BNSF SD9 Mainline Revival - BNSF’s Wayzata Subdivision FULL VIDEO (2003)

In this video, C. Vision Productions takes you back to the early days of BNSF to view railroad action on the Wayzata Subdivision between Minneapolis and Willmar, Minnesota. BNSF didn’t hold back while our cameras were trackside, as locomotive consists were extremely wild and colorful. There were no limits as to what could be seen, with everything from SD9s to SD70MACs leading trains during our visits. As an added bonus, we’ll take a brief cab ride aboard BNSF 2936, as it leads a Northtown to Willmar train on a May evening in 2003. We’ve also included footage of Cargill’s SD7 number 6008, with an elevator crew working to load a cut of grain hoppers in Litchfield. Many other fan-favorite EMD locomotives can be seen in this show, including models SW1000, SW1200, SW1500, GP10, GP15-1, GP28M, GP28P, GP35, GP38, GP38-2, GP39E, GP39M, GP39V, GP39-2, GP40-2, GP60M, SD40, SD40-2, SD45, SD45-2, SD45-2B, SD45T-2, SD50, SD60, SD60F, SD60M, SD75I, and SD75M. GE models C30-7, B40-8, C40-8, C40-8W, C44-9W, and AC4400CW also make several appearances assisting their EMD rivals. In addition to the Wayzata Sub, we’ll briefly cover the Morris and Marshall Subdivisions to round out the video. This program was originally released in 2003 on VHS and DVD. It was updated and re-edited for KZbin in May of 2023. This updated version includes more classic footage that has never been shared publicly.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to the BNSF engineers and conductors that assisted in the production of this video. Getting to know all of you along the way was by far the most fulfilling aspect of this project. -Wayzata Mike
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[@TM-bk3ok]

you weren't joking when you said "wild lashups" looks like the power desk in Northtown got up on the wrong side of the bed and went "that'll do".

[@CVisionProductions1]

We were always in a state of disbelief when those wild consists showed up. Whenever you thought the exciting times were over for a while, Northtown would send out another banger. And of course, Willmar would send them right back!

[@mjrodriguez8670]

The wide variety of motive power on this short stretch of ex-Great Northern rails west from Minneapolis to Willmar was unmatched!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We absolutely agree, MJ! Just when you thought that you had seen everything, an even wilder consist would show up. Northtown always seemed to send the oldest and rarest power out to Willmar. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@MFR6963]

@@CVisionProductions1 you are so welcome. Thanks for making a great video.

[@goalhorn2012]

C Vision pumping out some more bussin train content!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! We’re trying to get some good ones out to you guys. We appreciate you watching.

[@supernautcensus5689]

@@CVisionProductions1 I'd love to see the mid-90s footage of the cab ride on the TC&W from Hopkins to St. Paul Yard from 'Along the Route of the Milwaukee Road, Vol. 1' if you're able to upload that. I appreciate the full vid uploads as well!

[@CVisionProductions1]

It will happen! Stay tuned…

[@Jmarley504]

This is some incredible footage of the bnsf from past era..im loving the variety of locomotives and loud rs3k horns.thank you c visions for this content!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Juan! We love those RS3Ks as well. They have such a sweet sound!

[@TrainTrackTrav]

Man, the soind of those ol' 567s goin' at it is just pure gold!

[@CVisionProductions1]

One of the best sounds in railroading, in our opinion. Thank you for the comment!

[@ProLGL]

These are the type of lash ups that someone would say are unrealistic in a train simulator video. That’s incredible.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re happy to provide you with video proof of just how wild these locomotive consists could get back in those days. The railroad just kept “raising the bar” as time went on. By the end of that era, nothing surprised us anymore.

[@dhdisprsmith2296]

Great video! I especially liked the footage where you were pacing the SD-9s...music to my ears!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Gordy!!! Those SD9s sure do sing in the higher notches.

[@wiestbound]

I approve.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate your approval, Jordan! Thank you for watching.

[@johnfisherjr.5911]

Amazing variety! Thanks for releasing this.

[@CVisionProductions1]

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

[@amtrak713productions8]

Awesome stuff

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!!

[@MRRAILFANVON]

Brings back memories

[@CVisionProductions1]

That’s great to hear! Sometimes, a video like this can transport you back to an earlier time. That was the goal with this one. Thank you for watching!

