Does anyone know anything about the operational status of the OmniTrax’s Kettle Falls International Railway in northeastern Washington state (the former BNSF Spokane International Route)?
I have visited the new railroad’s web site (http://www.OmniTrax.com/kfr.html) but was not sure if they were actually operating yet, and with what locomotives and rolling stock. Any news or information beyond was is provided on their web site would be greatly appreciated [8D].
This line is NOT the Spokane International. SI was separate entity funning from Spokane to Eastport ID. Is now owned by UP and is now an important route for CP/UP traffic.
Mac
The Kettle Falls International Railway began operations in December of 2004. It is a shortline that took over the BNSF (ex-GN) branchline north of Chewelah, Washington. Currently, this shortline is serving customers south of Kettle Falls to Chewelah and on the two lines north from Kettle Falls to Waneta, BC and San Poil (Republic), Washington. Currently, all the cars for this operation are handled to and from Spokane by a BNSF train that operates (with BNSF crews) all the from Spokane to Kettle Falls and return. Eventually, the plan is to construct a long siding at Chewelah, and when completed, the interchange will be conducted there rather than Kettle Falls.
My mistake, I had always assumed that this route (the BNSF route north of Spokane) was the SI line since it goes directly north from Spokane to the Canadian border, rather than the weaving UP / CP line through Idaho and eventually on in to Canada.
So, if I understand correctly, the KFIR runs the line “northwest” of Kettle Falls with their own equipment and will extend their service south to Chewelah to meet the BNSF local from Spokane once the Chewelah siding is completed?
Any idea what motive power the KFIR uses (or do they just run through with BNSF motive power)? Thanks for the information [8D][C):-)].
Give this a look-
http://www.trainweb.org/rosters/Washington.html
KFIR had 4 MRL GP9s leased for a while but the have all returned. They have an Alco trucked GP35 up there now from Omnitrax as well as other units. The BNSF Spokane/Chewelah turn last night had 41 mtys with 1400 tons led by 6 GP units. They must be pulling some pretty good tonnage down from Chewelah to require that much power.