Donner Pass [Stacks in the High Sierras]

This is one of our earlier programs from 2010
For over 140 years the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California have reverberated with the sounds of hard-working locomotives of the Central Pacific, Southern Pacific and now the Union Pacific. In November, 2009 double-stack container traffic was re-routed off the nearby Feather River Canyon adding to the frequency of trains on this legendary route.
7idea Productions made three trips to Donner Pass between January and September 2010 to capture the many personalities of "The Hill" between Roseville, California and Sparks, Nevada. From late summer sun to blizzard conditions on the mountain, you'll have a front row seat of the Union Pacific in action!
This program is available on DVD, HD Blu-ray and Digital Download by visiting 7ideaproductions.com.
www.7ideaproductions.com/prod...
0:00 - Intro
2:05 - Map
2:57 - Roseville
6:20 - Rocklin
10:33 - Newcastle
15:52 - Auburn
16:36 - Clipper Gap
17:22 - Applegate
18:39 - Colfax
21:18 - Long Ravine
22:26 - Cape Horn
27:41 - American
35:55 - Blue Canon
37:24 - Switch 9
42:39 - Yuba Pass
44:19 - Shed 10
46:23 - Red Mountain
50:48 - Cisco Tunnel 38
54:08 - Troy
54:52 - Signal Bridge MP 189
56:22 - Norden
1:03:37 - Tunnel 41 "The Big Hole"
1:06:45 - Donner Snow Sheds
1:07:47 - Eder
1:10:49 - Shed 47
1:13:11 - Andover
1:18:09 - Stanford Curve
1:19:47 - Truckee
1:22:19 - Boca
1:24:39 - Floriston
1:25:51 - Reno
1:27:39 - Sparks
1:28:49 - Winter Operations

[@AnontheGOAT]

2 hour train video. I’m in baby!

[@BobSmith-mj7ik]

2 hours of trains. Great way to start an evening.

[@sbrunner69]

Same here!

[@cleytonfreitas1461]

Nice travel

[@dmw2132]

Agree! I listen to these as I fall asleep, the only issue is I try to stay awake to watch it haha

[@WilliamLinder-xx6wh]

​@@dmw2132😅 12:11 12:11

[@richardalanyoung1761]

@@WilliamLinder-xx6wh2:00:25

[@schwabit989]

Watching trains will never get old.😊

[@jamescobb1553]

I love it when the engineers get close to the camera they notch up the throttle an roll that black smoke to get noticed, used to do the same thing when i drove my old R600 mack pulling heavy equipment as a young man, those were the days.

[@maryvandeusen5554]

I have just discovered these train videos. I am 73 and grew up not far from tracks. I’d hear the trains in the distance at night and it always lulled me to sleep. I’m so grateful for their hard work and your documentation of these men and their work. God bless. 🚂✝️🙏🏻❤️🚂

[@markhayes6407]

This a very good video of Donner. Clear and crisp photography.

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you!

[@slowb4lls1]

Whoop whoop, 2hrs on the donner here we go!

[@natgass8102]

every time I see one of your videos, I’m in awe of your knowledge, your ability to educate while keeping your audience captivated by the drop dead gorgeous scenery, and all the extra work you go through to get the shots and tell the story. There is no other rail video person or production company that can hold a candle to what you’re able to accomplish, period full stop!!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you very much!

[@oldveteran7992]

Last winter we received 601" of snow for the 22/23 season at our cabin, just east of Donner Summit and north of Truckee. Outstanding video, really enjoyed it.

[@7ideaproductions]

That was a good snow year!

[@briansmith2616]

As a teenager I lived right behind the trestle at 8:44. We spent so much time fooling around out there. Fishing the creek and riding dirt bikes. Brought back so many good memories from the early 80's

[@rogertemple7193]

the legendary and infamous Donner Pass.😎🤠 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇲💨

[@natejackson8213]

How lovely. Thank you for sharing

[@rickpawl]

Yet another feast for the eyes and the ears. Stunning views, and as I have said before, I simply cannot imagine what you all have to go through to get this footage, especially in the winter. That part where you’re up at the fire station and you’re zoomed in on the train below and then you slowly pull back to eventually show the flowers in the foreground is pure art. You guys should get Academy Awards or Pulitzer prizes or whatever for the directing, writing, cinematography, the editing, the research and narration. And I LOVE the behind the scenes shot of the photographer. You should do a whole video on the productions of these videos! “The Making of Winter On Marias Pass” for example. 🥰

[@davidwhiting1761]

Oh hey I've got this one! One of the best railfan purchases I've ever made.

[@7ideaproductions]

Glad you enjoyed the program!

[@reddog-ex4dx]

I hope you gave Kevin more than just a cup of hot coffee!

