It sure seems like the DM&E is serious about hauling coal. This was evident by the fact that very few sections of track were jointed rail. My dad and I saw welded rail almost all the way from New Ulm, MN to Pierre, SD.
What weight was the old rail? The new? Looks like a decent upgrade. Good for them! :thumbs_up: Boxcab E50
Cool! They have the physical plant capable of handling heavy coal trains.... What do they lack before they can start dipping into the PRB?
It's been a long time coming, as it was the June 1998 issue of Trains Magazine that told of their desires to expand into the PRB. Almost 10 years.
Is DM&E planning on any purchasing new locos for coal service? Most of their fleet is upwards of 30 years old (and fuel-inefficient). Will their roster handle the rigors of PRB coal service?
They needed a rail upgrade ever since the rail road has started. The last trip i had i talked to some DM&E guys they said that they dont think its nessacary for the PRB its more just to get trains running. THey make thier money off Bentonite (spelling?) Clay and Grain right now. I dont think they have the funds or the manpower to keep up with the demands of the PRB. Plus they would need more motive power, one of the guys said that thier newest unit was 25+ years old.
Something like 100+ miles of right of way and track. A lot of the impovements that are being done are upgrades that DM&E needs to make just to operate. Adam
From the way I read this DM&E will shortly be no more. The whole system will become part of CPR. http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2007/09/05/news/top/doc46de42cf73cd1774310703.txt
