Western Railroad Discussion > Flat wheels over the Crooked River

Driving south on Hwy 97 in heavy weekend traffic1, my lovely bride spotted a train stopped near Opal City.  I didn’t know a siding existed there, and wondered if the n/b train was there for a meet?  We decided to pull into the rest area at Peter Skene Ogden State Park to check it out.
 
I couldn’t get my old drone to fly the day prior, but this time it behaved itself.  I barely had time to get it into position before this s/b junk train arrived, flat wheels and all.  It was very loud.

With all the hammering of the rail by the scores of flat wheels, I got to wondering if that process would create sparks (and start fires)? 

Photo: looking east under the BNSF bridge toward the bungee-jumping operation on the old Hwy 97 bridge and the new 97 bridge beyond.
Wyatt
 
1: The “Gambler 500” was in town (Madras, Oregon) for the weekend, adding 5,000 people to the local population.
 

 

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Nice video but no audio?
 

James Nelson
Thornton, CO
www.flickr.com/mojaveflyer

Yes, there is a 5375' CTC siding (unbonded) at Opal City.  Here's a shot from SEP 86.

mike woodruff
north platte ne

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What a fantastic video.
Many thanks.
Also, my drone, if it had audio, would only capture the sound of it's whirring propeller blades.

Bob Phelps
Micanopy, FL

Great video. Have caught a train every time I have visited the gorge. That one is moving right along.
JB

Good stuff, always good to see the old Oregon Trunk.

The area is an endless treasure of old towns, old RR grades, mountain peaks and views, old roads rafters, and even covered wagon trails. Just watch out for the Friday afternoon comumute from Portland. Although every summer the nearby Warm Springs Reservation cathes fire and everything changes, except the Friday commute.

t4p.

Great video, thanks.