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Video: youtu.be/tll3ycG1It0
The ALCo era on the Minnesota Commercial has come to close. The RS27s, MLWs, and a number of other units sit dead, waiting for an unknown fate. The 318 was built back in March of 1962 as CNW 901, it later went to the GBW, WC, and lastly, the Minnesota Commercial for the past 30 years. The 318 and 316 are the last RS27s in existence.
Video: youtu.be/Ye-J12oDw-I
Two former Soo Line GP9s rest outside of the grain elevators in New Ulm, MN. Originally built for passenger trains, these units still retain their 'torpedo' tubes, and faded Soo Line paint. The pair of locomotives have an uncertain fate; they are currently sitting dead, stakes capped, and listed for sale.
Nov 23rd, 2024, New Ulm, MN.
Video: youtu.be/Y7FsYcah2hY
End of the line for these classic EMDs! While CP 7312 and 5878 have been cut to the frame, five other units wait the torch. The other units to be scrapped are Soo 4601, 4603, 2020, CP 4617, and 4620. Lots of history in this group!! Video coming SOON of these. DJI
*Taken in airspace approved by the FAA, DJI Geo Zone unlock, and all other paperwork to fly here.*
22.June.2024, Saint Paul, MN
New Progressive Rail Power! The latest locomotive to get PGR colors, sits outside of BNSF's Northtown Diesel Shops. I can't wait to see this locomotive working along PGR rails. The GP15 looks fantastic in the MN&S inspired colors.
25.Mar.2024, BNSF's Northtown Yard, Fridley, MN
Video: youtu.be/U3htFLMP2fU
PGR 36 and 34 work Brunk Plastic's after a heavy snowfall, back in February. These units look amazing in MN&S colors, and the 36 is a former MN&S unit, running on home rails!
15.Feb.2024, Bloomington, MN
On this date, 14 years ago!! Two matched, former Santa Fe. SD40-2s, brought the H-GALSUP into Northtown Yard. Even in 2010, this was a neat catch. The lead unit survives today as BNSF 1749. Note the old signal bridge, and the Pioneer Extension prior to being rebuilt!
02.Apr.2010, University, Mpls, MN.
Video: youtu.be/6aZbV9wEmSE
Two matched green SD40-2s bring The Rapids Turn into Cloquet on a beautiful March day. After setting out all but one car at Sappi, the train would continue on its way west towards Grand Rapids. Seeing matched green 40s is always a treat!
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWD3h2qQ88
Three years ago today, and over the famous NRE Silvis Shops! This was a place where locomotives went to be rebuilt, parted out, or scrapped onsite. MANY different locomotives were on site, take time to soak it all up!!
When this was taken, this facilities future was uncertain. National Railway Equipment had shifted operations to its location in Paducah, KY, and Silvis was set to close shortly. Shortly after this image was taken, Railroad Heritage of Midwest America purchased this property.
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yknn-LX9_UY
Looking back to this day in 2017! The 'Reedsburg Rock' lead by WAMX 4176, crosses over Spring Creek, on the west side of Lodi, WI. This local, L863, ran from Reedsburg to Madison, WI. This was a GREAT chase, and fun day to be trackside.
Video: youtu.be/RBjB8n1glG4
CP 3002 brings the MN&S Job south through Edina on a beautiful fall, September, morning. It's seen crossing Brookside Ave, and is just a few miles out from interchanging with Progressive Rail. The 3002 is a fairly rare GP38AC, and was built in May of 1970. This 53 year old unit is still hard at work!
16.Sept.2023, Edina, MN
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu1fgphlY1s
On this day in 2018, green 40s could be found leading on the mainline! BNSF 1997 leads a GP38-2B, 2249, and another SD40-2, 1623, on the NTWDIL. The heavy train was on its knees as it struggled up the grade, and through the cut, at Lincoln, MN
Progressive Rail 34 and 36, cross over Hwy 35W as they head towards Brunk to switch out a few cars. With fresh snow, and sunny skies, everything came together to make this shot work! It never gets old seeing these locomotives paired together, and in MN&S colors.
Video: www.youtube.com/c/SD457500
15.Feb.2024, Bloomington, MN
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDDL2Sg3nSc
Looking back 12 years ago today, we'll see a matched pair of Soo Line SD60Ms making their way across the former DM&E! Trailing the 6062, is Soo 6059, and ICE 6449. This grade crossing is now an overpass.
04.Mar.2012 Claremont, MN
Minnesota Commercial's OTHER new unit, MNNR 45! This unit started its life as Conrail 1933 in May of 1978. After Conrail was split, it went to CSXT, the East Penn Railway, and finally Minnesota Commercial, as their 45.
Video: youtu.be/dJsmDSb_wn4?si=CJTrgv-4c7JmLq1E&t=571
Fifteen years ago today! Some wonderful, classic power, was on the WC Transfer, and accented with snow. Color power like this was even hard to see working this train at this point, so this was a neat catch!
Video: youtu.be/rHBHUrY4TmA
Some sweet plow action on the BNSF Railway, two years ago today! These snow dozers moved FAST and are cool to see in action.
Videos: www.youtube.com/c/SD457500
The newest unit on the Minnesota Commercial's roster, MNNR 51! This unit started life as Southern Pacific 7874 back in May of 1979. After that, it was acquired by East Penn Railways, and is still in that paint scheme, but with Minnesota Commercial patches. It'd be neat to see this operating with its blue and gold paint!
24.Feb.2024, Union Pacific's East Mpls Yard, Mpls, MN
Video: youtu.be/k0Av2jF-zVc
The Hiawatha Line! Minnesota Commercial 76 is dwarfed by the grain elevators, and other silos along the tracks, as it switches cars on the Hiawatha Line with downtown Minneapolis in the distance. This route sees traffic as needed, so its a rare treat to see rail action in this area.
February 10th, 2024
Video of this unit: youtu.be/Cb7yBWKbBj8
Minnesota Commercial 76, former TTI 5884, rounds the east leg of the wye as it works the yard in New Brighton. With its blue and white paint, this is one of my favorite units on the MNNR. Its got an amazing sounding horn too!
Video: youtu.be/1H-vGs5zXBI
Maintenance of way crews are hard at work installing a new switch, and reconfiguring the track layout. It took four excavators to lift this chunk of track out. Watching this process was neat, and the crews moved at a good pace!