I don’t get to Tacoma for railfanning all that often so when Robert, Scott, and I stopped off there a few weeks ago it was a rare pleasure.
Of course many would argue that Tacoma is not what it once was railroad wise. I can see that. Although I’d argue that today the railroad plays just as, if not a more, important role in town than in the past. Take a look at all the container and grain business that use the Port of Tacoma as an example.
Sure, the stunning Union Station is no longer used as a depot (and that’s a crying shame) but thankfully it was preserved and hangs on as a federal courthouse in the center of the museum district. Sure the station tracks that served it are gone and were replaced by a freeway. Sure the Moon yard sits empty except for a few pieces of maintenance equipment. This doesn’t mean the railroad is gone, it just means it has changed. Morphed with the times. But and important part of the city still.
What’s Stanley all about? Well, look closely at the background of the attached image. The sign says “Stanley & Seaforts”. Stanley’s is one of my favorite Northwest restaurants thanks to a varied menu and the fabulous view of downtown. If you are in Tacoma, I recommend a visit, but be warned this is NOT railfan fast food. Make sure you ask for a window seat so you can watch trains roll through the 21st Street plant.
