Yes, This Is A Railroad Photo

February 12, 2026

An Air Tractor AT-802 fully loaded with fertilizer is in the process of taking off from "Meise Field" today, as the moderate temperatures have local farmers getting started on the growing season. Yes, it's only February 12 when this photo was taken.

The railroad connection? The airstrip is build on the former Northern Pacific's Connell Northern right of way, near the station of Mitchell, about 3 miles north of the current end of track at Wheeler.

2025 Mitchell Area Views

Location is on the Connell Northern branch, a few miles north of Wheeler. Part of the right-of-way is now a private airstrip.

1952 Moses Lake Area Map

 

Spur Line Of NP Is Hearing Topic

From the "Spokesman Review."

October 22, 1948

1973 BN Consolidated Annual Station Earnings-1

Courtesy of Aaron Schwarz.

1912 NP AFE Mitchell Spur

Courtesy of the NPRHA.

NP Seeks Permit For Spur Trackage

From the Spokane "Chronicle."

June 5, 1948

2003 Rail Line Investment Alternatives Resulting From Abandonment