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12/23/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Tom Dethmers
Dates:1/1/1982 - 3/2/2012
Album Info:As a BNSF dispatcher, I am allowed an occasional trip on the territories that I work, and these are some of the shots I took along the way.
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"Railroad" Magazine, December 1959
Title:  "Railroad" Magazine, December 1959
Description:  Wood. Here is a photo taken by Don Wood. It was published originally in the December 1959 issue of "Railroad" magazine, page 24. Photo Caption: "A Pennsy 2-8-2, No. 1627, Class L-1,-has just crossed Susquehanna River on way from Harrisburg to Enola (December, 1955)." Shown here is Pennsylvania Railroad engine #1627, an @-1S (2-8-2) "Mikado" built in Juniata during September of 1915 and retired in December of 1955 after 40 years of faithful service.
Photo Date:  12/1/1959  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 1:51:46 AM
Location:  Marysville, PA
Author:  Thomas C. Byers
Categories:  Bridge,Winter,Steam
Locomotives:  PRR 1627(2-8-2)
Views:  689   Comments: 1
Long lost Soo Line
Title:  Long lost Soo Line
Description:  I am posting a few pictures I have found from the Soo Lines passenger main that was removed during August to October, 1980. This is looking south at the MN State Hwy 36 crossing. These bridges have been replaced with large culverts for the Gateway Bike trail that now crosses at a different angle under the highway.
Photo Date:  4/5/1980  Upload Date: 2/8/2017 1:50:36 PM
Location:  Pine Springs, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  261   Comments: 1
Soo Line passenger main looking SW at near Hwy 36.
Title:  Soo Line passenger main looking SW at near Hwy 36.
Description:  This shot gives you a perspective of the good track structure that once carried Soo Line trains 1,2,5 and 6 from St. Paul to Chicago. We are just NE of Hwy 36 looking south at the same curve on the bridge picture. This line was all 90 lb rail and double spiked on the outside of the curves and easily super elevated enough for the 59 mph speed limits back in the day. The last passenger train was Jan. 15th, 1965.
Photo Date:  4/5/1980  Upload Date: 2/8/2017 1:55:03 PM
Location:  Pine Springs, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  282   Comments: 1
Looking SW on the Soo Line
Title:  Looking SW on the Soo Line
Description:  Just outside of Willernie, the Soo Line crossed Stillwater Road and you are looking south at the overgrown track. This line had been out of service for 4 or 5 years at this point, and alot of it was getting overgrown with brush.
Photo Date:  4/5/1980  Upload Date: 2/8/2017 1:57:03 PM
Location:  Willernie, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  216   Comments: 0
Milwaukee BN coal trian
Title:  Milwaukee BN coal trian
Description:  A going away shot shows the tower with its lever operation pipes still intact as the train heads east to Wisconsin.
Photo Date:  5/1/1980  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 2:24:52 AM
Location:  Newport, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  MILW 152(SD40-2) MILW 199(SD40-2)
Views:  558   Comments: 0
BN/Milwaukee coal train
Title:  BN/Milwaukee coal train
Description:  Heading east for one of tee Milwaukee Roads coal plants in Wisconsin, ` BN unit is taking the train by Newport Tower
Photo Date:  5/1/1980  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 2:22:57 AM
Location:  Newport, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  493   Comments: 1
Westbound BN intermodal
Title:  Westbound BN intermodal
Description:  Ayter the coal train cleared a westbound train on Main 2 heads to town. The old Rock Island interlocking signals can be seen behind the power.
Photo Date:  5/1/1980  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 2:26:23 AM
Location:  Newport, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmeru
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  230   Comments: 0
Family days in Minneapolis
Title:  Family days in Minneapolis
Description:  When this GP38 was brand new, it was hauled into the Pillsbury A mill near the GN Stone Arch Bridge along with other RR equipment for a family day gathering.
