Classic BNSF Railway: Crossing The Cornbelt, The Marshall Subdivision - FULL VIDEO (1997)

This is C. Vision's 1997 full-length video release covering trains on BNSF's Marshall Subdivision between Willmar, Minnesota and Sioux City, Iowa. The video was shot immediately after the Burlington Northern Santa Fe merger, and includes an incredible variety of locomotives from Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, BNSF, leasing companies, and foreign railroads. The SD40-2 was still king of the high iron at this time, and was backed up by GP50, SD60, SD60M, C30-7, LMX B39-8E, B30-7AB, SD70MAC, and C44-9W locomotives. SD9, GP9, GP10, GP15-1, GP20, GP28M/P, GP30, GP35, GP38-2, and GP39E/V/M locomotives were also common on secondary and local assignments. Manifest freight, coal, grain, and even some taconite ore and intermodal trains made appearances during the production period. In addition to the Marshall Sub, we'll take a cab ride on BN 1597 between Sioux Falls and Garretson, South Dakota, over BNSF's Corson Subdivision. If you love 1990s railroading, BN green locomotives, and Leslie RS3K air horns, we've got you covered with this video.
Copyright 1997, C. Vision Productions
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[@jasonboche]

A free train movie? Can't beat this with a stick! And BN .... my favorite!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks for watching Jason!

[@wiestbound]

Even without the power in this video, this is still one of my favorite subs to railfan. The scenery is really what makes it for me, such a cool line to traverse, one of the more underrated sections of trackage in the state IMO. Glad this is on youtube now! I might have to buy volume 2.

[@CVisionContributor]

Thank you, Jordan! It’s a really interesting line. You have nice coverage of it too!

[@CVisionProductions1]

I can’t agree with you more Jordan! That’s exactly how I felt about it when I lived in Sioux Falls and recorded this line in the late 90’s. And a lot of the older power still runs on the locals. It is so unique. I just wish I spent more time around Holland when I was shooting. I was pretty stupid not to get any of those hillside shots.

[@AlexTrain5249]

The BN was a staple in my mother’s childhood. She still remembers the sound of the RS/S3Ks to this day.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Pretty neat that the distinctive sounds can bring back those memories. Thank you for watching!

[@VArailfan89]

For me it was Norfolk Southern with P5s on the now long abandoned branch line about 2 miles from my house. Didn't get used too much but I LOVED that sound and the P5 is my favorite horn because of that.

[@SCMRailfan]

I'm being honest, but one of my favorite Railroads is Conrail, I didn't notice that was a run thru, BN units are alive still, but no matter how much we miss other Railroads like Conrail, Grand Trunk Western, Chessie System and other Railroads that went gone, I can still see them run in my mind or whatever we see those Conrail or different old Railroads in different things! Best Video I ever seen! Thank you! Rest in Peace - Conrail & the old gone Railroads we use to see back in the days! :D Trains for life!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much for your story! My favorite was the Chicago and North Western. I grew up with them in Rapid City, SD. So I know exactly what you are talking about. Conrail was a great railroad. I was fortunate to have seen some of their trains on their own line in DAyton, OH, where my sister lives before they were absorbed. Great railroad. Thank you for your comments!!!!

[@Lakeside_Rail_Productions]

Amazing video... I also did not realize many BN units still had no ditch-lights after the merger.

[@CVisionContributor]

Correct. Many had strobes where the ditch lights otherwise would be. Those were neat in low light!

[@CVisionProductions1]

I believe the ditch light law was put in around 1995. It took a few years for the railroads to implement them on all locomotives. Thank you for watching!!!!

[@andrewgray986]

@@CVisionProductions1 the ditch light requirement due date was 12/31/1997

[@patricknoveski6409]

Just such a great record of what was. I wish BNSF had stayed w the Green and white paint scheme. Love to see those locals! And one S.P. engine in your movie 🎬! And a cross over to boot. With no tower. Yikes. Excellent narration too. Thank you C. Vision!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, Patrick! Glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@jeffktown]

Good scenery + BN units = instant classic

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Jeff!

[@Basinrails]

I wasn't even born when this video was made and I still miss railroading like this. Trains without graffiti accompanied by a cornucopia of power. Also killer RS3L @ 21:10

[@CVisionProductions1]

I can't agree with you more. It was a great time in railroading in many ways compared to today. Thank you for watching!

[@BNSF2184]

Finally a video of BN trains not in the mountains or on the race track! The BN horns are the best part!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for watching! It is always nice to see some lines that were not well known.

[@jakehelgoth9540]

Your narration is excellent. It's informative yet relaxing. Thanks for posting.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@darrelgibbs4898]

I Hope Green Engines Are Still Running In 2022 Thankyou for This

[@CVisionProductions1]

As do I! Thank you for watching!

[@andrewgray986]

today, BNSF still has plenty in the ex BN paint also

[@missourivalleyrails]

What a time capsule

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!

[@rhoobarb773]

I’ve had this on DVD for 20 years! Nice to see it on the EwwTube!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Awesome! Thank you very much!

[@robertdrenten8040]

I bought the VHS edition when this was brand new. Having this on KZbin is a welcomed treat. I could see the Marshal Sub from my house in 1997. Thanks for all these memories!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Robert! We’re glad that you have an appreciation for the Marshall Sub. It’s a neat line. We thank you for watching, and also for your support of C. Vision.

[@robertdrenten8040]

Specifically, I remember that TOFC headed through Sioux Center. The lead engine number stuck with me. Rare sight made it memorable. Nice catch & keepsake!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those detours were neat to see! It was always exciting when unexpected surprises showed up during that time period.

[@blakedadd]

I live in Sioux Falls so this is all "in my backyard" so to speak. Great video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very cool! I lived there from 1995-1998. Rapid City for a couple decades before that. Thanks for sharing and watching!!!

[@rimodeler7963]

Excellent video and thank you for sharing! Mike

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much Mike! You are very welcome!

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

Great to see this footage of mostly BN locomotives, the on board was a nice surprise 👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! We were very fortunate to have been able to ride.

[@patricknoveski6409]

@@CVisionProductions1 Awesome ride along. Boy, that wouldn't happen today.

[@alexschmollinger6576]

Awesome BNSF Video I now live in Victoria Minnesota which is West of the Twin Cities of both Minneapolis and St Paul Minnesota and I'm a Railfan myself and I love the BNSF

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you! Victoria is a nice city.

[@derrickwong5337]

WONDERFUL! I like C Vision Train Classics!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Derrick! I appreciate your support!

[@HyperActive7]

Another time, another place I miss. Thanks for documenting the town where my Dad was born, Marshall, MN. It would be interesting to see this line today in 2022 with BNSF in charge of it and many of the branch lines gone like that former CNW one.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Glad you enjoyed it. I've been thinking about going back out that way soon. We will see what happens.

[@ryanfrogz]

So much great stuff! Thanks for uploading this!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@sntrainzchaserguy6883]

I like free train movies from your professional railroad videos on C vision Productions and I can watch them for free on YT! You’re a really big support for me right now! Thank you very much for posting free train movies on YT!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@garymurpy7772]

We even have BNSF hub here in Alliance Nebraska that also started as BN

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, one of the largest terminals on the system thanks to coal. Alliance is a great place.

[@cdiddles.]

Gotta love the old UP paint on the SD40-2 at 1:01:00 . Great video all around!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@jwrailve3615]

If this was bnsf in Texas it would’ve gotten me hooked back on 70’s-2000’s bnsf again but sometime last year I guess when I realized that era my layout was ending up in the 1900-1930 time era and Now it’s all about the classic best time of steam

[@CVisionProductions1]

Cool stuff! Both eras are great.

[@johnfisherjr.5911]

Great video! thanks for sharing the full length of it.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@VArailfan89]

46:05 I was not aware that BN ever had flashing ditchlights! Wow. And 1997, I was only 8 years old. Great stuff, and most you won't see anymore, or only see on local trains!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Only just a few. And they didn’t last very long. It was a great year. I really miss railroads in the 90’s. Such a wide variety of things to see. Thank you for watching and your comments!!!!

[@VArailfan89]

You're very welcome! I'm enjoying watching all of these classic videos!

[@railroadfansandfun]

What a cool video! So many things to see here! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏻

[@CVisionProductions1]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@MilePost106]

The best video's ever! Thank you

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@Bahnchef1994]

Nice Film👍👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!

[@Nicola636128]

Excellent video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@elleryparsons5766]

Very Interesting Love it.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks for watching!

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

I Love Your Channel

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you again! I appreciate you watching!!!!

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Nice Video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Beautiful line bnsf was still young at the time lots bn units a lot

[@CVisionProductions1]

It was an interesting time to capture these trains. I think this line is one of BNSF's hidden gems. Thanks for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@CVisionProductions1 your welcome

[@carolynraley4047]

Very nice. Thanks for your hard work. 27.29 pheasant alert.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Carolyn! It was neat to see that pheasant!!!

[@rottenroads1982]

You can say that Railroads come in a Rainbow of colors. Trains always have been, and always will be cool, and I have got to say, Burlington Northern locomotives were rocking it with the Green Paint job. Also, just Yesterday, I do believe I saw a Burlington Northern covered hopper wagon on a BNSF manifest train. I have a video and I do point out the Burlington Northern freight car.

[@CVisionProductions1]

The early days of the BNSF certainly were wild and colorful. It’s nice to catch those old BN freight cars out and about. Even after nearly 30 years, there’s still quite a few in service. Thank you for watching the video.

[@rottenroads1982]

@@CVisionProductions1, You are welcome. Also, some of my favorite clips are the ones with BN trains running through the snow.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Those snowy days can produce some of the coolest scenes. Thanks again!

[@shawnleih2916]

🎉 great video on BN and BNSF on the main line trains friends hope you all having great July 4,2024 weekend friends

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much for watching the video! We hope you had a great 4th of July!

[@admydragon]

GP 15 would have gone to the Frisco pre-Burlington but yeah, awesome video guys!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!

[@CVisionContributor]

You know your history, Cameron! That 1375 was definitely a Frisco unit. The script and narration was from 25 years ago, as this was the original video released in 1997.

[@ronwong6102]

Thank you!

[@CVisionProductions1]

You're welcome! Thank you!!!

[@jessestrainclub4760]

great video !!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!!

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Good Work With The Video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks! I appreciate your comments!!!

[@DL541]

In the late 90's the "cyclone" was BN then BNSF's local to Mitchell.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ah yes, the Cyclone. I did shoot them once in a while too. But I just loved the names they gave the locals out there. Just don't see that anymore.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Such beautiful Country. But those shots in the snow must have been 🥶 FREEZING COLD. Forgive my ignorance, but was this part of the famous High line, or connection? I'm Calif. Guy.

[@CVisionProductions1]

This line connects the former GN mainline via Willmar, Minnesota with the ex CB&Q main via Lincoln, Nebraska. It isn’t the Hi Line, but it still has significant importance. Thank you for your inquiry!

[@Eric-bw6rp]

my home area !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love it did you notice that Sioux Falls was spelled 2 dif ways lol

[@CVisionProductions1]

Nice! How long have you been living near this line? And yes, I did notice that actually when I shot it back in 1996. But I think you meant Sioux City. Thanks for watching!

[@Eric-bw6rp]

@@CVisionProductions1 for my whole life except for the last 8 years now i live in Dassel MN , Sacred Heart is my home town did alot of railfanning alot to see from MILW BN TC&W BNSF

[@kennyt1674]

Awsome!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you for checking out the video.

[@kennyt1674]

@@CVisionProductions1 yep! And no problem keep up the awesome work!

[@jamessimmons1888]

Good video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you James!

[@jimmhenry657]

I agree very much with that

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!

[@shammshaw7901]

I like this video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Happy to hear! Thank you very much.

[@newenglandproductions3071]

That horn sounds like HLCX 7842 at 54:37

[@CVisionProductions1]

Gotta love those RS3Ks and Prime 990s!

[@CNWrapidrails6834]

Chris I do know which BNSF line you should tape

[@CVisionProductions1]

Let me know.

[@TravelingRailfan501]

wait, I DIDNT KNOW EBELLS EXISTED IN THE 90s

[@CVisionProductions1]

They sure did! We remember them showing up right around the time of the BNSF merger.

[@TravelingRailfan501]

@@CVisionProductions1 wow, i thought it was a 2000s thing

[@PnwOnTour]

The green units used to haul the white nuke train.

[@CVisionProductions1]

That's neat!

[@galaxieman1964]

Wow. Over an hour of almost graffiti free trains. A different time, and not that long ago.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Amazing how much the graffiti has taken over. It was a great time. Thank you for watching!!!

[@foxmccloud7055]

You got video of the BNSF Ravenna Subdivision?

[@CVisionProductions1]

I do! It is on our very first show shot in 1990 called Powder River Power. The only unfortunate thing is that it was shot on VHS, but the footage is priceless. We are considering releasing that video in the near future. So stay tuned.

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

5:39 I'm going to guess it was a loaded grain train.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes you’re correct. Unfortunately, we were not able to obtain the symbol for this train to know the exact destination.

[@Professional_Foaming]

Hey could you do a video exclusively on the UP Albert lea sub owatonna sub and Jackson sub?

[@CVisionProductions1]

We just might in the future.

[@thomassaunders1749]

I wounder If they still use caboose on local turns

[@CVisionProductions1]

Not sure. But probably not to the extent they did back then.

[@grahamsawyer831]

really flying at 16:00 or thereabouts

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yeah, they were moving that day. Thank you for watching!

[@_V.Va_]

I like trains.

[@CVisionProductions1]

So do we!!! Thank you for watching!

[@alexschmollinger6576]

I want to ask a Question Does BNSF still use this Ex GN line today in 2022??? Just Asking 🙃 🙂

[@CVisionContributor]

They sure are! It’s pretty busy these days.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi Alex. They sure do. This line is still active with a few general freights, locals and many grain extras.

[@AlexanderDale09]

What was the cause for not as much foreign power and EMD units nowadays?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hello, Alex. One thing to consider is that there are fewer large railroads today than there were in the 1990s. So all you’ll really see for foreign power on BNSF in the current era will be UP, CSX, KCS, NS, CP, and CN. Even though that may seem like a lot of road names, there were twice as many large railroads back in the 90s compared to today. As far as the percentage of foreign units on BNSF now compared to the 90s, we’re not certain on that. The numbers may be similar. Regarding the decline of EMDs on BNSF and elsewhere, the GP50 and SD50 soured many railroads on EMD during the 1980s, resulting in GE taking the lead in locomotive sales. Even when the 60-series proved themselves to be reliable locomotives, the trend couldn’t be reversed. And so it was, the tried and true SD40-2s, SD60s, SD60Ms, and SD70MACs were operated in heavy-haul mainline service until it was time for their replacement. And as you know, most of their replacements have come from GE. We’re hoping that’s the information you were looking for. Thanks for the question.

[@kingoflovetrain6426]

This is Better than Greg Scholl Video Productions!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you! But Greg puts out some great stuff too.

[@kingoflovetrain6426]

@@CVisionProductions1 he sure did, I enjoy watching all the train programs all day long!.

[@thomasnativo6491]

Better than Pentrex

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Thomas! That means a lot!

[@Trainman1776]

Are you able to do csx hr video? Other than that nice video! :)

[@CVisionProductions1]

Well, we don't have much CSX footage, but we may do so in the future. Thank you for asking and commenting!

[@p71collector]

1:38 someone spelled "Sioux" wrong on the sign. Ha!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yep! And it was like that for many years. No “spell check” available back in those days… Thanks for watching.

[@aaronmclaughlin3703]

20:20 I don't really know about this but wasn't bn 6164 purchased by the port of Tillamook bay railroad.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Not sure on that one, but one of my collegues knows the POTB well. I'll see if he knows.

[@CVisionContributor]

Yep, you got it, Aaron! 6164 operated on POTB until the railroad shut down. We believe this unit was stranded somewhere out on the line, and ended up getting scrapped where it stood. Sad ending. The unit was seen on a few of the trains in our POTB video that was released on KZbin last year (which you may have seen).

[@aaronmclaughlin3703]

I watched a video about the POTB here and then when this came out I saw it and thought that looked familiar.

[@CVisionContributor]

@@aaronmclaughlin3703 Well, you have a good memory. 6164 is a match. In total, POTB acquired 10 BN/BNSF SD9s in 2002. 6113, 6114, 6116, 6124, 6139, 6156, 6157, 6164, 6178, and 6196. Some were used for parts, but many saw service on POTB before the railroad shut down in 2007.

[@aaronmclaughlin3703]

I only knew about the first 6 of those engines. On my ho scale train set I have a Burlington northern sd9 that I'm thinking about renumbered to one of the POTB sd9

[@wyatthanson7709]

The first clip in the video at 22 seconds. Where is that curve located at?

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would be a southbound at Manly, MN.

[@railfantrevinkaler237]

Atsf 800 is a c40-8w

[@CVisionProductions1]

You are correct. Thank you for catching our error. Thank you for watching too!

[@beeble2003]

1:35 "SOUIX CITY LINE JCT." Um... Somebody ought to spell-check that sign.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yeah. I noticed that right away when I was shooting it. I haven’t been there for a while so I’m not sure if it is still there and mid spelled. Thank you for watching!!!

[@jonhilden2556]

Focus!

[@CVisionProductions1]

OK! I thought all the footage was in focus.