Alaska Railroad’s classic RDC #701 train has found a new home on Whistle Hill in Soldotna, joining a pair of vintage trains collected by Mary and Dr. Henry Krull.
Mary Krull on acquiring the AK701.
“We just have an affinity for train cars. We are saving a piece of history.”
The RDC #701 was retired from passenger service in October of 2008 and re-purposed to be used with work trains, unpowered, as shoving platforms and tool sheds and warm up areas for the workers.
Mary Krull explained how she acquired the train.
“Alaska Railroad..they know I’m a big train fan and when they retire their rail cars I usually get a phone call. There was another gentleman that was interested in it also; but, I happened to write the check first.”
The Alaska Railroad once owned four Rail Diesel Cars (RDC) numbered 701, 702, 711 and 712. Numbers 701 and 702 were rebuilt along the lines of the British Columbia Railway (BCR).
During its service with the Alaska Railroad, RDC#710 served the Hurricane Turn providing flag-stop rail service to people living between Talkeetna and the Hurricane area. This area has no roads, and the railroad provides the lifeline for residents who depend on the service to obtain food and supplies. The Budd RDCs, in 2008, went to Fairbanks for their annual inspections and maintenance. All were retired immediately when it was determined their electrical problems were just too costly to be repaired.
The purpose and use of the newest train is still undecided. Dr. Henry Krull prefers a complimentary business for the most-recent addition.
“Really, we have thought about complimentary businesses whenever we have a new idea for development or a new train car. We think of businesses that compliment each other.”
