Guys, thanks for the Google map and the WSDOT traffic cam link. The map is a bit out of date as it doesn't show the 2 large white buildings and the locos at the Western Rail site. Also many changes at Fairchild AFB. It does show the entire railroad very well. You can even see the concrete under the gate at the BNSF interchange location.

I will have to check out the web cam when it is daylight. All it shows tonight is bright lights and snow falling! Normally you wouldn't see cars on this part of the track unless we have missed our BNSF connection and have either left empties for them here or they have left loads for us. You might catch us sitting here if we have actually managed to get there ahead of the CDA local. Best times to watch would be Thursdays, 8:30-10:30 am; you might actually see us go by! We got messed up by the holiday last week; ran on Wednesday and again today (Monday).

Bruce K, I will pass along your greetings to Todd and the crew. Roger, Marc & I have emailed the possibility of another "Palouse rail" in Pullman, and the late winter early spring time period seems good.

1617 celebrates her 54th birthday this month! Certainly has outlasted most of her siblings. I rremember when diesels were new; nobody thought they would last this long. EMD knew how to build them right!