All afternoon, nothing passed through Warren on the BNSF or the NPR. I resigned myself to a trainless Monday. Then, just as I was leaving town on my way to Thief River Falls for the evening, here it came.
Sure enough, a LOOOONNNGGG NPR train headed west, into the sun. Well, this calls for a u-turn. The train was travelling slowly enough that it was easy to get a couple of other shots west of town. I think I like this one the best.
This certainly seemed like a long train, so I decided to count the cars. I made it to about 80 when the count was interrupted with this sight:
Since I seriously doubt the NPR is using old chop-nosed GP9's as remote mid-train helpers, it seems likely this veteran is going somewhere, hopefully to work.
Once I regained my composure it turned out the train was about 142 cars, with one four axle locomotive dead in consist and four six-axles up front. What a pleasant way to end the day!
Jim
What an interesting consist! I don't suppose it's possible that loads were in front and empties after the GP9? Perhaps the 9 was power for the empties with a different destination.
ReplyDeleteNice catch!
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that the NPR train leaves Fordville, ND @4am for Thief River Falls. And yes, it travels at 10MPH so it gives one plenty of time to get ahead and catch it.
Not sure what was loads/empties except for some open hoppers that appeared to be carrying sand. I thought maybe the 9 was going to an elevator somewhere?
ReplyDelete