Touring the Columbia Basin by 'speeder' train

Procession of speeders took over local railways

GRANT COUNTY — Do you remember those railroad motor cars you used to see in the 1950s and 1960s on virtually every line in the U.S. and Canada? They were the little yellow or orange boxes with the characteristic putt-putt sound of a two-stroke engine, sometimes towing a trailer or two loaded with ties and spikes.

An event was organized Nov. 12 featured nearly 20 of these railcars, also known as speeders, jiggers or putt-putts. The focus was traveling on the Columbia Basin Railway, the railroad that serves Moses Lake and the surrounding area. The cars came from as far away as Alberton, Mont. and from as close as Bruce. Many came from the Seattle area and the Tri-Cities.

The day started within sight of Monte Holm's House of Poverty Museum. The cars were set on the rail, before event coordinator Steve Healy held a safety meeting. Though a representative of the Columbia Basin Railway would be leading the group all day, Healy went over a few items of concern before their 9 a.m. departure.

The cars followed the line up through the Pelican Point area, across Highway 17 and then out to Wheeler, where the cars had to change direction for the remainder of the 50-mile trip south to Connell.

A few of the cars were able to turn themselves using a built-in turntable. The remainder had to use a portable metal turntable. The process of turning the entire group of cars consumed about 20 minutes.

The trip continued to Warden, where the Columbia Basin Railway depot was opened for inspection, along with the idle locomotives parked there.

At Connell, the cars were again turned for the trip back to Moses Lake.

Many of the speeders are open to the elements or are not equipped with heaters. So the poor weather that was coming in caused some concern, but did not dampen anyone's spirits.

The private car at Bruce was the focus of the stop there, as the Clyde Andrews' family is quite proud of their refurbished historic car.

The trip to Wheeler was made quickly, as it was getting dark. Once again, all the cars had to be turned to face the right direction for the tracks to Moses Lake.

All returned to Moses Lake about dinnertime, having completed what Healy called the "3 S's," that is, socializing, scenery and snacks.

Most speeders were scrapped by the railroads as they were phased out, but a few thousand of these vehicles are still around today in running condition and in regular use.

They were replaced by High-Rail Vehicles, which are standard road vehicles with retractable guide wheels that can operate on road or rail.

For years, speeder enthusiasts had been sneaking onto tracks for thrill rides, many times with disastrous results. In the 1990s, these operators organized in order to conduct legal, insured rail excursions with cooperating railroads. The North American Railcar Owners Association (NARCOA) represents a group of about 1,500 people who own these railcars.

These cars are inexpensive, costing up to $2,000 for a fully-restored car. When the railroads were getting rid of them, the cost was as low as $40 each.

Insurance is needed to run on various railroads and is purchased through NARCOA. The railroad also receives a fee for the use of the tracks. Regional groups conduct various events throughout North America, mostly in warmer weather.

Recent speeder tours in our area included a trip between Cheney and Coulee City in 2003.