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Train news - extra edition 208a - 8/24/09
Author: Espee99
Date: 08-24-2009 - 21:28
Trainnews - volume 2 - issue 208Extra - 08/24/09
SPECIAL EDITION 2009 NRHS Convention Report
Story and Photos by Alex Mayes
2009 NRHS Convention Summary
This year's NRHS convention was headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota and offered a diverse variety of steam- and diesel-powered excursions, a dinner cruise on Lake Superior, two night photo sessions, a railroadianna show, the annual NRHS Membership Meeting, the annual NRHS Banquet, and other activities. The convention was planned and conducted by the NRHS National Convention Committee, with assistance provided by the Northstar Chapter NRHS, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, and other organizations. These groups did an outstanding job preparing the convention activities, which resulted in a smooth running event with no major trip delays or other problems.
The convention officially got underway on August 11th with an inbound excursion from the Twin Cities Amtrak station in St. Paul, MN to Duluth over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The inbound special was comprised of nine restored vintage passenger cars and was powered by Amtrak P42 No. 166. The next day's events included two diesel-powered excursions, a steam-powered dinner train, a bus trip to the Mesabi Iron Range, and the first of two night photo sessions.
The third day, August 13th, included three interesting trips, which were a mainline steam trip from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN over the former Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line powered by ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719, a bus trip to the Cloquet Terminal Railroad, and an excursion on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad. Additionally, the second night photo session was held, which featured vintage DM&IR diesels, ex-LTV Mining F9s, ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, and ex-Duluth and Northern Minnesota 2-8-2 No. 14.
On Saturday August 15th a mainline diesel excursion over BNSF's ex-Great Northern line was operated to Grand Rapids, MN and return. This trip ran over very "rare mileage", which hadn't seen a regular service passenger train since 1959, and was heavily patronized by serious mileage collectors. The consist for this train was the same as the inbound special, however on the lead was ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, AKA "Hustle Muscle", painted in an orange and dark green scheme similar to the Great Northern's.
On the final day of the convention, Sunday August 16th, an outbound special train was run from Duluth back to St. Paul over most of the same route as the inbound special. The consist and power for this train was the same as the inbound train. This train, dubbed "The Twin Cities Limited", departed from the former Duluth Union Depot, built in 1892, which is now the home of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. With the arrival of "The Twin Cities Limited" in St. Paul, the 2009 NRHS convention officially came to a close.
The first official convention trip, dubbed ”The Lake Superior Limited", was a rare mileage excursion over freight-only BNSF trackage between the Twin Cities Amtrak station in St. Paul and Duluth on August 11th. Due to track work being conducted in St. Paul, the route of inbound trip was changed a few days beforehand, resulting in some very "rare mileage" over the ex-Northern Pacific's freight line for those aboard. The ”The Lake Superior Limited" was comprised of nine restored vintage passenger cars (two of which were deadheading) and was powered by Amtrak P42 No. 166. Bringing up the markers was former Milwaukee Road Skytop lounge Cedar Rapids. The passenger special is seen in this photo at the Twin Cities Amtrak station preparing for departure to Duluth.
”The Lake Superior Limited" crossing St. Louis Bay on Grassy Point Draw, crossing from Superior, Wisconsin into Duluth on August 11th. This ex-Northern Pacific trestle is used by BNSF, Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific.
After the arrival of the inbound trip from St. Paul on August 11th, convention attendees were treated to a two hour dinner cruise on Lake Superior which was specifically designed to include close-up viewing of the ore docks and other railroad facilities in Duluth Harbor. Due to high demand for this cruise, two boats were used. This photo shows convention attendees boarding the "Vista Queen" at Duluth Harbor just prior to departure.
