For Operators

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

Operations

Operations on the Clearwater Pacific Railway consist of daily local work in Clearwater and scheduled transfer service between Clearwater and Seeley Lake, Monday through Friday. Each operating day follows a consistent overall pattern designed to provide reliable service while allowing yard operations to remain flexible and responsive to actual conditions.

The day begins with Morning Shift work in Clearwater. Crews evaluate the railroad as it exists, classify inbound interchange traffic, and switch local industries as required. Yard congestion is relieved, outbound traffic is positioned, and the railroad is prepared for the day’s obligations. Blue Star Rail Park traffic is identified and protected early, but its handling is kept distinct from general yard work to preserve fluidity.

Service to the Blue Star Rail Park is provided by a dedicated job when required. Treating Blue Star as focused, purpose-driven work ensures that its high-volume, time-sensitive traffic does not interfere with other Clearwater operations.

At 1300, the Lake Turn departs Clearwater for Seeley Lake. This train operates on a predictable schedule to serve Seeley Lake customers, exchange traffic with the Kalispell Southern, and handle Glacier Rail Park industries. Its scheduled departure introduces a real sense of time and obligation into the operating day, allowing connecting customers to plan shipments with confidence. When traffic levels warrant and space permits at Edmonds Landing, an additional section may be operated.

Following the Lake Turn’s return, Evening Shift work addresses the consequences of the day’s road operations. Inbound traffic is classified, interchange cars are prepared, and remaining local work is completed. The yard is then normalized and reset, leaving the railroad in a stable, explainable condition for the next operating session.

Operations are governed by a defined train sequence combined with a variable, chance-driven setup at the start of each operating day. No two days unfold in exactly the same way. The full sequence of trains may be worked over one or more operating sessions, official or unofficial. No fast clock is used; the emphasis is on deliberate operation, crew judgment, and the satisfaction that comes from real work being accomplished.

Locomotive Fleet

The CSLP is known for it's well maintained and vintage fleet. Although not all power is available every day the off site storage is top notch and the mechanical crew is second to none. Crews can request a locomotive before shift if they discover they have a favorite.

CSLP (SP&S) #94 - RS-3 - 1955  Acquired new by the Spokane, Portland and Seattle #94 was the first locomotive brought into the CSLP fleet. Sure footed and powerful the locomotive is a favorite of crews. Wearing a patched as delivered livery you can find #94 slugging it out with the boxcars on the Blue Star Job as well as kicking up her heels on the Lake Turn. 

CSLP (Soo Line) #2640 - E-24-S Ten Wheeler - 1919 The pride and joy of the CSLP is superheated ten wheeler currently on display in  Tammany Park. It is the position of CSLP management that #2640 will be restored to operating condition as time and finances allow and pull freight, both photo and revenue over the Tamarack Route. When restored #2640 will be a working engine in regular rotation on the railroad affording training opportunities for the next generation of steam locomotive crews.