Last GN (well BN really) passenger trains

[SDP45]

They still looked like GN at the time of Amtrak, so here is where they will go.

I found my copy of the newspaper article documenting the last Western Star and Empire Builder through Ephrata, WA.

Take a look here:
SDP45: GOODBYE TO SOME OLD FRIENDS (http://sdp45.blogspot.com/2008/08/goodbye-to-some-old-friends.html)

[BoxcabE50]

I came through Ephrata just last night. On what they now call the Empire Builder. I wonder how they compare? After sitting in Spokane for 1&1/2 hours, well...

Boxcab E50

[SDP45]

Ken,
Then you quite literally went by my house. I can open my front door and look at Milepost 1601.

I would imagine there is no comparison between the EB then versus now.

BTW, the depot is not interesting inside anymore. Its lost over half of its length and is now overrun with MOW forces.

[BoxcabE50]

I would imagine there is no comparison between the EB then versus now.

I'm sure that's true. Although the train was clean, and crew good this trip. Previously it was otherwise. The train was sold out. Here we are at a major holiday, and they can't add a car?

Boxcab E50

[Kurt Moose]

My Dad and I did the "Washington Triangle" as we called it last year. Went from Seattle on the Coast Starlight to Portland, then the "Mini-Builder" from there to Spokane, and finally, "The Empire Builder" to Seattle, all in 24 hours! It is odd that one crew can be kinda' grumbly, and the next, just happy to serve you! The lay-over in Spokane is kinda boring, until a freight rolls thru.

[HemiAdda2d]

Very nice pics! I gotta make a set of SDP45's someday...

[BoxcabE50]

The lay-over in Spokane is kinda boring, until a freight rolls thru.

Really boring, when your train makes great time, and gets in so early that you sit for an hour and a half in the middle of the night. In Spokane... You can stand out on the platform with the smokers. Or try to sleep amidst people noises, and a few passing trains. Bleh.

Boxcab E50