The World’s Busiest Freight Railroad: Union Pacific’s Triple Track in Nebraska (1997)

In this video, C. Vision Productions takes you back to 1997, as we tour Union Pacific’s Council Bluffs Subdivision between North Platte and Grand Island, Nebraska. At the time these scenes were filmed, the portion of the Council Bluffs Subdivision between Gibbon Junction and North Platte was the busiest freight railroad in the world, hosting well over 100 trains per 24 hours. Known as the “Triple Track”, this 110-mile segment of the Overland Route truly was a symbol of railroading’s modern triumphs. Coal, general freight, intermodal, work trains, and locals are all seen working their way across this busy corridor. We’ll also visit Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, the largest railroad classification yard in the world. In Grand Island, our cameras capture both BNSF and Union Pacific trains at the Ravenna Sub “flyover”. Located at the west end of UP’s Grand Island Yard, this flyover carries BNSF’s Ravenna Subdivision over the Union Pacific mainline. Some of the locomotive models seen in action include SD40-2, SD40T-2, SD45T-2, SD50, SD60, SD60M, SD70MAC, SD9043MAC, C44-9W, AC4400CW (C44AC), AC4460CW “convertibles” (C44/60AC), C40-8, C41-8, C41-8W, GP38-2, GP40, GP50, GP60, B39-8E, and B30-7AB. Sit back and relax, as C. Vision brings you train after train, in this full-length video presentation.
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[@matthewrinehart9514]

Still long enough ago to see remnants of my beloved C&NW. Spent time working in Columbus and Kearney. 😊

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, absolutely. There was still plenty of CNW power out on the high iron back in 1997. If you were in Columbus and Kearney, you had a front row seat to one of the best shows in railroading. We very much appreciate the comment, Matthew.

[@chrishaupt9739]

​@@CVisionProductions1I love unoin pacific double stacker train

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

C&NW is almost all gone here in Fremont Nebraska unfortunately. The only bit that's left is ties from the Fremont to Hooper section The Somers Avenue and 23rd Street grade crossing signals and the two wooden bridges near the golf course. And the ballast where the line once was. I'm hoping NCRC will try to rebuild it but one can only hope or wish at this point. Columbus and Kearney were to of the best spots around that time

[@anthonyhunt701]

True that💚💛

[@thomasblack736]

What projects in the works this year?

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

I was born 11 years after this production was filmed. Thanks to you I know what railroading looked like in the 1990s All of your shots were excellent shots and there were plenty of action to go round. 9:41 also a weird engine consist for a 5 car local freight

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re happy to share this video with you. It seems that 90s railroading is a fairly popular subject. As for that train you mentioned, you never knew what might show up back in those days. Thank you for appreciating this older material.

[@UPNSP]

I miss the good ole days of railfanning & seeing Chicago & North Western leading trains.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We do too! Those were great days. The motive power variety from that era is greatly missed today. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

This is amazing! Thank you, C. Vision Productions, this program is worth waiting for. Union Pacific's Council Bluffs Subdivision [A.K.A. the Kearney Subdivision] is one fantastic railroad line. Fun Fact: Gibbon Junction is where Volume 1 of Pentrex's Sunrise to Sunset series took place.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Andrew! We’re glad that you brought up the subdivision name, because it needs to be addressed. Around the time that this video was produced, the Council Bluffs Subdivision had its name changed. From what we can tell, it was split up into four separate subdivisions. From east to west: Omaha Subdivision, Columbus Subdivision, Kearney Subdivision, North Platte Terminal Subdivision. The UP ended up both renaming and changing the limits of many subdivisions following the CNW and SP mergers. As for Gibbon Junction, you are correct! We have that footage in our archives. We may use it at some point in the future. As always, thank you for watching. Your insights into the video are appreciated.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

@@CVisionProductions1 My pleasure, C. Vision Productions.

[@HenRM81]

35:00 Man that is best horn! I love SD90MAC

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those SD90MACs really did have nice horns. They were loud, melodious, and delivered a good “punch”. Thank you for appreciating them.

[@madeinusa9265]

Thank you, C. Vision Productions for another fantastic video! Although I love them all, I especially enjoyed this program and the Nebraska Panhandle Rails full video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome! We appreciate the kind words. It’s always nice to get feedback on our videos. Thank you for being a C. Vision viewer.

[@minnesotarailfan11]

I love this subdivision, Very good video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! This line rarely disappoints. Although the train count has dropped significantly since this video was produced, the Overland Route through Nebraska is still one of the most impressive pieces of railroad in the United States. We appreciate the comment.

[@romanf5061]

my idea of heaven. 'been a few years since I've spent time in nebraska along this sub, but it was never disappointing

[@CVisionProductions1]

We know how you feel! The sheer volume of trains is more than impressive. During periods of peak traffic, you could almost always see a headlight approaching between Gibbon and North Platte. It was absolutely incredible. We appreciate the comment.

[@averageguy7136]

I read somewhere that there's now a quad tracked section near North Platte somewhere.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, you are correct! Looking at maps and timetables, North Platte to O’Fallons is quad main. Thank you for mentioning it.

[@metalheadrailfan]

I was wondering if you guys were gonna post anything today. Guess I got my wish.

[@ellisjackson336]

Wonder again tomorrow, maybe they will post lol

[@metalheadrailfan]

@@ellisjackson336 haha

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Thank you for being in tune with our “schedule”. As you may have noticed, we will usually upload one video every two weeks. Depending on workload here at C. Vision, you’ll often see them released late in the week, usually on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Sunday releases are rare, but occasionally do happen. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@TheMetGuy]

These are beautiful shots, lots of heavy Union Pacific freight trains, definitely busy!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating the video. Union Pacific really knew how to put on a show back in those days. We appreciate the comment.

[@ExtraRails]

7:39 Wow! Listen to that roar!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Pretty neat, huh? Thanks for watching.

[@TZrailfaning]

Awesome video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We’re glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

I really enjoyed watching this video, Chris! I saw the Jeffery coal trains with UP and Oakway units leased by Burlington Northern!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re glad to hear that, MJ! Those coal trains bound for Jeffrey Energy Center were really neat. They often had colorful locomotive consists from several sources. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.

[@alexmanne]

I accidentally discovered the section from Kearney to North Platt when I was driving across the country on I-80 back in summer 2009. I would see trains lined up every few miles as I was driving along. I had to check it out - three tracks and there was a train every 10 minutes, maybe less! I couldn't believe it. I had no idea this existed. Absolutely mind blowing experience to have stumbled on this. Great video. Thanks.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! Your experience along the line was similar to ours regarding the volume of traffic - train after train, often with little to no breaks in the action. It was truly impressive. We appreciate the comment.

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

Very nice video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, AMP Productions! As always, we appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

Awesome captures 👉🏽🔝👈🏽

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much! It was tough to be disappointed with the variety of trains and equipment back in the 90s. We appreciate your comment.

[@PaulRosencrantz]

An excellent and informative documentary on Union Pacific railroading from the 90s - an interesting and productive time for UP indeed! This documentary really highlights how crucial UP is as a key part of the North American railroad industry 👍💯

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Paul! It is safe to say that the Union Pacific has moved more freight for this country than any other railroad in existence today. We appreciate the comment.

[@2010train1]

I like this era of union Pacific from 1995-2004 there was so much variety. Besides that this is a great video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I agree. It was the best time with so many locomotive models. Thank you so much!

[@2010train1]

your welcome

[@matthewsturm9170]

Best thing about this video is all the un-patched SP & CNW power.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating all of the pre-merger power. The mix of road names and paint schemes was quite impressive following the 90s mega-mergers. It was a real bummer when those patches started getting applied to units that had not yet been painted “Armour Yellow”. We appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@wildbill9919]

Nowdays there are pedestrian overpasses in Brady, Overton, and Lexington and they're great for train photography.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those are very handy! We’ve seen some great pictures taken from those bridges. Next time we visit the area, we’ll have to check them out. Thank you for mentioning them.

[@Blocksguyoldchannel]

Nice

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We appreciate you watching the video.

[@brandedmcgowan9414]

It wasn't til 1999 when Union Pacific Railroad ordered 1,000+ EMD SD70M locomotives added to its massive roster, plus Southern Pacific Railroad had theirs since 1993-94 but only 26 units. But in all them GE Transportation (C44-9W & AC4400CW) locomotives from UPRR, SP, and Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (C&NW) are in full force and still to this day are working hard on the. UP mainlines.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Union Pacific’s motive power evolution has been quite fascinating. That 1000-unit SD70M order was big news when it was first announced. The SD40N rebuild program was also notable. Recently, Union Pacific GEs have been getting overhauled and painted - and they look great! We appreciate the comment.

[@brandedmcgowan9414]

@@CVisionProductions1 thank you! Except for the "new" paint I'd prefer the blue wing and the flag better but they turned the clock back to 1998 before those additions. Lol

[@christophercarey3232]

Still with plenty of Leslie RS3Ls heard here (shortly before hornpocalypse).

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! RS3Ls were still extremely common back in these days. P3s and K3s were just beginning their “takeover” at this point. Thank you for mentioning the horn situation. It’s an interesting topic.

[@lildthomas6942]

​@CVisionProductions1 this is why the 1990s is the golden era of the UP

[@DPU.proMN.IA.]

If you do do a documentary on the IANR they will usually run a north bound trains on the manly sub around 1:00pm-1:30pm

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for the information! It means a lot that you’d share it with us. The IANR is a neat railroad.

[@DPU.proMN.IA.]

@@CVisionProductions1oh and usually after that northbound goes by a CN westbound will come out and then meet the eastbound in New Hartford and then head off to fort Dodge

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very cool! There’s some great railroad action in that part of Iowa. Thanks again.

