Butte Falls Scenic Railway Vision
It is the long term goal of Southern Oregon Railway Historical Society to rebuild and operate as a tourist excursion railroad a segment of what was once the Medford Corporation (Medco) logging railroad, using locomotives and other equipment originally used in the region. Our objective in undertaking this project is to create a living railroad museum in its original forested environment.
LINKS
Car Shop
Engine House
RAILWAY DESIGN PLANS
TRAINING
LINKS
Copyright 2020 by the Southern Oregon Railway Historical Society & the Town of Butte Falls, Oregon
Official project website of the Southern Oregon Railway Historical Society & the Town of Butte Falls, Oregon
Project Plan Details
Pre-Phase 0 (NOW)
Start the creation and review of designs for the railway.
Plot Plans - draft design complete
Passenger Loading Platform - draft design complete
Ticket / Yard Office - design started
Engine House -
Car Shop -
Heritage Park Plan -
Develop fire safety plan - draft complete
Develop GCOR based operation rule book & training and certification programs.
GCOR - Draft complete
Job Training and Certification - Draft Complete
Fire Safety Training - Being developed
Review draft designs and plans with neighbors to the planned railway.
Reviewed with 1 property owner
Review with the Landing in process
Obtain necessary easement letters of understanding needed for track construction to Obenchain Road.
Gain agreement with ODF to develop a fire season operating agreement similar to the Sumpter Valley agreement.
Start “Non Specific tourist railway” fundraising.
Because of Covid-19 we were able to obtain a grant & go-fund-me funds to cover Society losses at Medford Railroad Park &
Annual show.
Continuing eBay sales funding for the Railway project
Obtain property for Rail Heritage Park
Phase 0 — Announce Date to 6 to 12 months
Create and gain approval for a development & operating agreement with the town of Butte Falls.
Working with the Town create a public awareness campaign using multiple modes of communication.
Investigate and implement multiple methods for fund raising efforts.
Perform civil engineering analysis of plans and add necessary details to plans package.
Working with the Town, County and other agencies as necessary complete planning, design, and permitting in preparation for the
start of construction in Phase 1.
Investigate and acquire materials needed for the start of construction in Phase 1.
Phase 1 — Complete 1 to 4 years from the start date
Construct the engine house and part of the Rail Heritage Park area, the main line from the Landing to the BLM road at the West
edge of town, and a siding and passenger loading area also at the Landing.
Continue raising funds and acquiring materials for Phase 2 construction.
Bring to Butte Falls Medco #8, the Southern Pacific 40’ flat car, the Southern Pacific Baggage car, and at least one 40’ box car.
Phase 2 — Complete Up to 10 years from start date
Begin operations from the Landing to the West edge of town and back.
Trains would operate on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through end of September. Special runs on holidays and
other special events may also be created in phase 3.
Complete easement agreements for mainline construction from the West edge of town to Obenchain road.
Continue construction on the railway. Complete yard tracks, build the car shop, complete the mainline to Obenchain Road, and
move in additional cars and locomotive.
Equipment to be moved includes; Medco #4, the SP dining car, SP 1000 caboose, the GN caboose, and additional box cars.
As construction continues, rail operations would be extended on the new track.
Phase 3 — Start on or before 10 years after start date
Achieve full operations from The Landing to Obenchain Road.
Trains would operate on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through end of September. Special runs on holidays and
other special events may also be created in phase 3.