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4/19/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Tony Held
Dates:9/3/2014 - 9/7/2020
Album Info:More train action and other rail scenes from around the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Enjoy!
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Switching At Olympic Steel
Title:  Switching At Olympic Steel
Description:  The UP local switches steel coil cars at Olympic Steel early on a Wednesday afternoon. Ex-UP lease units sure are popular on this run. Olympic Steel is the westernmost customer on the UP's Golden Valley Industrial Lead (so named because most of the industires on line are in Golden Valley, MN).
Photo Date:  9/3/2014  Upload Date: 9/4/2014 8:08:27 PM
Location:  Plymouth, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  GMTX 2313(GP38-2)
Views:  785   Comments: 0
RRVW 2053 After The Rain
Title:  RRVW 2053 After The Rain
Description:  The 2053 reposes near the Supervalu warehouse in Hopkins after a rain shower.
Photo Date:  9/4/2014  Upload Date: 9/4/2014 8:12:21 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster
Locomotives:  RRVW 2053(GP20C)
Views:  689   Comments: 1
RRVW 2053 In The Rain
Title:  RRVW 2053 In The Rain
Description:  I had to duck into the picnic pavilion at the Hopkins Depot to get this shot due to a passing rain shower. I like how the Supervalu warehouse makes a nice backdrop.
Photo Date:  9/4/2014  Upload Date: 9/4/2014 8:11:56 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster
Locomotives:  RRVW 2053(GP20C)
Views:  643   Comments: 0
And One Remains
Title:  And One Remains
Description:  When Heritage Square was demolished at the Minnesota State Fair grounds, an old signal tower at the railroad display there was torn down. This old depot was kept, however.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:10:06 PM
Location:  Falcon Heights, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
Locomotives: 
Views:  622   Comments: 0
Fenced Off, With One Car Missing
Title:  Fenced Off, With One Car Missing
Description:  Once a part of good ol' Heritage Square, this Soo Line wood caboose and Royal American Shows coach now sit behind new chain link fencing. And what happened to the third train car that used to be here?
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:11:04 PM
Location:  Falcon Heights, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  RollingStock
Locomotives: 
Views:  591   Comments: 0
What Once Brought The Fair To Town
Title:  What Once Brought The Fair To Town
Description:  The Royal American Shows coach remains at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, a proud reminder of the days the fair came to town by train.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:11:28 PM
Location:  Falcon Heights, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  RollingStock
Locomotives: 
Views:  640   Comments: 0
The Sweet Soo Caboose Survives
Title:  The Sweet Soo Caboose Survives
Description:  The Soo Line caboose at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds survived all the recent major changes surrounding it which saw Heritage Square torn down and replaced .
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:11:48 PM
Location:  Falcon Heights, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  RollingStock
Locomotives: 
Views:  598   Comments: 0
Wow!
Title:  Wow!
Description:  There are some spur tracks located off the BNSF Midway Sub serving some industries located on the northeast side of Kasota Avenue. I came upon this baby quite by chance. This local had a former BN center cupola caboose on the hind end. Alas, it was too out of position for me to photograph.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 7:56:50 PM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 2716(GP39-2)
Views:  885   Comments: 1
Finally, A Catch At This Spot Along The MNNR!
Title:  Finally, A Catch At This Spot Along The MNNR!
Description:  A MNNR crew conducts switching operations at a cluster of spur tracks located near Doswell Avenue, just north of Park Junction on the BNSF Midway Sub (foreground). This was my first MNNR catch here.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 7:27:03 PM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  MNNR 75(B36-7)
Views:  800   Comments: 0
Skyline And Thuroughbreds
Title:  Skyline And Thuroughbreds
Description:  The track UP always parks NS units on at East Minneapolis yard has a nice view of downtown Minneapolis behind it.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:47:22 PM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster,Yard
Locomotives:  NS 9953(C44-9W) NS 1010(SD70ACe)
Views:  712   Comments: 0
BNSF Westbound At Highway 280
Title:  BNSF Westbound At Highway 280
Description:  A westbound BNSF freight stopped by the Highway 280 overpass waits for the dispatcher to clear them on down the Midway Sub on a lovely September Saturday afternoon.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 7:16:05 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4507(C44-9W) BNSF 1045(C44-9W)
Views:  647   Comments: 0
Tagged At Highway 280
Title:  Tagged At Highway 280
Description:  The crew of a westbound CP freight with a mix of EMD and GE power waits for the BNSF dispatcher to clear them on down the Midway Sub.