Photo Date:  7/10/1981  Upload Date: 8/29/2017 2:00:45 AM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Roster
Locomotives:  SOO 4445(GP38-2)
Views:  381   Comments: 0
Milwaukee Road caboose hop
Title:  Milwaukee Road caboose hop
Description:  After serving customers in St. Paul Park, this light unit is heading back on main 2 to St. Paul Yard, which is about 3 miles ahead.
Photo Date:  5/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:10:08 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  270   Comments: 1
Milwaukee Road caboose hop
Title:  Milwaukee Road caboose hop
Description:  Heading west on main 2 which was the Milwaukee Roads track to maintain on this joint line with BN. It was pretty, rickety back in those days.
Photo Date:  5/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:12:47 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  367   Comments: 1
BN Intermodal Train
Title:  BN Intermodal Train
Description:  Eastbound at Como Shops, this train, sporting a rare SDP45 on the point is heading east to Chicago in the Midway area of St. Paul.
Photo Date:  5/15/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:08:18 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  BN 6599(SDP45)
Views:  543   Comments: 0
IC Freight Yard
Title:  IC Freight Yard
Description:  Looking west at the IC freight yard in Freeport, there is a variety of equipment that is mostly long, gone.
Photo Date:  6/1/1982  Upload Date: 8/29/2017 2:04:35 AM
Location:  Freeport, IL
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  IC 9602(GP38-2)
Views:  417   Comments: 0
Wreck on the Skally
Title:  Wreck on the Skally
Description:  The Milwaukee Road had trackage rights on BN/NP for many years, and ran 1 to 2 trains each way, per day to Duluth. Crews were known to speed on this line quite often, and I personally followed trains going 10-20 mph over the 50 mph limit. This may be the result of speeding, as this southbound train derailed at the north siding switch at Rush City, and has made quite a mess. The big hooks have come from both ends to clean it up.
Photo Date:  6/15/1982  Upload Date: 12/27/2016 11:08:45 AM
Location:  Rush City, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Wreck,Track,Action
Locomotives:  BN 6107(SD9) BN 6143(SD9)
Views:  768   Comments: 0
Wreck on the Skally
Title:  Wreck on the Skally
Description:  Here is one more shot of the big hook on the south attempting to rerail some of the bulkhead flats.
Photo Date:  6/15/1982  Upload Date: 12/27/2016 11:10:10 AM
Location:  Rush City, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Wreck,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  266   Comments: 0
Soo Line Roseport Turn
Title:  Soo Line Roseport Turn
Description:  Heading south through downtown, this train will head about 15 miles down to the industrial park area of Roseport, which is on the old CGW mainline. A small train today.
Photo Date:  6/15/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:14:38 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  SOO 376(GP7) SOO 381(GP7)
Views:  676   Comments: 1
Milwaukee Road Sprint train westbound
Title:  Milwaukee Road Sprint train westbound
Description:  Passing the Milwaukee Road St. Paul Yard, this train is about average for those days, but has extra power. It will terminate in about a mile near downtown.
Photo Date:  7/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:01:42 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  MILW 2029(GP40)
Views:  467   Comments: 1
Milwaukee Road Sprint train westbound
Title:  Milwaukee Road Sprint train westbound
Description:  As the train passes under the pedestrian bridge, you can see parts of Milwaukee Roads and BNs Daytons Bluff Yard.
Photo Date:  7/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:03:16 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  189   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8
Title:  Amtrak 8
Description:  Coming eastbound on Main 1 at Oakland Tower, Amtrak has a healthy, consist of 10 cars heading for Chicago.
Photo Date:  7/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:35:44 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  321   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8
Title:  Amtrak 8
Description:  As Amtraks Empire Builder heads east, you can discern a high green as they head east at about 70 mph.
Photo Date:  7/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:37:13 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  160   Comments: 0
BN Rush City Turn
Title:  BN Rush City Turn
Description:  This daily turn is heading south to Rush City on the old NP line and will switch and return to Hinckley, MN later in the day.
