In the Issaquah garage a motorman, his shirt splotched with oil, makes a few final adjustment to the trolley before starting up its generator. It’s the final day of testing on the old railway, and being among the men who restored the car, he’s ready to take the inspector’s final questions.

It couldn’t get any better, says inspector Tim Borchers. “Normally these restorations are full of bad news.”

With the push of a lever and the press of a foot, motorman John Tarr guides the historic Issaquah Valley Trolley out of the garage. The windows rattle against the thin lines of the hand-carved frames. The workmanship of the lacquered wood molding pops against white panels, which glow from the summer light.

The 1925 car, which will begin taking passengers in Issaquah this fall, is an embodiment of nostalgia for a time when metal wheels passed over the city’s tracks.

“It’s going to bring life to Issaquah,” said Ken Johnsen, a motorman in training.

After pioneering the establishment of an historic trolley line in Yakima almost 30 years ago, the rail buff couldn’t be more pleased to drive one in his own backyard.

The plan is that the trolley will run from Issaquah’s historic train depot, behind City Hall, to Gilman Village. It would effectively connect the historic Front Street to a shopping center built from restored farm homes.

For now, the trolley only makes it to Issaquah Creek, behind Darigold. The city held back some money from the track, in case the trolley restoration hit some snags. If all goes well, a second contract will go out to finish the project. The $745,000 project is being paid for through federal grants, which the city has managed.

The train is taking its first passengers during fair weather starting Oct. 14, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Issaquah Valley Trolley group is asking for $2 donations. The operation will stop when winter’s bad weather hits, and it will restart in the spring.

While most of the interior was untouched by the restoration, the tracks on the bottom of the trolley, internal workings, breaks and the motor were replaced. The roof was restored inside, but replaced with fiberglass on top.

The federal grant wasn’t enough for the upholstery. The IVT group hopes to replace the mustard-yellow seats, likely a relic from the ‘60s or ‘70s, with future fundraising . The car was originally used in Portugal, when in 1980 it was moved to Colorado, where it sat until the Issaquah History Museums acquired it in 2003.

Issaquah never had a trolley system, which requires electrical lines to follow the track. To compensate, the trolley has a generator that runs in front (or behind, depending on the direction) of the car.

“As far as an antique trolley goes, it’s very unique,” Johnsen said. “You won’t find a car running anywhere else.”

The majority of the restoration to the Issaquah Valley Trolley was to its working parts and the roof. BY CELESTE GRACEY, THE ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Mechanic John Tarr runs the Issaquah Valley Trolley during an inspection in Issaquah. BY CELESTE GRACEY, THE ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Originally from Portugal, the Issaquah Valley Trolley has many of its original markings and finishes. BY CELESTE GRACEY, THE ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Inspector Tim Borchers gives tips to motormen in training on the Issaquah Valley Trolley. BY CELESTE GRACEY, THE ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER

The Gomaco Trolley Company restored the Issaquah Valley Trolley this summer. This plaque commemorates that work. The IVT group hopes to open it up to the public for rides October 14. BY CELESTE GRACEY, THE ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER