Officially announced today: BNSF recently leased a rail line package to Central Washington Railroad Company (CWR) that includes approximately 49 miles of branch lines and industry trackage in the Yakima, Wash., area. A 15-year lease was developed for CWR to operate and serve customers on former BNSF trackage between Gibbon to Yakima, Yakima to Moxie City, and industry lines at Yakima. “This service partnership is an important part of BNSF’s ongoing effort to provide the most effective service for its customers and to ensure the most efficient use of its network assets,” says Pete Rickershauser, BNSF vice president, Network Development. “We believe CWR has the local business development expertise and operating focus to benefit the customer base along these lines in Central Washington, while enabling customers to take advantage of BNSF’s network reach; connections with other railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and marketing opportunities, that we continue to refine and enhance.” Service by CWR officially began on Dec. 30, 2004. BNSF is providing interchange movements at Gibbon and Yakima. In addition, CWR reached an agreement with Union Pacific (UP) to operate with trackage rights serving customers at Grandview, Sunnyside and Yakima. The entire package CWR reached with BNSF and UP is a 60-mile rail operation. Brigg Temple, CWR president, says this transaction “will greatly impact the customers on the lines by providing them with detailed attention as well as vast reach through BNSF’s extensive network. This partnership enhances transportation opportunities for Yakima-area businesses.” ********** So, once again a member of the Temple family has control of these lines in the Yakima Valley. Which is how it should have been done years ago, when BN sold too much line off. And had to pay dearly in getting back. Boxcab E50
Amazing how the class 1 railroads learn lessons the hard way just the same way I do.... What kind of motive power does CWR use?
Good question. When they had the Washington Central Railroad, it was assorted Geeps and SW units. After that was sold back to BNSF, they kept a small operation in the center of the state. Ex-Milw and BN(NP) track. Believe there is/was at least an SW out there. Guess we'll need to wait and see what they bring in for these tracks. Boxcab E50
On the line to Warden, they have had 2 former DMIR SD9s, 2 former CSX GP38s, 3-4 former ATSF GP7s, 1 former BNSF/BN/NP GP9, and a few former Mopac SW1200s. Never sure what was all on hand, as I never have seen the same grouping twice. There were 2 other former BN/NP GP9s that disappeared when the WCRC was bought. One of the GP38s went to the dinner train in Renton when the F unit was sideswiped. Had an uncle who was an engineer with them for a time when they had some former CNW Geeps. He thought that all the power they had was past its prime as there was not a lot of pulling power.