[@Nicola636128]

I really enjoyed seeing it, especially that there are no Gevos here but the old and original UP roster, only the SD70Ms are missing to be truly complete. Regarding the SD9043MAC, AC4400CW and AC6000CW were they already equipped for DPU operation, or were they equipped later? I ask because all the coal trains only had locomotives at the front.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Union Pacific’s locomotive roster was quite impressive back in those days. To answer your question, we’re unsure if the locomotives mentioned were equipped to operate in distributed power mode. There’s a good chance that they were, but were simply not being used in that configuration. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video.

[@lildthomas6942]

43:55 This SD60 would become NS 6963, the special SD60E GoRail unit

[@CVisionProductions1]

Sure enough! It looks like UP 5972 did indeed become NS 6963. Thanks for connecting the dots on that one. We appreciate your comment.

[@cadezimmerman7693]

In 2 months I’m going back to Omaha Nebraska and I’m going to find some more Union Pacific trains

[@CVisionProductions1]

That sounds like fun! We hope your trip goes well. There’s plenty of great train action in the Omaha area.

[@cadezimmerman7693]

@@CVisionProductions1 what year did cnw join Union Pacific

[@CVisionProductions1]

1995

[@floydfanTN]

8:56 what was that dud ein the Crown Vic doin? lol

[@CVisionProductions1]

Looks like those two vehicles were doubled up in the lane to clear the intersection with US Highway 30, which is just behind our camera. Thank you for watching the video.

[@cadezimmerman7693]

Last Labor Day in 2023 I went to north platt in Nebraska and I saw a bunch of Union Pacific trains

[@CVisionProductions1]

That sounds like a lot of fun! There’s always plenty of action around North Platte. We’re happy that you were able to make a visit. Thank you for watching the video.

[@cadezimmerman7693]

@@CVisionProductions1 can you do Union Pacific trains in Nebraska the year of 1999 when I was born in that year

[@CVisionProductions1]

If we can find footage from 1999, we certainly will! It looks like most of what we have from Nebraska is either a little earlier, or a little later than that.

[@cadezimmerman7693]

@@CVisionProductions1 ok thanks

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Union pacific is one railraod I love modeling ho scale I love this area focus on 90s right before southern pacific was apart of union pacifc system lots older power mpi sd45 units on the system not for long bailey now today has be busy rail yard lots trains in sheep jump is still used in this. Yard

[@CVisionProductions1]

That sounds like an interesting period to model! There was a lot happening in the railroad world around that time. Thank you for watching the video, Taylor.

[@ellisjackson336]

These days I like seeing that classic “U N I O N P A C I F I C” font on the side of the engines. But I see that specific font size and spacing really only works well on the c44s. Anything newer and the rear radiators get too big and take up too much space

[@matthewrinehart9514]

Glad they are moving the flag to a less vulnerable spot.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s interesting to see how Union Pacific has adjusted their paint scheme over the years. We look forward to seeing more fresh repaints. As always, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ellisjackson336]

@@matthewrinehart9514 I like the combination of the 90s scheme along the side with the flag up on the nose

[@K_Hicks]

I didn’t see one hobo. Trains sure were short back then!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ahhh, yes. Those were the days. Trains were generally short and fast, and could fit almost anywhere. Things sure have changed! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@cnhaltonsub]

30:56 quite the sour horn on that one... yikes.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It seemed that many of those SD60Ms had fouled horns by 1997. Too much air, perhaps? Either way, they ended up sounding pretty gnarly. Thank you for watching the video.

[@Cnw8701]

Is this line still busy 20 years later?

[@minnesotarailfan11]

Very much yes, North Platte is a very cool place. Definitely worth it to go there if you like viewing high traffic.

[@donaldguthals9266]

It is active, but not near as busy as twenty years ago. My guess is 60 to 70 per day west of Gibbon, where a line joins from Kansas City. East of Gibbon, my guess would be 35 to 40 per day. And I could be on the optimistic side on my numbers. The decline of coal and the use of mega-trains have had an impact on train counts. I could see this line decline even further in the future. UP lines southward from Chicago to the gulf and southwest ward towards southern California seem to be UP's traffic growth corridors in the future.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate the other commenters answering the question. Their replies are sufficient. We’ll add that during the time of production, this line hosted upwards of 130 trains per 24 hours. Reports of 140-150 per day were not uncommon only a few years later. According to a trip report from 2007, 170 trains were observed in one 24 hour period. Those are some seriously impressive numbers. Thank you for watching the video.

[@benjwicker]

It is very busy, I'm in Kearney. Although the number of individual trains has dropped since the 90s, there are still multiple trains per hour, many 2-3 miles long. There's a coal train heading west through town as I type this.

[@lakendrickriaquailrahlequah]

Was the Marysville Sub owned by Missouri Pacific

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate the question. The Marysville Sub was original Union Pacific territory. The Missouri Pacific did have lines nearby, however. Thank you for watching the video.

[@lakendrickriaquailrahlequah]

Some crossings had the MoPac bell sequence

[@CVisionProductions1]

Interesting. Well, the Marysville Sub is definitely not a former Missouri Pacific line. It was (and still is) Union Pacific’s main gateway to Kansas City from the Overland Route.