Potlatch keeps the train on the tracks

THE CLICKETY-clack of the I rails on the track is still echoing through the St. Maries area of Idaho, thanks to the Potlatch Corp. which is operating I l5 miles of the ldaho line abandoned by the financially troubled Milwaukee Road three years ago.

Dependent on the line for carrying logs to the St. Maries plywood plant and delivering finished product to customers, Potlatch decided to go into the railroad business to ensure continued service. Their operations at Santa and log hauling from Avery, Bovill and Clarkia also rely on these tracks.

Potlatch acquired the I l5 miles of track in February, 1980, immediately reinstating train service and starting a major renovation of the line. Because of Milwaukee Road's financial situation, the rail lines and equipment had been neglected and were badly in need of repairs. Worn-out tracks and aged locomotives characterized the operation. St. Maries River Railroad was the name selected by the new owners.

Improvements ran about $3.8 million. Five locomotives were rebuilt, the old St. Maries depot was restored with a new locomotive and car

Story at a Glance

Remole aroas are routinely traversed as forest products are brought to final user. rail is uniquely qualilied maior f irm operates short line through the wilds of ldaho.

repair shop added. An eight-year track rehabilitation program was started with a partial grant from the Federal Railway Administration and assistance from the State of Idaho.

First year accomplishments included replacing 2'7,0m cross ties, relaying five miles of track with new rails and putting in 17,(X)0 cubic yards of crushed rock as new ballast. The second year required an additional 15,700 new ties, plus four more miles of new rail and 11.000 cubic yards of ballast.

Kyle Railways Inc. of San Diego, Ca., is the designated operator of the line through its subsidiary, Idaho Western Railway Co. In addition to meeting Potlatch's transportation needs, the St. Maries provides for the shipping requirements of other wood products companies in the area including Scott Paper Co. and Diamond International Corp.

Following the St. Joe and St. Maries Rivers. the railroad runs east from Plummer to St. Maries where it splits with one branch going east to Avery and one branch dropping southeast to Bovill. The track between St. Maries and Avery is a private logging railroad with track and right of way deeded to Potlatch. The remainder of the road operates as a common carrier, connecting with the Union Pacific at Plummer and the Burlington Northern at Bovill.

Picturesque is the word for the terrain covered by the railroad which runs through towering softwood forests, over 122 foot high trestles, into tunnels and across Lake Benewah.

Before the housing recession cut into business, Potlatch shipped more than 13,000 carloads of logs over the line each year in addition to 5,000 carloads of assorted freight shipped by other local industries. Although shipments are curtailed at present, the railroad is ready and waiting to serve at top speed when necessary.