Remarks: Rolling though Interbay Yard, even the mighty Amtrak Cascades has to slow down for our work zone. Through Sound Transit and BNSF funding, a new 2nd main track and speed improvements are being constructed though Interbay to double track the yard. Former CP4 has been demolished to make way for CP Magnolia, a #24 universal crossover behind me. This will end up being the first train to use the new crossover and continue south on the new main line. At this state, a 1' lift of WSDOT-spec gravel has been place, and is being compacted to 95% RC as per BNSF specification. Once we are complete with the the subgrade, we'll hand the site over to the client and they can build the track as they please. Taken with permission.
Remarks: With Interstate 90 only a couple of miles to the north, the backroads of Eastern Washington don't see much traffic except for the occasional train.
Remarks: The Milwaukee Road, condemned to nothing more than a bike trail. One day, 30 years ago SD40-2s, E units, and the Hiawatha rolled over the mighty concrete structure. Jer and myself pause in silence to admire the old viaduct flying over the W&I's main line. In a matter of seconds, we'll pass under the old viaduct and it'll become nothing more than a memory, just like the Road itself.
Remarks: Working inside the heart of a magical machine. Not too often does any railroader get a chance to work fully inside an enclosed locomotive. Let alone an F unit. The covered wagons are a thing of yesteryear, in favor of walkways and big service shops. But out on the shortline, things are always a little different. No big service shops. No long walkways. And a big F. At times, the mechanic doubles as a conductor, the engineer doubles as an office clerk, and even the president gets his hands dirty as he doubles as a mechanic. Working on a lazy Saturday, Stan opens the blow valves, checks the oil levels, and readies the F-units rebuilt EMD 567 prime mover for its symphony.
