GN remnants

[HemiAdda2d]

I saw 3 of the worst looking woodchip cars today, rusted, and weathered very heavily, sitting in Cheyenne this afternoon. The best part was, they were GN, still in Big Sky Blue livery!!!!! I have pics, soon to come!

[cthippo]

Not sure where you're located, but they're pretty common here in the Northwest. You can see GN, NP, and Milwaukee chip cars pretty regularly between Seattle and Longview, and occasionally other places areound the area. Look for an article on them in an upcoming issue of Northwest's Own Railfan.

[BoxcabE50]

They show up in NW Montana frequently. Looking awful. :( But at least they still exist. The RR uses their small remnant of a yard here in town to store empties. There was an NP in town about two weeks ago.

:D

Boxcab E50

[StickyMonk]

<font color="336633">Its good to hear that these are still running about, if anyone can post photos of any these will be handy for modeling projects I have planned smile.gif </font>

[HemiAdda2d]

You asked, I'm delivering!
http://www.railimages.com/album/Jeremiah%20Siembida/BSB_3small.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/album/Jeremiah%20Siembida/BSB_2small.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/album/Jeremiah%20Siembida/BSB_1small.jpg
N' Joy!!
I have TONS of new pics in my Railimages album, check 'em out!

[StickyMonk]

<font color="336633">THANKS! Now thats the kinda weathering I like doing, prefer to see real ones in better condition tho......</font>

[friscobob]

I've actually seen one of those woodchip cars in Hugo, OK back in 1987, in the BN (ex-Frisco) yard. It was in storage (or way lost), and not being used for service to either the Weyerhaeuser or Nekoosa paper mills.

[YoHo]

A couple weeks ago, I caught a NP chip car that looked recently shopped. Still with NP reporting marks and everything. Clean as a whistle.

[HemiAdda2d]

This one is on the MT State Fairgrounds, a former GN heavyweight coach, used as a betting room next to the horse track. The fair committee wants it gone, depending on its frame condition,a nd if it can be salvaged intact, it may be donated to the Great Falls RR Museum collection.

[BoxcabE50]

As far as any society in history goes, we may be the most destructive ever. Apparently a forlorn photo is enough for some folks. Instead of the actual artifact. Let us hope it's safely preserved.

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

It depends on whether or not the frame is intact enough to lift it. The truck bolsters would be a lift point as well. One wrong move during the lift, and she'll fold up ike an accordion. We're hoping the fair board/city will assist in digging it out, so we can better see what's going on under there.

[HemiAdda2d]

More survivors coming soon!!!

Sneak peek:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/GN_36904.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

So is the BSB box car somewhere around GF?

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

Just east of Black Eagle, MT.

BE is to Great Falls as St. Paul is to Minneapolis.
Just on the other side of the river.
I found these out by the new Malt plant off of US87.
Also went date nailin' again today north of Rainbow Dam.
No good rare ones, but good pickin' either way.
Was a bit warm, though!

Coming from a nailin' trip to Portage, MT north of GF, I nearly went in the ditch when I saw this:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/GN_210027.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

Is that second one on trucks or blocks?

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

All are on blocks, or sitting on the ground. No trucks except under this one:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/GN_X626a.jpg

Yes, before anyone asks, I did obtain permission to be on this guy's property to get pics. Actually struck up a conversation with him--talked for 2 hours! Turns out he;s a contractor that tears out abandoned spurs, etc when the RR scraps a line.
It is AMAZING what he has squirreled away... GN & MILW switchstands, ties, plates, spikes, bricks from RR structures (he's also a used brick re-seller) and I quote, 'Date nails out the yin-yang'!

[BoxcabE50]

I'd love to have a Milw switchstand.....

:omg:

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

It;'s not tall like a GN style stand--it has the basic MILW-style mechanism, and only a small oval yellow/green target.
Maybe I should stop back in someday, and snap pics of it too.

[BoxcabE50]

Sounds like the short yard style.

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

It prolly was, Ken.

Slant Serif, anyone?

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/GN_121XX.jpg

[cwwrman]

Ken,
I might be able to get you a MILW switchctand. I happen to know where there are 2 of them still attached to the switch but the tracks into where they are have been long gone for years now. I was thinking of trying to get one for myself.

[BoxcabE50]

Ken,
I might be able to get you a MILW switchctand.

Beware. If they're the same style I'm thinking about, they're heavy! You'll need to have several hefty friends along to help! Hope the tops are not cut off? Not sure how I'd be able to get one, if you got it. I'm a long drive away. Probably a 1000 mile round trip. But I sure wish..... Kinda miss the old valley....

I have a beautiful lantern, and a feather target. They just need a place to be attached. :teeth:

I have been wondering- Is the GN feather target, the same size as a Milw version? Maybe Hemi can measure one?

