Mallet Locomotive Mural

Installed by Signs for Success, 2017

5013 N Market

Installed in 2017 by Spokane-based Signs for Success, this mural captures a powerful piece of Hillyard’s industrial heritage: the Great Northern Railway’s Mallet Class R2 locomotive — one of the largest steam engines ever built. At over 90 feet long and weighing in at more than half a million pounds, the R2 symbolizes the raw strength and engineering that once powered this historic rail yard.

The mural anchors itself in bold graphics and a deep respect for railroad history, serving as a quiet but unmistakable landmark in the alleyways of Hillyard. It’s not just a piece of public art — it’s a tribute to the grit, legacy, and industry that shaped this neighborhood.

Installed by: Signs for Success
Year: 2017
Subject: Great Northern Railway’s Mallet Class R2 Locomotive

“These were the largest ever made. They were 90–110 feet long and weighed in at over 592,000 pounds.”
— Signs for Success, Facebook Post, August 17, 2017