Originally built in Philadelphia, PA in 1916, the Baldwin 2-8-2 “Mikado” was considered the workhorse of the steam train locomotives due to its versatility, and is often regarded as the classic American steam locomotive for this very reason. The 2-8-2’s design allowed for a larger firebox, which resulted in a faster locomotive capable of pulling heavy weight, and originally ran on oil steam.

Lovingly referred to as ‘Ol 15, it first arrived in Washington in 1928, purchased by the Cowlitz, Chehalis and Cascade Railway to transport timber for Washington State’s booming lumber industry. Hauling logs on the Puget Sounds and Cascade Railway in Mt Vernon, WA, it’s route went through Lewis County, WA to transport lumber to local mills and interchanged with the main railway to export logs as well.

Ol’ 15 worked in the lumber industry for 30 years, docking at the old Chehalis Depot location on 3rd St. and Williams Ave in Chehalis, but was decommissioned as the lumber industry changed its needs for transportation. For 33 years it sat at Chehalis Recreation Park on display, inspiring many train and history enthusiasts. One enthusiast in particular, Harold Borovec, instigated the renovation of our Baldwin “Mikado” and with the support of passionate local volunteers, the City of Chehalis granted the train’s release to Mineral, WA where restoration began in 1987. It took 2 years and 5 months, hours and hours of mostly volunteer labor, going as far as to hand tool parts that were no longer available to purchase, but it was finally brought back to life. On its inaugural send off, many supporters drove north just to be among the first to ride in its newly refurbished passenger cars back to its home in Chehalis.

It is because of hardworking and passionate volunteers that the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum was founded. The Baldwin 2-8-2 “Mikado” now has a new lease on life, bringing joy and new experiences to tourists of all ages.