Trainnews - volume 2 - issue 209Extra - 08/25/09

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SPECIAL EDITION 2009 NRHS Convention Report

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Story and Photos by Alex Mayes

2009 NRHS Convention Summary - Part 2



On August 13th a steam-powered excursion between Duluth and Two Harbors, MN was operated 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 at Marbles, MN.


Two photo runbys were held on the August 13th excursion between Duluth and Two Harbors. This photo was taken during the photo runby on the return trip at Knife River, MN. Coupled behind ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719 is ex-DM&IR SD18 No. 316, which was needed to assist the train up the steep grade leaving Two Harbors.


The second of two night photo sessions was held on August 13th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Four different settings with vintage diesel locomotives were illuminated at this session. One of the scenes featured ex-DMIR SD18s Nos. 193 and 316. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes.


The second of two night photo sessions was held on August 13th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Four different settings with vintage diesel locomotives were illuminated at this session. One of the scenes featured ex-Erie Mining Company F9A No. 4211 and F9B No. 4222. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes.


The second of two night photo sessions was held on August 13th at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Four different settings with vintage diesel locomotives were illuminated at this session. One of the scenes featured ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, AKA "Hustle Muscle". This diesel was built for the GN in 1966, and was the first production SD45 built by EMD. Lumedyne lighting was provided by Steve Barry, editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine, and Alex Mayes.


A "rare mileage" diesel excursion over BNSF's former Great Northern main was run on August 15th between Duluth and Grand Rapids, Minnesota, 115 miles one way. The last regular service passenger trains to use this line made their last runs in 1959. The consist for this special run was the same as used on the August 11th inbound special, with former Milwaukee Road Skytop lounge Cedar Rapids bringing up the markers. The passenger special is seen in this photo at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum just before departing for Grand Rapids.


The August 15th "rare mileage" excursion train heading back to Grand Rapids, MN to board passengers after being turned on the wye a few miles west of Grand Rapids.


The August 15th "rare mileage" excursion train roars past the photo line at the runby held at Brookston on the return trip to Duluth.


A "rare mileage" diesel excursion over BNSF's former Great Northern main was run on August 15th between Duluth and Grand Rapids, Minnesota, 115 miles one way. The last regular service passenger trains to use this line made their last runs in 1959. The consist for this special run was the same one used on the August 11th inbound special, however coupled ahead of the Amtrak engine was ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400, "Hustle Muscle", which is owned by the Great Northern Railway Historical Society. This engine was the first production EMD SD45, delivered to the Great Northern in May 1966, and is painted in its as-delivered Omaha Orange and Pullman Green scheme. This photo was taken on the return trip as the passenger special was east bound on the Huson Bridge near Wrenshall, MN at milepost 22.7.


The August 15th "rare mileage" excursion train meets a west bound BNSF train near Borea on the return trip to Duluth. Note the similarity
of paint schemes between ex-Great Northern SD45 No. 400 and BNSF GP39V No. 2962 in the "Heritage One" scheme.


The August 15th "rare mileage" excursion train crosses St. Louis Bay on Grassy Point Draw, crossing from Superior, Wisconsin on the return trip to Duluth.

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Thanks again to Alex for sharing the convention with us.