The War That Never Was; The Coulee City Railroad War

From "The News & Standard."

February 11, 2007

BNSF 1776 Slamming Through Ephrata

My photo.

June 4, 2026

Here is a video of the train, from my late friend, Michael Dodge.

Ephrata is a normal Amtrak stop, so seeing a passenger train NOT stop in town is eventful. This was the case in the wee hours of June 4, when a friend and I learned of an empty move of the train from Spokane to Wenatchee. 

I set up just south of the Division St crossing, as I wanted a view not spoiled by the bright lights of the Amtrak platform on the other side of the street. It IS rather dark over here, so I aimed a bright flashlight in a spot I figured the nose of the engine would be when it came into view. 

As the train approached, I figured it was doing at least 60 mph through town. I did choose a high shutter speed, but I probably should have panned the shot. 

W-1 At Wenatchee

Photo by Wade Stevenson

Bipolar At Othello

Photo by Wade Stevenson.

Port Of Moses Lake Awards $31.7 Million Rail Contract

Gee whiz. This timely news stuff is really something!

From the "Columbia Basin Herald."

October 27, 2026

W-1 Electric View

Photographer and date unknown.

Othello Caboose View

Photographer and date unknown.

Amtrak's "Expo '74"

From the IERHS "Yardbull" newsletter. 

February 1986

Spirit Of Washington Dinner Train Car Finally Leaves Wheeler

More timely news??? I don't believe it.

October 23, 2026

From the "Just Sprague" Facebook page.

Purchased and moved by "G's Kitchen" in Sprague. Car has been stored in Wheeler for maybe 15 years.