The Centennial (left) and the Zooliner (right) at the Oregon Zoo

In the Summer 2015 issue of Preservation, we report on the restoration of the Oregon Zoo’s miniature trains, The Centennial and the Zooliner. These locomotives have been transporting visitors around the Portland-based zoo since they were installed in 1958 (Centennial) and 1959 (Zooliner). In June 2014, the miniature trains were sent to the Pacific Truck Centers in Ridgefield, Washington for restoration work. Here we share some more fun facts about these beloved attractions and their restoration.

The Centennial is a steam-powered locomotive that was created with an “Old West” theme in mind.

Both trains were prominently featured at Oregon’s Centennial Celebration in 1959. In order to help raise money to construct the 30-inch-gauge track they would ride, a children’s book called “Clickety Clack and the Bandits” was sold. Children also sold imitation stock for $1 per share to help pay for the new track.

In its 2014 restoration, the Centennial received a modernized plumbing system and a fresh paint job, among other updates.

As part of its restoration, the diesel-powered Zooliner received a new, energy-efficient diesel engine and extensive body work.

The Centennial and Zooliner resumed operation in November of 2014. They debuted their new assets at the ZooLights holiday celebration, where visitors waited in line for hours to ride on these much-loved attractions.

Find more zoo trains and fun facts about them in our blog post “Ride Through History on These Historic Zoo Trains.”