[@Apoptart]

Sd9s for days! Great video!!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! SD9s were plentiful back in those days.

[@wrrail]

Love the pure EMD 1:01:17 . Just insane!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you! That was a good one. The engineer showed us what those old warriors could do!!!

[@pauljung7611]

wow amazing anther train video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Paul!

[@alexpaumen3937]

I was only 1 year old when all this colorful renaissance was going on. I really missed out!

[@azrailfan2717]

I visited Minnesota the year before but wasn’t in that area.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was an exciting time, Alex! Experience all you can today, because tomorrow it could be gone… Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Nicola636128]

Amazing video and excellent catches!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate it very much! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@CSXEK]

Also BNSF started replacing its mechanical bells on its crossings with the GS type 1 e-bell now days it’s hard to find one on the BNSF but I have a Ex BN Ho scale GP-7

[@CVisionProductions1]

Mechanical crossing bells are getting harder to come by these days, that’s for sure! We remember when those electronic bells first started showing up in the 1990s…

[@keithnelson2900]

I grew up in Dassel and have fond memories of the Empire Builder blasting thru town. Loved those F units Leading the Builder. Great video, Chris!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Keith! It must have been a great experience to see high speed passenger trains along this route. Back in 2003, the maximum speed on the Wayzata Sub was only 40 mph.

[@WaffleDragon]

43:21 Very cool to see a video of 9297. 1:39:05 Neat to see an SD60M in the Heritage I paint too. I imagine there weren't many like that. Amazing that they kept the old SD9s but I guess most of the C30-7s had been sold off to become lease locomotives. I really like the Heritage I BNSF paint. I never cared for the swoosh.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you. Yes, 9297 was a neat unit. They were on the right track with that experimental paint scheme. As for 9277, it was the only SD60M in H1 paint. And you are correct about the SD9s. The mass retirement of BNSF’s older GE locomotives contributed to the motive power shortage that they were experiencing in 2003. Many of the SD9s had been displaced from yard service in the larger terminals due to remote control operations that were utilizing newer EMDs, such as SD40-2s and various GP models. With no other use for them, the SD9s ended up in road service. As time went on, you could often see them on transfers and locals as they continued to work out their final miles.

[@WaffleDragon]

@C Vision Productions I always loved the old C30-7s running around, usually the former BN units were patched for ATGX. My parents took me to Folkston in 2005. That was my first time seeing big time railroading. Lots of lease units running then.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Speaking of wild consists, CSX and NS were running just about any locomotive they could find during that time. The variety of motive power was more than impressive. We’re glad that you were able to experience that. Things are much different today!

[@cdiddles.]

Great shots as usual!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video. We appreciate you viewing our videos.

[@grantbassett2048]

Hi, Great Video, love SD9s. And seeing smaller Road Switches lashed up with Big stuff!!!!! Fantastic indeed! Showing power speed an noise they give of!! EXCELLENT 🤪

[@CVisionProductions1]

Much appreciated! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. You never knew what would show up back in those days. And yes, those SD9s were a real treat!

[@BNSF1458]

Nice coverage, C vision! It's great to see some footage of old power on this line. Too bad it's so full of GEVOs nowadays

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! You never knew what would roll by back in those days. And yes, the GEVO takeover is now in full effect. We appreciate your comment.

[@user-tp5wc9fj5w]

Wait you like BNSF, Santa Fe and Burlington Northern?

[@thomasdeturk5142]

2000’s people turning 20 every year now.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yep! Time flies… Thank you for watching.

[@thomasdeturk5142]

You’re welcome

[@atsrailphotos]

At 1:01:00... 4 SD9s and two SD70MACs just getting it done! 😳😳😳😳😳👍👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir! And of course, the SD70MACs were trailing. Gotta keep those 45-year-old SD9s up front! The engineer was nice enough to give us a smoke show as they departed.

[@ahtrains]

Great video! I still like the Wayzata Sub, but it sure has lost its charm since those days. Loved the Cedar lake scenes

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! The Wayzata Sub will forever be a C. Vision favorite, but we do miss the wide variety of motive power that was once common here.