[@7ideaproductions]

It was Kevin who made this video what it is.

[@julesmctrainspotter3102]

Yet another superb video, many thanks for them all and a Merry Christmas to everyone at 7idea from Old England!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you!

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Top winter action,thanks guys🙂

[@darrellborland119]

As an "Original Transcon RR" enthusiasts, we enjoy walking thru the Summit Tunnel, originally #6, remembering the historical background of it's construction.

[@blendamorris4419]

Beautiful ride -- I love the snow!!

[@McNeilRailfanner]

Love Donner Pass, I always go to Truckee When I visit The Sierras

[@Retired88M]

I had the privilege of staying at an air bnb on the north side of Donner Lake in late June and was able to watch trains coming down Eastbound from my front porch

[@McNeilRailfanner]

@@Retired88M That’s really Lucky! I just go to a Cabin near Downtown Truckee

[@Retired88M]

@@McNeilRailfanner if you know where the little ice cream stand is just past the boat launch is close to where I stayed

[@royzug2847]

A terrific video. The snow coverage is just outstanding. Even more amazing is that someone braved the weather to make the video. Greta work!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you!

[@atlantic_love]

They (as well as the rest of the US and most of the world) get nowhere near the amount of snow that they used to get. That's sad.

[@asullivan4047]

Remember the Donner party whom braved the summit in a blinding snow storm. ⛄ Became stranded & resorted to cannibalism after food supplies ran out -???😲.

[@whiskeymike5154]

Beautiful! Grand! If they gave awards for train videos, Aaron, you would walk away with them all.

[@williammunford476]

Great work verry cool thank you !!!!

[@RailRider9571]

Wow, these videos are amazing!

[@pedalingthru2719]

That's just amazing. I love going over Donner pass in the winter.

[@peterouillette3063]

The views from the fire lookout station are spectacular! Thank you!

[@7ideaproductions]

Just getting up there is an adventure.

[@sidney001]

Fantastic filming I salute you for freezing your nuts off to capture the magical snow scenes Thank you for sharing

[@7ideaproductions]

I shot this over 10 years ago. Still thawing out!

[@roryblake7311]

@@7ideaproductions Ha Ha

[@Wolfman053a]

@@7ideaproductionsThat cold, huh?

[@gingerbread6614]

Fantastic. Loved it all. Thank you

[@johnrockstone]

Wow! Another great video! Very enjoyable and informative! Great work 7idea!🙂🙂💙👍👍

[@rogereldridge8233]

Loved seeing the snow removal sequences as it really gives a good representation of what it takes to keep trains running in the winter.

[@caseyalan5812]

These videos are amazing. Thank you so much to them!

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

As everyone commented, the video is beautiful in every aspect, but I’d like to commend you for excellent sound as well. Amazing production!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you!

[@bobtrevorah2305]

Pure professionalism! Excellent video with great narration. Precisely what railfans yearn for! Thanks!

[@GamingRailfanner]

Watching these videos is a good way to pass the time.

[@cochesey43]

miss when donner was controlled by searchlights... sad to see them go

[@ApproachDiverging013]

I always enjoyed working on "The Hill", probably hasn't changed much since I was marked up on the territory! Also enjoyed the "Winter on Donner Pass" DVD!

[@hikertrashfilms]

Great job! The 4K is awesome. Such a beautiful location and you did a perfect job capturing it.

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you!

[@roderickcampbell2105]

@hiker. Agreed. The camera, angles and settings were stunning even if a little intimidating at times. I would have a hard time snowshoeing that country!

[@cjbeyer8340]

It looks like a long winter for snow removal, love the videos! Thanks for sharing! LOVE. THE UNION PACIFIC!!!!

[@stanleywilson8561]

Brilliant! Magnificent! Enjoyed that so much. I can only agree wholeheartedly with the comments above. No need to repeat them. Need to have a vacation in that location - both in the summer and winter. Sheer bliss.

[@baassbooster]

Love it.

[@cjbeyer8340]

Thanks for sharing these wonderful videos! Love the UNION PACIFIC!!!!

[@alexschmollinger6576]

My late Dad Steve Schmollinger has lots of Photos of the Southern Pacific on Donner Pass including at Rocklin California of a SP Coal Train with SP GE AC4400CW's on the Front in 1996 Donner Pass And Tehachapi are my favorite Railfan Locations Awesome Footage of the Union Pacific on Donner Pass 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@cjbeyer8340]

Thanks for sharing these beautiful videos, with excellent content and amazing background shots! Can’t believe you are able to get the views that you achieve! Your excellent explanation of each train with its unique engines-and train numbers. Thanks again! LOVE EVERYTHING UNION PACIFIC!!!!

