Acting on my instincts to get home from Central Washington, my wife and I decided to bypass Snoqualmie Pass because of the expected 8" of snow expected there and take the round-about way through Satus Pass, along the Columbia River and then North through Portland.

My, what a drive. It's been a few years since I went that way and UP was busy. Almost every siding had a train, and I witnessed about 5 or 6 UP EB's moving compared to the usual daylight BNSF trains on the North side of the river. Nothing was seen on the entire length of BNSF that was visible from the Interstate. I saw the UP#2001 Olympic (leading?) in a siding at The Dalles. Stacks and mixed freights a-plenty. I got to get down there more often....

I noticed newer electrical cabinets on the UP closer to Portland, and possible a new signalling system being phased in for miles between Cascade Locks and Troutdale. They were "Oxide Brown". Any reason for the change from "Standard" aluminum paint? I thought that they were usually silver colour to decrease the heat inside the metal cabinets. Are these sheds now air conditioned to keep the electronics cool inside?

Thanks,
almo