Fields of Green: POTB motive power boost, page 1
In December 2002, the Port
of Tillamook Bay made a landmark decision in regard to its motive power fleet,
purchasing a lot of 10 locomotives that had been declared excess by the Burlington
Northern-Santa Fe railroad. After making inspections and negotiating, a check
was cut and the transaction was made.
This was an important
moment in the uncertain motive power future of the little shortline, as all
10 units purchased were EMD SD9's — the same model that had earned
its keep on the branch for nearly half a century. In a world of excess second
generation units; where the SD40-2 had moved from primary workhorse roles to
deadlines, the POTB had opted to keep first generation power alive and well
on the climb over Oregon's Coast Range. The 10 would augment the existing fleet
of five SD9's and two GP9's.
The first of the units started arriving in late January 2003, with the last
one finally finding its way to Banks on May 1. The following photo essay depicts
the arrival of each of the units, and the entry of some into service. In essence,
the first chapter in the story of BN green on the Port of Tillamook Bay.
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| After much anticipation, the 6178 became the first of the fleet to arrive. Erik Halstead caught it at Marina siding near Linnton on Jan. 20, 2003. | The Port of Tillamook Bay officially received the 6178 on Jan. 21, and moved it over the hill to Batterson. We caught up with the train as it entered Tunnel 36 just outside of Enright. Photo by Jody Moore. |
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| The next day, the freight crew arrived back in Banks to find the 6196 waiting with a couple of centerbeam cars on the P&W's former United Railway main. Photo by Jody Moore. | The 6196 was hauled dead in tow behind the power to Batterson on Jan. 23. Here, the train is crossing the high Dairy Creek trestle. Trailing the 96 is the 3771 and log train, which was being moved to Timber. |
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| 6114 was the next of the group to arrive, hitting Banks of Feb. 7, 2003. On Feb. 13, I caught the 6114 at rest with the other two units in the background near the Port's shops in Tillamoook.. | One important part of the process has been painting out the BN logos and distinguishing marks as required be the units' former owners. With the unit ready to enter service, Rich Bauer does the honors on the 6178 with a roller of John Deere green. Photo by Jody Moore. |
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| The 6178 had the honors of being the first of the BN units to turn a wheel in revenue service on the POTB, and I hustled out of Tillamook after getting off of the hill job to catch the unit making its first run up the coast on a miserably rainy Feb. 20, 2003. | Perhaps one of the pick of the litter, ex-BNSF 6139 sits at Batterson after coming to the POTB on Feb. 23. The ex-C&O unit, rebuilt by Livingston Rebuild in 1988, features a chopped nose and interesting step extensions on the front and rear. Photo by Jody Moore. |
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