Re: Royal Slope Railroad
Author: redynx
Date: 02-22-2007 - 14:15
I rather doubt that BNSF or anyone is going to rebuild the old MILW main east of Ellensburg. The grades are fairly steep, that is mountain grades from the Columbia River west and from Kittitas east, a tunnel at Boylston that would require extensive work, etc. Not to mention right of way problems, rails to trail folk and the US Military's use of the area for heavy artillary training. Also why hassle with this when you've got an excellent nearly water level main east of E'burg on the former NP with a nice wide right of way you already own outright that gives you lots of room to add sidings, etc. with a minimum hassle and enviromental impact (Parts of the Yakima River Canyon would be interesting to expand, though, as the line is quite literally between a cliff and the river, with no extra room). Another problem is wind on the bridge at Beverly -- severe winds; MILW actually lost more than a few cars into the river and on the west end into the ground far below.