Great Northern Rwy's Mansfield Branch Line (1909-1985) and the Waterville Railway Co. (1910-1974)

Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1909, the 61 mile line branched off the mainline at the Columbia River and snaked its way up across Douglas County, WA to its terminus in Mansfield. In 1985 it was abandoned, thus closing the book on railroading on the Waterville Plateau. This blog is dedicated to preserving the history of the Mansfield Branch Line and Waterville Railway Co., as well as showcasing my scratch built HO scale models.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

North Portal End

Late 70's look of the Tunnel in Douglas Creek. Picture by Alan Loebsack

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Between Supplee and Douglas

Aerial photo of train location

Here is what that section of abandoned ROW looks like today. Photo by Alan Loebsack

Monday, November 7, 2011

Braking on the Down grade

BN GP9's #1743 (lead engine) and #1713 bring loaded box cars down the Mansfield Line near Douglas Creek Falls area. The box cars are still exiting the tunnel on the south portal. These locomotives are probably using heavy dynamic braking to control the load. This picture was taken in August of 1983. Photo provided by John Rust.