[@ricksadler797]

Great video thank you

[@timothypeck3640]

For me, and I hope for many, this channel has instantly become my favorite! I enjoy it totally ! Your videos are excellent and the photographers are very skilled and, at times, a very hardy bunch!👍

[@simplyamazing880]

Just can't help but love the sight of raw power.

[@WVislandia]

Amazing piece of history about the last watchman's death. History and scenery combine in your videos.

[@RAILTravelers]

Beautiful

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

Fantastic video. I was completely expressed with all the sights and travel. 😂❤

[@scottsmith7051]

Stunning Work!

[@blaueleiter]

thanks for amazing impressions never seen before

[@wcolby]

Thank you. Kevin

[@natgass8102]

wow, who else is going to climb up Red Mountain to an elevation of 7841 feet to get to Signal Peak in order to get the gorgeous shots of trains snaking through Donner Pass?? No One goes to the effort and trouble to get the shots and tell the story better than 7idea Productions!

[@jlurenzjr]

This guys voice could narrate the apocalypse and I would listen happy and content.

[@user-rq1wk7nh3b]

Your videos are definitely professional and first class

[@dinopulizzi8481]

Awesome video !

[@ricknesbitt5949]

Awesome vid. Thank you.

[@everythingiscool6228]

i love this channel. such great content

[@RexRoberts-hk3wj]

Did this on Amtrak twice. in October and March but then I do live in the Northern Sierra foothills

[@peterbenson3776]

Great trip!

[@nevergetlost1261]

Many thanks, Awesome Video !!! Trains are running during meters of snow, German Rail are not able, they stop when the snow is more than 5 inches...:)))

[@jasonalperin9414]

It maybe worth noting after the floods and slides in the Feather River in 1997,UP had wanted to do away with the Canyon in favor of Donner,however City of Reno wouldn't stop complaing about the number of trains,leaving UP no choice but to spend 100 million to fix up the Canyon,This was pre Reno Trench!

[@uncletodd3563]

beautiful video matey.. loved it..

[@jonathansmith6383]

I Have That Movie

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Donner Pass is on my bucket list… I’d rather drive than take the Zephyr through but we’ll see. Part of me would like to take the Zephyr through in the winter. Not a big railfan but I am a systems affectionado.. I love to see all the working pieces come together.

[@BudmanPackfan]

Do both! Fly into Sacramento!, rent a car & drive over to reno. Then take zephyr back to Sacremento....

[@jasonalperin9414]

Currently with eastbounds waiting in Roseville on the west and westbouds in Truckee,Sparks on the East waiting to cross the Summit,perhaps UP will decide to restore the old number 1 track along with Switch 9 to Shed 10 1 day!

[@joshjones3408]

One one one 😆 computer voice ..if I'd been in the cab I'd been laughing like I am now..

[@blythegimble2576]

Awesome to see train simulator stuff!

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/informative/entertaining. Excellent photography job/detailed train 🚂route maps. Enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing. Noticed graffiti art work on box. & tanker cars. Wonder if the artists are seeing 👀 their creations on this presentation -??? 😲. Remember the " Singing Break Men " Jimmie Rogers -??? Whom was a genuine break men till changing careers for a singing entertainer 🎸🎶career. ( 1926 thru 1933 ). Popular tune " Break Man's Blues 😭 " . Had the good fortune to travel for a living. Enabling me to spend time in the areas in the presentation. Viewing this presentation from the comfort zone of my computer room. Along the " Space Coast "🚀of Florida 🐊🐊. Wishing viewers/R.R. employees a safe/healthy/prosperous ( 2024 )🌈🎉😉.

[@wagonron]

Masterpiece! And the editing rhythm is fantastic.

[@ScottAllenSparks]

Really didn’t do the stretch between Roseville and colfax justice. There’s so many sweet spots to watch and photograph trains through there.

[@geomodelrailroader]

Welcome to Donner Pass! This legendary line is the western end of the Transcontinental Railroad From Roseville Yard in the west to Sparks Yard in the east this line sees everything. In the summer we see heavy trains headed over the line and in winter The Rotaries and the Spreaders head up the hill to battle the mountain. This is Donner Pass!

[@georgecothran4760]

Reminds me of the Rosevill train bombs explosions. My aunt lived a little over a mile away, and looked out her kitchen window to see a bird flying that the concusion either killed or knocked out.

[@Conraildan]

at 22:41 thats NOT a flange greaser! Thats a Top of Rail Lubricator. Those bars are attached to the outside side of the rail. A flange greaser has the bars attached to the inside edge of the rail and it protects the flange in a curve.