Photo Date:  9/13/2014  Upload Date: 9/20/2014 10:07:51 PM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CP 4401(GP38-2) CP 6068(SD40-2)
Views:  716   Comments: 0
Long Train On The Siding
Title:  Long Train On The Siding
Description:  Some of the eastbound trains on the Wayzata Sub that take the siding at Wayzata are so short the head end power does not come to a stop down by the County 15 bridge, which makes for lousy photo angles. Today, however, a big, long eastbound freight had to come all the way down to County 15, which made it an easy catch.
Photo Date:  9/21/2014  Upload Date: 9/21/2014 8:21:18 PM
Location:  Wayzata, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 617(C44-9W) BNSF 7668(ES44DC)
Views:  1001   Comments: 0
Gondola Train
Title:  Gondola Train
Description:  An eastbound freight made up entirely of gondolas with the reporting mark "MGPX" rolls past the Fridley Northstar station on a summer-like late September afternoon.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 9/30/2014 7:41:46 AM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9809(SD70MAC) BNSF 4856(C44-9W)
Views:  744   Comments: 1
Dash Nines In The Lead
Title:  Dash Nines In The Lead
Description:  An eastbound mixed freight passes Fridley station with two weathered but still colorful dash nines serving as the power at the crew's disposal.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/1/2014 5:33:59 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5120(C44-9W) BNSF 652(C44-9W)
Views:  600   Comments: 0
(Ex) Santa Fe All The Way
Title:  (Ex) Santa Fe All The Way
Description:  The trailing dash nine still sports much of its Santa Fe heritage decades after the BNSF merger took place.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/1/2014 5:34:21 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 652(C44-9W) BNSF 5120(C44-9W)
Views:  583   Comments: 0
Eastbound Grain
Title:  Eastbound Grain
Description:  Here comes an eastbound grain train as it approaches the Fridley Northstar station.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:45:16 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5333(C44-9W) BNSF 5167(C44-9W)
Views:  576   Comments: 1
Passing Through Fridley Northstar
Title:  Passing Through Fridley Northstar
Description:  An eastbound grain train passes on through the Fridley Northstar station on a balmy Sunday afternoon.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:50:10 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5167(C44-9W) BNSF 5333(C44-9W)
Views:  579   Comments: 0
Intermodal A Comin'
Title:  Intermodal A Comin'
Description:  An eastbound intermodal train (mostly COFC, but with some TOFC on the hind end) approaches Fridley Northstar on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 6:02:57 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5780(ES44AC)
Views:  542   Comments: 0
Intermodal Power
Title:  Intermodal Power
Description:  The second and third units of a three unit lashup on the point of an eastbound intermodal train pass through Fridley Northstar.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 6:03:29 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 4844(C44-9W) BNSF 6527(ES44C4)
Views:  574   Comments: 0
Next Stop: Target Field
Title:  Next Stop: Target Field
Description:  The eastbound Northstar for Minneapolis departs Fridley. Next stop: Target Field. The train was running on time, despite how busy BNSF operations were.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 6:04:46 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  MNRX 502(MP36PH-3C)
Views:  541   Comments: 0
Just Like Chi-Town
Title:  Just Like Chi-Town
Description:  Memories of Chicago commuter trains flashed across my mind as this three car eastbound Northstar train arrived at Fridley. It is a scene worthy of Chi-Town commuter ops!
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 6:04:04 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  621   Comments: 0
Eastbound Bakken Oil
Title:  Eastbound Bakken Oil
Description:  An eastbound train loaded with Bakken oil passes through Fridley station.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:19:15 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6862(ES44C4)
Views:  600   Comments: 0
BNSF-ized
Title:  BNSF-ized
Description:  An-ex BN SD70MAC "patched" with a BNSF logo on its nose brings up the rear of an eastbound Bakken oil train passing Fridley station.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:20:05 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9667(SD70MAC)
Views:  592   Comments: 0
Right On By The Platform
Title:  Right On By The Platform
Description:  An eastbound Bakken oil train passes right by the Firdley Northstar station platform.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:51:06 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 5062(C44-9W) BNSF 6862(ES44C4)
Views:  603   Comments: 0
Waiting For The 261
Title:  Waiting For The 261
Description:  A small group of railfans young and old watch as an eastbound intermodal passes through Fridley station. All railfans present (including yours truly) were anticipating the passing of the Milwaukee Road 261 en route back from Duluth. Sadly, the 261 was delayed to the point she was to pass through here around dusk, which meant I needed to break off and head for home, since my camera is not very night capable.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 6:05:21 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 6527(ES44C4)
Views:  643   Comments: 0
On The Move Again
Title:  On The Move Again
Description:  The DPU of a unit gondola train (all the cars of which bore the reporting mark "MGPX") passes Fridley station as the hogger gets the train moving again after waiting in the north throat of Northtown yard.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/1/2014 5:33:38 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 9939(SD70MAC)
Views:  541   Comments: 0
Two Thoroughbreds And A Pumpkin
Title:  Two Thoroughbreds And A Pumpkin
Description:  Two NS and one BNSF unit wheel a westbound through Fridley station as an eastbound grain train heads into Northtown.
