The Artificial Valley
One of the things that really stuck out to me about driving through the Iron Range Sub were the tailings piles. Hardly any of the mountains and hills in the region formed naturally. No, many of them have been built over the last 140 years as the Mesabi range has had its iron and taconite exploited. Biwabik sits between artificial and real mountains alike, creating a truly stunning scene with its roundhouse remains and small yard. It was a location we had completely missed the day prior, and we knew we had to shoot it.
Former CNW C40-8s, bought from UP nearly a decade ago, power all ore movements on CNs Iron Range sub. No EMDs run ore or empty cars between Iron Junction and Two Harbors, only the MRF local. We found ourselves viewing the C40-8s of the range more often than planned, but they were surprisingly active on our trip out there. They boasted wonderful GE chug, nice horns, and friendly crews - what more could you ask for? Especially when the light was just right...
It was a little wait here at Biwabik as the westbound empty train came to meet the eastbound loads, but once the empties were gone, CN 2027 led the C40-8 three-pack out of the South Biwabik siding, and they were off. We rarely went farther east than this, figuring road access was tricky, but later looks on maps suggested that we could do more, though we'd be unable to return to the Mesabi if anything lit up over there. Another trip will have to cover that!
The Artificial Valley
One of the things that really stuck out to me about driving through the Iron Range Sub were the tailings piles. Hardly any of the mountains and hills in the region formed naturally. No, many of them have been built over the last 140 years as the Mesabi range has had its iron and taconite exploited. Biwabik sits between artificial and real mountains alike, creating a truly stunning scene with its roundhouse remains and small yard. It was a location we had completely missed the day prior, and we knew we had to shoot it.
Former CNW C40-8s, bought from UP nearly a decade ago, power all ore movements on CNs Iron Range sub. No EMDs run ore or empty cars between Iron Junction and Two Harbors, only the MRF local. We found ourselves viewing the C40-8s of the range more often than planned, but they were surprisingly active on our trip out there. They boasted wonderful GE chug, nice horns, and friendly crews - what more could you ask for? Especially when the light was just right...
It was a little wait here at Biwabik as the westbound empty train came to meet the eastbound loads, but once the empties were gone, CN 2027 led the C40-8 three-pack out of the South Biwabik siding, and they were off. We rarely went farther east than this, figuring road access was tricky, but later looks on maps suggested that we could do more, though we'd be unable to return to the Mesabi if anything lit up over there. Another trip will have to cover that!