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TRAINS article on Cascade Tunnel - Question for Bob Kelly
Author: George Andrews
Date: 12-21-2009 - 17:42
In the January, 2010 issue of TRAINS there is an article claiming that Great Northern made a mistake in replacing the original line over Stevens Pass with the current 7 3/4 mile Cascade Tunnel route. The author, a retired BNSF marketing & operations official, claims that a new line, built above the present line from Skykomish to the original 2 2/3 mile long Cascade Tunnel, should have been built instead. I have several problems with his proposals as follows:
The article compares Stevens Pass to Espee's Donner Pass line, but also states how different the two lines are in elevation & distance. A really poor comparison I believe.
Mention is made of " ... the deforestation on the Pass," and use of the felled timber to build snowsheds to help battle the avalanches caused by the bare slopes. Yet the photo of Scenic Hot Springs clearly shows the burnt trunks of trees caused by the many forest fires that plagued the area. ( Most were man made of one sort or another.)
The author claims that"...if the original 2.63 mile tunnel had been retained, BNSF Railway would see far more capacity over the Cascades today." His chief argument centers on the ventilating fans, installed after electrification ended, that need 30 minutes to clear diesel fumes between Eastbound trains. Yet he fails to mention that the original line & tunnel were electrified also, to alleviate smoke & fumes from steam locomotives.
My question for Bob Kelly, who knows the line better than most: What do you think of the article & proposals ???
The article compares Stevens Pass to Espee's Donner Pass line, but also states how different the two lines are in elevation & distance. A really poor comparison I believe.
Mention is made of " ... the deforestation on the Pass," and use of the felled timber to build snowsheds to help battle the avalanches caused by the bare slopes. Yet the photo of Scenic Hot Springs clearly shows the burnt trunks of trees caused by the many forest fires that plagued the area. ( Most were man made of one sort or another.)
The author claims that"...if the original 2.63 mile tunnel had been retained, BNSF Railway would see far more capacity over the Cascades today." His chief argument centers on the ventilating fans, installed after electrification ended, that need 30 minutes to clear diesel fumes between Eastbound trains. Yet he fails to mention that the original line & tunnel were electrified also, to alleviate smoke & fumes from steam locomotives.
My question for Bob Kelly, who knows the line better than most: What do you think of the article & proposals ???
TRAINS article on Cascade Tunnel - Question for Bob Kelly