What's problematic with all of this "rock-sand and gravel" business is that it will --scratch that--WOULD move in 286 capacity short hopper cars. These cars require certain operating paramater restrictions as they are VERY hard on the track and bridges in particular due to their concentrated axle loadings.

Unless the bridges are up to it (and I don't believe all of them are) you're looking at placing idlers between the loads to spread out the load. Remember, this is a railroad that hasn't seen service for over ten years...the FRA is taking a verrrry close look at shortline bridges after the collapse and derailment in the east recently.

The probable only traffic that could be acommodated is the garbage traffic with lightr axle loadings.

The fact that the NWP is mostly 112 - 136 pound rail means nothing so long as the infrastructure (ties, bridges, culverts, etc) are marginable.

As a matter of information, our East Portland Division, in spite of having some of the best track in the business, still requires an idler between the locomotive and the 286K jumbo reefers over the Johnson Creek Trestle in Milwaukie.

Just a thought from a professional railroader.

Shortline Sammie