P&W Trains On The WES Commuter Rail Line

A P&W freight train in Tualatin

P&W(Portland and Western) is a short line freight railroad that operates in Oregon. The entire WES commuter rail line(except the Beaverton street running track) is shared with P&W freight trains.

## Overview

WES commuter rail was built on the P&W Oregon Electric line. The service was chosen to be a commuter rail line because of the existence of the freight line. The OE line was modified for passenger service while at the same time ensuring that freight service could still run. One feature that allows passenger and freight trains to run on the same tracks is the existence gauntlet tracks at 3 of the WES stations. This feature allows passenger trains to get closer to the station platforms while the freight trains can clear the stations.

There are many side tracks along the line that are used to store freight cars. A major freight yard is located just south of Tigard Transit Center. This yard is on the east side of the mainline and can be seen from WES commuter rail trains. Freight cars and engines are often parked in the yard.

During a regular weekday, freight trains can be see anywhere along the WES commuter rail line. It is not uncommon for freight trains to run during commuting hours.

## The Freight Trains

P&W operates several regularly scheduled freight trains over the WES commuter rail line.

### Hillsboro switcher

The Hillsboro switcher is a local freight train that originates in Tigard yard. It travels north up the OE mainline before going west along the Tillamook line. In Hillsboro, the train can then go 2 directions. It can go north to Banks or continue south to the Stimson Lumber mill. Along the way, it makes several stops to pick up or drop off cars. The train's primary cargo is lumber, which is collected at Stimson and Banks lumber mills. The train also carries tanker cars that carry propane. This train often runs during afternoon rush hour, returning to Tigard yard with its loaded lumber cars.

### Rock train

The rock train is a unit gravel train that runs from the reed gravel pit in Brooks to the gravel drop off facility in Hillsboro. Its route spans the entire WES commuter rail line. The train is a mostly non stop service, with only one scheduled stop at a gravel drop off just north of Wilsonville. This train is unique in that it is the only true unit train that P&W currently operates. It is also unique in that it operates in a double ended configuration, with 2 engines on the north end of the train and 1 engine on the south end.

### 663/664

The 663/664 is a pair of freight trains that run from Albany to Vancouver WA. 663 is the southbound train while 664 is the northbound train. The trains are mixed, pulling a variety of freight cars. these trains are usually much longer then the 2 trains that have been listed so far.

### Harbor turn

The Harbor turn is a freight train that runs from Albany to Portland. The train primarily transports logs and lumber. Like the 663/664 trains, the harbor turn is a longer train.

## Videos

Videos showing P&W trains running along side WES commuter rail trains.

RDCs, DMUs, and P&W at 5th Street on 8-12-19.WES commuter rail and P&W Hillsboro switcher during rush hour.RACE!!! Portland Western 2316 backs into the Hillsboro Switcher as Trimet WES passes! Must See! (1)WES DMU meets P&W engine