Empire Builder running between Seattle and Havre as follows: Seattle section by train, Portland section between Spokane and Portland by bus. Consist is two units, six cars and baggage, units are run back to back, train consist is not turned so baggage is on rear on westbound trip. Friday A.M. #7 on time, #8 posted to be in at 3:30 a.m. According to MRL people, MRL is geared up to handle 30 plus detours a day for at least two weeks. Some trains reblocked at Yardley and lots of power swapping taking place at Yardley both eastbound and westbound. Spokane and CD'A hotels booked up due to Hoopfest basketball tourney this weekend and Ironman being run in Coeur d Alene this weekend as well. SUNSET JUNCTION MODEL TRAINS (E. 419 Sprague) will be open Saturday 10-4, normally they close on Saturday of Hoopfest but decided to give it a shot this year, have some Altamont Press Northwest timetables available for those passing though wanting info to shoot detours on MRL. (Demoliton of old NP fruit and veggie warehouses east of Division St. opens up some new photo ops in downtown Spokane, and NP signal bridges at Sunset Jct. are going to be replaced soon--parts of new towers in place now.)