Photo Date:  9/28/2014  Upload Date: 10/3/2014 5:33:26 PM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  NS 8153(ES44AC) NS 9217(C44-9W) BNSF 6155(ES44AC)
Views:  650   Comments: 0
"BN/Santa Fe"
Title:  "BN/Santa Fe"
Description:  Three units hitching a ride on an eastbound freight from Willmar to Minneapolis still display their BN and Santa Fe heritage decades after the 1995 merger.
Photo Date:  10/5/2014  Upload Date: 10/5/2014 5:41:15 PM
Location:  Long Lake, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 1832(SD40-2) BNSF 1964(SD40-2) BNSF 3106(GP50)
Views:  806   Comments: 0
The Head End
Title:  The Head End
Description:  Two BNSF and one NS unit have three older units and a string of mixed merchandise cars behind them as the crew waits on a red signal in Long Lake.
Photo Date:  10/5/2014  Upload Date: 10/5/2014 5:41:41 PM
Location:  Long Lake, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 3106(GP50) NS 7662(ES40DC) BNSF 5900(ES44AC) BNSF 4655(C44-9W)
Views:  692   Comments: 1
Another Train In The Hole
Title:  Another Train In The Hole
Description:  With BNSF staggering under the weight of a surge of traffic, stopped trains at the Wayzata siding on the Wayzata Sub is now a common sight. The crew of this eastbound mixed manifest have a few westbounds to wait for before heading into Minneapolis.
Photo Date:  10/29/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:36:15 PM
Location:  Wayzata, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 7858(ES44DC)
Views:  761   Comments: 0
A Closer Look
Title:  A Closer Look
Description:  Here is a closer look at my Wayzata Sub catch from this date. I had hoped to get all the unit numbers this way. No dice, but the pic turned out great.
Photo Date:  10/29/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:38:54 PM
Location:  Wayzata, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BNSF 7858(ES44DC)
Views:  806   Comments: 0
"The New, Improved Amtrak St. Paul station stop!"
Title:  "The New, Improved Amtrak St. Paul station stop!"
Description:  The Amtrak sign on the SPUD platform all but shouts "The New, Improved Amtrak St. Paul station stop!"
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 12:25:46 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Station
Locomotives: 
Views:  516   Comments: 0
DME/CP At Pig's Eye
Title:  DME/CP At Pig's Eye
Description:  A CP freight with DME and CP motive power sits in the north side of Pig's Eye yard on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/8/2014 1:49:55 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  DME 6070(SD40-3) CP 6051(SD40-2)
Views:  656   Comments: 0
At The Diesel Shop
Title:  At The Diesel Shop
Description:  A veteran CP SD40-2 reposes south of the border just outside the diesel shop at Pig's Eye yard on a fine early December afternoon. Note the newer motive power just visible to the right.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 12:43:13 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster,Yard
Locomotives:  CP 5920(SD40-2)
Views:  508   Comments: 0
Ford Branch at 7th Street
Title:  Ford Branch at 7th Street
Description:  This is the 7th Street crossing on the Ford Branch. It is interesting that no "exempt" signs have been put up at all the grade crossings on the route. Is this a reason for hope that the CP knows a major shipper is planning on moving into the Ford Plant site?
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/10/2014 2:54:07 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  507   Comments: 0
Vibrant Rails Turned Rusty
Title:  Vibrant Rails Turned Rusty
Description:  The Ford Branch still wends its way down the bluffs of Old Man River to Fordson Junction, but its rails are now red with rust. How much longer these rails have left is anyone's guess. I sure hope a new manufacturer goes in on the Ford plant site and CP serves them.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/6/2014 4:03:06 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  495   Comments: 0
Empty Tracks
Title:  Empty Tracks
Description:  The auxiliary storage (?) tracks for Ford Yard sit empty on this late Saturday morning in early December. They are still tied in to the branch's main track, though. Ah for the days when auto racks and other cars could be found here... .
