Although the transaction won’t be completed until the end of 2026, discover why the Samuels ‘railroad brothers’ say they’re looking forward to the transition …
Although the ownership of these Oregon Pacific Railroad tracks won’t transfer to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation for a couple years – the sale means the rail excursions through East Portland will continue into the future.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For decades, the continuing story about East Portland’s “short-line” Oregon Pacific Railroad (OPR) has been a fascinating one.
Since the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) came up with the idea of having Christmas time Holiday Express steam-locomotive powered excursions through Oaks Bottom – the outings have run on “Portland Division” tracks owned by Oregon Pacific Railroad (see related Holiday Express story: CLICK HERE).
When its founder, President and Chief Engineer, Richard A. “Dick” Samuels, passed away on May 28, 2021, many speculated about the future of the railroad which was left in the hands of his three sons – all of whom had already been working for OPR for decades.
> To see our story, with photos, about the passing of Dick Samuels, CLICK HERE.
Although Tim Samuels serves as spokesman for his family, he made it clear that all three of them have had equal roles in making their local railroad company grow in success.
When, on December 3, the ORHF announced, “[We have] entered a sales agreement to acquire the Oregon Pacific Railroad (OPR)”, East Portland News spoke with the Samuels brothers, Tim, Brian, and Craig, in their railyard about the planned sale of their family business.
“First, we just wanted to say thanks for taking an interest in our railroad throughout the years,” said Tim, whom Brian and Craig nominated to be the family spokesperson – because “he’s the eldest”. “We’ve enjoyed our time operating a short-line railroad, and working with our father over the years.
“30 years in the railroad industry is tiring, and wears on your body and mind; we will all have our 30 years in for railroad retirement as of October of 2026,” acknowledged Tim.
Oregon Pacific Railroad owners Tim, Brian, Craig Samuels stand by “Dad’s favorite locomotive”, the fully-restored Portland Railroad and Traction #100.
The railroad has been very successful
“A lot of people thought we would struggle operating the railroad when our father passed away, but we all think we have done a pretty darned good job over the last 3-1/2 years – the railroad is in the best physical and financial condition it’s ever been in. We feel we have ‘nothing left to prove’, and we know our father would have wanted the Portland line to go to the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation – an organization that he helped found! – so it’s simply a perfect fit for everyone,” Tim went on.
“So, the three of us are all excited to pass the railroad on to the ORHF; watch them grow and prosper. And, for us, we’ll more time for our families and to pursue other interests for which we’ve had so little time, he elaborated.”
When the sale is eventually completed, the ORHF will acquire all assets of the “Portland Division” of the Oregon Pacific Railroad. That includes the five miles of track between OMSI and western Milwaukie; the locomotives; track maintenance equipment; and the shop.
Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Tim, Brian, Craig Samuels – standing on their workhorse #1430 locomotive – agree that they’re proud of their family’s achievement at running a successful short-line railroad.
A year in the making
“The idea for the agreement to transfer ownership of the Oregon Pacific Railroad to our organization has been in development for over a year; starting when the Samuels brothers approached us, expressing their interest in selling the railroad,” ORHC Executive Director Renee Devereux told East Portland News. “Our relationship with the OPR spans more than 20 years, and we’ve relied heavily on the use of its line for our revenue and excursion runs like the Holiday Express.
“Dick Samuels, the visionary behind the OPR, had a deep passion for sharing the joy of railroading, and was regularly in the locomotive for Saturday train rides, bringing smiles to passengers of all ages.
Another ORHF Holiday Express excursion chugs south, riding the Oregon Pacific Railroad tracks.
“For him, being in the locomotive, guiding a train full of happy passengers, was truly his happy place,” Devereux recalled. “After his passing, we took on the responsibility of continuing the Saturday train rides, ensuring his legacy lives on by providing these experiences for our guests and visitors to Portland.”
The primary consideration from the ORHF’s perspective, Devereux noted, “is securing the future of rail excursions in Portland, not only for today but for generations to come. This acquisition ensures the continued operation of these cherished experiences.”
The transaction is expected to be finalized in the fall of 2026.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™