2025 News Archive
(January - March)
Senate passes bill to finance new $135M Seward dock, terminal for passenger ships - 2/27/24 |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A bill to build a new $135 million passenger dock in Seward that would harbor larger cruise ships was passed by the Alaska Senate Wednesday. [More] |
Cherrywood Lane Getaway refurbishes two passenger cars for lodging - 2/26/25 |
Two of the passenger cars from the former Harbor Train Station (aka "The Train Wreck") in Seward have taken on a new life with Rodney Roemmich. He has moved these two train cars to a property north of Seward, fabulously refurbished them and will soon have them available for rent at Cherrywood Lane Getaway. Are you looking for a fun and unique experience? Consider renting one of these units this summer. From their website, "Kick back and relax in this calm and cozy space that happens to be a train! Surrounded by many trees and Mountain View’s. You’re bound to feel relaxed and enjoy the beauty of Alaska. Queen bed situated in a studio format. 1 full bath. Brand new remodel. Spacious deck to be shared with other train cabin guests. These train cabins are fully furnished with all the amenities you need to make you feel like home. No pets allowed in the train cabins or on the property." |
McKeen Motor Car Company Historical Society Update - 2/26/24 |
[Webmaster note: This information ties back to the McKeen car owned by the Alaska Railroad] We have a Major Update regarding our Restoration of the McKeen Car "Cuyamaca." The McKeen Motor Car Company Historical Society board members have discussed hiring me, Madison Kirkman, to begin paid work on the car. A unanimous approval of the other board members reached an agreement for me to work for local minimum wage on the car. You will see more updates shortly after the new addition to our collection, a McKeen Trailer Car from the Southern Pacific. This car would have been scrapped Feb. 10th had volunteers and donors not helped make sure the car was saved. That trailer will provide a wonderful 300 square feet of workshop and storage to work on the Cuyamaca, and will be onsite in a week or so. Our current plan to begin work is as follows. Step 1. Remove all wood, remove all unoriginal steel. Step 2. Build a steel frame inside the car body to connect between inner frame and the header sill at the base of the roofline. Everything between those two points will be removed, the lower sill due to extensive damage, modifications, and the missing knife edge nose. The skin will need to be entirely replaced. Also, the secondary diagonals, under window stiffeners, and such will also need to be replaced. Alaskan weather was not nice to this car. The Roof is however in Great Condition as it was completely soldered tight and made of galvanized steel, unlike the raw steel body, that rusted from inside out. The inner frame work between the bolsters is also in wonderful condition, no real rust to speak of and no damage worth even noting. The Center Spine of the car, comprised of (2) 10"x3" C Channels is as straight and clean as could be. We are talking to local fabricators now, and have made the CAD drawings of the C Channel lower sill which is the very first part to replace and build from. That component, made in sections, weights 950 lbs alone. Thank you for your donations again, and we will now put them to good use on this car. We will keep you updated as we progress. Cordially,
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Alaska House passes HB 65 to fund new passenger dock in Seward for tourism boost - 2/19/24 |
On Monday, the Alaska House took a step forward in improving the state’s tourism infrastructure, passing House Bill 65. The bill authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds for a major project in Seward. [More] |
Alaska Railroad highlights goals for 2025, beyond - 2/15/25 |
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) intends to ask lawmakers to authorize a bond for a major overhaul of its Seward passenger dock. |
Two ex-BNSF SD70MACs head to Alaska - 2/14/25 |
The ARR purchased two BNSF SD70MACs and they have arrived in Portland, OR. These should arrive in Alaska on the barge in March. |
Historic golden railroad spike will return to Alaska after |
More than a century after becoming an emblem for the development of the Last Frontier, a major Alaska artifact is returning home. [More] The ARR purchased two BNSF SD70MACs and they have arrived in Portland, OR. These should arrive in Alaska on the barge in March. |
The Alaska Railroad’s Golden Spike Hammered in by |
