Westbound Potash

Here’s a time wasting post about a silly little diversion we do while out on roadtrips. If we’re in an area with a railway line and spot a train, well, there’s a good chance we’ll stop to photograph it. It’s what we do. This is done this mostly for ourselves, even if once in while there’s some stuff worthy of sharing. Not often, but it happens. Here’s one that kinda makes the cut, a long freight that we chased running on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Crowsnest Line, with some “pool” power (not a CPR locomotive to be seen). Let’s take a look at this “westbound potash”.

The train originates from Saskatchewan, where potash is extensively mined and is US bound. There’s a good number of mines up north by Saskatoon-town and more east of Regina, that extract the product. A damn lot of it, by way of unit (dedicated) trains, heads to the US. Mines go deep, sometimes kilometres down, and ship the material in bulk. It’s used mostly as a fertilizer.

The track here dates from the 1890s and heads in from Southern Alberta to the Kootenays of BC, and via a connection with a US carrier, to points south. This train’s bound for glory America. The track here was part of the CPR’s Southern Mainline most of which has been abandoned. Many trains on the line head to the States regardless of what’s being carried. They’re handed off at the border to the Union Pacific and one of their locomotives can be seen on this train in the lead position.

That engine is #5545, a ubiquitous (they’re everywhere) General Electric ES44AC (in UP-speak: C45ACCTE) built in 2005. Union Pacific takes in two thirds of the US with western leanings and dates back to the 1860s. It was part of the original US Transcontinental and is one of the railways portrayed on the TV series “Hell on Wheels”.

Right behind is Burlington Northern Santa Fe General Electric ES44DC (also pretty common), #7586 from 2007. While looking the same as the lead locomotive, it differs electrically. It’s an AC vs DC thing. Both models are part of GE’s “Evolution” series and collectively are the most common locomotives on the planet. Well, minimally North America anyway. GE is mostly associated with consumer appliances in the mind of the general public and some must be surprised to hear they’re the makers of these big beasts. That Dreamliner you flew in on might also be powered by jets made by the firm. They have hands in many pies. GE makes locomotives at plants in Pennsylvania and more recently Texas.

About mid-train is the oldest locomotive seen and the only not a GE. Here it’s a General Motors SD70MAC, BNSF #9670 from the mid-1990s. The BNSF rosters a huge number of them (and the majority made in total), but time and attrition have thinned their ranks some. GM was once the dominant player in the industry but lost that position to GE in the 1980s. This locomotive was made in London Ontario, at a plant since closed. Looking a little tired it’s a little smoky when throttling up.

Bringing up the rear is a BNSF #4558, a GE C44-9W from 1999. This model preceded the Evolution Series, but in appearance looks similar. It’s also super common with most railways rostering some. GE locomotives are often looked at contemptuously by those in the train spotting fraternity, account of them them being so everyday and commonplace. Locomotives are spread out, as seen on this train, to help even out the pulling forces.

The BNSF serves the central and western US.

You’ll notice every single car in the train is pretty much the same. Potash only moves in quantity, with trains acting as rolling conveyors. Some mines will dispatch multiple trains per day many of which approach two hundred cars long. We didn’t do a count on this one, but it took forever to pass. It might have mattered to those waiting at road crossings, but to us, let it take all day and we’re fine with it.

Why CPR tracks but no CPR locomotives? You guys ask good questions. The railways will often pool locomotives (also called run through power) allowing them to roam where needed as needed on “friendly” connections. There’s a financial return when power leaves homes rails. It’s common to see pooled power on this line in particular account most trains are US bound. UP locomotives are most often seen.

The train was photographed at two locations, one using an old building for framing and some two dozen clicks west at the bridge just above scenic Lundbreck Falls at the entrance to the Pass. It took the train a full hour to travel that distance and we suspect it got sidetracked for a meet at some point between. So much for our rush to leapfrog ahead of it!

Haze is from BC and Washington State forest fires. Smoke hung thick in the air and breathing was laboured at times. The haze lasted for most of the month and blanketed much of southwestern Alberta in that time. Prevailing winds always work against the region when there’s a fire further west.

This adventures had us in the Crowsnest Pass on assignment to document some coal mine ruins. These posts have yet to be published but will be soon. Keep an eye open for them – they will be AWESOME!

Till the next adventure, we bid you adieu.

They’re saying…

”Very exciting. I have enjoyed your posts so much…” MaryJane Danyluk.

Train spotting…
A Stop or Two Along The Way – trains & wine.
The Bawlf Incident – oopsie!
The Trains Here, Do They Fly – fast & furious!

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date of Adventure: June, 2019.
Location: Southern Alberta.
Article references and thanks: Canadian Trackside Guides.

A westbound potash train, Southern Alberta.

Mid point…

And bringing up the rear.

An hour later and two dozen clicks west.

Train is US bound.

The locomotive contributes to the haze.

And now it’s on to tour some coal mine ruins.