For only the 2nd time since NS started their heritage locomotive program, one has led through the state of Minnesota. In September, the Virginian led ethanol empties on BNSF's Wayzata Sub. Today, the Illinois Termial unit heads up oil empties bound for western North Dakota. Oil shipments have tripled in the past year. To add to things, the recently completed overpass in Staples, MN changes the viewpoint of such trains through this busy central Minnesota town. Behind us, another oil train waits for a manifest to leave the yard, while a coal empty from Superior has just tied down.
