2007 President's Day Weekend "World Tour"

We had the opportunity to take a break and do some "research" on both the model and prototype worlds. I took Amtrak from Oceanside to Eugene, OR arriving only 5 hours late. Virtually on time for Amtrak. From there, we went to Portland to attend the "Worlds Greatest Hobby" show there the next day. This was a very well attended show as are most of them. We got to see several new products from the major manufacturers prior to general release.

Later on Saturday, we left for Seattle/Tacoma. Along the way, we stopped in Kalama, WA to let a northbound UP freight catch up to us and to see what was parked there.

There was a good number of CP locos in this grain port area.
	Three UP Coil Cars parked in the siding - each one different.
We caught a log trucker loading his trailer on his truck after dropping his load.
We also caught a empty grain ship coming into port on the Columbia River to load up. Next Stop - Tacoma
The next morning, the first stop was the GREAT HO scale layout in the Tacoma Museum.
We then went for a FREE ride on Tacoma's new trolleys. This is a small system now, but it will grow.
The next stop was the Port of Tacoma dock area.
A container ship loading up and a new commemorative container.
Always on the lookout for new product ideas, these three reefer units caught my attention.
	This was an interesting F-Unit we found in the Coast Engine & Equipment yards. Anyone know what's up with it?
On Monday (President's Day 2007), we spent the day in Seattle visiting the Boeing Museum
We caught two 737 bodies arriving in Seattle on BNSF
Boeing has modified some 747's into new "Guppies" to carry new 787 bodies from remote factories. This one just landed. Click here for details on this plane.
Joe sitting in an SR-71 cockpit. "Where's the start button?"	There is a Concord  which we toured. It's very small inside.
The main indoor display area	The Aircraft Museum at Boeing Field in Seattle is one of the best in the US. It is vast in many different display rooms and covers aviation from it's beginning to the current time. If you have an interest in aircraft as well as trains, you should see this museum.
I can't resist interesting trucks as well. The DHL Semi was in Seattle & the UPS was in the UP yard in Portland.
On the way South, we stopped in Vancouver, WA. This is a great railfaning spot. All BNSF & UP traffic to and from Seattle/Tacoma going east along the Columbia and/or South to LA goes through here. This is an active swinging bridge across the Columbia closing after allowing large ships to pass.
UP Northbound	UP Southbound
BNSF & "friends" heading for the Columbia	Amtrak Cascadian between Seattle and Eugene, OR.
Next stop - UP's Albina Yard in Portland
Several MP-15DC remote controlled switchers showing the various antennas and warning lights.
A 4449 in Portland - Funny, it doesn't look like a steamer.	There are many new UP C45AC's in the Northwest.
Details of a freshly painted SD40-2R. The old guy looks great in "new clothes".
Getting on Amtrak in Eugene for the trip home. Here we go again!