BNSF Hinckley Subdivision in 1998-1999. 4 Class 1 Railroads! Pre-Merger Locomotives!

In this full-length C. Vision release, we document BNSF's Hinckley Subdivision in the late 1990s. This video was shot during the early days of BNSF, when just about any operational locomotive could be seen powering trains across the system. In addition to locomotives wearing BN, Santa Fe, and BNSF colors, many foreign and leased units were also captured by our cameras. Former Oakway SD60s, LMX B39-8Es, and former Reserve Mining SD38-2s are just some of the colorful leased locomotives that are seen throughout the video. During the 1990s, the Hinckley Sub played host to trains from several foreign railroads. Trains of the Canadian National, Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific's Soo Line, and shortline St. Croix Valley are all documented in this program. You'll see locomotives from classic fallen flags, such as DWP, CNW, SP, SOO, and Conrail. Variety was the Hinckley Sub's claim to fame during the production period, with grain, coal, taconite, potash, and general freight trains making frequent appearances on the line. As an added bonus, we get to see the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive powering a BNSF Employee Appreciation Special in August of 1998. Sit back and relax, as C. Vision takes you on a tour from the Twin Ports to the Twin Cities during an exciting era in American railroading.
BN and ATSF locomotive models featured include: SW1200, GP9, GP10, GP20, GP28M, GP30, GP35, GP38, GP38-2, GP39-2, GP39E, GP39V, SD9, SD40-2, SD40-2B, SD45-2, SD60M, SD70MAC, B23-7, C30-7, and C44-9W.
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[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Amazing video. It’s insane to see how much variety there was in the 90s. -Drayton

[@CVisionProductions1]

Glad you enjoyed! I agree! I really miss those days. Thanks for watching!!!!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

@@CVisionProductions1 You made - and still make - some of the best videos out there. Really enjoy your stuff!

[@brycehale3576]

I remember ordering this on VHS when I was 12 back in 2002 after seeing it in Trains magazine. I've been a C. Vision believer ever since. Thank you for all the stellar content over the years. Stay awesome and happy holidays

[@CVisionProductions1]

That's cool! Thank you so much for your support and believing in us, Bryce! That means a lot. I really appreciate your comments! Merry Christmas!!!

[@AbelG8781]

It is insane to me how drastically the railroad image has changed in only 20 years. Back then, a consist like these was no big deal, anything similar to it nowadays would make anyone chase the train as far as possible!

[@CVisionContributor]

The world certainly has changed! Both railroad, and in general. But yes, nearly every train in this video would be an all day chase if they ran today.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Couldn't agree with you more! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

Way back when, we always chased a train when it had an F7 on the lead.

[@hanscom0790]

I love the Santa Fe, the jointed rail everywhere for that lovely clickety clack and NO GRAFFITI everywhere. Love this video!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Glad you enjoyed it! I miss that time period with no graffiti. Thanks for watching!

[@metalheadrailfan]

The variety of motive power and roads names (pre and post meger) during this period was unmatched. Seeing then newer wide cabs mingle with older models really makes it a very special time for me, even though I was way too young to ever have a real chance to witness it. Now everything out there is just GEVOs with some Dash 9s, ACes and remaining Geeps hiding in yards and local jobs soldering on.

[@CVisionContributor]

Agreed 100%

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was by far the best line I shot in that time period. Hard to believe it has become so common with today's GE's. Thank you for watching!

[@michaelbujaki2462]

I had a Duluth Winnepeg Pacific locomotive as a kid. I looked up the DWP railway (2002), but got no results. I finally have my answer.

[@CVisionContributor]

Yep, they were a neat railroad. Their locomotives seemed to roam all over, just like the Grand Trunk power.

[@shaunsstuff1249]

Very interesting, here in the uk our class 59 and class 66 are based on the SD40!

[@CVisionContributor]

Very nice! It’s interesting to see those variations around the world. Thanks for sharing.

[@shaunsstuff1249]

👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Interesting!