Photo Date:  8/1/1982  Upload Date: 7/12/2017 2:06:04 AM
Location:  Rush City, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  BN 1365(GP5)
Views:  468   Comments: 1
University Avenue
Title:  University Avenue
Description:  Amtrak 8 is just leaving Northtown as it negotiates a maze of crossover switches on the way to Midway Station.
Photo Date:  2/15/1983  Upload Date: 8/25/2017 1:20:17 AM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Winter,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AMTK 292(F40PHR)
Views:  273   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8
Title:  Amtrak 8
Description:  Coming east and about to pass through Northtown Yard, the Empire Builder is running late this winter day.
Photo Date:  2/15/1983  Upload Date: 8/25/2017 1:18:55 AM
Location:  Fridley, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Winter,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AMTK 321(F40PHR)
Views:  249   Comments: 0
Soo Line on the Brooten line
Title:  Soo Line on the Brooten line
Description:  Another shot as the train heads north and east. It appears the train is passing over a crossover switch, which I believe was a siding and possible connection with the Danbury Sub at Junction 278.
Photo Date:  7/25/1983  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 12:18:57 PM
Location:  Saunders, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  SOO 6610(SD40-2)
Views:  599   Comments: 1
Soo Line on the Brooten line
Title:  Soo Line on the Brooten line
Description:  An eastbound Soo Line train is arriving from Moose Lake and heading to Stinson Yard a few miles ahead. The BNs mainline from the Iron Range and Minneapolis are in the foreground.
Photo Date:  7/25/1983  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 12:16:32 PM
Location:  Saunders, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  SOO 6610(SD40-2)
Views:  566   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8 cab ride
Title:  Amtrak 8 cab ride
Description:  In early 1984, I was lucky enough to get a cab ride from Red Wing to Milwaukee, and here is a picture from that trip heading through Minnesota City at about 70 mph and the CNW Rochester line coming into view on the right.
Photo Date:  2/15/1984  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:39:31 AM
Location:  Minnesota City, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Winter,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  177   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8 cab ride
Title:  Amtrak 8 cab ride
Description:  Skirting the edge of Lake Pepin, our train was averaging about 65 mph along the many curves along the Mississippi River.
Photo Date:  2/15/1984  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:41:05 AM
Location:  Wabasha, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  148   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8 cab ride
Title:  Amtrak 8 cab ride
Description:  Approaching the crossing with BN Railroad at Grand Crossing, our train will soon be heading due east to Milwaukee.
Photo Date:  2/15/1984  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:43:11 AM
Location:  La Crosse, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  192   Comments: 0
Amtrak 8 cab ride
Title:  Amtrak 8 cab ride
Description:  CNWs westbound train from Tunnel City to Winona passes our train at close to 100 mph closing speed. This train used to traverse CNWs own line that went to Winona, but was abandoned in the early 1980s
Photo Date:  2/15/1984  Upload Date: 7/15/2017 3:45:23 AM
Location:  Sparta, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  224   Comments: 1
BN Rush City Turn
Title:  BN Rush City Turn
Description:  Heading southto Hugo, the BNs local from Hinckley works the old NP line.
Photo Date:  7/15/1984  Upload Date: 8/25/2017 1:10:35 AM
Location:  Rush City, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  BN 1409(GP10)
Views:  331   Comments: 0
M&St.L xing
Title:  M&St.L xing
Description:  At the crossing of the Omaha Road and Minneapolis and St. Louis, we have a southbound train coming in from Minneapolis on the now abandoned M & St. L line. This was a diamond but the train would turn onto the Omaha line, as the other line had been abandoned south of here.
Photo Date:  7/15/1984  Upload Date: 8/25/2017 1:29:42 AM
Location:  Merriam, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  CNW 877(SD40)
Views:  332   Comments: 0
Crossing over at Newport
Title:  Crossing over at Newport
Description:  Amtrak 8 heading to Red Wing and Chicago. The train is on Main 2 and heading to Main 1 for the appx 10 mile trip to Milwaukee Road rails at Hastings.
