SP 4449 returning to Portland after Sacramento Railfair, 1981

The Southern Pacific Daylight streamlined steam locomotive returns to Portland, Oregon after visiting Los Angeles and the opening of the California State Railway Museum at Railfair 1981 in Sacramento, California.

See more of SP 4449 en route to Railfair 1981 here:    • "Return of the Daylight" - SP 4449 Returni...  


This incredible 4-8-4 Northern locomotive also pulls the annual Holiday Express train along this same route every holiday season. It is a terrific trip for the whole family. You and the family can join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind Portland’s famous steam locomotives. Vintage rail cars transport you along the Willamette River in the heart of the city of Portland.


Built in 1941 as a 4-8-4 GS-4 locomotive, SP 4449 is the only remaining operable “streamlined” steam locomotive of the Art Deco era. This grand Lady of the High Iron pulled Southern Pacific “Daylight” coaches from Los Angeles to San Francisco over the scenic Coast Route and then on to Portland until 1955.


Retired to Oaks Park in 1958 for display only, many thought 4449 would never run again. In 1974 she was completely restored specifically to pull the 1976 Bicentennial American Freedom Train throughout the United States to the delight of over 30 million people. SP 4449 has also operated numerous excursions since. She is arguably one of the most beautiful locomotives ever built and kept that way by the all-volunteer Friends of SP 4449.