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/10/2014 2:54:33 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Yard,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  486   Comments: 0
Ford Yard Throat
Title:  Ford Yard Throat
Description:  This is the approach for Ford Yard as it looks today. The track at left is no longer in use, but the one at right is still connected to the outside world.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/8/2014 1:41:04 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Yard,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  507   Comments: 0
Fordson Junction: View One
Title:  Fordson Junction: View One
Description:  A zoom lens close up of this noted locale on the old Milwaukee Road.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/6/2014 4:02:46 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  478   Comments: 0
Fordson Junction: View Two
Title:  Fordson Junction: View Two
Description:  Here is a second view of this noted locale on the old Milwaukee Road. I wish I had caught the Ford Hauler here...
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/6/2014 4:02:15 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  487   Comments: 0
"The Depot's Patrolled"
Title:  "The Depot's Patrolled"
Description:  To paraphrase a line from a Loony Tunes cartoon: "How 'bout that? The depot's patrolled." Rent a cops patrol the grounds frequently, so make sure to obey signs like this one, which I photographed down at SPUD's railfan park.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/8/2014 1:50:26 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
Locomotives: 
Views:  504   Comments: 0
From SPUD Outpost To North Pole
Title:  From SPUD Outpost To North Pole
Description:  These trailers are located on the end of the tail track at SPUD. For purposes of the "North Pole Express," they were dolled up as Santa's home.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 1:04:17 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Station
Locomotives: 
Views:  533   Comments: 0
Wow, What A Group!
Title:  Wow, What A Group!
Description:  This is what I continue to like about the CP: they have quite a colorful collection of diesels, as evidences by this eclectic bunch parked down by the roundhouse and diesel shop at Pig's Eye Yard.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 12:12:55 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Yard
Locomotives:  CP 4602(GP40) CP 6021(SD40-2) DME 6360(SD40-2) CP 6080(SD40-2) SOO 1551(MP15AC) SOO 1543(MP15AC)
Views:  731   Comments: 0
Red Signal For The Ford Branch
Title:  Red Signal For The Ford Branch
Description:  The signal facing west along the Ford Branch was still lit late on a fine morning in early December. How much longer it has left to glow is anyone's guess thanks to no more traffic on the branch.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/6/2014 4:01:54 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  481   Comments: 0
Shoofly On The Tootin' Louie
Title:  Shoofly On The Tootin' Louie
Description:  The former Minneapolis & St. Louis bridge carries the Bass Lake Spur's shoofly over Highway 100. Though this will last only until the new CP bridge is built, it is a glorious sight nonetheless! Now all I got to do is catch the TC&W crossing here... .
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/10/2014 2:55:50 PM
Location:  Saint Louis Park, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Bridge,Winter,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  497   Comments: 0
West Side Of The Highway 100 Shoofly
Title:  West Side Of The Highway 100 Shoofly
Description:  We are on the west side of Highway 100 along the Canadian Pacific's Bass Lake Spur. A shoofly has been installed here due to the ongoing replacement project for the CP bridge spanning Highway 100.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/10/2014 2:55:16 PM
Location:  Saint Louis Park, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Winter,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  502   Comments: 0
Belt Yard Power
Title:  Belt Yard Power
Description:  The yard power at Belt Yard reposes beneath sunny December skies. Note CP's Pig's Eye Yard diesel shop in the left background.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 12:45:54 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster,Winter,Yard
Locomotives:  UP 1990(SD40N) UP 3265(SD40N)
Views:  703   Comments: 0
Belt Yard's Goats
Title:  Belt Yard's Goats
Description:  The yard goats at UP Belt Yard catch a breather beneath cloudless skies on an afternoon in early December.
Photo Date:  12/6/2014  Upload Date: 12/12/2014 12:50:23 AM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Roster,Winter,Yard
Locomotives: 
Views:  482   Comments: 0
What Next For Ford Yard?
Title:  What Next For Ford Yard?
Description:  The yard tracks at right have been severed, but the yard tracks at left are still connected. The site of the Ford Yard office was on the left. Note the forlorn windsock and floodlights. I sure hope a big manufacturer moves into the Ford Plant site. This would breathe new life into these old Milwaukee rails.
Photo Date:  12/8/2014  Upload Date: 12/8/2014 1:39:32 PM
Location:  Saint Paul, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Yard,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  771   Comments: 0


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