Cascade Rail Foundation

04/25/2026

It was a very good day yesterday, April 24, in Ralston as the signal team installed the new concrete base (2nd time’s a charm) for the US&S searchlight signal cabinet. Big help from our local friends. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you! Thank you Randy Roth for another generous donation to the project!

Everything else is essentially done. We have transportation arranged to move the fully assembled signal from Tenino to Ralston, and we have several leads on crane service to set it in place. Now we are just coordinating schedules of all the participants.

02/22/2026

Two of our best, Cascade Rail Foundation President Paul Krueger and Treasurer Jonathan Fischer staff the CRF table at the United Northwest Model Railroad Club show at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. The show runs through 4pm tomorrow so come by and learn about what CRF is doing to preserve the history of the Milwaukee Road in Washington. More info on the train show here: https://unwclub.com/

12/10/2025

Thanks for spreading the word about our 5057 Project, Railfan & Railroad Magazine!

The Cascade Rail Foundation is presently working with Columbia Rail in Richland, Wash., to repaint MILW 5057 for eventual display in South Cle Elum.

10/25/2025

Ralston Signal Update: a very good day with a bit of disappointment at the end. We spent several hours on site today assisted by our Ralston friends Jeff and Brian. We removed the four huge rusty nuts holding the crumbling signal base. This required lots of wrenching with application of heat and penetrating fluid.

We then removed the old base and discovered that the replacement, while built to EXACT specifications, did not fit. The two rods to the south were slightly out of whack, as in 1/8”, and the new base did not fit.

The base went back over Snoqualmie Pass to the CRF signal shop in Tenino where the holes will be bored out to accommodate the misaligned rods. It will come back ready to be installed along with everything else. Date to be determined, weather dependent.

10/05/2025

Ralston Signal Update:

Friday Oct 24 or Saturday Oct 25 we are looking for help from a Ralston or Ritzville neighbor willing to donate a few minutes with their front loader (or a few really strong people) to assist in placing this 320 pound concrete base to replace the worn out one.

Reply in the comments if you can help. Much appreciated!

Otherwise everything is ready to go.

We’ll do the concrete pad first then return thereafter to put in the rest. A boom or crane will required for that.

Thank you to our supporters and donors. Almost done!

08/04/2025

The volunteer signal team is very pleased with the signal controller from WirelessBilly. It’s all hooked up (temporary wiring) and working perfectly. It’s WiFi accessible and programmed for five minutes each on clear, stop, and approach aspects. On track for late summer or fall installation on the trail at Ralston. Signal 53-4.

07/12/2025

The Ralston signal is starting to look like a signal again. Installation back on the trail at Ralston is planned for late summer/fall 2025.

05/30/2025

Big news out of Usk, WA this week - the 5057 is on the move! It's on its way to the Columbia Rail shop in Richland, WA. Read more on our website: https://www.milwelectric.org/the-5057-project-is-moving-again/