[@minnesotarailfan12]

Can’t believe BNSF still had some active at this time- truly amazing catches!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! Those GP10s and SD9s were in their final years of service on BNSF, but they certainly went out with a bang! We appreciate the comment.

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Feels like yerstday i was chasing bnsf when i was so young i love this time so fun i have so many fun times seeing old power at the time

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Taylor! We appreciate you watching.

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@CVisionProductions1 your welcome

[@rottenroads1982]

Right now, there are 6 large class 1 Railroads: BNSF & UP to the west of the Mississippi, CSX and NS east of the Mississippi, and CN & CPKC who operate both in the USA & Canada (and also Mexico). There is also a plethora of class 2 & class 3 railroads around.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You are very correct. It’s interesting to look back and see how much has changed over the past 30 years. Will there be future class one consolidations? Only time will tell. Thank you for the comment.

[@Ozarkrailfanprod8098]

Girls: I wonder what boys do at sleepovers? Boys: Watch Cvision productions

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ha! Awesome comment, sir.

[@Ozarkrailfanprod8098]

@@CVisionProductions1 haha thank you

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome!

[@MrBnsftrain]

Amazing that so many SD9s were still used by BNSF in the early 2000s, even when they were starting to sell off SD40-2s. The only GE dash 7 I saw in this was at 2:00:26 I also like the cab ride shot on the engineer's side, something train crews don't seem to do much of after 9/11. The depot museum in Dassel closed by 2016 and is now an art studio with the caboose removed. 1:37:38 Nice catch of that crane and caboose on the rear of this manifest.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for the nice comment, and also for your notes on the video. The SD9 mainline revival occurred shortly after several large groups of locomotives had left the roster, including the SD40-2s that you mentioned. Those locomotive retirements contributed to the locomotive shortage that forced the older power back onto the road. Also, we’re glad that you enjoyed the cab ride. Both the engineer and conductor are long retired now, so we felt it was time to share that footage. Anyway, thanks again!

[@Dexter037S4]

I would've been months old when this happened, but pleasure to see what my grandfather used to run up here in Canada with CN, well, the 4-axle version at least. And later F-units and F40PHs with VIA.

[@CVisionProductions1]

GP9s and SD9s were awesome locomotives. We assume that your grandfather liked the GP9s? Most engineers did. He was railroading during an era full of interesting motive power. We appreciate you taking the time to watch the video.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

An EMD locomotive on the Wayzata sub is now something to write home about (07/23).

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re right about that! Times sure have changed… Thank you for the comment.

[@jordanriley4510]

NEVER GiVE UP.🎶

[@shawnleih2916]

Great video SD9 engine on BNSF main line trains friend hope you have happy holidays today friend's

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We appreciate the kind words and well wishes.

[@jaydee975]

Interesting to see the trains go by Smith Lake, which used to be a once thriving railroad town that was eventually abandoned and disappeared.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Smith Lake is a neat spot. Based on what you can see today, you’d never know that a town was ever there. The few historic photos that we’ve found of that little community are fascinating.

[@colinmulder6806]

Well done here, this video became another favorite of mine after viewing a preview of it on KZbin. I can only imagine what this video would look like if it was shot between 1998-2001 for undoubtedly it would've been just as colorful knowing BNSF in the early 90'S. Especially seeing a few of those LRCX G.E.'S running around on all three subdivisions featured. Now that I look at it, the unused footage featured actually should've been used in the UNUSED FOOTAGE series tapes you produced. That way fans could've been treated to more runby's of those SD9'S along with a few other freights not featured in the final produced video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hello, Colin. Thank you for the kind words. It was great to finally get this video updated and released in its full form. As for the 1998-2001 era, you are correct. There was a great variety of exotic motive power in those years. However, the locomotive consists seen on the Wayzata Subdivision in 2003 were unbeatable, so we’re grateful that the opportunity presented itself to document the line during that exciting time. As for the additional scenes that were included in this version, we’re just happy that our viewers finally got the chance to see them. We very much appreciate your comment.

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 Not a problem. Thanks again for an extended look at another of your ORIGINAL presentations.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome.

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 The same thing goes for your travels with BNSF along the Milwaukee Road.

