Portland MAX
LRV #101
This is a modern Light Rail Vehicle built by Bombardier for Portland’s TriMet MAX system. It is one of 26 LRVs purchased to open up the first MAX line from downtown Portland to Gresham.
The LRVs were manufactured as part of a joint venture between Bombardier and La Brugeoise et Nivelles (BN). Bombardier later acquired BN. The design is based on a BN model used in Rio de Janeiro and Charleroi, Belgium. The frames were built in Quebec, but most of the manufacturing occurred in Barre, Vermont.
The car was built in 1983 and was sent to the USDOT Rail Testing Facility in Pueblo, Colorado along with car #103. In 1984, #101 was sent back to Barre, VT, for some more work. It was finally shipped to Portland in 1986. #101 was part of the first train to open the system on September 5, 1986.
The car was last in revenue service on June 2nd, 2025. TriMet then gave the car a once-over, having an official retirement party at Ruby Junction on July 8th. The car was then shipped by truck to the museum on July 17th.
The car’s public reveal was during the 55th Great Oregon Steam-up in 2025 with visitors able to walk through the car with it powered up and offering air conditioning during the hot afternoons.
The car is operational, but the museum’s overhead wire needs to be worked on to allow for pantograph operation before it can turn a wheel under its own power.
Car Facts
Year Built: 1983
Builder: Bombardier
Year Retired: 2025
Museum Acquired: 2025
Track Gauge: Standard
Car Length: 89 feet
Electrical Equipment: Brown Boveri & Company
Seating Capacity: 76
Status: Operational
MAX LRV #101
Image Gallery
101 in its original paint scheme at Beaverton Creek July 23, 2003
101 on MAX opening day in 1986 at Pioneer Courthouse Square
101 on MAX opening day in 1986 at Pioneer Courthouse Square
101 at Quatama Nov. 12, 2024
101 “Retirement Party” at Ruby Junction July 8, 2025
101 loaded on a trailer at Ruby Jct to head to the museum July 16, 2025
101 arriving at Powerland Heritage Park July 17, 2025
101 on the museum’s rails for the first time July 17, 2025
101 stage by the trolley museum station July 22, 2025
Help us preserve and operate this car
LThe museum’s overhead wire needs upgrades to support #101’s operation. We also need to build a 2nd carbarn to store this car indoors. Donate Today