I just got through watching ( for probably the 5th or 6th time) the movie, "Breakheart Pass". Much of the train scenes, during the movie, were shot on the old Camas Prarie Railroad in northern Idaho (now part of the Great Northwestern RR).
It must have been a really scenic trip on the Camas Prarie. I wonder if anyone has thought about running a tourist train on that line? Magnificent old trestles..I don't know how many are in good condition.
By the way, in the above link, if you click on "Historic Train Depot Road Trip", you will find really picturesque old Idaho train depots.
Richard
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Thanks for posting Richard. I had not realized Camas Prarie was so interesting. Idaho is such a scenic state it is a shame this wasn't turned into a tourist operation when it was abandoned. I think it's too late now. It would take someone like RJ Corman to reivive it as they specialize in restoring damaged rail lines. But don't think they would have an interest unless an industry was involved. Lumber wont't cut it! Nor will coal these days. What makes Idaho so attractive to the traveler or sportsman makes it less so for industry.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
I think, Mr. Palmland, that it would take big $$$ to restore the Camas Prarie RR for a tourist train. Especially if some of those old trestles could be restored for use.
I once saw a video (I think it was on the "Great Railway Journeys", on PBS), on the Thunder Mountain Line scenic railroad. I think it traveled in central Idaho above Boise, through the Boise National Forest. I believe the Thunder Mountain Railroad no longer exists. Too bad, it looked like a fun and scenic excursion.
Richard
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
I saw a YouTube video of a "speeder" tour of the Camas Prairie RR. I wonder what it would take to create a speeder tourist line rather than a locomotive pulled tourist attraction. Personally, I doubt I would ever take a trip to the Camas Prairie to ride on a tourist train, but I might think about going on a speeder tour.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Here is one of several videos noted by Mr. Vincent: