King Street, Seattle
Author: w
Date: 06-28-2008 - 17:42
I recently observed the new BNSF Stadium Junction and the South entrance to AMTRAK King Street Station from the top floor of the parking garage between the stadia. (Great view; walk up, free) Now that the Eastside bypass of the coachyard is in service, some of the approaches into the station are being be replaced.
On the day I was there, #14 approached (on a typical Coast Starlight Whenever Schedule) and, in front of the impatient drivers at the grade crossing, performed a leisurely switchback to get into King Street Station - some drivers left to try again, maybe another day.
Once-upon-a-time, all switch movements into King Street and into the coachyard were performed by one-man-per shift working out of a shack with telephone, coal stove, and chair. Most service requests were by headlights, whistles, and arm waving - complementing institutional knowledge.
A far cry from today's world.