Spreaders, Flangers, and Doublestacks on Donner Pass!

This is winter railroading on Donner Pass. While winter storms dump snow in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, Flangers and Jordan Spreaders work hard to keep trains moving. Not just flangers and spreaders are featured here, we also include doublestack and unit grain trains plus Amtrak's California Zephyr rolling through winter's white.
These scenes were taken from our 2010 DVD release: "Donner Pass: Stacks in the High Sierras" which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital Download by visiting this link here:
www.7ideaprodu...

[@chrismair8161]

Grand Daddy spent 35years working as a Fireman in the Caboose. Still have all the letters he mailed to his wife. My Grandma.

[@7ideaproductions]

What a treasure that is!

[@3vpme2]

Do you think ol granny would eat his bum after a sweaty long days work

[@ShahadatAlam-tf5om]

Q​@@GurpreetSingh-fw8wh

[@redluke8119]

That's so cool!

[@whiskeymike5154]

You guys must be crazy. But the results are beautiful.

[@7ideaproductions]

I agree with both things you said. Thanks!

[@galinkrastev4427]

Who else can appreciate the raw power of truly built American muscle...I love this shit

[@gregsmith1719]

Boy, those double-deckers with the brown sides set so low they look like sleds on the snow -- really cool!

[@krystalstarrett6760]

Been through Donner many times truck driving, often thought of hard work of railroaders... Now retired, God bless you, be safe, and have fun.

[@benediktmorak4409]

i would say, hat off to the camera team who had to brace the cold, snow and what not, to give us such a nice video!

[@samyadeepbasu1570]

ột bài hát rất hoài niệm , nhớ những ngày bồng bột của tuổi trẻ, chút kỷ niệm của tình yêu, lời chia tay vội vàng đúng như cái bồng bột ấy. Đức Phúc cover lại bài hát này tâm trạng quá !

[@rogerhuber3133]

I've seen many videos of snow trains on Donner Pass but this is the very best of them all. Great descriptions!

[@sherrysaunders3758]

I’m 78 female I grew up loving trains half of my family worked for railroad in West Virginia I love all any trains. Let’s use them more.

[@rbfishcs123]

I'm glad I don't work on the RR anymore, but seeing the snow dumping down on the rails brings back the memories.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

7idea is what inspired me to create my own railfan production company and I am forever grateful for their impact. Brilliant video, guys, as always. -Drayton

[@7ideaproductions]

Wow that's pretty cool!

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@7ideaproductions If you haven't watched DIB videos, 7idea, you should. Quality stuff.

[@kishascape]

Lol "company". At least you have a real name that doesn't sound like some cheap chinese off brand.

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

@@GJj-f7p Dad says the samething (or very similar) about the length of today's commercial breaks, unlike those of back then, (in his younger years).

[@JackCarsonsRailroadVideos]

I owned y'all's cascades and shasta DVDs growing up. This bring back so many memories thank y'all for what y'all do.

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you for watching!

[@2puffs770]

I really have taken for granted all the hard work and dedication of the railroad workers that keep our products moving. Whether by rail, sea, or sky.....it all boils down to the big rig operator delivering to our stores. Great job, everyone.

[@youknowme8578]

Without trains and truckers this county would be screwed, thanks to all of you to keep America running!

[@leolauzon9205]

As a truck driver thank you and your welcome

[@bumfit5491]

There’s a lot of trades that people don’t realize how important the work is and has been for generations …. Sanitation , industrial plants , power plants ..

[@u2mister17]

@@bumfit5491 Now if we could get the unions to start working for America instead of the left.

[@bumfit5491]

@@u2mister17 a union is only as good or bad as its members. All the officers are elected by vote of the membership. All contracts are approved by vote. All money matters are voted upon . Sounds kinda democratic …

[@bumfit5491]

@@u2mister17 PS union craftsmen built this country , built the power plants built the mills and refineries.. built the skyscrapers in NY and the golden gate in SF …. Everything in between ….

[@probablynotmyname8521]

Being a driver for those trains is a crazy job.

[@mariolopez-ri8wd]

Donner Pass beautiful scenary lots snow nice

[@naqashhaider3469]

I started watching this as I was in a hot mid eastern desert but then this became an obsession.

[@maryables6752]

I agree trains and trucks are our life line. Thank you for being there for 🇺🇸

[@OmahaTom]

GREAT video!! I couldn't look away!

[@CriticoolHit]

Magnificent. With both wings extended that's a whole lotta snow movin' real quick.

[@phuturephunk]

I love US railroading. Excellent video.

[@glennyoung1251]

Great railroad footage. And falling snow makes the video all the more pleasing to the eye.

[@skimmer8774]

Awsome view @ 21.35. Snow vs power. That's a WOW.

[@ronaldstephens5405]

What an interesting film I certainly enjoyed this verry much. I remembered when I was a boy I watched the train widening the dirt sides on the clearance for the train with a steam locomotive and the rail moved and the engine fell on the ties. They had to bring a crane in from the other end and lift the engine back on. There was no diesel engines back then.

[@dennishilmas1331]

I'm a former locomotive mechanic and I enjoy this stuff.

[@rdozzi6682]

Great job. Scenery is fantastic. Photographer knows his stuff.

[@dennisnickoloff1723]

In the 80's a friend and I used to sit on one of the tunnel capstones as trains crawled up the mountain. The power of the locomotives was unforgettable

[@7ideaproductions]

Back in the good ol' SP days! That would have been awesome!

[@heinzbreuer2674]

Super Winter Impressionen Video toll gemacht weiterhin good Lucky Train

[@ronfogarty3888]

Awesome I love that snow keep it up

[@angelpari1511]

Wwaaaaaaoooooo so amazing snowfall video *

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*Absolutely breath taking scenery and photography !*

[@danielkennedy1524]

A railfans dream! Thank you!

[@joemc111]

Nice production, You guys are real fans to be out there in that kind of weather.

[@railwayjade]

I admire your dedication! Great video! Greetings from South Africa

[@mikemarley2389]

I remember going over Donner Pass in my dads truck .And riding shotgun 60 years ago was pretty scary looking down Echo Summit on the looking down side way up in the cab as a young kid.I have seen 40 ft drifts in that area.

[@horacecrowe3520]

very impressive and beautiful images

[@paulkoza8652]

Nothing warmer than being in the cab of a diesel on a cold day. Great video.

[@jeanmariehovancik3298]

Nothing warmer than just retiring and setting in your own house and not having to get out in the cold. Lol

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

@@jeanmariehovancik3298 Yeah! My dad feels the same way. I have just a little more time until my chance becomes reality.

[@drats1279]

I lived in Carmichael during high school in the mid-sixties and made the trip to Truckee and beyond numerous times. Always beautiful and fun. Great video and trains. thanks for sharing.

[@rajmaity]

I love everything about trains...it's horn , engine, engineering and everything

[@kishascape]

Nothing like a nice day of railroady fun in the snow :3

[@markchwala2913]

I just love trains period and these work very hard to keep the tracks clear.I cant believe they can do this the engines must be very powerful!

[@markthomas6436]

When four GP-38's are used, it's 8,000 hp. 😊

[@russellsteele9675]

Awesome video. I love trains. Thank you.

[@paulmadruga9786]

wow! Outstanding documentary! Thank You.

[@rolacase]

The wheel's of industry turning. This is what keeps our world and life as we know it constant.

[@Prionel]

Very interesting! Thanks for posting.

[@sherrysaunders3758]

What a beautiful sight!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏 please be careful employees.

[@scootosan]

Spectacular video. To those that participated in this production, well done.

[@7ideaproductions]

Thank you!

[@transylvanianite3391]

Bring more beautiful snow , thanks to Gods work

[@fhowland]

Every time I drive from Sacramento to Truckee I’m amazed how gradually the scenery changes from lush and palm trees to 10’ of snow. Such a cool part of the country. Some of the best winter railroading footage I’ve ever seen!

[@7ideaproductions]

Thanks!

[@wendell6468]

first time here. looks very interesting. ive always loved trains. i grew up on the south side of Chicago many years ago and there are several rail yards around my area. this is something very new to me, as i am an old USAF munitions veteran. totally different but still cool, only in another way.

[@richardpeters7136]

An absolutely outstanding video

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

For anyone interested, the strange looking circles on the glass in the snow plow cabs are actually spinning marine windows manufactured by Visiport. They spin to keep them clear versus using windshield wipers.

[@ph11p3540]

Commonly spotted on ice breaker ships and Newfoundland Fishing boats

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@ph11p3540 Yes, or industrial machinery such as an enclosed waterjet.

[@epistte]

What is the strange contraption on the roof of those locomotives?

[@lloydzierlein4492]

Good stuff

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@epistte I was wondering the same if you're referring to the wire looking structure on top of the cab. My guess would be to deflect hanging tree branches weighed down by snow and ice?

[@bigtex144]

I love Truckee and Donner Pass. In the summer, I'll spend all morning hiking and exploring the summit tunnels, then the afternoon with a craft beer and a meal on patio near the tracks to watch trains go by. Never been in the winter (too difficult to get there and back in this kind of weather) but boy I'd love to experience a winter adventure like this someday! Incredible shots, thanks for posting

[@7ideaproductions]

When it comes to shooting trains, Donner in winter is one of the most difficult and the most rewarding.

[@cory109]

I grew up there. Once you see it in the winter you will never want to leave again.

[@7ideaproductions]

I don't blame you!

[@rr7firefly]

Seeing that spreader in action is a real treat, especially for someone from Flatland. Mountains in the winter are visual wonderlands. I rode Amtrak one winter between Los Angeles and Seattle. When we were in the mountains in Oregon there was so much snow on the ground. Snow everywhere. I remember how sound outside was muffled. We were moving through the landscape at reduced speed as well, compounding the sense of being suspended in time and space.

[@7ideaproductions]

Those of us who live in or near the mountains often take them for granted. Thanks for your comment!

[@rr7firefly]

@@7ideaproductions It's a very different world from the one most of us know. And I noticed the lack of visually offensive graffiti on railroad cars. In urban areas that scrawl gives everything a hopeless appearance. Misguided youths vandalizing property.

[@johnrobertfox7775]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ! SP LIVES

[@albutterfield5965]

I lived not too far from Truckee in the 60's and 70's keeping interstate 80 and the train tracks open is almost a full time job in a normal winter. we had friends that had a house at Soda Springs and in the winter one would enter the thru the second story deck

[@OutdoorsSC]

We would just like to have snow, let alone see a cool train in it. We love our train videos in Clemson SC, Go Tigers! Keep it up

[@victorcontreras9138]

What a great video! Never realized how snow could be such a problem for the rails until I saw this! Much is appreciated on the work they do. Thanks.⚠️

[@timosha21]

I'm a tram and I approve this video ding ding! Great footage!

[@nancysmith2295]

I lived in Reno, Nevada growing up. We went up to the Truckee area year round to visit, drive through, and play in the snow in winter and the lakes in summer. Occasionally watching the clearing of the tracks of snow in winter was awesome. I enjoyed watching this video as it reminded me of the area. I now live near Yreka, California which happens to be quite a bit like Reno when I was a child.

[@Bratsbergbanen1]

7idea Productions have the best train videos by far, with amazing photographers who are real artists and not just "train catchers".

[@willrobbinson1]

AMASSING what happening to the lines open , truly amassing

[@dixieboy5689]

I remember going to an undergound rail yard near there , with a friend. It was cut out of the rock. Quite impressive. I forget the name of the yard. It was 50 years ago.....

[@7ideaproductions]

You might be thinking of Norden. Workers lived there even in the winter when it was buried in snow. It had a turntable inside the snow sheds.

[@dixieboy5689]

@@7ideaproductions >>>> Yes, thats it. Thanks. Id love to go back some day.

[@Tipi_Dan]

The power and the majesty can only be surpassed with steam.

[@davemcmahon8140]

Thats a well earned paycheck 👏

[@gregsmith1719]

Love the telephoto shots!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Wonderful!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@danburch9989]

31:24 3rd engine #74 was one of the units involved in the Joplin, Montana derailment in Sept 2021.

[@catlover2368]

have Donner pass on my train simulator one very fun and dangerous route!

[@laurieharper1526]

Great stuff. I'm watching this in the UK. My hat is off to your railroaders for operating successfully in such harsh winter conditions.

