Union Pacific and C&NW in the Black Hills of South Dakota (1996)

This is C. Vision's 1996 full-length video release covering Union Pacific, C&NW, and DM&E in the Black Hills of South Dakota during the colorful era of mid-1990s railroading. Union Pacific's operations on the Colony Line lasted just over one year, from April of 1995, to May of 1996. This video chronicles that very short-lived and rarely documented period of Union Pacific ownership of the Colony Line following the C&NW merger. Locomotives from Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, and Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern all appear in this video, with SD40-2s being the locomotive of choice for all three railroads. These classic EMDs put on a great show, as they power heavy trains of bentonite over the steep grades along the Black Hills between Colony, Wyoming and Oelrichs, South Dakota. Along the way, we'll visit many of the popular locations, including Belle Fourche, Sturgis, and Rapid City. Enjoy the video!
Copyright 1996, C. Vision Productions
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[@O-PAC]

I miss seeing SD40-2s pulling mainline freights. Such a iconic locomotive.

[@CVisionProductions1]

So do we. They really did have a strong hold over GE for a very long time. Thankfully there are still many out there. But just not like it was in the 90’s.

[@ellisjackson3355]

They are my favorite engines from EMD

[@johnwinter8273]

Like seeing prairie railroading and my favorite SD40-2's moving freight. Classic action! 👍🇺🇲

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you John. We loved capturing these scenes as much as you love watching them! Thanks for the comment!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Yeah, this is awesome. Another stellar video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! This one is another of my personal favorites as it was a short lived era on the Colony Line. So strange how many hands have had a role in it as of today.

[@RailPreserver2K]

Would it be possible to do a film covering the line today as a then and now thing ?

[@CVisionProductions1]

@Railroad,Preserver,2000 We have covered it in both the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern era, along with the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern era. The RCPE video is available on our channel. We are working to put the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern video on at a later date.

[@danielneeley5480]

Two of my favorite things about UP from yesteryear, SD40-2 and the Leslie RS3L or Prime 920. Both with UP have all but abandoned.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I couldn't agree with you more Daniel! Too bad they didn't keep all the good stuff.

[@AlikStansberry]

Well done with this Chris! I enjoy seeing the classic UP EMDs from the past, too bad the only SD40s they still have are SD40Ns. Oh, and those older Geeps and smaller SDs were great! And R.I.P C&NW!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Alik! I agree. I wish UP would have kept more, but at least they are giving what they have left a new lease on life with the N upgrades. It was a great time of railroading back in the 90's. Take care!!!

[@alexpaumen3937]

It’s crazy how many of the UP SD40-2s (including the Desert Storm 3593) are still traversing this line but in RCPE colors. I know a few are from different roads though.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Looks like UP 3593 became RCPE 3422. Very interesting. And you’re absolutely right, most of the RCPE SD40-2s operating here today are of Union Pacific heritage. UP 3577 ended up on Florida East Coast, from what we’re seeing.

[@CrazyKaboose]

@@CVisionProductions1pretty sure I caught it Atleast a month ago trailing still in its UP Paint!

[@CVisionProductions1]

@Crazy Kaboose That’s awesome! Happy to hear it’s still running.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

This video should have way more views.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you. Hopefully it will get there soon. It’s been an interesting couple of months.

[@pauljung7611]

Wow I love this too because I seen union pacific sd40_2 alot.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks Paul! It’s nice that UP has kept many of them and upgraded them for local service.

[@TheMetGuy]

Awesome trains

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@mjrodriguez8670]

Chris, I really enjoyed watching the SD40-2 on the Colony Line. I can imagine the ALCo-GE RSD-5 or EMD SD9 on this line!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you MJ. Unfortunately, the Alco’s never operated on the Colony Line. It would have been really neat if they did.

[@RockRiverRails]

Great production! Big fan of the channel. 👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your comments!!!

[@timslager5966]

Boy, what a great video! Love the sounds of the SD 40's plus the fantastic scenery of the West. Nice seeing train clean of "street art" too. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much Tim! I can’t agree with you more about the sounds and lack of graffiti.

[@broyobrogdon6403]

Thanks for the upload!!Another great one

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Broyo! Your comment and support of our channel is appreciated!

[@jameswede3277]

Yes the C&NW WASA MASSIVE AWESOME RAILROAD IN ITS DAYS !

[@CVisionProductions1]

Indeed, it was! Thank you for watching!!!

[@anissabradley8402]

These are great videos! I just stumbled across your channel🙌🏽 the snow trains in Vermont are my fav 💕 keep up the great work! 👍🏽

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for finding us! I hope you enjoy our videos!

[@kingoflovetrain6426]

Awesome train video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@Steelers2841]

Love those RS3L

[@CVisionProductions1]

Me too! Classic UP sounds!!! Thanks for watching Derrick!

[@Nicola636128]

Great video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!

[@kevintaylor3427]

Question. What are the box cars carrying? Doors wide open and some sort of packing inside.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those carry wood chips to paper plants.

[@O-PAC]

43:52 Operation Life Saver example

[@CVisionProductions1]

CNW’s OLS paint scheme was one of the best.

[@RailWayBandit]

Why do they have those box car covered that way where the door closes?

[@CVisionProductions1]

They load these cars with wood chips for paper mills in Wisconsin. It is easier for the mills to tear down the cardboard to unload instead of opening a door.

[@RCPETrainRailfan]

UP was in Rapid city?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir! For just over a year. April of 1995 to May of 1996.

[@RCPETrainRailfan]

@@CVisionProductions1 then DM&E Took over Didnt they buy CP As well but i think RCPE started operations in 2014 Till Today

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, CP took over those lines from DM&E in 2008, then RCPE bought the west end of the former DM&E in 2014. Pretty neat history.