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Written by Casey Jones
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Thursday, 08 January 2009 22:29 |
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The Dunbar & Wausaukee track repair crew recently spent the day in Coleman after Engineer Ivan Futski reported problems with the #2 switch. The switch did not have a ground throw or switch machine, requiring it to be spiked into position each time it was lined. This caused numerous problems as Engineer Futski setout and picked up flour and grain hoppers at the Flour Mill on the evening of Jan. 5th
Railroad President CD Heili reports that the track crew did an "excellent job" rebuilding the long neglected Flour Mill tracks in record time. Both the flour loading and grain unloading tracks were completely removed, including 3 switches and the short stub track. The #2 switch was then repaired and a ground throw was installed. A brand new turnout complete with switch machine replaced the old #3 switch on the flour unloading track.The rest of the tracks were then re-installed and straightened.
Hayes bumpers were added to each track to prevent cars from being pushed off the end. A crew member, who wishes to remain anonymous, jokingly referred to them as "Anti-Futski" devices. "As soon as the damned Electricians show up to complete the job, the rails in the town of Coleman will be better than they've ever been before" quoted President Heili. |
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Written by Casey Jones
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Saturday, 10 January 2009 16:25 |
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The recent track reconstruction in the Village of Coleman appears to have had a positive impact as two local industries have announced plans to increase rail traffic. The Coleman Flour Mill will install a new grain dryer at their facilities. The speed and effeciency of the dryer will allow the mill to increase it's production by 1 full carload of flour a day. This will also require more grain deliveries. On a weekly basis, the Dunbar & Wausaukee Railroad expects to see an increase of about 9 additional carloads of wheat delivered and 6 addition carloads of flour to be picked up. And the flour mill expects to add an additional 12 to 15 jobs as a result of the increased production. The new grain dyer will run on propane and a large tank will be installed alongside the grain unloading trackat the mill. This will result in an occasional need for a tank car of propane to be delivered for refills.  
In a separate announcement, Northwoods Furniture, a manufacturer of high end rustic furniture has announced their plan to begin shipping by rail again. Northwoods has been shipping by truck for the last 8 years due to the poor track conditions and service provided by the previous railroad. A large percentage of the finished product is shipped to an east coast distribution center and shipping by rail will result in a substantial reduction in shipping costs. "The rebuilding of these tracks has been a win-win situation for Coleman" said Village President Glenn Woulf. "The railroad will see increased business and the Village will benefit from more jobs and less trucks congesting the downtown streets. Those trucks also cause serious wear and tear to our streets". |
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Written by Casey Jones
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Sunday, 25 January 2009 12:33 |
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The D&WRR yard in Green Bay was recently upgraded to help handle additional rail traffic. The addition of another storage track increased capacity by 15%. The previously abandoned locomotive shop was put back into service with all tracks being renovated. Diesel fuel tanks were also added as the shop will now serve as a refueling point. 
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Last Updated on Sunday, 22 February 2009 22:26 |
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Written by Casey Jones
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Sunday, 25 January 2009 21:47 |
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Dunbar & Wausaukee officals today announced the sale of the D&W to the Mullan Pass Railway.
The Mullan Pass Railway is a holding company that currently operates the Montana Rail Link, an FRA Class II regional railroad with more than 900 miles of track serving 100 stations in the states of Montana, Idaho and Washington, and employs approximately 1,000 people. In operation is a fleet of more than 2,100 freight cars and 176 locomotives.
The Montana Rail Link connects with the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) at Laurel and Garrison, Montana and Spokane, Washington and the Union Pacific Railroad at Sandpoint, Idaho.
Negotiations are complete and the sale is now pending the aprroval of the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
Mullan Pass Railway offiicials are hopeful for a quick approval. "We plan to run the D&W as is for at least the first year" noted a MPRW spokesman. "While there should be no changes in operations, some MRL equipment may find its way to the D&W. Mainly locomotives."
The recent upgrades to the railroad and increase in rail traffic made the D&W a logical target for regional railroad companies looking to expand. With the Class 1 railroads dumping all but their mainlines, many "super regionals" have popped up to handle local switching and short hauls.
You can learn about the Mullan Pass Railway at http://mullanpass.googlepages.com/
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Last Updated on Sunday, 25 January 2009 22:41 |
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D&W News
