Eastbounds wait for crews in Staples yard. SD40-2's have been getting more scarce in the area as newer power is delivered, but there were two leading trains on this day.
A pair of EMD's bring this empty coal train west on the Brainerd Sub in the early evening.
GE's lean into the curve as they cross the bridge just east of Perham. I think they were running right at the speed limit as I shot this.
A pair of executive painted SD70MAC's lead an empty coal train west.
A short 188 axle merchandise train drifts into Staples yard behind what would normally be power for a much longer and heavier coal train.
Loaded coal trains stacked up in the Staples yard await crews to take them down the line.
A couple of hopper cars lay in the weeds and brush awaiting their fate. The smell of rotten grain is pretty strong around these cars.
A touch of fall color in this shot along the Staples Sub.
On Independence Day 2007, Amtrak #8, the eastbound Empire Builder, makes a late stop at Staples while a coal train bound for Superior waits for the Amtrak to get underway so they can cross over to... (more)
Early morning 07/07/07-a matched set of ES44AC's wait in the Staples yard to take a DEEX train on to it's destination in Duluth/Superior.
Stack train splits the signals at Wadena early on July 5. He will clear his warrant from Richards Spur to Wadena in a few moments.
MERC coal loads pass under the Cromwell overpass behind three DC motor EMD's.
Shiny SD75M on a Superior-bound coal train passes through the Staples yard. I was lucky to catch this while there was a hole in the clouds.
Matched set of clean GEVO's power a coal train east through Wadena in morning light. This train is just entering CTC territory.
Late eastbound Empire Builder enters Perham, MN behind an unusual consist led by a former ATSF GP 60