West of Howard Lake the DPU of a loaded coal rolls down the main as the Virginian waits.

Picking up speed in Long Lake after passing through downtown Wayzata. One of the several relatively new overpass along the Hwy 12 by-pass.

A few of the locals at the corner bar enjoyed the brief commotion of a dozen railfans for about 5 minutes will the Virginian made its way through town.

Last shot of the day for me as the NS 1069 comes blasting through Kandiyohi at track speed. More excitement than this little town has seen in a long time!

First worthwhile shot of the trip. Virganyan unit comes busting through the Cities. Most of the railfans here went for the dark side but I decided to try this side. Chase was on from here!

Westbound 67N thunders past the Pettisville Grain facility along Norfolk Southern's Chicago Line, with the Virginian heritage unit leading the way.

NS S0G coal/coke combo heads west through Glenhayes with the Virginian Heritage Unit leading, blowing coal dust into the air as he picks up speed.

I had been trying to get corn in my shot all day! The Virginian heritage unit is a long way from the coal fields of Virginia! It was a great chase. Full sun, great power, tons of shooting spots, g... (more)

The Twin Cities railfans were lucky today to see the Virginian heritage unit roll through town leading an empty ethanol train to South Dakota.

Heritage, meet heritage...the NS 1069 comes through Litchfield, passing the former BN unit that's still in use as power for the local elevator.

The Virginian heritage unit rolls through Dassel with an empty ethanol train on a perfect Labor Day afternoon.

Labor Day 2012. The first NS heritage unit to lead through central Minnesota descends upon Waverly, Minnesota on their trip west with ethanol empties bound for South Dakota.

Led by the Virginian heritage unit, westbound 67N splits the intermediates at the Ohio/Indiana state line just as the sun comes out to brighten the scene.

Train 821 passes through downtown Roanoke with the NS 1069 on the point.

The Virginian heritage unit heads north towards Bellevue moments before sunset.