BNSF Northern Pacific Sumas Branch Line - Following A Freight Train Ep. 2

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best places in the United States to see freight trains. The variety of trains and fantastic scenery combine for some excellent photo and video opportunities. For the second video in the Following a Freight Train series, we will follow BNSF train M-EVESUM, or the Everett to Sumas, Washington mixed freight or "manifest" train. The EVESUM is always a neat train to catch, both because of the older EMD "General Purpose" type locomotives used for the run and the picturesque and lightly used Sumas Subdivision, a rail line that travels between Burlington and the US-Canadian border at Sumas. Most of this line is former Northern Pacific Railroad territory. The EVESUM and southbound counterpart, L-NWE644 are the only regularly scheduled trains to traverse the Sumas Sub and as such, the line has retained many older railroad features such as jointed rail and old wooden bridges. In this video, we will follow the M-EVESUM on its journey from Everett to Sumas, stopping at all the major points of interest. Near the end of the video, we will take a look at some of the industries in Sumas that are served by this train.
Sit back and relax for this in depth look at BNSF's Everett to Sumas freight train!
Chapters:
00:28 - Intro
05:14 - Everett
16:38 - Burlington
30:33 - Wickersham
39:29 - Deming
51:01 - Sumas
This video was made possible by my supporters on Patreon:
Adam Byrne
Bethany Chernay
Brian Zimmerman
Clarence Jackson
Delay In Block Productions
Jim Walker
Jovanni Cruz
Lyle C
Peter Della Flora
Thomas Jackson
Amtrak and AWVR Fan
ShadowSteel18
Paasha and Megan Mahdavi
Cristian C
Vinny G
Malcom B.
And many more!
CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!
©2023 Mike Armstrong Media

[@LARDLOGO]

Oh dang! When did you come up to my neck of the woods? It's so weird seeing professional equipment used to shoot this line! Few Notes: The NP Bellingham branch was mostly pulled up due to a very stubborn land dispute with a very anti-train person who went as far to even tear up some of the rails and sell them for scrap. It's pronounced "Nook" like the Barnes & Noble version of the Kindle, not "Nuke." Mechanical bells at Morgan Road, Lindsay Road, Massey Road and SR-9 in Lawrence are gone. Only Hillard Road, SR-542, SR-9 in Van Zandt and Turkington Road remain. The switcher doesn't work CHS Northwest anymore. I saw it work the industry once, but that is done by 644. Power no longer goes into the yard. It either sits at the north end of the siding connected to the incoming consist, or it leaves with 644. The Milwaukee's line continued a few miles east of Sumas to Limestone Junction in the lowlands near Peaceful Valley to serve a limestone quarry. This was abandoned in 1979 when the industry switched to trucks and pulled out after BN's purchase. This was part of the extension to the foothills town of Glacier built in 1906 Only adding this because it was not seen in the 1970-80 map. The final train to Lynden was on September 11th, 2019 when 4191 (the switcher) picked up the last reefer from AmeriCold. It was the first delivery since late spring of that year. Made the boneheaded decision to sleep in that morning. The line is now out of service just before Van Buren Road last being used in 2020 to store centerbeams and autoracks. The Republic/Rabanco lead is what remains of the BB&BC/B&N/Milwaukee's interchange spur into Huntingdon/Abbotsford. Teal Jones is actually "Mountainview Reload." Martin's Feed was located in Lynden until 2017/18 where they were the main source of revenue in the town. Daytime 644 runs are occasional and not unusual. You can often see these on Friday mornings. Nearly every unit on the subdivision was in Cascade Green until the mid 2010's when the BNSF went on it's H3 repainting rampage.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks for the corrections. I thought about including the MILW to Glacier, but I was worried it would make the map too busy. I will be talking about it more hopefully in a future video on the BB&BC at some point. Have you heard any more about the efforts to bring the 4191 back? Someone mentioned to me that BNSF was trying to restore service. I have seen 644 in the afternoon, but not very often and I don't recall ever seeing them leaving Sumas in morning light. For a time, I heard they were going part of the way down to Sedro-Woolley, tying the train down, and then bringing up another crew from Everett the next morning to bring the train in. The updates on the industries are much appreciated. I researched the industry and could not find a name other than "Teal Jones" listed, so thank you for the update. The Sumas Branch is really a neat place. Kind of a railroading oddity in the modern era.

[@LARDLOGO]

As far as I know, Sumas still has their switching crew based in the town. Haven't heard it be referred to as 4191 in years though. I'll be in Sumas later this month, so if anything has changed I'll update.

