Speeder cars cruise through valley

But what the cute square contraption lacks in speed and size, it more than compensates for in style and nostalgia. And if being classy isn't enough, two large horns mounted on its roof sound-off with the same fervor as one from a full-sized freight train.

A run of 26 speeder-cars of a variety of colors, makes and models - driven by hobbyist from around the Northwest - rolled into town earlier this week for a cruise up to Parkdale and back on the Mount Hood Railroad's historic tracks. The cars are collectors' items now -restored remnants of a faded era of life on the railroads.

Replaced in the 1990s by road-rail vehicles (usually trucks with rail wheels that can be lowered onto tracks), speeders were once used around the world by crews and inspectors who needed to move quickly up and down tracks and from site to site.

At a couple thousand pounds - give or take - the cars are easily transportable by truck and trailer, and easy to mount on a track in just a few minutes.

"This is the third time we've had a run in Hood River," Wilkins said from the driver's seat of his bright yellow speeder. "The group is pretty eclectic. Some of these drivers just came from run in Alaska; they spent two weeks on the tracks from Anchorage to Fairbanks. At about 28 miles, this run is pretty short compared to most."

Following fairly strict rules and regulations, the group of drivers is part of the North American Rail Car Operators Association, an organization that facilitates excursions throughout the country.

"It's all done following railroad safety rules and regulations," said Wilkins. "If you were really motivated, he could go on different runs almost every weekend of the year. It's a cool way to see parts of the country that you can't by road."

For the MHRR run, the highlight of the trip is just south of Dee, where the track runs along the bank of the East Fork on a section of river that can't easily be seen any other way.

In addition to working for MHRR, Wilkins jams around town with his band, the Richard Wilkins Blues Band. On Friday, the band put on the first of what could be a series of performances. The "Blues Train" featured a rolling concern, dinner and drinks on the tracks.

For info on the band and future shows, visit richardwilkinsbluesband.com