BNSF is experimenting with the process of combining two empty unit grain trains into one and sending the double-length train east out of Auburn, WA, over Stampede Pass.
BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas told Railway Age, “We ran a test 14,000-foot (2.65-mile) train yesterday on Stampede to Hauser, ID. We’re testing train no. 2 today and studying all variables to determine if it’s feasible for enhanced efficiencies.”
The first of these double-length grain trains was described as having 230 cars with three locomotives on the head end, two DPUs at mid-train, and one DPU on the rear.
