Do you remember those railroad motor
cars you used to see in the fifties and sixties on virtually every
line in the U.S. and Canada? They were the little yellow or orange
boxes with the characteristic putt-putt sound of a two-stroke engine,
sometimes towing a trailer or two loaded with ties and spikes.
An event was organized last Saturday
that featured nearly 20 of these railcars, also known as speeders,
jiggers or putt-putts. The focus was traveling on the Columbia Basin
Railway, the railroad that serves Moses Lake and the surrounding
area. The cars came from as far away as Alberton, Montana and from as
close as Bruce, Washington. Many came from the Seattle area and the
Tri-Cities.
The day started within sight of Monte
Holm’s House of Poverty Museum. The cars were set on the rail
before a safety meeting was held by event coordinator Steve Healy, of
Seattle. A representative of the Columbia Basin Railway would be
leading the group all day, and he went over a few items of concern
before departure at 9am.
The cars followed the line up through
the Pelican Point area, across Highway 17 and then out to Wheeler,
where the cars had to change direction for the remainder of the
50-mile trip south to Connell.
A few of the cars were able to turn
themselves using a built-in turntable. The remainder had to use a
portable metal turntable. The process of turning the entire group of
cars consumed about 20 minutes.
The trip continued to Warden, where the
Columbia Basin Railway depot was opened for inspection, along with
the idle locomotives parked there.
At Connell, the cars were again turned
for the trip back to Moses Lake.
Many of the speeders are open to the
elements or are not equipped with heaters. So the poor weather that
was coming in was causing some concern, but it did not dampen
anyone’s spirits.
The private car at Bruce was the focus
of the stop there, as the Clyde Andrews’ family is quite proud of
their refurbished historic car.
The trip to Wheeler was made quickly,
as it was getting dark. Once again, all the cars had to be turned to
face the right direction for the tracks to Moses Lake.
All returned to Moses Lake about
dinnertime, having completed what Healy called the “3 S’s,”
that is, socializing, scenery, and snacks.
Most speeders were scrapped by the
railroads as they were phased out, but a few thousand of these
vehicles are still around today in running condition and in regular
use.
They were replaced by High-Rail
Vehicles, which are standard road vehicles with retractable guide
wheels that can operate on road or rail.
For years speeder enthusiasts had been
sneaking onto tracks for thrill rides, many times with disastrous
results. In the 1990s, these operators organized in order to conduct
legal, insured rail excursions with cooperating railroads. The North
American Railcar Owners Association (NARCOA) represents a group of
about 1,500 people who own these railcars.
These cars are inexpensive, costing up
to $2000 for a fully-restored car. When the railroads were getting
rid of them, the cost was as low as $40 each.
Insurance is needed to run on various
railroads and is purchased through NARCOA. The railroad also receives
a fee for the use of the tracks. Regional groups conduct various
events throughout North America, mostly in warmer weather.
Recent speeder tours in our area
include a trip between Cheney and Coulee City in 2003.
Here are the speeders that were on the trip that day:
Here are the speeders that were on the trip that day:
Our guide from the CBRW brought his kids.
Crossing Moses Lake.
Crossing Interstate 90.
Out at the old sugar plant at Wheeler.
Change of direction at Wheeler was not a problem.
Crossing Interstate 90 again, this time at Raugust.
Leg of the wye at Bassett Jct.
Railroad was shut down on this Saturday, so all the power was tied up at Warden.
Former Duluth, Missabe, & Iron Range, same number.
Former ATSF, same number.
Former ATSF, same number.
Originally NP 328, then BN 1913, then
BNSF 1626, and now CBRW 1626.
Former Milwaukee Road track above, Northern Pacific below.
Milepost 1976 on the Milwaukee Road.
This is the old Milwaukee main towards Othello.
NP era watertank at Bruce, painted BN white with green trim, now torn down.
SR 26 overpass.
Dropping into Connell.
Everybody gathering to turn around and head back to Moses Lake.
Connell depot.
Ready to go to Moses Lake.
Only diamond in Grant County at Warden.
NP era watertank at Wheeler, painted BN white with green trim.