[@JodyBee]

So cool seeing gp20's leading long manifest trains but man that horn on that BN C30-7 leading a coal train was scary wicked

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was a different time, and the horns on those C30's were getting tired.

[@JodyBee]

@@CVisionProductions1 very much tired it sounded like something out of a horror movie

[@ellisjackson3355]

​@@JodyBeelol

[@bradhardy2629]

I was working the Extra board out of St. Paul yard. For the C.P as an engineer. Made this run many times in 97

[@CVisionProductions1]

Cool! I bet running over the Kettle River was a little exciting! Thanks for sharing!

[@rjminar1980]

Man, I miss seeing those green BN locomotives! They, and Sante Fe loco’s were a huge part of my childhood!

[@CVisionContributor]

We do too! They were great. Lots of good memories.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I agree!!! Thank you for watching!

[@jimmhenry657]

Same here to

[@windowsserverking]

Thanks for the cool video i live on the hinkley subdivision i mainly railfan on the skally line though with the ST. CROIX VALLEY power! Pretty cool railroad but the fact they dont operate much anymore is sad.

[@CVisionContributor]

You’re welcome! Glad you liked it. And yes, SCXY is not as busy as it used to be.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It is. They were a great short line. Thank you for watching!!!!

[@ChadsRailfanExperience]

I remember catching the CN trains down on the BNSF Aurora Sub. Always had something cool in the consist.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Definitely! The CN trains were personally my favorite on this line, even though I am a CNW fan at heart. That day I caught those two DWP units.....I'll never forget it! That blew me away! Thank you for watching!

[@mattlaszlo3781]

I grew up in Coon Rapids a few blocks from this line in the 80's and 90's. I was 17-18 years old when these videos were taken. The line was a lot busier back then. Any chance I had I was sneaking away from home to hang out by the tracks. I would spend most of my summer vacations watching trains. Now I live in Fridley next to the same line. I have been watching trains in this area for 37 years! Thanks for bringing back some memories!

[@CVisionProductions1]

A lot has changed, hasn't it? Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@christophercarey3232]

Back Just before Horn-pocalypse on the Union Pacific, when Leslie RS3Ls and Prime 920s still dominated. You just can't find such horns on the Union Pacific anymore. 😥

[@CVisionContributor]

Things sure have changed! And probably not for the better. Thanks for the comment.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Agreed. Thank you for watching!

[@chrisroeben1085]

Another great video. Rather watch this for an hour ➕ than another holiday special.

[@CVisionProductions1]

LOL! Thank you Chris! I'm glad you enjoyed it!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@alexpaumen3937]

It is nice to see the SD40N rebuilds still going strong today. The only thing that's missing really is a Leslie RS3L/Prime 920. I never knew a whole servicing facility was in Bethel of all places.

[@CVisionContributor]

Agreed. Those SD40Ns would be a bit more interesting if they had something other than K3s, but what can ya do. And yes, Bethel is home to ILS!

[@CVisionProductions1]

I can't agree with you more. Yes, ILS is an independent company that takes care of mostly short line locomotives.

[@millennialtrainman3443]

That was about the time when my mom was the dispatcher for the Hinckley Sub.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Really? That is neat! I bet I heard her on the radio many times then. What are her initials? Thanks for sharing your story and your comments!

[@millennialtrainman3443]

@@CVisionProductions1 her initials were KT.

[@CVisionContributor]

We remember a KJW and a KJT. Is that her?

[@millennialtrainman3443]

@@CVisionContributor yep, that was her. She is now retired. She worked on the Marshal Sub for many years before retiring in 2018.

[@CVisionContributor]

@@millennialtrainman3443 Yes! We remember hearing her there as well. 1st shift Marshall.

[@ericsundell9978]

I sure miss the variety of power from this era. And I thought SD40-2's in BN green got a bit monotonous at the time, little did I know once the Dash 9's and GEVO's and ACE's would come to even greater ubiquity than I thought possible back when I Was young... A good reminder to Shoot em while you can!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Agreed! Thank you for watching!

