Sad

Nature’s been dishing it out lately. 

Ain't that the truth!

I guess mother nature has decided we need a reminder of who's actually in charge.

Sad Day

This fire was very sad for me on many levels.  Our families farm isn’t too far from Denton and as a kid we hauled a lot of grain over that way back when the elevators were still in business. Additionally, I know alot of families that farm in that area (some were hit by the fire).  I model the CMR from Moccasin to Denton and the thought of possibly losing my prototype sickens me.  I spent several hours one day this fall taking lots of photos of the rail infrastructure in and around Denton and have always been amazed by that large old wooden elevator that burned.  Still can’t believe that it is gone.  Hopefully the CMR and the town of Denton which has been struggling (like all the small farm communities in MT) can stay strong and get through this in one piece.  

I hope so

I really hope you're right.  But the more rational part of me has a bad feeling about this fire.  A broken trestle almost sunk this railroad, this time there's probably several miles of severe damage to the ROW including all those smaller wooden trestles.  The line itself is probably fine, it's all the things supporting it and those expenses add up quick.

Plus I'm sure BNSF sees this as a positive turn of events for their shipping rates in the area.  No more competition, no more shipping agreements, everyone has to truck their grain halfway across the county to the nearest elevator.

Only thing that can save the day would be some federal grants.  There are some shortlines in South Dakota that face a similar issue in that deferred maintenance from 40-50 years ago has made operating the lines in the present day very difficult.  Thankfully there is federal money out there for just these kinds of situations, hopefully CMR takes the initiative and secures funding ASAP.  They might be able to get back to business by the next harvest.