Various blogs seem to insist that BNSF has a motive power shortage, and may be pulling engines off trains when they are clear of heavy grade territory rather than simply let the engines run through as has been recent practice. Unfortunately, a crew has to be assigned for this move, basically making this a manned helper. The example claimed by one blog says that coal trains had been running 2+2, and now run 2+3 to the top of the grade, then can make the rest of the multi-state trip with 2+1 while a crew returns the extra engines to help another train. It would be interesting to know if they were in fact 2+3 or actually 2+1 with a two unit manned pusher on top of the rear DPU.

I did talk to a friend yesterday who mentioned that an oil train due on the Portland & Western had been parked on BNSF several days, despite it supposedly being a priority train. Seems that BNSF crews in the NW had a bad case of "Turkey Flu" this season.

I don't think BNSF/MRL is in meltdown yet, but if rumors of crew and power shortages are true, then a blizzard or the looming extended period of below zero weather might be all it takes. Don't forget an ice storm/heavy freezing rain with extended cold is being forecast for Dallas/Ft. Worth extending across several states towards the NorthEast followed by several days of freezing temperatures. In the worst case scenario, this will have a domino effect and could affect several railroads either regionally or system wide.