[@HyperActive7]

So here are the railroads who operate this line in 2022, UP, CP. and BNSF.. Coon Creek Junction is one of my favorite junctions in North America which doesn't get enough coverage for how important it really is as the cutoff for anything going to Superior.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We did a DVD release back in 1999 called "The Creek". It is an hour long covering Coon Creek Jct.

[@ljdubya23]

Man, I really like your work. I could watch this stuff for hours. Thanks for posting it!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much ljdubya23! I hope you enjoy more to come!!!

[@traincrazykid1917]

Thanks for uploading the full movies👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

You are very welcome! There will be more to come in the future! Thanks for watching!

[@DL541]

Great video. Definitely a colorful era.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes it was! It surely isn't that much anymore. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@RealRailfan]

Hey CVision! You should come on out to the Hinckley Subdivision again! Maybe come join me sometime! I got a great spot!

[@BNSF1458]

Yes he should

[@RealRailfan]

@@BNSF1458 glad we are in agreement!

[@CVisionContributor]

We appreciate the invite, Real Railfan! One of us should get over there eventually.

[@RealRailfan]

@@CVisionContributor that would be awesome!!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Where are you located? There are times I still get up there if there is something unique operating.

[@Nicola636128]

Excellent video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! I hope you come back for more!

[@russellebnet6715]

I lived in Cambridge at the time. Was very busy at that time

[@CVisionProductions1]

It sure was! Not nearly as busy today as it was back then. Thank you for watching!

[@bretthightower2998]

Always a nice job on the video log , thank you .

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting, Brett.

[@ThePrairiesRailfan]

Back when railroads had the most interesting type of power, now in modern times you just see a bunch of gevos basically, great video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Agreed! The motive power variety in the 90s was impressive. It was always worth keeping your eye on the tracks back in those days, as you never knew what would show up. We appreciate the comment.

[@mattiverson4654]

I can't believe how much it has changed

[@CVisionProductions1]

It is crazy. Thank you for watching!

[@patricknoveski6409]

This video is unbelievable! All the Engines still in their colors. All that work at Hinkley! Just a parade of my favorite lines. Caboose action. S.P. , B.N. DAmn dude. You captured it all. Great editing too. Mind blowing. Never to be seen like this again. Thank you so much. P.j. Carpinteria Ca.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Patrick! We appreciate hearing your detailed analysis of the video -it means a lot!

[@guyfuller1369]

Great program! Dozens and dozens of locomotives, but all front end power. No DPUs back then?

[@chrisroeben1085]

All the HP was up front pulling back then. If a train needed help up a grade such as Crawford Hill in northwestern Nebraska they would stop at the bottom and couple on manned helpers to the rear. Then once over the summit stop again to cut off the helpers and continue on their way. The helpers would go back down to the bottom to await their next assignment.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Guy! I appreciate you watching. Yes, DPU wasn't used as much back in this time period.

[@cnhaltonsub]

Awesome stuff. Merry Christmas Chris, and to all the C Vision crew!

[@CVisionContributor]

Thank you! Hope you had a relaxing holiday season.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Sorry for the late reply, but thank you and I hope you had a great Holiday season! THank you for watching!!!

[@kingoflovetrain6426]

Excellent video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!

[@kingoflovetrain6426]

@@CVisionProductions1 you’re welcome and Merry Christmas!

[@Cnw8701]

Wow, even in the late 90s, CN never cleaned their SD75I units! 😆

[@CVisionContributor]

Yep! They were getting some hard use. No time for a bath, apparently.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yeah, they seemed to clean all the others. Probably started the anti-wash era about this time.

[@jeffktown]

10 out of 10!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Jeff!

[@keatonsparksvideoproductions]

this is a neet subdivision but my favorite one is the cp/cn cascade thompson on cp and the yale ashcroft subs on cn through the fraser canyon

[@CVisionContributor]

That’s a really scenic one, for sure!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those are great lines too! Thank you for watching!

[@jimmhenry657]

I have been a fan and a follower of you guys for a long time to , and will be for years to come

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to us. It’s friendly folks like you that make all of this worthwhile.