[@tonydavey3741]

Thank you very much for braving that weather to bring us a glimpse into what go's on on the pass in the fight to keep it open, living in England we never see snow like that, if we get a few wet leaves on the track the trains stop LOL

[@geoffreylee5199]

Best flanger footage …

[@suzannewilde6733]

Love the horns in the snow. Makes an eerie sound.

[@royal552]

Great Video Thank You, Sir!

[@lance31415]

Snow in Donner Pass is no joke. It's not just the depth (3' - 6' events are common), but the density especially in the late season storm in Feb - March. Keeping the pass open (UP tracks and I80) is tough work.

[@kaylahyshka6135]

Eunos triangles 200 mph even a Canadian national even in Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific

[@bobbysolo5411]

I saw a TV story about I-80 snow removal teams and they said there are things in the concrete so snow plows can drive by instrumentation when visibility is nil. When it's all snow, the road can just be anywhere. How cool is that? Why isn't it national so we could GPS our way anywhere we like on auto navigation.

[@schwags1969]

That is a lot of power pushing a lot of snow.

[@jamielacourse7578]

I admire your commitment. Plus I love being out in the snow. 21 years of Edmonton winters will do that.

[@johnmay2786]

What stunning locations and weather! We never get conditions like that here in the UK. Thanks for braving the weather to bring this to us all.

[@loghog4392]

Welcome to sunny California!

[@ralphbyles142]

A Great presentation. Nothing like this in Australia! Different challenges with different skills. Fantastic!!

[@davidlaroche4537]

Amazing train video, given wintry conditions!

[@buddyboy66]

This is SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for filming this.

[@jsa-z1722]

Great footage! Thanks!

[@roberthenry9319]

This is truly a fabulous video. The knowledge, planning, editing and photography involved here are mind boggling. Cannot thank you enough.

[@bobbysolo5411]

I agree. HOW you can photograph and relocate and catch the same train at another vantage point is some planning and moving quickly.

[@timbarner7413]

I got caught driving from Reno to Sacramento with rain turning to blinding snow as I approached Donner summit, followed by a downpour of rain all the way to the Sac airport. It was like two different worlds, but I made my flight just in time.

[@az8theist977]

Hi Tim. May I ask what time of year that was? I'm thinking of taking some vaca time and exploring that area.

[@robertschmidt6383]

That was one awesome video. Love snow plowing scenes such as these. Keep that freight moving.

[@Erikholte98]

Amazing footage

[@SundropQueen60]

Wow! I have been to Donner Pass in 1992 on a bus tour to CO. Beautiful country. 54 Inches is what 5 to 6 feet of snow. Unbelievable!

[@hanscom0790]

Im always broke living paycheck to paycheck so I can't afford buying the full length videos. Thank you for posting this as I've always wanted to see the full length version of the Snow Fighters.

[@7ideaproductions]

You're welcome! Thanks for checking in.

[@garycecil9561]

Great video of harsh conditions on Donnor Pass!!!

[@brentcovert1531]

Well, aside of the negative comments, I could care less when this was filmed..I think it's awesome. Great job. Thanks for posting.

[@mistzy8435]

*there are negative comments?*

[@brentcovert1531]

@@mistzy8435 just some complainers..saying it's old stuff..

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

WOW!, Spectacular video and footage of then railroad action during the winter season plus the nice scenery out that way.

[@alwayssearching1882]

At 63 I just got fascinated with trains.

[@worldtravelrafhat7886]

Such a lovely snowy day!

[@Mythocentric]

Amazing to watch these guy's getting on with the job regardless. I can only reflect on our own railways here in the UK where much less severe conditions bring our system to a complete halt. Much kudos to you for your dedication in producing such an excellent film. Respect!

[@marykrauthamel7559]

Much of this was created because of World War II. The route over the Sierra was important for the war effort, aqnd tunnels were guarded by soldiers to this end.

[@susanaobeid6770]

Are you from UK?

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing, appreciate it a lot. Greets from the Netherlands 🌷, T.

[@chriskeentechnician]

16:34 you guys are certainly committed to your craft! 💪😄 Great video as always

[@mec2512]

I really miss the Southern Pacific, but UP has done a great job restoring traffic levels along this route

[@alanwbelcher]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting, and for the hard work you did producing it.

[@spencercohen2673]

It’s crazy how the winter window design hasn’t changed in 70 years.

[@number8485]

Very impressive and spectacular!