I first saw this train in Minneapolis, and with such a good leader and favorable light, I decided a chase was in order.
A sight which will sadly never be seen again, as earlier this summer the Commercial sold their CF7 and cut their EMD roster in half (they still have a SW1200, although I have never seen it in use)... (more)
With their work in UP's Western Ave yard done, the TCWR heads for Hoffman and the CP.
On it's way up Shortline Hill, the STP Turn stalled and had to get a push from a CP AC44CW. Here it is finally cresting the summit.
After spending a long time in storage, #83 returns to the rails.
The STP Turn passes the defunct Bunge Elevator on its Eastward journey. The elevator buildings still remaining will soon be remodeled into apartments.
A UP freight led by a pair of older EMDs eases into the Western Ave yard on a cold and clear winter afternoon.
The midday train returns to the mine after dumping its crude ore in Silver Bay.
The Saint Paul Turn makes an extremely rare appearance on the BNSF's Saint Paul Sub. This train usually takes a route using the BNSF's Midway and CP's Merriam Park Subs.
A pair of ex-ATSF SD40-2s pull an empty ballast train West past station sign Division St. The second unit could use a little cleaning...
I wanted to try a different angle with this bridge.
The New Brighton job returns to the yard after waiting for the Empire Builder to pass. MNNR 35 is smokin' it up pretty good.
One the most colorful stack trains I have ever seen sits in the yard as the switchers push around some empty well cars.
Just after departing Shoreham Yard, #4302 crosses a side channel of the Mississippi River onto Nicollet Island.
Rounding the bend in Homer, MN.