Canadian National: Iron Range

Description

After Canadian National’s aquisition of the DMIR, changes came to the taconite-hauling lines. A new paint scheme and power from other CN lines started showing up, general merchandise train counts rose, and EMD power was slowly replaced with GE power.

In part 3 of our 3-part series, we follow the former Duluth & Iron Range line between Two Harbors and Iron Junction. We start at the mine at Minntac and work our way south as the line plows through the northwoods, creating an interesting up-and-down track profile. You’ll hear locomotives in heavy dynamic braking and in full throttle as they move 145 cars worth of taconite towards Lake Superior.

During our multiple visits to the area, the beloved SD40 series locomotives were slowly replaced with former Chicago Northwestern C40-8s in what has been the biggest change the area has seen. We also follow the miscellaneous road freight, the daily local, as it makes its trips between Two Harbors and the Missabe, plus see rare footage of the train as it interchanges with the Northshore Mining on the Wales Branch. Join us for some of the most unique rail operations in the country!