Minutes after sun-up, ACe 9274 drags its massive loaded coal train out of the siding at Minnesota City, after meeting a pair of westbounds.

A few years ago, I would have never believed you could find great scenery like this in North Dakota. I stand corrected...as coal empties slow to take the siding at Lyons just after leaving Mandan.

A coal empty is still easing itself out of the siding at Lyons. The west switch is still visible in the background. Before long, they'll kick 'er down and head off to the next meet a few miles awa... (more)

BNSF 9274 coming through town on its way south.

Empty coal runs the trench westbound heading into Hawley behind a nice dual-window SD60M. Most of the hoppers were of the new-logo BNSF type...