The Hill Job: Tacoma Rail Mountain Division

May 2023 saw the last Tacoma Rail Hill Job to Frederickson, WA. The Hill Job ran twice a week to Frederickson on a somewhat predictable schedule. I was fortunate enough to be able to chase the train a few times with a friend of mine who knew the route well. Unfortunately, the weather never seemed to be on my side, but since this route will not see another train in the near future, I am happy I obtained the footage I have.

The Tacoma Rail Mountain Division is Ex-MILW trackage. Immediately after splitting off from the BNSF Lakewood Sub in Tacoma, the track heads up the 3.8% grade of Tacoma Gulch from Freighthouse Square to 46th St. Doubling and even tripling the hill was often necessary depending on weather conditions. This track was part of the Milwaukee Road mainline south out of Tacoma to Centralia, and Morton. Remnants of the MILW are still around the area in the form of old cable poles, and station signs. After the MILW abandoned their Pacific Coast extension, Chehalis Western took control of the hill, before it eventually landed in the hands of the City of Tacoma.

In 2014, Tacoma Rail leased two SD70ACe-P4 locomotives from EMD and designated them for Hill Job service. Previously, an SD40-2 and SD45 were used. It was rare to catch any other locomotive running the Hill Job aside from the ACe's, but certain things would occur.

Today the line sits dormant. It is still uncertain whether the tracks will remain or be removed. Rainer Rail, a shortline out of Western Junction near Centralia, now handles the freight business in Frederickson. The rumor going around is that Rainier Rail would like to keep the line intact for future use, but nothing is certain at this time. For now, Tacoma Gulch will remain silent, no longer capturing the sounds of Notch 8 EMDs.

Enjoy!

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