Marking a Milestone: The SP&S 700’s Historic Revival

In May 1990, the Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 reached defining moments in her modern history. Thirty-six years ago this month, the locomotive was fired up and moved under her own power for the first time since 1956—a remarkable return to life for a long-silent engine.

Following retirement in the late 1950s, the SP&S 700 was placed on display at Oaks Park, where she remained exposed to the elements for decades.

In 1987, the locomotive was relocated to the Brooklyn Roundhouse, where restoration efforts began in earnest. There, dedicated volunteer members of the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association (PRPA) undertook the extensive work required to bring the engine back to life.

Crew with the SP&S 700, February 20, 1990

By May 1990, years of restoration had led to a pivotal moment—it was time to steam up the 700. Work began on May 7, when a fire was lit in the firebox. After several hours of steady burning, the crew made the decision—despite the late hour—to proceed with steaming up the locomotive. By then, it was already 2:00 a.m. on May 8. Pressure built gradually through the morning, and at 9:35am, the 700 reached maximum operating pressure. The safety valves lifted, releasing a dramatic burst of steam that filled the Roundhouse—a powerful and emotional sign that the locomotive was alive once more.

Scenes from the 700’s firing and steam up, May 8, 1990

Just one week later, the crew prepared for another milestone—movement under steam. A fire was lit on the night of May 14, and the crew awaited as the boiler heated up to produce steam and the locomotive reached operating pressure. In the early morning hours of May 15, the 700 rolled—backing out of her stall under her own power for the first time in 34 years. Later that day, she ventured outside, where additional work continued.

Scenes from the 700’s first day operating under her own power, May 15, 1990

Today, members of the PRPA, along with volunteers at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and Chief Mechanical Officer Luke Johnson, continue to maintain and operate this historic locomotive. In a fitting tribute to her legacy, the SP&S 700 was fired up and under steam for our National Train Day celebration on May 9 and 10—nearly 36 years to the day of those milestone events in May 1990.