An empty T-Bird crude ore train returns to United Taconite's Thunderbird Mine for loading on a chilly -18F Sunday morning.
A pair of Missabe SD38s (223 and 207) handle 96 loads of crude taconite into the Fairlane processing plant on a clear, but chilly, -11F morning.
Loaded crude ore train for the Fairlane pellet plant nears its destination with two of the three surviving SD-Ms on the former DM&IR (out of 22 at their peak).
Empty crude ore train departs the Fairlane pellet plant with two of the three surviving SD-Ms on the former DM&IR (out of 22 at their peak).
An empty T-Bird crude ore train hoves into the loading pocket at United Taconite's Thunderbird Mine.
An empty T-Bird crude ore train prepares to head back to the mine behind 316 while 207 has just finished loading a pellet train at United Taconite.
DMIR 213 leads crude ore to the Fairlane pellet processing plant.
214 was getting a work out today. Here it is seen near Eveleth, MN.
Loaded and pulling hard.
Empties from the Fairlane pellet plant head back to the Thunderbird mine at Eveleth.
Crude ore for the Fairlane plant rolls south near Eveleth.
Fresh paint on this former maroon DMIR unit. Not too long ago both units would have been maroon.
DMIR 301 and 316 bring raw material from the Thunderbird mine to the pellet plant at Fairlane.
Flood loading crushed taconite (iron ore) into a car that is over 50 years old.