[@seankolker]

Where can I buy this version I have the Wayzata Un videos but need this one. I grew up in Litchfield Minnesota in the 80s and that SD 7 and seeing the GRS signals brings back Lots of memories

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hello. This version is only available here on KZbin. It is too long to fit on a DVD. Thank you for watching! (We love those old signals too)

[@UP6706_Central_Iowa_Railfan]

15:40 I was born in St Louis Park May 22nd of that year

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very cool! St. Louis Park is a great place. Thank you for the comment.

[@MinnesotaRailProductions]

Now these are enormous lashup s! Do you guys have anything on Cloquet and Carlton MN?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, BNSF put on quite the show! Thank you. As for Cloquet, our “SD40-2 Stronghold: EMD Locomotives in Minnesota's Iron Ore Country FULL VIDEO (2018)” program includes it. It was released on KZbin in March of 2022. That video mostly covers CN’s DMIR ore lines, but BNSF and NSM are seen as well.

[@bnsf7112]

That Minnetonka station sign is a nice find - had no idea there was one. Where exactly was it ?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks for spotting it. That sign was made by a local railfan. It was located just east of Crosby Road in Minnetonka. The sign is no longer standing.

[@upking9080]

1:54:03 Why does it sound like a GEVO horn?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for asking. That particular SD9 had an interesting combination of an RS3K and a single chime horn that sounded in unison. It created a very unique sound.

[@goalhorn2012]

I was JUST thinking that!

[@ProLGL]

Sounds better than most Gevos imo

[@BNSF7802]

Heard k5hl

[@renzyspaul]

Question for you. Were the La Crosse - Grand Forks and Grand Forks - Galesburg trains blocked to bypass Northtown? I'm loving all the vintage power you captured! :)

[@CVisionProductions1]

Bingo. Yes, they were. And thank you. That classic power made it worth doing a full video on the line. We’re glad that you enjoyed it.

[@GorisAnderson_Productions2k6]

Well, we will miss all the Classic Burlington Northern Santa Fe! BNSF SD40-2 #7829 is retired in 2001. And it never run again! Then, we will miss BNSF SD40-2 #7938! Luckily, BNSF SD40-2 #6329 survive!!!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We recall that wreck. Very unfortunate, to say the least. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@GorisAnderson_Productions2k6]

@@CVisionProductions1 okay then. Thanks for telling me!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome.

[@MFR6963]

That’s cool the only H1 SD70MAC 1:38:50

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi, Michael. Thank you for watching the video. If you’re referring to the locomotive seen in the thumbnail, that would be BNSF SD60M 9277. It was repainted into the H1 scheme by VMV in 1999. VMV also had the honors of painting SD60M 9297 in experimental BNSF “Heritage” colors back in 1996.

[@atmofendi2764]

The best locomotive trains BNSF from Drs Atmofendi Gondomono Blitar city eastern java Republic of Indonesia country

[@CVisionProductions1]

BNSF is a fascinating railroad! Greetings from Minnesota, USA. Thank you for watching!

[@Howoldareweanywayyipes]

Coils are 50,000 pounds max each.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for that information! They are pretty darn heavy…

[@andrewcrumb8027]

2:12:12 These ballast cars are side unloaders.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir. You’re correct, Andrew. We always enjoy watching those cars in action during the unloading process.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

@@CVisionProductions1 Oh, yes. It's always a pleasure to see these cars in action.

[@QUINTENSMUSICCHANNEL]

These emd sd38s sound like they have the emd 567 engine and not the 645

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi there, Quinten. SD9s are powered by EMD’s 16-567C prime mover, while GP38-2s are powered by the 16-645E prime mover. Both locomotives are non-turbocharged. Those old 567s were often upgraded with newer 645 components. The non-turbocharged 645-powered locomotives, such as the GP38-2, have a similar sound to the older GP9 and SD9 models. Thank you for watching the video.

[@QUINTENSMUSICCHANNEL]

@@CVisionProductions1 i see thanks man

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome!

[@jaydee975]

Wow, has the scenery along the railroad through Long Lake changed dramatically since the reconstruction! This is all unrecognizable today.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Back in 2003 before the project started, we never could have imagined Long Lake looking like it does today. Over five years of construction later, it was finished. Although the new highway is nice, we do miss the old Long Lake. Thank you for mentioning those changes.