Electric On The Skagit River Hydro Project

Train at Skagit Project, 1947
Originally uploaded by Seattle Municipal Archives

Nice archive shot from 1947 of what appears to be electric trolley being used on the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The photo was posted by Seattle City Light on Flickr; one of the best parts of the Internet lately has been Creative Commons, which allows shots like this to be viewed by a new generation of rail fans. Some more experienced readers here may know where to find info about this car, but my search came up empty!

I love these old photos; black & white has so much emotion, oddly enough, even in the absence of color. For a current color picture of a more famous unit, check out "Old Number 6" in Newhalem:

http://www.railpixonline.com/SCL_6.htm

To find out more about the project visit here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Dam

Photo courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives

News - Coast Engine and Equipment Closing

After 60+ years of railroad and boat engine repairs, Tacoma's CEECO is closing shop due to the recession. I hate reading news about veteran companies going under, especially ones involving railroad operations and maintenance.

They did great work on White Pass & Yukon 114 when it was nearly destroyed in an accident in 2006. It's a shame that they couldn't hold out any longer. While I don't know the depth of the issue, it seems that their services will be needed at some time in the future.

KING5 News, in conjunction with Northwest Cable News, posted a news clip here:
http://www.nwcn.com/business/stories/NW_050509WAB-railroad-repair-company-SW.21fb82ee.html

Photo - North Bonneville Speed Shot

BNSF Reflection.
Originally uploaded by Darrell Wyatt (out looking for work)

Found this photo by Darrell Wyatt this morning on Flickr. It was taken east of Vancouver at North Bonneville, and shows a vivid reflection of BNSF 9316, an SD70 "Big Ace" on its way east. Check out a detail pic of this unit here: http://ow.ly/5ony

Nice way to start the day, with the greens of the trees, the greys of the skies, and the oranges of commerce. Go Washington!