(Updated 9/7/2025)

Coos Bay Rail Line Motorcar Runs

from Vaughn to Jordan Cove, Oregon

October 16-18, 2025 - Teddy Bear Toy Run

Please join us on this 192-mile 2-day motorcar excursion across approximately 100 bridges and nine tunnels.  The bridges include 2-swing span bridges and tunnels that range from 477 feet to 4,177 feet long.  Due to the FRA closure of the North Bend/Coos Bay Bridge, we have had to make a few changes to the itinerary.  The bridge requires a new signal system to be installed before we can cross it with our motorcars.  Also, due to road construction on highway 42, where they are installing drain culverts under the railroad tracks, the run on the Coquille branch had to be cancelled.

Information for the October Excursion

The October 16-18, 2025 run will be our biggest and best Teddy Bear Toy Express yet! 

Joining us this year are Santa and Mrs. Claus —hopefully, an elf or two will come along to help.

We will have stops in Reedsport, Mapleton, and Lakeside to pick up Toys.  

• The Excursion Coordinator for the October run is Bill Andrews. 
• After signing up, you will receive a detailed information packet via email.   
• Set-on is Thursday afternoon October 16, 2025 from 1-6 pm. 
• Dry camping is available at the set-on site.  
• Hotels for Thursday night are available in Eugene area.
• You will need to bring everything with you on your motorcar (suitcase, lunch, & extra gas).
• The excursion departs from the Rosboro Lumber Company in Vaughn, Oregon (near Veneta).
• On Friday (Oct. 17) we will travel about 96-miles to the Coos Bay bridge. 
• Our Motorcars will be parked overnight on the bridge approach or further down Jordan Cove.
• Busses will be used to shuttle us between the motorcars and the hotel.
• For Friday night (Oct. 17), we will be staying at the Holiday Hotel (Best Western) at 411 Bayshore Drive, Coos Bay, OR.
• The Phone # is (541) 269-5111.  Tell them you are with Pacific Railcar Operators PRO. 
• The hotel and meals are not included in the excursion fee.
• Saturday (Oct. 18) will be a 96-mile run from the Northside of the Coos Bay bridge back to the seton site at Rosboro Lumber in Vaughn. 
• On Monday (Oct. 20), the toys will be delivered to the Coos Bay Boardwalk for our toy presentation to the Coos Bay/North Bend Rotary Club.  You are not required to attend, but you may do so if desired.
• A minimum of 23-cars is required. 
• Full refunds will be available up to 3-weeks before the excursion start date.  
• The run fee is $450 per motorcar, per excursion.  
• Sorry, no Hy-Rail vehicles. 
• Friendly dogs on leash are welcome.  
• Be sure to sign up early so no one misses out!

Mentoring

A four to five hour mentoring program is available on Thursday morning, starting at 8:30 am the day of set-on. To sign up for Mentoring, contact Nancy Andrews ASAP at phone # << Click Here >>.    The mentoring requirements are carefully outlined on the NARCOA.org webpage under the Document pulldown.  https://www.narcoa.org/docs/mentoring/mentoring02-22.pdf

Information about the Coos Bay Rail Line

As you may have heard, the Coos Bay Rail Line is upgrading the rail line between Eugene and Coos Bay in preparation for hauling shipping containers from a new container shipping facility on the North Spit.  This will add six double stack train each way per day. The CBRL has replaced 44,000 ties, upgraded bridges, and tunnel clearances to be able to make the trip in a more timely manner.  While the container port is still a couple years away, it is not known how much longer the railroad will have time for us.  Please join us while we can still offer this amazing motorcar run.  Truly one of the most beautiful rail lines on the West Coast.  

How to sign up

If you would like to join us, please print, and carefully fill out the following three forms found on the PRO website under the Forms tab: << Click Here for Form >>

     

PRO Run registration form:

Excursion name: Coos Bay Rail Line Motorcar Run

Dates of: October 16-18, 2025

     

NARCOA General Release, printed double sided, single sheet: 

Fill out three copies using this information:

Copy # 1 - In consideration of the Coos Bay Rail Line

Copy # 2 - In consideration of the Rosboro Lumber Company

Copy # 3 - In consideration of the Port of Coos Bay

Permission to enter their property on the Dates of: October 16-18, 2025

“Pacific Railcar Operators” is the NARCOA affiliate

If you are dry camping at Roseboro Lumber for mentoring, include the Wednesday in the date range.

      

NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection form:

Excursion: Coos Bay Motorcar Run

Location:  Coos Bay, OR

Date:        October 16-18, 2025

      

For the October run, send all five forms, and a check for $450.00 payable to PRO, to:

            Ralph Burks ECIT

            91149 Territorial Highway

            Junction City, OR 97448

Upon receipt of these documents and a check for the run fee, a packet with further information will be emailed approximate 3-months before the excursion.  

      

If you have any questions about the October run, contact ECIT Ralph Burks

                        Email << Click Here >>

                                Phone: (five41) two28-zero833

             

For questions of Mentoring, contact Nancy Andrews for questions on mentoring

                        Email << Click Here >>

                        Phone: (five41) two95-five631

PRO General order #6 will be in effect (<< See Forms Tab >>).  NARCOA insurance, operator’s certificate, spark arrestors, installed fixed NARCOA radios, and boots are required