Ballard’s Li’l Beaver stopped in its tracks

Updated: We’re told that a crane is being brought in to move the engine. Ian sent us this photo.

Earlier: The Ballard Terminal Railroad engine dubbed “Ballard’s Li’l Beaver” is stuck in front of Salmon Bay Sand and Gravel.

Byron Cole, with BTRR tells us the engine broke down over the weekend and has electrical problems. They’re hoping to have it back up and running today.

If you’re unfamiliar with the BTRR, it’s one of 30 “short lines” in Washington state. The Ballard line is three miles long and runs two days a week, generally Tuesday or Wednesday night and again over the weekend. “It’s a way of preserving freight service to those who need it,” Cole says. (Thanks Doug and Erin for the tip!)