Western Railroad Discussion > The Gorge, Again

For us Washatonians, temperatures in triple digits are rare and uncomfortable. But that's what it is here in Maryhill, WA. Not much has changed here in the Gorge, as usual, most trains are on the 'other side of the river'! Here is one that was not.

Ed

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Lots of smoke from the big fire on Satus Pass over in eastern WA. Nice to see Mt. Hood in the background!

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"...most trains are on the 'other side of the river'! Here is one that was not."

Just curious .... "Trains" mag has a short article in the Sept. 2013 issue entitled "Speedway of the Northwest" in which it is stated that "Daily traffic on this line [BNSF's Columbia River line between Vancouver and Pasco] can average 45 trains ...." That seems rather busy. How does UP "other side of the river" volume compare?

I suspect the 45 daily train count is both sides. The BNSF is kind of quiet during the day but busy in the evening and night, while it seems to me the UP is more uniformly spread around the clock.
BNSF engineering folks told me about 26 trains a day on their side.

Sooo Trains says 3%curves or less. This one!!??

466lex Wrote:
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> "...most trains are on the 'other side of the
> river'! Here is one that was not."
>
> Just curious .... "Trains" mag has a short
> article in the Sept. 2013 issue entitled "Speedway
> of the Northwest" in which it is stated that
> "Daily traffic on this line can average 45 trains
> ...." That seems rather busy. How does UP "other
> side of the river" volume compare?

"Can" average is probably the operative word here. More normal average for the BNSF is like 30-35 trains a day and 20-25 on the UP.

cutboy2 Wrote:
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> Sooo Trains says 3%curves or less. This one!!??


U mean 3 degree curves? Yes, this one could easily be three degrees. 3 degrees is not that sharp. Rio Grande had curves up to 15 degrees on their mainline.

Rob

NIIIICE...!!!