Photo Date:  2/15/1985  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 11:54:49 AM
Location:  Newport, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Winter,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AMTK 393(F40PHR)
Views:  344   Comments: 0
NP 328 at New Brighton
Title:  NP 328 at New Brighton
Description:  In the spring of 1985, the volunteer crews are bringing the train down to the MN Commercial roundhouse to get ready for the summer season. The train is just about to cross the Soo Lines Minneapolis to Chicago mainline heading southbound.
Photo Date:  5/4/1985  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 11:43:58 AM
Location:  New Brighton, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NP 328(4-6-0)
Views:  312   Comments: 1
Hennepin Ave
Title:  Hennepin Ave
Description:  NP 328 and train are heading south on the MN Commercial RR with the train just out of storage to prepare for the 1985 running season.
Photo Date:  5/4/1985  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 11:46:02 AM
Location:  Minneapolis, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NP 328(4-6-0)
Views:  233   Comments: 1
BN Crossing
Title:  BN Crossing
Description:  NP 328 is getting ready to cross the BNs ex NP mainline heading south and just a couple miles from the MN Commercial RH where the train was stored in those years.
Photo Date:  5/4/1985  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 11:47:35 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger
Locomotives:  NP 328(4-6-0)
Views:  276   Comments: 2
BN Crossing
Title:  BN Crossing
Description:  NP 328 stops at the switch that connected the MN Commercial to BNs ex NP mainline to Northtown to reline the switch. Amtrak used this connection regularly in these days, which would be why the switch was reversed. The MN Commercial RH is just a couple miles ahead, and where MTM maintained the equipment in the mid to late 80s.
Photo Date:  5/4/1985  Upload Date: 2/16/2017 11:53:09 AM
Location:  St. Paul, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  NP 328(4-6-0)
Views:  261   Comments: 2
Wisconsin and Calumet
Title:  Wisconsin and Calumet
Description:  An old Milwaukee Road trundles along the weed choked ROW east of Monroe, heading to Janesville, WI. This was just before the line was substantially rebuilt, and it is now busier than ever.
Photo Date:  6/15/1985  Upload Date: 8/29/2017 2:07:32 AM
Location:  Monroe, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  WICT 270(GP9)
Views:  315   Comments: 0
Eastbound on the Wisconsin and Calumet
Title:  Eastbound on the Wisconsin and Calumet
Description:  An old Milwaukee unit heads east with a few cars to Janesville, WI shortly before the line was rebuilt and became much busier
Photo Date:  6/15/1985  Upload Date: 8/29/2017 2:22:31 AM
Location:  Juda, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  WICT 270(GP9)
Views:  268   Comments: 0
Soo Line local
Title:  Soo Line local
Description:  On the Twin Cities to Chicago main line in 1986-1987, there was very, little traffic west of Stevens Point, as the Soo shut the line down after the Milwaukee Road merger. This local served the industries at New Richmond and headed back east. You can see the welded rail main is engulfed with weeds, and alot of us wondered if maybe this was the end of this line.
Photo Date:  3/15/1987  Upload Date: 12/27/2016 10:37:25 AM
Location:  New Richmond, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  SOO 4431(GP38-2)
Views:  517   Comments: 0
Picking up orders at Searchmont
Title:  Picking up orders at Searchmont
Description:  Southbound train from Hearst, ON is picking up orders about an hour north of St. Ste. Marie.
Photo Date:  7/28/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 1:44:35 AM
Location:  Searchmont, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AC 170(GP7)
Views:  391   Comments: 0
Northbound along Lake Superior
Title:  Northbound along Lake Superior
Description:  The Hearst train was heading to the northland over one of the bridges that follow Lake Superior the first part of the trip
Photo Date:  7/28/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 1:46:15 AM
Location:  Searchmont, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  159   Comments: 0
Southbound from Hearst
Title:  Southbound from Hearst
Description:  AC 170 looking weathered vith all its years, heads south over one of the neat bridges on the ACR.
