Twin Peaks Location – Big Ed’s Gas Farm in Season 3

Big Ed’s Gas Farm moves around in Twin Peaks. This film location joins a list of other spots, such as the Fat Trout Trailer Park and the Palmer house, that were shot in multiple locations. For the Pilot, the location was found along Preston-Fall City Road in Washington. Episode 1005 used the Newcomb’s Ranch parking lot in La Canada Flintridge, California. For Season 3, the crew used an auto garage and former gas station just outside North Bend, Washington.

WHERE IS BIG ED’S GAS FROM IN SEASON 3 LOCATED?

The address for this location is 1130 E North Bend Way, North Bend, Washington, and the approximate coordinates are 47°29’15.6″N 121°46’15.9″W. At the time of filming, Transmissions Plus, Inc. occupied the building. It was later occupied by Michael’s Auto Center.

Today, The Line | Bike Experience occupies the space. You can read about my visit to this location in this article on Twin Peaks Blog. The location looks different today compared to when filming took place in September 2015.

One thing to note is that this location is just down the street from Red Diamond City Motel (Mt. Si Motel) in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and the spot where Miriam Sullivan was found by the boys in Part 11 of Season 3.  Nadine Hurley’s walk to Big Ed’s takes place along North Bend Way too.

NORTH BEND WAY

According to property records, the building that housed Big Ed’s Gas Farm was constructed in either 1941 or 1945 (I found two different reports). I look everywhere to find a historic photo from that time. The closet thing I found was an aerial image of North Bend from May 26, 1946. Sadly, it doesn’t show the building as it would have been located past the word “Museum” on the image.

Before Interstate 90, North Bend Way was often traveled by tourists headed toward Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascade Mountains. Like the Mount Si Motel, the building was most likely constructed to meet demand for gas as folks left the small town of North Bend.

TRANSMISSIONS PLUS, INC.

An advertisement in the SnoValley Star on August 28, 2015 provided some answers about the location.

The Fleming family-owned Transmissions Plus, Inc. moved into the building around 1997. The gas storage tanks were removed in 1999. They occupied the space until the building was sold for $525,000 on August 23, 2017. At the time, it had been on the market for about 20 days.

One thing I’ve learned from writing articles for this blog is that if I search long enough on the internet, I’ll eventually find what I’m seeking.

In the January 2020 issue of Transmission Digest (yes, there is a publication for every interest under the sun), the Fleming family was profiled at their new shop at 113 W Russ Street in Cle Elum, Washington.

Joe Fleming started his business in 1981 after spending several years in the transmission business at major shops in the Seattle area. Justin learned his father’s business while growing up in the shop as a child.

Look carefully at the image above and you’ll spot the original sign shop that was once located at their North Bend location. It also appears in Season 3 (more on that in a moment).

MICHAEL’S AUTO CENTER

Michael Allen opened Michael’s Auto Center in the latter half of November 2017. According to their Facebook page, they “handle most makes and models of cars, and are experts in Japanese imports.” They have more than 34 years experience with transmission, electrical, brake, emission and engine repair services. They also do car tune-ups and specialize in computer diagnostics.

It appears they may have closed around November 2021. The Line | Bike Experience would officially open a few years later on March 18, 2023.

SEPTEMBER 9-10, 2019

On September 9, 2015, Danna McCall reported on LivingSnoqualmie.com that filming for Season 3 would take place at the “old gas station.”

On September 9, signage and other props were installed, and shooting would take place during the afternoon of September 10. Police temporarily closed North Bend Way and redirected traffic along Cedar Falls Way to accommodate the shoot.

This photo by Michael McCall shows Big Ed’s Gas Farm set, complete with the iconic sign covered with a plastic bag. I love they used the “All Repairs Strictly Cash” sign again.

You can see both that sign and the “Caution” sign at the Pilot location. I believe the Season 3 signs were recreations, not originals.

Leo & Anna USA Channel on YouTube shared this short behind-the-scenes video of filming that took place that day.

SET DECORATING AT BIG ED’S GAS FARM IN SEASON 3

Before Big Ed’s Sign was installed at the Transmissions Plus, Inc. building, you could briefly see it on a truck behind Twede’s Cafe.

The Mauve Zone shared some additional behind-the-scenes images of the sign on the delivery truck.

The sign eventually made its way to the building’s roof.

Pretty spectacular to see it again, complete with duck decoy, smoking pipe, and neon egg.

Additional interior shots of the set decorating courtesy of The Mauve Zone (by the way, if you took these shots, please let me know so I can properly credit you).

More details of signage and props installed on September 9 at the site.

BIG ED’S GAS FARM IN PART 13

The first time we see Big Ed’s Gas Farm is a nighttime establishing shot in Part 13.

The scene cuts to an interior shot of the Gas Farm with a giant carved bear head with a bell for service. “Bear with me” – Love it!

The camera pans to a sad Big Ed Hurley eating soup and drinking coffee from RR2GO-branded cups. Why can’t I purchase those?

The day I visited in September 2019 the shop was already closed. So I could only take photos through the window.

Michael Allen posted some photos from the lobby when the shop opened on November 28, 2017.

The inside looks completely different than what we see in the episode (only the walls remain).

We get a reverse shot of Big Ed looking out the window at the nighttime darkness while he eats dinner.

I wish I could have gone inside to get the same shot. One day.

Here’s another look at the lobby courtesy of the Facebook page for Michael’s Auto Center.

More shots of Big Ed contemplating life over a cup of soup. The crew did such a great job making this set feel like it’s been in Twin Peaks for more than 25 years.

I just love this shot of Big Ed playing with matches. Everett McGill is such a wonderful actor – completely believable in everything he does (another good example of his skill is his brief appearance in The Straight Story).

BIG ED’S GAS FARM IN PART 15

As Nadine Hurley marches toward Big Ed’s Gas Farm in Part 15, we see the magnificent Mount Si in the background.

The camera follows Nadine as she approaches Big Ed.

Look carefully and you’ll see that Transmission Plus, Inc. sign I mentioned earlier in the article. The pole that once held the sign is long gone now. You may also spot Big Ed’s golden-colored truck is also parked along the side.

At some point, the Chevrolet truck was parked in front of the gas farm.

This long behind-the-scenes shot shows Big Ed speaking with someone in the gray car by the gas pumps.

As Nadine speaks with Ed, you can see North Bend Way and the adjacent Alpine Fitness building in the background.

I adore all of these behind-the-scenes shots of the crew setting up for a take. Truly some of the best in the business.

During Ed’s reaction shots, you can spot the North Bend Napa Auto Parts store located next door.

Another reaction shot with Big Ed.

One last hug before Nadine sets Big Ed free to pursue his true love, Norma Jennings.

The day I visited it had just rained so I couldn’t get the same shadows.

Those gas pumps Ed was standing next to were props brought in for the shoot. Free, Big Ed now knows what he must do.

I know what I must do – start another article as this one is finished.