BNSF has restored these former Santa Fe cars for ‘snow coach’ duty.
BNSF Railway
WHITEFISH, Mont. — BNSF Railway has restored two former Santa Fe hi-level coaches and two baggage cars for service as “snow coaches” this winter.
BNSF officials tell Trains News Wire that the coaches will be used to move crews when regular crew vans are unable to travel due to extreme weather conditions. In the past, the railroad has moved crews on locomotives, but spokeswoman Maia LaSalle says the new cars can hold more people and gives them more space.
“The new snow coaches are more comfortable and efficient transportation for crews in impacted areas,” she says.
The cars were recently rebuilt at BNSF’s Topeka, Kan., shops and will soon be moved north. Officials say they will primarily be used on the Montana and Northwest Divisions.