[@LARDLOGO]

Few updates after tonight's run to get EVESUM. -The mechanical bell at Van Zandt is gone. It was replaced a couple of months ago. -EPL Feed in Lawrence went out of business a few months ago. For lease sign can be seen on the property. It's lead was last used to store MOW cars back in early April if I recall correctly. -CHS Northwest hasn't received any tanks in quite some time. Not sure if they terminated their contract with the BNSF or not. -Lynden Branch tracks are being upgraded. New welded rail has been put in up to Halverstick Road (not sure about beyond.) -EVESUM made the unusual move of going up the south end of the siding tonight. They switched on, removed the derail and continued north. They stopped after clearing the derail, walked the train and split it before moving forward.

[@meckster28]

I would flip if service did return to Lynden, but regarding the track upgrades up to halverstick Rd you mentioned, could've those changes been made just during repairs of the washout from the recent flood? I'm not up there enough to personally know, but they could've upgraded the tracks just to that point while they were already repairing the main

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Mike, this is really great. Like the farm scenery with the iconic PNW mountains, but even more so all the 4-axle action, especially on a Class I, can't beat those roaring 645 scenes. It's like I got a whole DVD presentation for free here, well worth the effort!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you for the kind words! Wait until you see what I have planned for next month!

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

This is only getting better and better after new installments. It's incredible seeing these little Geep engines fly along the track doing what they're designed to do

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@TheGeneralpumpkin]

Hey coaster fan I love your whole videos ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ and I wish I can be in videos and I subscribed to your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@AirlinkTrainsAndAviation_PACQ]

geep = jeep

[@harrysaliba1848]

I spent so much time working, watching, and exploring the Bellingham division the past few years while attending Western Washington University. Seeing the seldom used Sumas sub division documented so well, answered so many questions I’ve always pondered, including the history of the Lake Whatcom railway, and the trestles on the east shore of Lake Whatcom. Thank you, this is one of my favorite KZbin videos ever.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Really happy to hear you found this video useful. That was my goal. It's a really neat rail line and I'm glad that other people have an interest in it too.

[@cascadecompass]

This was the line that started my love for trains. My grandparents lived near the tracks on Lindsey Road. I remember running through the corn fields to watch the train pass by when I heard the train horn approaching!

[@CoasterFan2105]

That's very cool! Glad I was able to catch the train there.

[@whistlepostproductions4611]

What amazing scenery to see while railfanning. Loved it!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@ryalexstudios]

It's great seeing the Following A Freight Train series continued! Your high-res train videos are always amazing!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much! Hopefully more to come!

[@pendolydogames]

Ролики становятся всё ЛУЧШЕ И ЛУЧШЕ! Продолжайте в том же ритме!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Спасибо (Thank you)!

[@Yenadar]

This was cool to find. I live directly next to this line between Sedro-Woolley and Acme and take my 2yo son "train chasing" up the line when it comes by in the daylight. One of his favorite things to do. So I also understand the effort you had to have put in to catch video of a train at every crossing up this valley. You captured it well.

[@Yenadar]

And relevant: the work train just came by. They have been busy most days recently. Doing some of that work you mentioned.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! It's a really neat rail line. The limited train traffic does make it a challenge to document the route. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to follow the trains all the way up Highway 9.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

Awesome vid sir, thank you - I had no idea that line actually pre-dated NP and was still all bolted rail. And love all that cool motive power. Delightful.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Indeed! Many of the railroads in Western Washington State were built prior to the arrival of GN, NP, and MILW and were built on spec. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@trackskies]

Wow Your videos are really amazing I love to watch them! Thanks for uploading!

[@CoasterFan2105]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@caniscuriosum3386]

Hi from just north of the border. Great scenes.... and love the cows!

[@skengo9817]

Obviously the trains are the main focus here, and you do an amazing job of capturing them, but I don't think I've seen a video capture the feeling of summer in Western Washington better than this one. I feel like I'm right there parked at a crossing, waiting for a train on a warm summer evening. Amazing video!

[@BlackCoffin88]

Really enjoying your videos in my neck of the woods! I grew up in Lynden with the train running through my backyard, I was sad to see it stop service. The move of Martin’s Feed to Sumas and Smuckers no longer processing northwest varieties of strawberries (all shipments from americold to their Ohio facility) was the nail in the coffin for the line. The raspberries at 43:15 are my father in law’s, and the company I work for. That is one of my favorite areas to visit. Watching your videos my daughter always gets so excited to see trains going next to papa’s fields. Keep up the great work!

[@bigc3723]

Love this video because I live on nooksack rd between Lindsey and nooksack Park. The train passes behind my house all the time.

[@ChicagoCUBSfan0]

Awesome! Really cool! I love seeing these small towns getting recognized with BNSF!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!!

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

fantastic video, from the BNSF railway company, great freight trains and very beautiful scenery. Thanks for showing and greetings from Germany

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks, Wolfgang. Glad to hear you liked the video. Hopefully more similar to this on the way!

