Before acquiring 3000 horsepower SD40-3 units NSM tested a few different models. Here three borrowed GEs move empties back to the mine during a test.
Three leased units lead a short 99-car empty ore train out of Silver Bay towards Babbitt.
NSM 653 leads an EMD lease unit and a recently arrived ex-GCFX/WC SD40-3 downgrade towards Silver Bay with 155 loads. Also on the train was NREX SD40-2 5418.
Empties have just departed Silver Bay and are northbound for Babbitt and another load of ore. The iron range was just past peak with the fall foliage.
Northshore Mining ran an extra train, complete with a SD18 and SD28 trailing, as seen here near MP 5 approaching Silver Bay MN.
NSM 650, 650 & 655 head up the grade out of Silver Bay with the empties for Babbit. Time taken: 1756hrs.