[@bradolsen8629]

You ever get the feeling that the narrator I bet, had an electric train when he was a kid I bet he dead, and the joy continues for him to this day👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@7ideaproductions]

Yep I did. And a camera and a microphone. I can assure you I'm not dead. At least by the Good Lord's grace not today! (I'm sure that was a typo, but it gave me a good chuckle!)

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

super video ❤❤❤❤

[@keenankelley187]

Just subscribed Awesome video

[@iandocwra1169]

Great film-making in spectacular surroundings. I still can't get used to the fact that US locos at the rear of trains have a white light, not red!

[@Sir_Longdink]

I love trains cause trains love me❤

[@RailRider9571]

Hey 7idea, when your out my way, could you do a video of the BNSF’S Aurora subdivision?

[@garykirin5150]

These are great video’s. You guys did a good job filming.

[@jachymverosta3603]

Lovely videos, always a pleasure to watch! Btw, is there any chance of a St. Maries river railroad video some day?

[@Cptstokes]

Why are"ny the lead train more streamlined to reduce drag?

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

It would really suck to have to get out and change a knuckle in that weather.😢

[@51hankyspanky7]

At 40:21 - Those tracks look real healthy.

[@wagonron]

Chinese labor. Gratitude and respect.

[@michaelperkins5858]

Great scenes but the statement that the Central Pacific built west out of Sacramento is a bit off.

[@7ideaproductions]

Yeah that was one glitch I wished we could have fixed.

[@paullogan9960]

I love your videos. They have such a calming effect on me as I am w... W... Working( yea, right! I am just screwing around faking the work! Great videos though. 11:56 Is that a squeaking bearing I hear?

[@formerfarmer1718]

Refreshing to see a train with so little graffiti.

[@nmccw3245]

UP 600 is a working dog!

[@sammisworkshops3762]

UP 600 is an ex SP locomotive, you can tell by the distinctive tale light bracket. Nice to see some old units still earning their keep. Snow removal was a MAJOR issue for SP and still is for the UP. Donner will not treat you nicely if you slight her during the winter months.

[@wisentwisent9150]

I wonder if Shoestring was on that eastbound grainer? Also noted that that they are still running SP painted licomotives!

[@iandocwra1169]

At 13:46, it looks like that tunnel mouth has seen a few knocks, and the wobbling double-stacks may give a clue as to how!

[@7ideaproductions]

Actually the railroad had just completed a tunnel notching project so that double-stacks could go through them. That is what you see at that time stamp. The railroad didn't make it look pretty but it works.

[@iandocwra1169]

Interesting - thanks.@@7ideaproductions

[@actrus1]

very interesting video, maybe also about some canyons or interesting routes in Canada?

[@solomongabert6776]

It seems that UP tries really hard to avoid sending westbound freights over donner pass these days. My perception is most of the westbounds get routed over the feather river canyon leaving donner pass with eastbound traffic. Does anyone know if this is just my perception or actual UP practice today?

[@zsoren42]

Yes you are correct UP does this to avoid delays with trains coming eachothers way. I actually work on the mountain out of Roseville and they will send all WBs except for the WB Z trains,G2LT, and the MROMI, Roper Yard(UT) to Malpitas, along with normal SPRV, Sparks to Roseville, and light power helper moves returning to Roseville after being taken off in Sparks. But besides any detour Z train, everything WB will go the canyon. And all EB except for on train going to Gerlach will go over the mountain. But it isn't like its nothing, on a Saturday normally you will probably get the WB Z, Amtk5, the ROMI, an SPRV and a helper power move all depart WB from Sparks what seems like one after the other, and in return about 8 to 12 trains EB from Roseville

[@solomongabert6776]

@@zsoren42 Thank you for the information! Very informative 👍

[@princessofthecape2078]

I've been buying your videos for years (just dropped 60 bucks on the two Toledo Branch Blu Rays like 5 minutes ago), and would love to see you cover in some future videos: a) Vancouver, BC (as there seem to be a lot of fascinating a fairly varied operations there), b) the Central Valley in California, c) Los Angeles, and d) San Francisco and the Bay Area (since it's lovely). Coos Bay Rail Link would be a good option, too (although the line is difficult to access in places).

[@7ideaproductions]

I appreciate your requests. Thank you!

[@mrhyde3029]

Great work 7. Living in Soda Springs/Norden area I can attest to the unbelievable amount of snow. This year we had over 700". Anyone willing to go out in those conditions to take video is a true foamer. BTW: It's Sierra not Sierras 😊

[@RicoMancin]

it's both.

[@xerxesQarquebus]

Given the way in which these trains wobble, even at such low speeds, it seems that much of the roadbed is in a terrible state of repair. What am I missing?

[@ianchromebook7262]

With Amtrak's California Zephyr and Union Pacific Freight Trains

[@mackfisher4487]

How meany units on that 10,000 foot long train through the pass?