I live in Moscow but work in Pullman so I drive by Wilson every day. I don't usually see active trains there but I do get to see the number of hoppers in the siding change. What I have noticed is that the loaded fertilizer hoppers arrive in smaller numbers, typically 3-7 cars at a time. Often sever smaller trains like this will arrive and drop off loads but leave the empties and head back light motors north. The “Monster Train” a few days ago was kind of a surprise; they just about filled up the space between the unloading grates and the derail while still having the crossing cut. Someone got video of it through Pullman:
[youtu.be]
There doesn't seem to be any pattern to when trains come or go from Wilson/Moscow. It seems that they run loads down here when they have them, and wait till they are back in the area (Palouse) to retrieve the empties.
Stan, one question I have: I have read in the paper that there are new fertilizer storage bins being constructed along the Snake river (at the Port of Wilma I think). It seems like McGreagor is planning to get fertilizer in by barge now, is that going to impact how much the W&I runs into Wilson?
Matt F
Moscow ID