Big Bend Railroad History
This site features daily historical railroad posts from the Big Bend/Columbia Plateau region of Washington state. As a personal site, this is my online filing cabinet of interesting things I've come across about railroading in the area. Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, June 27, 2025
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
BN 724 CW Local
Courtesy of Tom Carver.
September 1980
"The CW (Central Washington) local, aka the Coulee City Turn, is shown here westbound between the elevators at Hite, in the background, and Reardan, WA. This line, from Cheney to Coulee City, was more formally known as BN's 8th Subdivision Branch Line of the Spokane Division. Some will say that six F-units and a Geep is too much power for their liking. Granted, but the sound was incredible! After the Pacific Division F's were retired, these were among BN's last F-units to continue operating, all based out of Parkwater in Spokane. These same F's were also dispatched east to Marias Pass for helper service."
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025
1979 Beverly Depot View
Photo courtesy of Bill Edgar.
November 1979
Bill says:
"This view shows the west end of Milwaukee Road's station at Beverly, WA. The main track and siding are still lined with unused catenary poles, although the wire has been removed and sold as scrap. Electrics ceased operating in 1972. Diesels will continue to ply these rails until mid-March 1980."
Saturday, June 21, 2025
1979 Beverly Depot
Photo courtesy of Bill Edgar.
November 1979
Bill says:
"This view shows the east end of Milwaukee Road's station at Beverly, WA. Beverly is located on the east side of the Columbia River across from the Boylston Hill grade, Milwaukee's steepest mainline grade in Washington state. Trains would roll past this location only 4 more months before abandonment of the Pacific Coast extension."