[@NorthWARail]

Very Cool ive visited this subdivision for years and never knew it was NP. I love seeing Old Geeps and hope this stays for the time being and also ive seen the CP Interchange before my first time it was Some GP22-ECO's. Also I have a Question, Do you allow people to use your videos for things?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hi Owen, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I license out my material for people who want to use it and I donate material to non profit organizations for specific projects upon request but in general, I don't usually authorize others to repost my content as they see fit. If you want to discuss use of material further, feel free to send me an email at any time. Thanks!

[@brookelynrhodes1998]

Dang! I grew up in Sedro Wolley (the first 11 years of my life) and I had no idea that the rail line in that area was a branchline! But that explains why the tracks are so vacant. Sometimes, the train goes by late at night and the horn wakes you up. I remember one time, when I was visiting my family and at that time, they lived by the tracks and the late night train woke me up from a dead sleep, in complete confusion. My sister had the same thing happen to her. These trains can be heard for miles. But it's interesting to learn something new.

[@Nicola636128]

Awesome video, full of accompanying information. Great location.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@tsrail9244]

This is incredibly enjoyable to watch. Good on you!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@peterboersema7348]

This one of my new favorite youtube videos. Great job!

[@markevensen8746]

Brilliant! Magnificent scenery and detailed narration. More like this please in the PNW.

[@CoasterFan2105]

I have more in the works! Thanks, Mark!

[@OfficialBlueBarryVr]

Your videos just get better and better Mike! And they make my day, keep up the good work!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it.

[@jacksonsdrones]

Just Watching the first clip, You know it's gonna be a good Video! Love Your Videos Mike! 👍👍👍

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@Railroadracer49]

I live there in nooksack I film at that street near the propane facility the tracks are right by my house i film almost every day catching the sumas turn on camera

[@CoasterFan2105]

Awesome! That’s a neat spot.

[@振國陳]

感恩❤❤❤KZbin ❤❤❤帶來美好❤❤❤火車鐵路信息❤❤❤感恩❤❤❤這網站視频❤❤❤講解團隊❤❤❤

[@TEBAKGAMBARWADIDAW]

Wow amazing train

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@theventuracountyrailfan]

It is interesting to see geeps pull well cars on a local on a branch line

[@CoasterFan2105]

That it is!

[@hikingmansteve]

Mike, one of your best. I always wondered where the Sumas Line went and now I know thanks to you. SR

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Steve! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It’s a really neat rail line.

[@jimaz6532]

Nicely done. Love watching all that “orange”. Thanks for sharing.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Jim!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Bnsf really pacifc northwest I hope someday visit spokane valley Washington I would love railfan with u your awesome

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks for watching!

[@habibson2023]

Awesome 👍👍👍

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Another spectacular video. Loved watching all the sights and sounds plus the great commentary. Enjoyed it and have a great rest of your Friday.(Steve)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much, Steve! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. You too!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

@@CoasterFan2105 Your very welcome and thank you very much also.

[@RandomRailfan828]

Great video Mike, and nice shots too!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks!

[@thecentralwashingtonrailfa6135]

This is so good

[@ThatoneVTArailfanner]

Great video coaster keep up the good work!

[@CoasterFan2105]

I will, thanks!

[@taslimchoudhary1253]

🏵️🌳🇮🇳🌳🏵️ Nice Coverage

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@SoCalOCRailfan]

This is an incredible video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@RailfanSam]

Great video as always Mike. I always look forward to Friday

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Sam!

[@ryalexstudios]

me too!

[@PrincessAmtrakMinamoto]

Cool videos. Friday was best forever. 🙂👍🏻❤️

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks! :D

[@brandonreeves5979]

Outstanding footage sir! Love the commentary. 😉👍🏻🎥💯

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks, Brandon! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@brandonreeves5979]

@@CoasterFan2105 yes sir! Of course. Thanks for sharing.

[@RailfanningWithMason]

Great video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@ferrerosimoes8513]

Love this one!!! When u came to Portugal???? U can stay at my home!!!!

[@stevep6148]

Suggestion for another 'Following a Freight Train' episode - The Portland & Western's Toledo Hauler, running between Albany and Toledo Oregon.

[@CoasterFan2105]

That would be a good one!

[@svalzania]

Thanks!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@svalzania]

@@CoasterFan2105 Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@coolleo149]

I haven’t seen a couple of BNSF trains in Texas of this year but hey awesome catches Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@keonikaig9247]

Good one Mike... How about the Spokane (Big Hub) thru No. Idaho ? Lots of BNSF and now another track thru Sandpoint over the lake ! Keep 'em coming Mike... 👍

[@CoasterFan2105]

Many thanks! That is definitely on the list!

