Mike Swanson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And you think BNSF really wants another Amtrak
> train using the same route as the Southwest Chief
> all the way to La Junta and then on to the Joint
> Line via Pueblo, even temporarily? They aren't
> even pushing Amtrak to relocate the #3 and #4 onto
> the Transcon anymore (at least not as hard as
> before), so I doubt they'd want the CZ rerouted
> onto another of their major routes either.

This proposal would be going on the erroneous assumption that Amtrak had some "pull" and "influence" with the freight carriers. We know better. Instead of the dog wagging the tail, the tail wags the dog.

Once upon a time, carriers could set up temporary detours. WP re-routed the original CZ via Barstow and Las Vegas (requiring the cooperation of ATSF and UP) when the Sierras were snowed in in 1952.

While the line from Denver to Las Animas Jct. is congested, as you say, other segments are not. The portion from Las Animas Jct. to Newton ordinarily isn't all that busy.

Nowadays, we're faced with the carrier that's being asked to allow for the temporary detour over their track(s) to simply say, "Not only 'No!', but 'Hell no!'" and Amtrak scurries away like a scolded puppy with its tail between its legs. But, we have to give Amtrak credit where it's due. They're still very skilled at annulling service and/or setting up substitute bus service!