It was certainly a surprise to hear about then to actually see three IC "Deathstars" assigned to T-Bird service, albeit briefly, while the new kids on the block the much bigger AC44C6Ms ... (more)
A blue hour departure under snowy skies.
Southbound EMDs with ore cars used for limestone delivery going back to Proctor yard.
IC 6252, 6251 and 6260 slowly roll along, approaching Fairlane with loads from the T-Bird mine in Eveleth. EMD's are rare on T-Bird trains, making a trio of Deathstar SD40-3's that much more of a ... (more)
The famous Illinois Central Deathstar trio exits Main 2 at N Fairlane, slowly making way to the nearby United Taconite Fairlane plant. In charge of another train of raw iron ore, the trio looked a... (more)
A trio of IC "Deathstars" are on temporary T-Bird service while the usual rebuilt AC44C6Ms assigned now to this job receive some service at Proctor shops before returning to reclaim thei... (more)
IC 6252, 6251 and 6260 depart the Fairlane processing plant with ore empties for the Thunderbird mine in Eveleth, MN. All three units still wear the classic Illinois Central "Deathstar" ... (more)
IC 6252, 6251 and 6260 make for a classic trio of "Deathstar" SD40-3's as they unload raw iron ore at the United Taconite Fairlane processing plant.
Moving rocks from the mine to the plant, these GEs are about a mile into being placed into service by CN replacing the Dash 8s the generally held this job for the past dozen plus years.
The L568 local from Ranier, MN down to Proctor, MN after a stop at CN's Keenan yard.
Pre sunrise departure after dumping taconite bearing rock at the plant. These two CN 2111 and 2112 were used, stored, brought back to service and have now been retired by CN in the last two years... (more)
Waiting for lights to depart the plant with northern lights all over.
Limestone empties head back to Proctor yard after delivering to the Minorca taconite plant.
A CN freight quietly glides up the Missabe Sub under the northern lights.
Leaving the yard at United Taconite in the fog.