The dinner cruise included close-up viewing of the ore docks and other railroad facilities in Duluth Harbor. This photo shows an ore boat being loaded with taconite pellets at the former DM&IR ore dock, now owned and operated by Canadian National Railway, as convention attendees watch.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad out of Spooner, Wisconsin. The yard at Spooner has an interesting assortment of old equipment, including this ex-DM&IR diesel-powered crane.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run between Spooner and Springbrook, Wisconsin, about 12 miles. This line is now operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, which runs excursion trains between these two towns. The power for the NRHS special was WGN's F7 No. 423, built in 1949 as C&NW No. 4076A, and now painted in a striking orange and Pullman Green scheme. Three photo stops were made on the trip, this one was at Springbrook. On the left is their SW1 No. 862, built in 1940 for the Milwaukee Road, which powered a "photo freight" for the riders on this excursion.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run between Spooner and Springbrook, Wisconsin, about 12 miles. This line is now operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, which runs just excursion trains between these two towns. The power for the NRHS special was WGN's F7 No. 423, built in 1949 as C&NW No. 4076A, and now painted in a striking orange and Pullman Green scheme. Three photo stops were made on the trip, this one was at Springbrook.
A steam-powered dinner train was operated for conventioneers on August 12th from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN over the ex-Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line. The power for the passenger special was ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719, built by the American Locomotive Company in 1923. The five car train is pictured here departing the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth en route to Two Harbors.
The first of two night photo sessions was held on August 12th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The theme for this photo shoot was the Soo Line. Four different settings with ex-Soo Line locomotives were illuminated at this session. In this scene is ex-Soo Line FP7 No. 2500 and ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes
The first of two night photo sessions was held on August 12th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The theme for this photo shoot was the Soo Line. Four different settings with ex-Soo Line locomotives were illuminated at this session. In this scene is ex-Soo Line FP7 No. 2500, ex-Soo Line GP30 No. 700 and ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes.
On August 13th a steam-powered excursion between Duluth and Two Harbors, MN was operated over the over the former Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line powered by ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. The sharp looking Pacific made a fine sight as it roared through the picturesque scenery en route. This photo was taken on the north bound run near Lakewood, MN.
Part two later this week.
SPECIAL EDITION 2009 NRHS Convention Report
Story and Photos by Alex Mayes
2009 NRHS Convention Summary
This year's NRHS convention was headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota and offered a diverse variety of steam- and diesel-powered excursions, a dinner cruise on Lake Superior, two night photo sessions, a railroadianna show, the annual NRHS Membership Meeting, the annual NRHS Banquet, and other activities. The convention was planned and conducted by the NRHS National Convention Committee, with assistance provided by the Northstar Chapter NRHS, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, and other organizations. These groups did an outstanding job preparing the convention activities, which resulted in a smooth running event with no major trip delays or other problems.
The convention officially got underway on August 11th with an inbound excursion from the Twin Cities Amtrak station in St. Paul, MN to Duluth over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The inbound special was comprised of nine restored vintage passenger cars and was powered by Amtrak P42 No. 166. The next day's events included two diesel-powered excursions, a steam-powered dinner train, a bus trip to the Mesabi Iron Range, and the first of two night photo sessions.
The third day, August 13th, included three interesting trips, which were a mainline steam trip from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN over the former Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line powered by ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719, a bus trip to the Cloquet Terminal Railroad, and an excursion on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad. Additionally, the second night photo session was held, which featured vintage DM&IR diesels, ex-LTV Mining F9s, ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, and ex-Duluth and Northern Minnesota 2-8-2 No. 14.
On Saturday August 15th a mainline diesel excursion over BNSF's ex-Great Northern line was operated to Grand Rapids, MN and return. This trip ran over very "rare mileage", which hadn't seen a regular service passenger train since 1959, and was heavily patronized by serious mileage collectors. The consist for this train was the same as the inbound special, however on the lead was ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, AKA "Hustle Muscle", painted in an orange and dark green scheme similar to the Great Northern's.
On the final day of the convention, Sunday August 16th, an outbound special train was run from Duluth back to St. Paul over most of the same route as the inbound special. The consist and power for this train was the same as the inbound train. This train, dubbed "The Twin Cities Limited", departed from the former Duluth Union Depot, built in 1892, which is now the home of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. With the arrival of "The Twin Cities Limited" in St. Paul, the 2009 NRHS convention officially came to a close.
The first official convention trip, dubbed ”The Lake Superior Limited", was a rare mileage excursion over freight-only BNSF trackage between the Twin Cities Amtrak station in St. Paul and Duluth on August 11th. Due to track work being conducted in St. Paul, the route of inbound trip was changed a few days beforehand, resulting in some very "rare mileage" over the ex-Northern Pacific's freight line for those aboard. The ”The Lake Superior Limited" was comprised of nine restored vintage passenger cars (two of which were deadheading) and was powered by Amtrak P42 No. 166. Bringing up the markers was former Milwaukee Road Skytop lounge Cedar Rapids. The passenger special is seen in this photo at the Twin Cities Amtrak station preparing for departure to Duluth.
”The Lake Superior Limited" crossing St. Louis Bay on Grassy Point Draw, crossing from Superior, Wisconsin into Duluth on August 11th. This ex-Northern Pacific trestle is used by BNSF, Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific.
After the arrival of the inbound trip from St. Paul on August 11th, convention attendees were treated to a two hour dinner cruise on Lake Superior which was specifically designed to include close-up viewing of the ore docks and other railroad facilities in Duluth Harbor. Due to high demand for this cruise, two boats were used. This photo shows convention attendees boarding the "Vista Queen" at Duluth Harbor just prior to departure.
The dinner cruise included close-up viewing of the ore docks and other railroad facilities in Duluth Harbor. This photo shows an ore boat being loaded with taconite pellets at the former DM&IR ore dock, now owned and operated by Canadian National Railway, as convention attendees watch.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad out of Spooner, Wisconsin. The yard at Spooner has an interesting assortment of old equipment, including this ex-DM&IR diesel-powered crane.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run between Spooner and Springbrook, Wisconsin, about 12 miles. This line is now operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, which runs excursion trains between these two towns. The power for the NRHS special was WGN's F7 No. 423, built in 1949 as C&NW No. 4076A, and now painted in a striking orange and Pullman Green scheme. Three photo stops were made on the trip, this one was at Springbrook. On the left is their SW1 No. 862, built in 1940 for the Milwaukee Road, which powered a "photo freight" for the riders on this excursion.
On August 12th a chartered luncheon trip on a former Chicago & North Western line was run between Spooner and Springbrook, Wisconsin, about 12 miles. This line is now operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, which runs just excursion trains between these two towns. The power for the NRHS special was WGN's F7 No. 423, built in 1949 as C&NW No. 4076A, and now painted in a striking orange and Pullman Green scheme. Three photo stops were made on the trip, this one was at Springbrook.
A steam-powered dinner train was operated for conventioneers on August 12th from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN over the ex-Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line. The power for the passenger special was ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719, built by the American Locomotive Company in 1923. The five car train is pictured here departing the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth en route to Two Harbors.
The first of two night photo sessions was held on August 12th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The theme for this photo shoot was the Soo Line. Four different settings with ex-Soo Line locomotives were illuminated at this session. In this scene is ex-Soo Line FP7 No. 2500 and ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes
The first of two night photo sessions was held on August 12th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The theme for this photo shoot was the Soo Line. Four different settings with ex-Soo Line locomotives were illuminated at this session. In this scene is ex-Soo Line FP7 No. 2500, ex-Soo Line GP30 No. 700 and ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes.
On August 13th a steam-powered excursion between Duluth and Two Harbors, MN was operated over the over the former Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway's Lakefront Line powered by ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719. The sharp looking Pacific made a fine sight as it roared through the picturesque scenery en route. This photo was taken on the north bound run near Lakewood, MN.
Part two later this week.
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 Train news - extra edition 208a - 8/24/09 |
Espee99 | 08-24-2009 - 21:28 |
|
Re: Train news - extra edition 208a - 8/24/09
|
synonymouse | 08-25-2009 - 10:05 |
|
Re: Train news - extra edition 208a - 8/24/09
|
Sam Reeves | 08-28-2009 - 14:23 |