Former SD45 on the Rapid City, Pierre, and Eastern Railroad

The Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad has acquired a number of unique, and interesting locomotives from other Genesee and Wyoming railroads over the past few months. One of the more notable ones, is a former Southern Pacific SD45!
RCPE 3997 was built in August of 1966 for the Southern Pacific. Having changed hands multiple times over the years, and been rebuilt to an SD40M-2, it is now hard at work with the RCP&E. We'll chase it leading two SD40-2s out of Mankato, and all the way to Springfield, MN before calling it a day. Along the way, we'll see it roaring by in run 8, bouncing and rocking on rough track, and working hard pulling a long train! Its so cool to see this classic locomotive still hard at work, well over 55 years after it was built!!
Instagram: / sd457500
/ sd457500
/ sd457500
#train #diesel #railway
Copyright 2023 Douglas Hildebrandt, all rights reserved.

[@maranatrainwatchers9959]

Good to see ex arzc 3997 still working

[@SD457500]

Well, it *was* until recently. I heard it got retired in the last few weeks. :/

[@BNSF1458]

Very nice coverage, well made! When all the class I's get rid of so many EMDs that it's almost un-foamable (which isn't seeming too far away at this point, unfortunately), hopefully unique EMD power like this can still be found on shortlines for many years to come

[@SD457500]

Thank you very much! Shorelines are CERTAINLY where its at, and enjoy the older EMDs while you can.

[@lexpo181]

Like the bumpy ride and I love the ''graffiti'' on the grain elevator at the beginning. It's an genuinely great video Douglas! I always appreciate watching them ;) 👍- Your Canadian friend Alex

[@SD457500]

Thanks a ton, and great to hear that you enjoyed it. :D This section of track has gotten pretty bumpy in the past few years...

[@EpicTrainsCanada]

Some excellent footage! You get a great view from the drones.

[@SD457500]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the kind words! The drone is a great asset to have while railfanning.

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Awesome footage! Always nice to see unique power. -Jenny

[@SD457500]

Glad you enjoyed it, and the unique leader! Thank you for watching!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Your welcome.@@SD457500

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Sharp-looking trio! Terrific footage -- thanks for making and sharing this!

[@SD457500]

Many thanks, and happy to hear you enjoyed it. Its not everyday you see a former SD45 out leading on the mainline. Thank you for watcing!

[@bobsbasementhotrains3020]

Great video. Would love to see PR down in Faribault. They have really increased business down there

[@SD457500]

Great suggestion! I might have to look into that; the drone would be a great for that.

[@edwardstd52]

Good video! The CP (now CPKC) has been putting a lot of money into ties and ballast on this line. They did Mankato to New Ulm and couple of years ago and last year started working west of New Ulm. Speeds have picked up significantly. Way better than when I worked on this line for the C&NW back in the '70s. Looks like they still have work to do further west! 😄 I wonder if a person could pull some of those spikes shown towards the end of the video out by hand.

[@rickdee67]

Another great video! Pardon my ignorance, but are these Orange, black and yellow livery locomotives a division of Genesee and Wyoming ?

[@AndreiTupolev]

That crossing at5:15looks a little worrying 😟. A long straight, so therefore undoubtedly fast, road, with no gates and just flashing lights. Fortunately the oncoming driver was observant