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

Yes, they ARE heavy!
The MT Museum of RR History here in town has a MILW stand with 'feather' target. It is a heavy sucker!
The GN version is just as heavy, if not worse. I somehow manhandled one, solo, into my truck. (and my back didn't get hurt in the process!)
Going to the gym had its perks that day, I reckon it weighed between 200-250 pounds.

The targets on the MILW and GN versions are similar, if not very close. I would have to measure it.

[HemiAdda2d]

More Rocky!

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/Rocky.jpg

[cwwrman]

Ken,
I these are the ones you are talking about. The red & white feather target with the green diamond above it. Both of these switchstands I am refering to are in an old abandoned sawmill and are almost overgrown in Blackberry bushes. If I do decide to go get them it will be a chore in itself just trying to get to them. I would also like to walk sections of the line that is not overgrown and see how many date nails I could find. I bet there are some old ones in there.

[BoxcabE50]

Hope you can get them! If you don't, and nobody else does, eventually, a developers bulldozer will.... Happy date nailing! I enjoyed many hours of doing that as well!

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

I have been wondering- Is the GN feather target, the same size as a Milw version? Maybe Hemi can measure one?

:D

Boxcab E50


The GN target is much smaller. The MILW target measures 15" wide, and 30 1/4" tall; while the GN target is only 12" wide, and 22 1/2" tall.

[BoxcabE50]

My Milw measures about 33 & 1/2" tall. I wonder if there is a variant, between the old steel version, and the later Scotchlite aluminum issue?

I always wonderd why there wasn't a Federal standard adopted for switch targets.

Hmmmm.....

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

I measured the side; from the bend to the tip, and this target was steel.

[GNFA310]

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1017/GN_X626a.jpg



What is (was?) the car number on this one?? :confused:

[HemiAdda2d]

It was X626, (or X628?)but it was very hard to read.

[BoxcabE50]

It's not in the listed of preserved GN cabooses. Surprising they don't know about it?

:sad:

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

It's not exactly easy to see from any main road... You really have to know it's there! I think I should email Ben Ringnalda (sp?) and have him add this to his GN Empire site.

[BoxcabE50]

It's not exactly easy to see from any main road... You really have to know it's there!

GN fans need to be more inquisitive! Bloodhounds, seeking out the last remnants!

:D :D

Boxcab E50

[GNFA310]

It's not exactly easy to see from any main road... You really have to know it's there! I think I should email Ben Ringnalda (sp?) and have him add this to his GN Empire site.

You might also let Lindsay Korst know at www.gngoat.org (http://www.gngoat.org) ... he's also the GNRHS website guru ... :shade:

[HemiAdda2d]

I sent emails to both--I'll likely be sending hi-res pics to them later, too!

[Kurt Moose]

Now, when you guy's go "date nailing", where are they on ties? on the very end, on the top in the middle? The only GN ones I found were on Epay that I've bought!

[BoxcabE50]

I have a bag of GN nails. They can be many places. Usually on top of an end, outside the rail. Or into the end itself. Now and then between rails. Also look at timbers, ties as fence posts, cribbing, down embankments. You name it. Look. But watch for critters, snakes, bees....

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

I generally find them all on one side, outside a rail, on top of the tie. I dunno why, but they seem to always be on the west end of the tie, on N/S lines, and on the north end of the ties on E/W lines.

[BoxcabE50]

Been down to check out that old r-o-w I told you about?

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

No time.. Too many 10-12 hour days. Maybe this holiday weekend.

[BoxcabE50]

Work? Interfering with hobbies and fun? :omg: Finding GN date nails should be more important. Ha ha ha....

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

I agree, but my boss doesn't see it that way! :p

[BoxcabE50]

Hmmm. Fire the boss! Or maybe you need a different line of work? Surely the USAF has a specialty for model railroaders and railfans? Seems very important to me!

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

*rotflmbo*
I'm sure the base heating plant could use a new switch crew...

[Hoochrunners]

I caught this one yesterday. Only had the camera on my pocket pc handy. Lettered for "Escanaba & Lake Superior".

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/764021/els.jpg

[HemiAdda2d]

That's COOL!! No matter what the lettering, anything in that paint scheme is C:D:DL in my book!!!!

[BoxcabE50]

How many engines, does the E&LS now have in that scheme? Seems to me the first ever done, was a Baldwin. S12??

:D

Boxcab E50

[Kevin M]

Boxcab, I know where some GN date nails are, I asume they are from 1968 since they say 68 on the head, as far as GN date nails go are these anywhere near rare?
Kevin

[BoxcabE50]

Kevin-

I doubt they've any large worth. Maybe fifty cents each. But if you know where there are some, perhaps a few migrating into your pocket, would have some future trade value? Things do change, as time matches on....

