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Empire Builder 28(29) PDX to CHI


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 29 August 2015 - 01:56 AM

The "Sheep FIre" has disrupted traffic on the BNSF mainline in Essex, MT.  I've been watching the situation all week while enjoying the NMRA convention in Portland.  I learned during a tour of the BNSF Portland Terminal that they have been detouring selected freight traffic since last weekend.

 

My planned transportation home begins with 28 leaving Portland tomorrow.

 

The line has been closed during periods of "high fire activity;" mostly during the day.  The fire is reported within 140 yards of the track.  BNSF has been allowing trains through when fire activity subsided during the cooler evening and early morning hours.

 

Through the day today Amtrak has shown no status for either 27 arriving PDX or 28 departing PDX tomorrow.  I called Amtrak

a short while ago and received some very good news.  27 was allowed through Essex.  ETA at PDX is at 10:41 tomorrow; just 31 minutes down.  (The train is not stopping in Essex which was evacuated on Thursday.)

 

Even better, 28(29) is now expected to depart on time!

 

It appears I will have the opportunity to enjoy my long planned cross-country Amtrak trip.

 

Ross 



#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 29 August 2015 - 10:56 PM

Departed PDX on time, following an "Amtrak Dance" at the station.

 

28 was spotted for departure when we arrived at the station;  11 arrived about 3:25; 1' 36" late and blocked access to all other tracks while the locomotives were fueled.    14 arrived while

11's locomotives were still being fueled; the passengers had to wait for 11 to leave.  14 "pulled" while we were walking out to our train!

 

Car attendant Jesse says we should not have any issues getting through Essex. 

 

Ross

(Sent during Pasco, WA "platform stretch" stop.)






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