The push/pull SD40s on the NSM tailings train grind their way up the grade and through the curves out of Silver Bay as they head for the tailings pond among the brilliant fall colors.

Climbing out the Lake Superior basin and away from Silver Bay heading into the sun running through the Superior National forest to Babbitt and the mine to drop off these empties then tying onto a ... (more)

After running light up to Norshor Jct. to pick up bentonite hoppers interchanged by CN, a trio of SD40-3's head back to the plant at Silver Bay while a track worker runs up the east main.

Drifting back down to Silver Bay from the tailing basin.

5am loads catch the only sunlight of the day as they descend into Silver Bay.

With their 1x1 power configuration, an empty tailings train runs down into Silver Bay among the peak fall colors.

Pulling up the grade out of the Lake Superior basin, three SD40-3's are barking hard as they pull the empties back inland from Silver Bay to the mine at Babbitt. The NSM nose logo was the frostin... (more)

The empty tailings train coasting back downgrade to the plant at Silver Bay.

Pushing the tailings train back to the plant at Silver Bay. Fall colors are at the peak here in northern Minnesota.

Northshore Mining #1231 and two sisters are giving it their all pulling a tailings train out of Silver Bay in May of 1997. The brown/tan paint scheme is a stark contrast to today's blue and white.

One of two leased CIT EMD SD9043MACs leads taconite loads from Babbitt Mn to Silver Bay MN. Shown here at "Railfan Rock".

While waiting for the SD90MACs, a bonus: tailings come up the hill from the plant.

Dry conditions combined with a stiff breeze fanned sparks from a rail grinder into a moderate grass fire. Crews on the grinder and those following on a special Northshore Mining fire train doused ... (more)

Dry conditions combined with a stiff breeze fanned sparks from a rail grinder into a moderate grass fire. Crews on the grinder and those following on a special Northshore Mining fire train doused ... (more)

Dry conditions combined with a stiff breeze fanned sparks from a rail grinder into a moderate grass fire. Crews on the grinder and those following on a special Northshore Mining fire train doused ... (more)