South Coons
There are three Bessemer and Lake Erie orange tunnel motors still kicking around uo here. Unfortunately 904 is relegated to yard or trailing status only and isn't able to lead on the mainline leaving only 906 and 909. While 909 was by far our best score we did get in one chase of 906, a rebuilt SD40-3 orignally built as an SD45T-2 in Jan. 1975 as SP 9348. She is seen here on an a dark evening with DMIR 404, IC 6256, and CN 5244 leading a U715 loaded limestone train for Minnntac rounding the curve approaching the south end of Coons Siding at MP 18.7 on modern day CN's North Division Missabe Sub mainline.
This is an area that needs no introduction to even the most casual fan as the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway is in a word legendary. I won't bore you with pages of history as I couldn't do the road or region justice anyway. It simply needs to be experienced for oneself. But I will direct you to two resources. Absolutely check out the fabulous historical information here: www.missabe.com/
And for a fabulously well written overview of modern CN operations find yourself a copy of the April 2023 edition of Railfan and Railroad right now! shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/rfr-202304
Solway Township
St. Louis County, Minnesota
Tuesday May 9, 2023
South Coons
There are three Bessemer and Lake Erie orange tunnel motors still kicking around uo here. Unfortunately 904 is relegated to yard or trailing status only and isn't able to lead on the mainline leaving only 906 and 909. While 909 was by far our best score we did get in one chase of 906, a rebuilt SD40-3 orignally built as an SD45T-2 in Jan. 1975 as SP 9348. She is seen here on an a dark evening with DMIR 404, IC 6256, and CN 5244 leading a U715 loaded limestone train for Minnntac rounding the curve approaching the south end of Coons Siding at MP 18.7 on modern day CN's North Division Missabe Sub mainline.
This is an area that needs no introduction to even the most casual fan as the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway is in a word legendary. I won't bore you with pages of history as I couldn't do the road or region justice anyway. It simply needs to be experienced for oneself. But I will direct you to two resources. Absolutely check out the fabulous historical information here: www.missabe.com/
And for a fabulously well written overview of modern CN operations find yourself a copy of the April 2023 edition of Railfan and Railroad right now! shop.whiteriverproductions.com/products/rfr-202304
Solway Township
St. Louis County, Minnesota
Tuesday May 9, 2023