A New Era

 

CSLP 788 in Edmonds Landing by the company photographer.

Clearwater Montana - The sight of a grey, white and red locomotive signaled a new era for the Clearwater, Seeley Lake & Pacific Railway. The EMD, now Progress Rail, GP38-2 was the latest and most visible sign of changes taking place on this Class III Montana shortline. With these changes comes a new name, The Clearwater Terminal Railway, and a renewed and continued commitment to serving the ting citizens of the Clearwater area. "This is just a big deal" said CEO James Maxwell "This locomotive will allow us to better serve all our tiny citizens and ensure our on time and personal service can grow appropriately. Because growth should fit the area where it needs to happen and it was time for a more modern locomotive here on the Clearwater Terminal. " 

    One of 288 2,000hp locomotives built for the Penn Central, the 788 has been used for freight assignments of all kind across the United States. Finding the locomotive was serendipitous according to Chief Mechanical Officer and Vice President of Rail Operations Cannon O'Reilly. "We've been looking for something along these lines for a bit" he admitted. "Most of our motive power dates before the 1970's and  the need for something that could do it all was becoming increasingly obvious. " O'Reilly went on to state that with the full rehabilitation of the Clearwater North Industrial Spur the amount of work the railroad was handling was steadily increasing. And a capable locomotive was needed. "It's still and eastern engine, has the small plow as  you can see, but we're very optimistic".

    The Clearwater Terminal Railway is a wholly owned and operated subsidiary of Clearwater Pacific Inc. based in Missoula, Montana. It operates just under 3 miles of tracks in the immediate Clearwater Area and is privately held. The company has been serving the region in one form or another since 2019. It partners with Class 1 BNSF at Edmonds Landing and the Class 3 regional Kalispell southern at Clearwater North.