I am thinkng about changing my era's from mid 90's BN to the NP, I already have some FT's and a GP7 in NP so I figured the NP line North of Seattle would be a good bet. From the pictures I have seen it look's like my FT's, a few random F7/9, and GP7/9's would fit the bill real nice. Did any SD45's or U-boats make it up there on a regular basis? I think I am drawn to this line because I grew up in Bothell and and my grandparents lived by the tracks in Kenmore. We also got our christmas tree up by Arlington and went camping up by Oso right before that line was torn out. I never did see any trains on those lines but it always left a strong impresion on me. Anyways I am thinking the late 60's would be a cool time to model and even though I do not think they had any passenger tains on the line I would still add a run with a RDC or mabey a small passenger train. I still need to give it alot of thought because selling my BN stuff is a serious move for me but I figured this way I could downsize my roster and model something more managable. Any pictures or stories of te line would be apreciated. Kevin
Kevin- I don't recall any of the large road diesels on the Sumas Branch. That should have been all F units, and Geeps. I believe the big power was always held for their Transcontinental Freight Pool. I recall when the Darrington Branch was removed. Bummer. It would have been a great scenic ride. There was some damage from flooding and neglect. But not so much that the price was anywhere near prohibitive. I also grew up on the Snoqualmie Branch. Somewhat of an extension of the line you knew. I recall watching the Geeps passing by every day. Those tracks were a good revenue producer! Boxcab E50
Thanks Boxcab, but now that I think about it the SD45's and Uboats might have been to heavy for the line. I read a story somewhere that for a while the MILW was running there big GE's up the line until a BN employee said why can they do that and we can't? I should look in my timetable to see what weight restrictions apply on the Renton-Snohomish portion. Kevin
Yes. Milw did use their big power up there. SD40-2, U33C, U36C, all showed up in Bellingham. (Don't ask me why. This makes no sense.) However, I believe they'd only have operated between Renton Junction, and Bromart. From the latter, they'd have run into Everett, and up to Bellingham on the old GN. Then back onto their own rails to reach Sumas. Boxcab E50
Kevin, We need to hook up! I model the MILW Bellingham Branch. Make sure you model some of the Lake Whatcom line so we can interchange traffic haha.:teeth: Regarding the use of Milwaukee's use of large power on the Tacoma-Bellingham trains, I have read that trains regularly exceeded 100 cars, even into the late 70's. Maltby Hill could also have been a factor. I think for all intents it was water level from Snohomish all the way to Bellingham. That general area is fascinating with the operational potential, plus some great scenery. Good luck! Peter
Hey Peter, good idea if I can ever get a layout going, I was just about to start something and then I found out that my wife is pregnant and "my office" is now going to be a nursery. What years are you modeling? Kevin
I model 1977-80. Congrats on your new one on the way. I just had my second child 2 days ago. She was born at 32 weeks so she's going to be spending some time in the hospital, but everything looks great. It's great to be bringing in the next generation of model railroaders into this world :teeth:
Peter- Congrats on the new family member! If you've any photos of your modeling efforts, I'd sure be interested to see a few! (Milw FF Forum?) BTW- Any photos of the UNW of the Monroe meet? On the UNW site? Boxcab E50
