired Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1308. -
Reading & Northern Announces 2026 Excursions
Feb 20, 26 10:08 AM
Immediately upon the conclusion of another record-breaking year of ridership in 2025, the Reading & Northern Passenger Department has already begun its 2026 schedule of all-day rail excursion. -
Siemens Mobility Tapped To Modernize Tri-Rail Fleet
Feb 20, 26 09:47 AM
South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter service is preparing for a significant motive-power upgrade after the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) announced it has selected Siemens Mobili… -
Reading T-1 No. 2100 Restoration Progress
Feb 20, 26 09:36 AM
One of the most famous survivors of Reading Company’s big, fast freight-era steam—4-8-4 T-1 No. 2100—is inching closer to an operating debut after a restoration that has stretched across a decade and… -
C&O Kanawha No. 2716: A Third Chance at Steam
Feb 20, 26 09:32 AM
In the world of large, mainline-capable steam locomotives, it’s rare for any one engine to earn a third operational career. Yet that is exactly the goal for Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2716. -
Missouri Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 20, 26 09:29 AM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 20, 26 09:26 AM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Kansas Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 20, 26 09:23 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 20, 26 09:20 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
NC&StL “Dixie” No. 576 Nears Steam Again
Feb 20, 26 09:15 AM
One of the South’s most famous surviving mainline steam locomotives is edging closer to doing what it hasn’t done since the early 1950s, operate under its own power.