:D

Boxcab E50

[Kevin M]

Thanks boxcab, I found them in Balmer yard last week, now next time I get a chance i will pull a few up.
Kevin

[BN9900]

Today in Bellingham, I saw an old GN gondola. I didn't get a pic, its the old never having a camera with you bit. It was newly stenceled GN yes thats right not a typo. The circule where the old rocky herald was still visable, neat find hope to see it around for a while.

[HemiAdda2d]

Boxcab, I know where some GN date nails are, I asume they are from 1968 since they say 68 on the head, as far as GN date nails go are these anywhere near rare?
Kevin


I have found dozens of '68s so they are not rare. 69's are more rare, I hear, as most were never installed? I am unsure. The oldest one I have is a '30.

[BoxcabE50]

Clayton-

If you do catch a picture of that car, please post it so we can take a look.

:D

Boxcab E50

[HemiAdda2d]

Restored, and on display in front of Whitefish, MT's depot:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1158/bruck.jpg

[BN9900]

I'll see if it's still there in the next few days:)

[BoxcabE50]

"The Bruck." Some folks still recall predecessors also as the "Doodlebug."

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

I'll see if it's still there in the next few days:)

Where are you headed, Clayton?

:D

Boxcab E50

[Kurt Moose]

Thanks boxcab, I found them in Balmer yard last week, now next time I get a chance i will pull a few up.
Kevin

I was just down there tonight and it looks like they are re-doing the "hump" and yard. All sorts of track machines and related equipment in there. Coudn't see much else though, it started raining buckets again! :rain::rain::rain:

[HemiAdda2d]

You too? I had the same trouble my first time on Marias....
At least the DS kept trains going!

[HemiAdda2d]

Does anyone know of plans and/or maps of the steam engine facilities in Great Falls? As I understand it, GN built the 2-6-8-0's here in GF. Seems the shops would have to be fairly extensive to support erecting scratchbuilt locomotives. There's plenty of old brick building in the GF near near the enginehouse that could be former GN shop buildings. I'd like to document what's left, but I dunno what's what?

[BoxcabE50]

I can't help with building identifications. But, would say get those pictures now. And then you can rename them later. You never know when the midnight bulldozer will strike.

Boxcab E50

[Mr. SP]

Stevens Pass is a good place to find ghosts of the GN. The Iron Goat Trail is built on the original 1892 grade between Scenic and Wellington. The original Cascade Tunnel is located at Wellington. The town is gone but there is a lot of building foundations. Along the trail there are the snowsheds at Wellington and the walls where wooden snowsheds were as well as tunnels and bridge abutments. Matt Cawby has a site www. microvoltradio.com/railroad/gnry.htm that has some excellent photos of the trail. Search Cascade Tunnel for it.
The caboose in the photo a few posts back is NOT a GN but a CB&Q with GH paint. That is probably the reason it is not listed in the GN sites.

[SteamDonkey74]

Restored, and on display in front of Whitefish, MT's depot:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1158/bruck.jpg

I think I just found a paint scheme for my Toyota Camry wagon!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:

[HemiAdda2d]

Toyota or not--that would be cool!;):p:D

[SteamDonkey74]

It'd be cool on any railfan mobile.

[HemiAdda2d]

More Slant Serif on this recent discovery in GF yard:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1005/BN_950462.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

Hmmm. If only we could Photoshop that stencil.... :D

Boxcab E50

[SuperGoat]

Nice, that reminds me. I need to get down to Interbay and see if I can find any more of the GN Woodchip cars. It's been a few years since I have seen them and now I have a nice digital camera to take pics with.

[HemiAdda2d]

Pics are always welcome!

[BoxcabE50]

Nice, that reminds me. I need to get down to Interbay and see if I can find any more of the GN Woodchip cars. It's been a few years since I have seen them and now I have a nice digital camera to take pics with.

Interbay used to be a great place to find buried treasures. Hope there are still a few!

Boxcab E50

[Kevin M]

There is a GN boxcar in the Sandpoint (ex GN) yard, it is big sky blue and in great condition. Also I just worked a plow train all last week and we used a ex-GN spreader and even broke it, the replacement was a real gem built in 1936 and pretty much origional except for BN paint, no pics though and I do not know if it was GN.
Kevin

[BoxcabE50]

Kevin-

Any chance in the future, you could grab a picture or two of these items?

Boxcab E50

[UP1996]

Some pictures I've taken that I think are GN related.
Skykomish, WA 2006- I believe this was a GN numbered spreader in a prior life?
http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/skykomishdec2005__1_998.jpg
Skykomish, WA 2006- This is the GN x294 caboose prior to it being moved to the Iron Goat trailhead in Scenic,

http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/skykomishdec2005__3_205.jpg

I've got a few more but I need to locate them.