On July 15, 1923, President Warren Harding hammered a golden spike into train tracks in central Alaska. It was the ceremonial final piece of the Alaska Railroad, which connected inner Alaska to the coastal city of Seward, sparking the resource-rich state’s industrial development. [More] |
Anchorage Museum and City of Nenana Announce |
Jan. 24, 2025 NENANA and ANCHORAGE Alaska – The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana announce the acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Spike, a historic artifact that has been out of Alaska for nearly a century. The Golden Spike, once presented as a gift from the City of Anchorage to Colonel Fredrick Mears in recognition of his role in constructing the Alaska Railroad, has now been secured through a collaborative bid at an auction held by Christie’s today. This acquisition by the Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana ensures that this piece of Alaska’s history will be held in the public trust and accessible for future generations. The Golden Spike was part of the celebration of the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923 and was auctioned by Christie’s as part of their Americana event. The City of Anchorage presented this solid 14K gold spike to Colonel Frederick Mears, one of the chief engineers tasked with connecting Fairbanks and Seward through the newly founded Anchorage. It was loaned to President Harding for use during the ceremony held on July 15, 1923, near Nenana to mark the railroad's completion. The acquisition connects Anchorage, Nenana, and the railroad once again. The shared vision is to preserve and display the spike so that Alaskans and visitors can learn about its significance in the state’s history. “We are thrilled to partner with Nenana to share this piece of history with the public,” said Julie Decker, Anchorage Museum Director/CEO. “The Golden Spike is a great piece of storytelling about place and people.” “The City of Nenana is extremely excited and appreciative of this partnership with the Anchorage Museum,” said Nenana Mayor Joshua Verhagen. “I think it's a neat story of an urban and a rural community both along the rail belt coming together for a worthy cause. I look forward to working together and tying our communities together once again with this same Golden Spike.” The acquisition was funded with support from the Alaska Railroad and private contributions. The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana will alternate exhibiting the spike. A Century-Old Symbol of Alaska’s Railroad Heritage
Securing History for Future Generations
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Future BNSF units in St. Louis - 1/22/24 |
Last I heard, both those were at Metro East Industries in East St. Louis, IL, along with many of the others that had been leased by NS last year. The 8895 was being readied for shipment to ARR and had ARR painted on the side of the hood (still in BNSF paint). I would suspect the same for 8901, but I haven't heard anything on that specific unit. |
Centennial Seppala Expedition with Jonathan Hayes - 1/22/24 |
Jonathan Hayes is a marine veteran, minister, middle school teacher, and a complete dog-man. [More] |
100th Anniversary of the Serum Run! - 1/22/24 |
The Centennial of the Serum RunFriday Jan 24th Indoor Events
Saturday Jan 25th -All outdoor Events. Please Dress warm.
[More] |
Alaska Railroad purchases two BNSF SD70MACs - 1/6/24 |
The Alaska Railroad purchased two ex-BNSF SD70MACs 8895 and 8901 which will arrive sometime around March. They will not be repainted, but wrapped by INPS once they get to Anchorage. These will be used primarily for freight service. |
Roundhouse Hobbies has HO scale custom run Accurail USRA 55 ton 2 bay coal hopper - 1/1/25 |
Roundhouse Hobbies has a new HO scale custom run Accurail Alaska Railroad model of the USRA 55 ton 2 bay coal hoppers available now. The Alaska Railroad had over 110 of these coal hoppers in the series 5000-5049 and 6000-6084. Placed in service from 1928 to 1934, a few were still listed on equipment registers into the 1980's The model is from the 6011-6030 series bought used and placed in service in 1934. Painted as number 6021, multiple road number decals are included to expand your fleet in this easy to assemble kit. Prices are $23 each and include a removable coal load. For orders of six or more you'll get free shipping. I accept PayPal and checks mailed to: Roundhouse Hobbies, 5901W Greenwood Rd, Spokane WA 99224. Please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at: randy17428@gmail.com |
Page created 1/1/25 and last updated 3/1/25
