Weekend Update 3/8/15

[wcfn100]

Jason:  Why would a sleeping car attendant care what you took pictures of outside the car? 

It was having the window open that got his undies in a bunch.

Jason

[nickelplate759]

Yes, the track around the grain elevator is really sharp and curvy.  Actually, the east (grain elevator) side of the bridge opens into a wye.

George

[C855B]

Mike:  I think so.  It looks like part of the curve under the right approach to the bridge, although Google Maps says that's the approach track to the bridge.  It appears that the elevator track has been removed, but the curved trestle is still there, no piled with "stuff".  Look for "Steel Bridge, Portland, OR" and it's easy to see the elevator, then zoom in on it.

...

Yes, that's it. Certainly looks like they're not using the balloon track any more. Pix of it have been trotted out in forums over the years as the example of a very small radius but still operable curve. Eyeball estimate from the satellite view puts it at 100-110' radius, or about 8" in N. Now thatsa sharp!

[nkalanaga]

Mike:  Yes, that's sharp, and I doubt that most "modern" narrow gauge would run on it.  I'm sure most of the D&RGW locos couldn't.  I'm surprised standard gauge boxcars could make it.

Jason:  OK, that makes sense.  I didn't know there were any sleeping cars in North American service with opening windows.  Unless you had the door open?