[Mr. SP]

There are losts of GN Ghosts on the Iron Goat Trail. If possoble hike the trail during the summer after it melts out.
The green snow dozer is from GN days and is usually kept in Skykomish when not needed.
There is in addition to the X294 at the IGT trail head the X228 in Skykomish used as a private residence. The owner wasn't home whin I took the photo but since it is a residence be respectful if stopping by.

[HemiAdda2d]

Too cool! How many snow dozers did GN roster? Are they homebuilt?

[BoxcabE50]

I'd sure like to see that snow dozer in action. This winter has been a good one for someone possibly catching it working.

Boxcab E50

[Kurt Moose]

Some pictures I've taken that I think are GN related.
Skykomish, WA 2006- I believe this was a GN numbered spreader in a prior life?
http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/skykomishdec2005__1_998.jpg
Skykomish, WA 2006- This is the GN x294 caboose prior to it being moved to the Iron Goat trailhead in Scenic,

http://xs224.xs.to/xs224/08070/skykomishdec2005__3_205.jpg

I've got a few more but I need to locate them.

Have you guy's seen the pic's of the snow-dozer on Stevens Pass lately? Martin burwash has a buch and it's really gettin' a work out this year! If you see pic's, look at all the GN "MOW red" showing thru from being rubbed by tons of snow!!:teeth:

[BoxcabE50]

Have you guy's seen the pic's of the snow-dozer on Stevens Pass lately? Martin burwash has a buch and it's really gettin' a work out this year! If you see pic's, look at all the GN "MOW red" showing thru from being rubbed by tons of snow!!:teeth:

Have not seen. Can these be viewed somewhere on the 'Net, w/o joining another group?

Boxcab E50

[Mr. SP]

I think they are on Railroad Forums but not sure will look there and find out.

[Kurt Moose]

I think they are on Railroad Forums but not sure will look there and find out.

Yep, that's where I saw them! I look at least once a day on there,lot's of Northwest happening's on there.

[UP1996]

There are losts of GN Ghosts on the Iron Goat Trail. If possoble hike the trail during the summer after it melts out.
The green snow dozer is from GN days and is usually kept in Skykomish when not needed.
There is in addition to the X294 at the IGT trail head the X228 in Skykomish used as a private residence. The owner wasn't home whin I took the photo but since it is a residence be respectful if stopping by.

Thanks for the info. We plan to hike the Iron Goat trail this spring.

[UP1996]

Yep, that's where I saw them! I look at least once a day on there,lot's of Northwest happening's on there.

Yup yup, some amazing photos.

[UP1996]

There ia an old abandoned RR bridge over the Snohomish River in the town of Snohomish., WA--It is pretty rusty and decrepit looking and has a wooden shack on the lower structure about midspan. Does anyone one know if this is an old GN bridge and if not, what RR may have owned it? I pass by it it every so often and wonder what RR used it in its heyday. It is very close to the current BNSF scenic sub main. I'll try and get some snapshots of it over the next couple of days and post.

[BoxcabE50]

The bridge you noted in Snohomish is an old NP. That line used to run from Woodinville, all the way to Sumas. Now it's been broken in several places, for many years.

Boxcab E50

[UP1996]

The bridge you noted in Snohomish is an old NP. That line used to run from Woodinville, all the way to Sumas. Now it's been broken in several places, for many years.

Boxcab E50
Thank you.

[SDP45]

The signals in the Trinidad, WA area are being replaced with nice shiny new ones. There is a large pile of old signals, masts, batteryboxes, etc down by the grain elevator there. Real sad to see all this old GN stuff come out.

The numbers on the signals are white on a blue background. I always thought it was black.

[Kurt Moose]

The signals in the Trinidad, WA area are being replaced with nice shiny new ones. There is a large pile of old signals, masts, batteryboxes, etc down by the grain elevator there. Real sad to see all this old GN stuff come out.

The numbers on the signals are white on a blue background. I always thought it was black.

GRAB THEM!!!!:teeth:

[Alaska GP49]

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Ex-GN_Woodchip_Car.JPG
Here is a former GN woodchip car shot in Cheyenne, WY 3/23/08. Pretty beat up but it is GN!

[Alaska GP49]

Here is a former GN woodchip car shot in Cheyenne, WY 3/23/08. Pretty beat up but it is still GN!
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/thumbs/Ex-GN_Woodchip_Car.JPG (http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/83001)

[HemiAdda2d]

We'll try this again:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/Ex-GN_Woodchip_Car.JPG