The siding at Blaine, WA is really not used as much nowadays, as the proximity to the actual border is prime for slow speeds, and people to climb aboard who shouldn't. Swift is just South of Blaine by a few miles, and is easier to patrol and inspect the trains. It's also good because of the remoteness of the location; really only one road (the ol' Hwy #99, which is notably intended for local traffic) parallels the siding, lots of open area to view the train, the entire siding is a tangent, among other reasons that siding was chosen over Blaine. There is some kind of X-ray or microwave (maybe?) control cubicle that allows trains to pass through it in the North side of the siding. I think it's similar to how shipping containers are randomly screened at our ports, except the entire train is pulled through this thing.

Even as an occasional railfan there, anyone on patrol really takes notice to photography, and can usually spot a foamer vs. "others". As long as you aren't peering through bushes, getting too close, and other foolish behaviour, expect a warmer array of questions by the patrol. One of my buds is referred to as a "regular customer" when crews ask about him on the scanner.

BTW, There is a bad order track at Colebrook. why don't the BNSF upgrade the rail, replace the ties, and it would work as an excellent short siding? A Talgo train would have plenty of room there- even if doubled.

Besides, if it's only a question of how a second Amtrak train could work it's way around the freights- it would be a great first start. Who knows, if after 2010 the ridership isn't what is expected, the capital investment of adding a new siding and then removing it would cost much more......

almo