[@20molecula]

I’m liking your videos well and I salute your efforts! I will subscribe but I always give all videographers a thumbs up cause they and you always put so much work and thought into your work. God bless!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks for that Ray! That really does mean a lot to us. Welcome to our channel!!!

[@boweandrew3]

These videos are so awesome

[@CVisionContributor]

Thank you! The C. Vision team appreciates it!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Andrew!

[@southwestindianarailfan8098]

absolutely loved it

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!

[@southwestindianarailfan8098]

@@CVisionProductions1 No problem guys i love the part where the 9964 goes to notch 3

[@southwestindianarailfan8098]

I love SD70MAC or any sd70

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

I am surprised not to see any intermodal trains

[@JacobJNelson]

The only time you'd ever see intermodal on this line is if there was a reroute.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for your comments Kim. This line doesn't see any intermodal as it is really a link to the industries in northern Minnesota. Most especially, the ports of Lake Superior. There are some clearance issues with some short bridges along the line too. So it is unique in that it doesn't host any intermodal type trains. Thank you for watching!

[@ebnertra0004]

We don't need anyone taking down the 'high bridge' north of Cambridge. It's closed to road traffic now, but still a treasure

[@bnsf6902]

Would Love to see the TCWR or the Staples Sub in early 2000’s

[@CVisionContributor]

That could be arranged!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We will most likely be working on that soon. Keep watching!

[@roberthoffman7559]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Robert! Thank you for watching.

[@tracksidecustommodeling7394]

Great work!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks! I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@danielharcourt7661]

Nice video !

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Daniel!!!

[@marciotristao3963]

Your videos are sensational , Marcio /Brasil

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much Marcio! Welcome from Minnesota, USA! Please send some of your warm Basilian air this way!!!

[@marciotristao3963]

@@CVisionProductions1 , have a new year full of happiness . I will be waiting for more incredible videos that you produce , oh, sorry if I wrote wrong , I do not speak english ,tkank you . Hug.

[@michalsuma3854]

Super video, thanks, Michal, Czech rep.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Michal! Greetings from Minnesota, USA!

[@SimonTog]

A great done video :)

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@CrazyKaboose]

This line was the killer of the skally line! Doesn’t mean I don’t love this line though! Do u have any videos on the skally line?

[@windowsserverking]

I got some videos of 104 on the mora line

[@BNSF1458]

Yes, thankfully. Because if the skally line still ran then the hinckley sub would be abandoned, and that wouldn't work out for me

[@windowsserverking]

@@BNSF1458 How would the hinkley sub be abandoned! Also do you have discord i wanna talk more

[@BNSF1458]

@@windowsserverking no i do not

[@windowsserverking]

@@BNSF1458 Do you have any social media?

[@wildbill9919]

l wish C Vision videos had as much narration as Pentrex videos.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We understand what you’re saying. Sometimes we just let the sound of trains take over the video. There are definitely situations where more narration could have been added, however. We appreciate your thoughts.

[@minnesotarailfan12]

Great video! A question- from what years did the CN operate on the BNSF Hinckley sub? It had to have been after they started running trains between the Midwest and Canada, but before their takeover of WC in 2001.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! I don’t have the exact date when they started, but I recall seeing photos from the early 90’s.

[@newenglandproductions3071]

That is one of the creepiest train horns I've ever heard at 43:39.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I think that is a Prime 920. A lot of those C30-7's had that horn problem.

[@ebnertra0004]

@@CVisionProductions1 More likely a 990, the S3K copy. 920s were S3L copies

[@CVisionProductions1]

@ebnertra000 You nailed it. That is definitely a Prime 990.

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

25:38 those are still really common on the UP

[@wildbill9919]

I like the standard cab C40-8s.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Same here. They are good looking locomotives. Not too many of them left these days…

[@Blocksguyoldchannel]

Nice

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks!!!

[@plisskenationbackfromthede3657]

Used to be like 'oh a safety cab!' back then now its like eh whatever lol. Its all you see on bnsf or up lines now

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yep. All very true.

