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, August 8, 2012

Withrow Banner: Dec. 29, 1916

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Walking the Tops

Burlington Northern crewman checks the air for the last time in Douglas, Wa. March 2, 1985 photo by Tim Repp.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Last Bit of Action in Withrow

This grainy photo dated March 2, 1985 shows the last box cars to occupy the Withrow Siding. Moments later these box cars would leave this ghost town never to return. Operations on the MB Line were ceased by Burlington Northern. Picture was taken off of SR172 looking east towards the Central Washington Grain Growers' facilities. Anita Sprauer photo.