[@HarborSubHughley]

Fantastic video and fun catches

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HarborSubHughley]

@@CoasterFan2105 you are welcome

[@HannahChesnuttMusic]

We're looking to buy a house at the van zandt crossing, this video is the most information I've found about the track usage, thank you! I would love more details about the number of trains per day and the times if you've observed that. Thanks again!

[@CoasterFan2105]

That's awesome! Freight doesn't run on quite as tight of a schedule as passenger but right now, this is the only train that runs on this line. North typically Sun-Thurs any time between 3 and 8 through Van Zandt and then usually at night coming back (anywhere from 8 PM on) Sometimes, they run at different times like north in the morning or south in the afternoon. There is a possibility that eventually, BNSF may route empty freight trains from Vancouver BC south on the Sumas line, but no firm plan for that has been announced at this time. Just something that has been discussed in the past.

[@HannahChesnuttMusic]

@@CoasterFan2105 thank you so much!

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

33:54 a town in Washington State using a name from Looney Tunes?? Thats hysterical 🤣

[@OrangeHeartRailfanProductions]

Great video! One minor thing I should mention - Highway 20 in this instance is Washington State Route 20, not US Highway 20 - US 20 runs through Oregon, never touches Washington ;)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much! I don't know how I let that one slip. Appreciate the correction!

[@TheGeneralpumpkin]

I’m a huge fan but I wish I can be in your videos 😢 but your doing a great job on these videos I hope you can make it to 1 billon subscribers😊😊

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@Orcalover1040]

21:40 OLD TWO-SPOT!!!!

[@LEGOLand_Creators]

👍 comment

[@Jdan0114]

This might be a long shot, but is there any chance you can send me the picture of the mountains in the background of the train like in the thumbnail? I’d love that for my screen saver on my laptop

[@mijicalmagiemance8014]

Great video 👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂 When is the alc-42 going to run on the coast starlight

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! Probably later this year. Next routes that will get them will be the Silver Star and Silver Meteor.

[@theohaber8858]

Hello I hope you notice this, I was just wondering where the location was of the second clip at the beginning? Also nice vid

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! That was filmed at Chambers Creek Park down near Tacoma.

[@gdrriley420]

Nice to see some GP60B what a strange order from ATSF I've always found it strange 80-90ft jointed rail hasn't become the standard. It still fits on flatcars while cutting down the number of joints by 1/2 or more.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, the GP60Bs are always a nice treat. As for jointed rail, I think it's a maintenance thing. Welded rail is a lot easier to maintain than jointed rail. Thanks for watching!

[@gdrriley420]

@@CoasterFan2105 I'm talking mostly about lines that stayed jointed. I know CWR has a lot of benefits on mainlines.

[@CoasterFan2105]

@@gdrriley420 Yeah, I've also been surprised that welded rail is even being installed on secondary lines such as this.

[@Railroadracer49]

Could you do The M-EVE-VBC Mixed freight from Everett To Vancouver BC

[@CoasterFan2105]

That will probably be covered in a more generic video about the Bellingham Subdivision, but it's always a possibility.

[@SteamSagaLore]

what camera do you use?

[@CoasterFan2105]

This was all filmed with a Canon XF400.

[@SteamSagaLore]

@@CoasterFan2105 I give you credit! Most KZbinrs with above 100k never respond! And + this is my childhood train KZbinr.

[@alexleonard-wn8qn]

What is the middle unit?? It has no cab!!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

That is a "B" unit (cab-less booster). Model number is GP60B, built in 1991 for the Santa Fe Railroad. Functions the same as any other diesel but does not have an operator's cab.

[@graphtonix6607]

Will BNSF SW1200 unit 3505 ever run again????

[@CoasterFan2105]

I'm not sure.

[@graphtonix6607]

@@CoasterFan2105 OK.

[@AirlinkTrainsAndAviation_PACQ]

i wonder what are those containers

[@CoasterFan2105]

They haul garbage to Eastern Washington.

[@AirlinkTrainsAndAviation_PACQ]

@@CoasterFan2105 oh

[@jordanschoenenberger4397]

when come to kanda?

[@rypatmackrock]

I wonder whether or not it is in this region, yet I saw a climate change activist documentary where a mother set up a tripod at the edge of a freight yard to intentionally block an oil train that passed her daughter’s grade school; now that we have seen her fears confirmed with the recent Norfolk Southern wreck in Ohio. It’s been a while since I saw the documentary, but the mother blocked a BNSF freight yard possibly in this region, (definitely Washington state), and went to court over her protest. I bring this up, because I recognize the beginning freight yard as possibly the site of this standoff.

[@BorisLu]

Awesome video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Boris!