[@mec2512]

Do all those railroads have trackage rights along this subdivision? I'm thinking in various locations along the way

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi MEC 251. Yes, UP and CP have trackage rights still to this day. They date back to the CNW and Milwaukee Road days. The CN no longer runs on this line. But when they did, they were operated as a Haulage Agreement, which means that BNSF crews ran their trains to Chicago and back.

[@thomasblack736]

What’s the next show that has Burlington Northern? Burlington Northern in the 90’s!

[@CVisionContributor]

Sometime soon! We have more BN footage in the archives.

[@wildbill9919]

6:25 BNSF 9297-I used to have that one in N scale.

[@CVisionProductions1]

9297 was an awesome unit! We still remember the flurry of excitement when it was released from the paint shop in its experimental color schemes. Once the locomotive hit the road, many fans made it their mission to track it down. Those were the days… Thank you for watching the video.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

Let me see if I got this right. You said that the Canadian National stopped running their trains on the Hinckley Sub and ran the former Wisconsin Central line after buying it out.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, CN moved to the WC in 1999. Ran on their lines until they purchased them in 2001.

[@russellpeterson5021]

Enjoyed the video. Does anyone know why they kept this line and abandoned the original skally line? Seems like the southern end would have made a great commuter line since it follows the I35 corridor. Also wondering why there's less traffic. Thanks

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for watching and writing Russell! I really don't have an exact answer as to why they kept the Hinckley and not the Skally. Hopefully someone will know. As for the traffic, it just comes down to the trends of commodities. Coal is way down. There were at least 1-2 normal daily coal trains a day on this line, but has since diminished to none, with an occasional re route. Most of the coal today for Superior travels on the Brainerd Sub. The other is iron ore (taconite) trains. Those have fallen with many steel plants in the U S shutting down. And finally, back in 1998, CN ran via haulage rights on the BNSF. They shifted to the WC around 1999, prior to purchasing the CN in 2004 or 2005.

[@ebnertra0004]

A big reason the southern end of the NP was abandoned was access to Northtown, which was only really accessible via the GN route, and I think NP had a _very_ steep hill out of the river valley in the cities (I've got a track profile that says 1.9%)

[@CVisionProductions1]

@ebnertra000 Swede Hollow was quite the hard pull leaving St. Paul! It’s still unfortunate that most of that NP route is gone. However, it’s quite enjoyable as a bike trail. There seem to be some ground stability problems on the former GN route. We’ve always wondered if the NP had the same issues, especially north of Hinckley.

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

What pretty year its when young I saw a lot up her pacific northwest Iove this time frame but it's busy

[@CVisionProductions1]

I agree MJ. Only the CNW fits here. But it is what it is. Thank you for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@CVisionProductions1 your welcome

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

Do you guys by chance have anything on BNSF’s lakes subdivision, besides this video?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Sure do! But it’s only a few scenes. The video that we’re sharing with you in the link below mostly covers ore operations on CN’s DM&IR system, but it does include footage from Superior to Floodwood on the Lakes Sub as well. Here it is: SD40-2 Stronghold: EMD Locomotives in Minnesota's Iron Ore Country FULL VIDEO (2018) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oafEdomre7afnrc

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

@@CVisionProductions1 alright thanks!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it.

[@mattiverson4654]

Is this program on DVD

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir. The DVD’s title is: “From the Twin Ports to the Twin Cities”. This is our first volume of BNSF Hinckley Subdivision coverage. A second volume followed six years later. If you would like any further information, such as ordering instructions, or possibly more details about the video, please let us know. Thank you, Matt.

[@mattiverson4654]

@@CVisionProductions1 Great thank you

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome.

[@spektrumyt.]

Pretty fouled horn at 43:37

[@CVisionProductions1]

Quite a few of them back then!

[@spektrumyt.]

@@CVisionProductions1 oh definitely, those RS3K horns got fouled pretty easily

[@darrelgibbs4898]

Why So Meny Old Ones Don't You Have New ones 98 & 99 Gone Get Over it dude

[@CVisionProductions1]

Many viewers like the old stuff. However, we are still making videos with new stuff too.