After 100 years, the old No. 15 still chugging

As the 100-year-old Number 15 engine rolled into the station in Chehalis, two children grinned.

The hadn’t traveled in one of the train’s cars like the other passengers. Instead, Hannah and Jeff Burgman, of Snohomish, rode close to the action, in the proverbial belly of the beast.

“I thought it was super fun,” said Hannah, 10.

“It was awesome,” added Jeff, 7.

Hannah, Jeff and their parents — Ellen and Kurt Burgman — stopped to take a train ride and visit the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum on Saturday while traveling back from the Oregon Coast. They were among about 75 people who boarded the train.

The engine has been a popular attraction for the city, near Interstate 5 in Lewis County, since its restoration in 1989. Since then, it has been providing short trips for train enthusiasts from Washington state and beyond.

The oil-burning iron machine was driven Saturday by Harold Borovec, 89, who has known the train for most of his life. He recalls riding his bike to school along the railroad tracks. He fell in love with the engine, and passes on that love to the children who ride along with him.

Tim Gordon, 37, was once one of those children. He said he began riding along with Borovec when he was only 4 or 5 years old, and remembers the engineer’s signature attire.

“That polka dot hat,” Gordon said.

Borovec again wore a polka dot hat on Saturday.

Children and their parents can experience the antique engine on weekends through the end of September. For more information, visit the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum website at steamtrainride.com.

This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 4:16 PM with the headline "After 100 years, the old No. 15 still chugging."