The Washington Park and Zoo Railway is a miniature gauge, historic railroad located in the Oregon Zoo. Since its beginning, the diminutive railroad has been a major attraction for people who visit the zoo. Initially planned as kiddy train at the new zoo, it gained interest which sparked the development of a 5/8 scale futuristic 'Aero Train'. When plans were unveiled for the 30-inch gauge line, train fans from around the Portland metropolitan region pitched in with suggestions, fundraising efforts and manual labor. Businesses and groups from all over the state worked together to build the railroad while keeping costs to a minimum. The planning group included members of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club and the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers.
The Portland Zoo Railway began operation June 9, 1958 with the diesel-powered Zooliner, then was moved to the Expo Center for the Oregon Centennial in summer of 1959 where it ran for 3 months. The train was then moved back to the Portland Zoo at the current location. The Zooliner is still the primary train used today.
The old style steam locomotive #1 Oregon is a favorite among train riders.
The old style steam locomotive #1 Oregon is a favorite among train riders.
WP & Z #2 train aka The Zooliner is the second of the zoo's 2 primary trains.
 |
| The Zooliner seen here at the Oregon Centennial in the summer of 1959 |
In 1960 the 1.4-mile extension to Washington Park opened. The line was surveyed by the Southern Pacific Railroad and constructed with the help of the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway (now part of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway) and the Portland Terminal Railroad Co. The Union Pacific hauled ballast donated by school children in Prineville, Ore. at no charge.
In 1978 the railroad was renamed Washington Park and Zoo Railway when the City of Portland turned over operation of the zoo to the Portland metropolitan area regional government. The new name better reflects the service provided by the zoo railway.
Today two of the trains – the Zooliner and the Oregon Express – operate on busy days. Additional rolling stock includes a fire train built in 1959 by Weyerhaeuser Corp., and a work train. They are cared for by both professional staff and volunteers. The Centennial Steam Train only runs during ZooLights and other special event days.
The original Washington Park Zoo Train Station seen above. This building was initially used for the 1959 Oregon Centennial Exposition and then moved after the exhibit closed.
The original train station was replaced with a new train station in 1982.
Washington Park Zoo Train Station Sits Abandoned.
Picture taken 2019
This train schedule board at the Washington Park station shows the trains running on July 19, 2003. It includes the times between arrivals, the average running times for the round trip between the park and the zoo, and last scheduled arrival of the day.
Time Line for Zooliner
Zooliner Designer: John Flaschner
Initial Cost Locomotive + 3 Cars: $64,457
Design/Chassis: Northwest Marine
Shell/Body Work: H. Hirschberger Sheet Metal
 |
| Concept drawing of Zooliner 1956 |
The original Zooliner consisted of a diesel locomotive and 4 cars and was a half-size replica of streamlined GM 'Aero Train". It featured 3 standard cars and 1 club car. It seated 132 kids or 99 adults. Each coach was 6 feet 5 inches tall and 5 feet wide and 21 feet long. All cars had transparent plastic roofs to view provide full view of the zoo, the city and mountain vistas along the route. The locomotive was almost 24 feet long and weighed 12,000 pounds. The diesel engine was rated at 140 horsepower thru 4 driving wheels, hydraulic transmission, worm gear axle drive units with air brakes. Top speed was 15 mph. The train operated on a 30 inch gauge track.
Once the design was completed and construction started, the Zoo Commission was tasked with naming the train. Bluebird, The Rosy, Zooper Chief, Zoophyr and Zooliner were some of the suggestions.
Initial construction of the railway included 6,460 feet of track, 2 tunnels, a 550 foot trestle, 3 overpasses and 4 stations.
On May 26, 1960, the Washington Park extension was opened. The 'Wilderness Route' brought total track length to 1.75 miles. By this time, the zoo train included 5 trains and 7 locomotives. Round trip fees for the 'Wilderness Route was 50 cents for adults and 30 cents for kids.
By 1978, the zoo train inventory included 26 pieces of rolling stock, including the Zooliner, a steam train with genuine grade A soot, a mixed train, a maintenance train and a fire control train. Available trackage from zoo to Washington Park was 3.2 miles with 10 siding tracks. Round trip was 4.24 miles. 5 million persons had ridden the train at a profit of 1/2 million dollars. US Mail was handled on the Zooliner with its own postmark.
Once the design was completed and construction started, the Zoo Commission was tasked with naming the train. Bluebird, The Rosy, Zooper Chief, Zoophyr and Zooliner were some of the suggestions.
Initial construction of the railway included 6,460 feet of track, 2 tunnels, a 550 foot trestle, 3 overpasses and 4 stations.
On May 26, 1960, the Washington Park extension was opened. The 'Wilderness Route' brought total track length to 1.75 miles. By this time, the zoo train included 5 trains and 7 locomotives. Round trip fees for the 'Wilderness Route was 50 cents for adults and 30 cents for kids.
By 1978, the zoo train inventory included 26 pieces of rolling stock, including the Zooliner, a steam train with genuine grade A soot, a mixed train, a maintenance train and a fire control train. Available trackage from zoo to Washington Park was 3.2 miles with 10 siding tracks. Round trip was 4.24 miles. 5 million persons had ridden the train at a profit of 1/2 million dollars. US Mail was handled on the Zooliner with its own postmark.
The original Washington Park Zoo Train Station seen above. This building was initially used for the 1959 Oregon Centennial Exposition and then moved after the exhibit closed.
The original train station was replaced with a new train station in 1982.
Washington Park Zoo Train Station Sits Abandoned.
Picture taken 2019
This train schedule board at the Washington Park station shows the trains running on July 19, 2003. It includes the times between arrivals, the average running times for the round trip between the park and the zoo, and last scheduled arrival of the day.
Time Line for Zooliner
1954 Voters approve $4M bond for new zoo
1956 Design completed for Zooliner
1958 Zooliner begins operation
1958 Extension of zoo train into Washington Park begins
1959 New Zoo opens
1960 1.4 mile extension into Washington Park completed
2014 Zoo train stops running to Washington Park
2015 Landslide blocks tracks near Washing Park station
1956 Design completed for Zooliner
1958 Zooliner begins operation
1958 Extension of zoo train into Washington Park begins
1959 New Zoo opens
1960 1.4 mile extension into Washington Park completed
2014 Zoo train stops running to Washington Park
2015 Landslide blocks tracks near Washing Park station
