We're going to back up about 80 miles, to Cyr. This is DD-144, and while its more famous neighbor (DD-142) is east of here, it collapsed during scrapping in 1983. Westward to Tunnel 18! This one is very hard to see from the interstate. The only way to reach it is I-90, unless you can drive the ROW. Some day, I'll have to try to hike up that hill to pay #18 a visit. Tunnel 18 is hidden by the brow of this hill: And some spectacular earthworks west of the tunnel: Check out the eagle nest site on the pole!
Back to the recent trip report--Ft Missoula is on the west side of its namesake town, and features a nice collection of railroad artifacts. Most notable is Drummond's depot. It was moved here after the 1980 abandonment. There's signals (NP or MILW?), a switchstand with intact chevron target, and a logging train. Pics later!
Some info on the depot and outhouse: The depot sign: The restroom shack for Ft Missoula visitors--does this have real MILW heritage? And a last shot of the depot: I have photos of the log train, and the engine allegedly has MILW relevance; does anyone want to see it? It was said to work the Big Blackfoot Branch of the MILW.
I don't recall there ever being mention of this being Milw. There are a lot of design differences. Probably built specifcally for the park. Sure. Let's see them. :tb-biggrin: Boxcab E50
Old Number 7 is said to have trod the unballasted, light iron of the Big Blackfoot Branch: Check out the link & pin coupler in front! Cab:
Wish I was at home. I could dig out my book on the Big Blackfoot RY. Ever seen the movie "Timberjack"? Filmed on that branch line. Boxcab E50
The semaphore pair are ex-NP donated and installed by MRL a few years ago as they were being phased out of service on the lower Clark Fork. The order board semaphore in front of the bay window is ex-MILW. Brent
Shoulda known.. But they are cool either way. Thanks for clearing that up, Brent! The order board semaphore--is the blade missing, or is that normal?
At the original site for Drummond, the blades had been removed years before the RR quit. After the office was closed. If the original mast, then.... Boxcab E50
Dead batteries??? Tsk, tsk! You may lose your railfanning license. Ha ha. As this has happened to me, while chasing 4449 no less, I now always carry a big batch of spare batteries. Just to be certain. Boxcab E50
Thanks for clearing that up, Ken. Say, with all the folks traveling, and out of town, has anyone been searching out MILW LW ghosts at all? I would love to see YOUR pictures! BTW, what's left from Washington state border west? I dunno of a book published on that area. I have the ID guidebook. Especially, what's left around Spokane?
I don't know of any compiled list for LW survivors in Washington. There are a few sights to see. But a lot has been removed. Boxcab E50
There certainly has to be a list somewhere on the net, if not in print. A short list is Beverly bridge, Renslow trestle, trestles over the Saddles grade, a couple substations, and perhaps more trestles over Snoqualmie Pass. But how to reach these spots?
