Posted this in the BNSF Forum. But thought it might also fit here. A couple of fellows I know, just this week went up to Essex, Montana. Exploring the old route over Marias Pass. Both are retired GN/BN men. Both were surprised at what they saw. As I like to describe it- "Miles and miles, of miles and miles." No people, no stations. Not much of anything they recognized. Nobody they had ever known. A couple of helper units, but nobody around. Stopped and ate lunch at The Isaac Walton. Food was good. But the people seemed a bit stand off-ish. None seemed interested in answering their inquiries, or even a few seconds of chat, etc. Nor did they even seem to know much about the past, or present railroad. They both came home, feeling rather sad and disappointed. Both had worked long careers with service at places such as Stryker, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Coram, Belton, Summit, Essex, and many other stations on that line. Guess I can't blame them for feeling a little bit down. It's as if their past lives had never happened. That would indeed feel like a shock. :sad: Boxcab E50
That is very sad. But it seems that people are not interested in the past (or the present, sometimes). The good old days have gone.
Sorry to hear that, Ken. One of these days, I'll get out there myself, but I dunno if my experience will be different from theirs.
I was truly saddened by the dejection expressed. Your experience will be different. As you didn't see it as it was in past years. It'll be fresh and exciting. To me, it's still just miles and miles, of miles and miles. Beyond the passing train, almost lifeless. :sad: Boxcab E50
Atleast here in WA., we have Stevens Pass and it still has that railroad "feel" to it, especially standing in Skykomish at the depot. Still, nothing like the old days.
Hmmm. You have a point there. Stevens always did have a RR "feel" to the area. With a depot still intact, it helps simulate a bit of life. :sad: Boxcab E50
Prescott Arizona is the same way - once the railroad pulled out, the people forgot about it, by the next day.
Yup. And some day, they'll all be yammering away. Wanting rail transit for commuting, etc. Rediscovering what once was- Wishing the RR was still there.... :sad: Boxcab E50
After a day trip to see Marias, (with a guy that used to be an agent at several of the stations, including summit) it is nice to see trains on their knees, but there's no people. No stations, no agents, no nothing. Just trains, and lots of them. It was exciting, but it seemed to be missing someting. One crew on an EB grain empty at Bison took pics of us out the cab window as we took pics of his train.. Also, one MOW guy, awaiting DS permission to set on at Java East, and I chatted a little while while the DS has him on hold. A younger guy, not much older than I, pretty friendly. I was secretly hoping he'd invite me in the truck for a hi-rail ride to Summit... But it wasn't to be. Instead, we waited for a train that was having trouble EB at Nyack, Essex helper went west to hook on, and shoved him to Summit. The sounds of that train attacking the ruling grade at Java East was amazing! Sure, it would have better with F7 helpers, and SD and F45's on the point, but hey, I'll take what I can get! At least the leader was a BN(sf) SD40-2!
Now you have me curious. Wondering who your friend was? Next time you see him, ask if he remembers agent/operators Doug S, and Wilbur G. Interesting how you describe the same empty sights my friends noted.... Boxcab E50
Talked to Doug S tonight. He didn't recognize your friend's name. He retired in 1996. After 40 years or more with GN, BN, BNSF. Boxcab E50
I need to staright-up call him, as I am working thursday nite, when I normally go to the RR Club meetings..
