For Operators

 Blelow operators of the Clearwater Pacific can find links to relevant documents required for railroad operation.

Operations

Operating sessions on the Clearwater, Seeley Lake & Pacific are designed to feel intentional, grounded, and realistic. The railroad is not run at speed, and it is not run all at once. Each session represents a single window of activity on a working short line, with one crew in control and one job to accomplish.

The CSLP is a switching railroad. Work is deliberate, communication is constant, and the goal is always to leave the railroad in a known and stable condition when the job is complete.

Most sessions are represented by a single assignment: CT-101, the Clearwater Turn. While CT-101 is on duty, no other trains are assumed to be operating. Interchange handling at Edmonds Landing, yard work, and industry switching are all part of the same continuous job.

The session typically begins at Edmonds Landing. Power is prepared, paperwork is reviewed, and the crew takes a moment to understand what work is required and why. From there, CT-101 proceeds to Clearwater to perform the day’s switching. Upon arrival at Clearwater, work normally begins at Blue Star Rail Park. Blue Star is the largest and most space-sensitive customer on the railroad, and handling it first keeps the yard fluid and prevents unnecessary congestion on the ladder and main tracks. Once Blue Star is switched and secured, the remainder of Clearwater’s industries are worked and Edmonds Landing is prepared for the BNSF's Clearwater Turn that night. 

At the end of the session, the railroad should be left ready for the next crew. Switches are restored, protected tracks are secured, and cars are left where they logically belong. If a car’s placement cannot be explained without hand-waving, the job is not finished.

The CSLP is meant to be operated seriously, but not tensely. Roles are flexible, questions are welcome, and communication matters more than speed. The goal is to simulate the feel of a real short line railroad while enjoying the act of running it.

Locomotive Fleet

CSLP #1601 “Cedar” – GP-9 – 1957
Built by EMD in 1957, GP-9 No. 1601, Cedar, serves as the Clearwater Pacific’s primary road locomotive. Well balanced and predictable, Cedar is closely matched to CSLP’s light rail and ruling grades, making it an easy locomotive to plan around and a dependable partner in daily service.Often found leading customer turns and road assignments, Cedar has quickly become the railroad’s backbone. Whether working Clearwater or heading out on the Lake Turn, Cedar handles the job with a steady confidence that has made it feel at home on the CSLP from the very first day.

Railroad Standards

For Bulletproof Operations as espoused by Don Irace, standardization is the key. The CSLP has adopted this idea with gusto to that end the following are standards on the line. You can find our full car roster HERE.

Car Weight: NMRA Standards or close as we can reasonably come. Every car is weighed and if found wanting brought up to weight if feasible. 

Couplers: The standard coupler of the CLSP is the Kadee #148. We appreciate the simplicity of the design and ease of procurement and installation. 

Wheels: Metal wheels are standard. Standard wheelsets are Walther's Proto 33 all metal wheels.