Photo Date:  7/28/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 2:33:20 AM
Location:  Sault Ste Marie, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AC 170(GP7)
Views:  493   Comments: 1
Southbound Agawa Canyon train
Title:  Southbound Agawa Canyon train
Description:  My first pictuues of the long train just south of Searchmont convinced me I needed to ride it the next day.
Photo Date:  7/28/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 2:19:24 AM
Location:  Searchmont, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AC 202(GP38-2)
Views:  510   Comments: 2
Agawa Canyon train
Title:  Agawa Canyon train
Description:  Heading north the next morning, we had an impressive 14 or more cars on our train, and it was full! It was a beautiful run.
Photo Date:  7/29/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 1:48:09 AM
Location:  Searchmont, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Scenic,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  136   Comments: 0
Agawa Canyon train
Title:  Agawa Canyon train
Description:  Tried to get bfck in the train a ways to get a picture of the consist, which was difficult with all the curves and cuts we ran through.
Photo Date:  7/29/1987  Upload Date: 3/18/2017 1:49:45 AM
Location:  Searchmont, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  150   Comments: 0
BN Cambridge Depot
Title:  BN Cambridge Depot
Description:  The former Amtrak depot awaits its demise in summer, 1988 a couple years after Amtrak service on the BNs Hinckley Sub quit running.
Photo Date:  8/15/1987  Upload Date: 8/25/2017 1:06:37 AM
Location:  Cambridge, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Station
Locomotives: 
Views:  237   Comments: 0
Northbound Soo Line train at Nemadji River xing
Title:  Northbound Soo Line train at Nemadji River xing
Description:  This is a northbound train that I have posted a couple other pictures of about to cross the old GN/BN bridge just south of Boylston, WI. You can see the instability of the roadbed in this shot, and trains were restricted to 10 mph in this area. I think this is the last summer of operation of the bridge, before trains were moved to the Soo Line bridge about 1/2 mile east of here.
Photo Date:  7/15/1988  Upload Date: 2/8/2017 2:00:21 PM
Location:  Dedham, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Bridge,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  257   Comments: 0
NP 328
Title:  NP 328
Description:  At the Summit siding near Stillwater, MN, the steam train has stopped in the siding and awaits the westbound MN Zephyr to pass before heading down the hill to Stilwater
Photo Date:  8/13/1988  Upload Date: 2/8/2017 2:03:42 PM
Location:  Stillwater, MN
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Steam,Passenger,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  235   Comments: 1
Soo Line southbound
Title:  Soo Line southbound
Description:  The rear of the train goes by with a Soo caboose on the rear. The old Soo line main came in from the left just ahead of where the caboose is.
Photo Date:  7/15/1990  Upload Date: 12/27/2016 10:47:54 AM
Location:  Boylston, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  181   Comments: 0
New connection
Title:  New connection
Description:  On my first visit to the new connector track from the BN to Soo Line, we have a southbound Soo Line train heading towards Hinckley, MN. The train is just coming off the north leg of the wye and getting ready to cross the Soo Line Nemadji River bridge.
Photo Date:  7/15/1990  Upload Date: 12/27/2016 10:41:27 AM
Location:  Boylston, WI
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  MILW 2035(GP40)
Views:  350   Comments: 0
Algoma Central to Hearst
Title:  Algoma Central to Hearst
Description:  Passing over a large bridge that was built into a dam! It was a great trip with my sister to Hearst, Ontario on the tri-weekly trip
Photo Date:  1/15/1991  Upload Date: 8/28/2017 1:55:43 PM
Location:  Montreal Falls, ON
Author:  Tom Dethmers
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  AC 205(GP38-2) AC 158(GP7)
Views:  317   Comments: 1


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