Remarks: Amtrak Cascades 507 is doing it's station stop at Tacoma, using the recently re-aligned trackage. The third main addition project is nearing completion, as is the new "D" street bridge. Vista's of the Tacoma Yard are now easily obtained from the new bridge. Oh, and vehicles no longer have to wait while BNSF does it's switching. Of note are the three new mains (light gray ties) just to left of the Cascades train. The original two mains are the track on which the BN geep is sitting. They ran just to the left of the single visible bridge support. Moving the mains further south, widened the curve that is just out of frame (below) and allowed track speed to be increased from 10 mph to 30 mph. Click Here for a photo of a military train in the Puget Sound area.
Remarks: BNSF 7462 is rolling out to it's train, while a mob of Pumpkins await their turn in the engine facility. Three Warbonnets lurk among the sea of orange. Click Here to see the majority of the BNSF Tacoma Yard, and the bridge from which this image was taken.
Remarks: The star of the show heads back to the shops a little early. What show? A triple header with Mt. Rainier Scenic's two other operating steamers. The Willamette made it's revenue debut after the restoration was finished earlier in the week. A great job by all involved. Click Here for some historical information on this locomotive from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad site. Be sure and wander over to the reservations section and get your self set up for a ride.
Remarks: One of many great locations along the Scenic Sub, Deception Creek is much easier to reach when the only snow around is on the nearby mountain peaks. BNSF has kindly provided a Z train to complete the scene. A few minutes earlier it exited the Cascade Tunnel as is now slowly descending the grade to Skykomish (or what's left of it). Click Here for a winter view of this bridge.
