Does the joint line in the powder river basin really carry any traffic besides coal? Intermodal or manifest per chance?
Along the Orin Subdivision (between Orin Jct., at the south end, and Gillette, Wyo., at the north end), a.k.a. “The Main Street of the Powder River Basin,” BNSF work trains carrying ballast, crossties, and rail, make regular appearances.
A couple of weeks ago when a southbound manifest derailed in the Wind River Canyon of Wyoming, the line was shut down for a couple of days. It’s very likely that certain manifest traffic moving between Denver and Laurel, Mont. may have detoured along the Orin Subdivision, but such movements would have been the exception.
Beyond the numerous coal-loaders, I’m guessing that there are no carload customers that ship or accept anything but “black diamonds.”