NSM 650 prepares to lead 156 cars of taconite rock from the mine in Babbitt, Mn south to Silver Bay, MN. All added up this train is roughly 17,000 tons end to end.
My first shot of 2010 has NSM 650, the first of the rebuilt SD40-2's purchased by NSM, leading a crude ore train through the winter wonderland at Milepost 23. The temperature was a balmy -7 degree... (more)
A few fall colors are evident as Northshore Mining ore loads near the MP 23 overpass south of Toimi MN.
A crude ore Northshore Mining train at the Forest Road 409 crossing near Toimi MN.
A shortened 76-car "first section" of the early morning 5AM train kicks up snow as it greets the rising sun. If this looks cold it was - the train is heading east for Silver Bay with an air temp o... (more)
NSM 650 leads 656 and 653 east towards Silver Bay with 156 loads of ore.
The midday train returns to the mine after dumping its crude ore in Silver Bay.
Northshore Mining 650 leads the "big train" out of Silver Bay
With a nearby detector reporting an air temp of -19F, this cold-shortened ore train makes its way towards Silver Bay.
NSM 650 leads CN's MRF down the Wales Branch. At Wales it will be wyed into trailing position.
NSM 650 is picked up by CN's MRF for movement off the property, most likely for overhaul.
Engineer has to shade his eyes for the last leg of the trip into Silver Bay.
With the nearby detector announcing -18F and a strong wind chill out of the NW at -37F, a shortened ore train (75 cars) makes its way to Silver Bay.
A leased Alaska GP40-2 trails NSM 650 on a loaded taconite ore train.
Crude taconite train rolls east for Silver Bay with a leased Alaska GP40-2 in the consist.