Nebraska Panhandle Rails FULL VIDEO - BN, CNW, UP (1994)

In this video, C. Vision Productions takes you back to 1994, as we explore the rail lines of western Nebraska. First, we’ll visit the Chicago & North Western’s Cowboy Line between Chadron and Crawford, Nebraska. This segment features a cab ride aboard CNW GP40 5506, as a Chadron-based crew transfers freight to the Burlington Northern in Crawford. Next, our focus shifts to the Burlington Northern, with coverage between Crawford and Alliance, including the steep grades over Crawford Hill. Many classic locomotive models are featured, including SD40-2, SD40M-2, SD45T-2, C30-7, B30-7AB, B39-8E, C40-8, GP40, GP50, SD60, SD60M, SD70MAC, and even one SD60MAC. We’ll then head south out of Alliance, over Angora Hill, towards Sidney. To round out our Burlington Northern coverage, C. Vision’s cameras capture trains between Scottsbluff and Morrill. Next, we’ll explore Chicago & North Western’s coal line in and around South Morrill. After that, Union Pacific makes several appearances on their coal line east of South Morrill, as trains travel to, and from, North Platte. Finally, Union Pacific’s Overland Route is covered, as consists of SD40-2s, SD60Ms, and C30-7s are seen powering trains through western Nebraska. This full-length video was originally produced in 1994, with updating and re-editing completed at the studios of C. Vision Productions in January of 2024.
More C. Vision content awaits you in the links below!
Wyoming Coal Trains - FULL VIDEO (1995)
• Wyoming Coal Trains - ...
Chicago and North Western’s Western Division, The Cowboy Lines - FULL VIDEO (1993)
• Chicago and North West...
Chicago and North Western (CNW), The Final Days - Remembering the Cowboy FULL VIDEO
• Chicago and North West...
Union Pacific and C&NW in the Black Hills of South Dakota (1996)
• Union Pacific and C&NW...
Classic BNSF Railway: Crossing The Cornbelt, The Marshall Subdivision - FULL VIDEO (1997)
• Classic BNSF Railway: ...
Classic BNSF Railway: Volume 2 of Crossing The Cornbelt - FULL VIDEO (1998)
• Classic BNSF Railway: ...
Black Hills SD40-2 Cab Ride: Chicago & North Western Colony Line - FULL VIDEO (1994)
• Black Hills SD40-2 Cab...
NKCR: Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway on the Stormy High Plains
• NKCR: Nebraska, Kansas...

[@joelpoland40]

More great stuff! A lot has changed, but the Nebraska Panhandle is still a great place to railfan.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Joel! Regarding the Nebraska Panhandle, we couldn’t agree more. It truly is a peaceful, beautiful place. From the Sandhills to the Pine Ridge, you can’t go wrong in western Nebraska. Thanks again.

[@ItswasThatGuy]

I really miss burlington northern there color the O.G color green was great

[@CVisionProductions1]

We definitely agree with you on that one. BN green was always in style, and there definitely was a lot of it back in those days… Thank you for the comment.

[@chrisdavidson8925]

I always enjoy seeing good ol' BN before the merger. Cascade green with stripes, just like CP action red, you can't beat it, but also love those shiny new SD70MAC's. Thanks for the upload!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much for watching! They were great times! Miss them badly.

[@johnnyeveritt5695]

Much thanx for this great presentation. I's got the * Cascade Green; Black + White Stripes * T-Shirt; so need I say more ! 🤙💫💥🇿🇦

[@insertchannelnamehere632]

There's an SD60M(?) at 17:53, I saw one of those at my local yard in BN livery in probably 2010, so that is probably one of my all time best railroad catches, as I have not seen one before or since

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

Time continues to fly by, 1994 was 30 years ago now! Nice video from The Cornhusker State

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, AMP Productions! And yes, you’re right! This video was produced 30 years ago. It’s hard to believe that 1994 was a full three decades ago…

[@LennartvandenBerg]

Great video! For me, the 90's were the best on the railroads... A mix of old and newer rolling stock! 😊

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! Regarding the 90s, what an awesome era that was. Railroading’s renaissance was in full swing, and you never knew what you’d see pass by. If only we could go back to those days… We appreciate you watching the video.

[@jakescharfstein6352]

The very last train. That CNW with the 90’s K5LA 👌Great video!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for pointing that out, Jake. It makes us wonder how many of those CNW GEs had K5LAs. We appreciate the comment.

[@upbnsfrrfan]

Freight cars were clean back then. Just good ol mother nature weathering, no graffitis yet 🙂

[@CVisionProductions1]

You got that right! It’s sad to see what is happening today. Just not the same.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

I really like this video, Chris! I have traveled through the Panhandle of Nebraska back in 1995, on my way to Yellowstone. I saw a crew of track workers maintaining the rails near Bayard, NE.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, MJ!!! If you traveled through this area back in 1995, you were out there just after this program was produced (1994). Those were good days! We appreciate the comment, as always.

[@Nicola636128]

Another excellent video! Very clean the freight cars.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! There was some great looking equipment in this video. We appreciate you watching and commenting, as always.

[@ellisjackson336]

Ahp…a new drop from C Vision 😁

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, sir! We hope you enjoy it. Thank you for watching.

[@foxmccloud7055]

Today that line that flies over the BNSF Railroad line in Morrill, Nebraska is owned by Union Pacific Railroad. That particular flyover has also been updated and is now a double track.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s quite impressive to see what the railroads have built and upgraded over the past 30+ years. There have been significant infrastructure improvements on these lines since then. Thank you for mentioning them. We appreciate you taking the time to watch the video.

[@RollingRailProductions]

This is a goldmine! Thanks for bringing all y’all’s old tapes back to light!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s our pleasure to share them with you. Thank you very much for the kind words. There’s more on the way. Stay tuned!

[@gregrowe1168]

Funny thing is that we didn’t know at the time that BN was almost at an end. The merger probably didn’t effect BN that much I suppose but I loved the green and black color scheme so much more. I had an HO train set as a kid with a BN GP30. Also later had another one with a BN Alco C630. That was my favorite locomotive.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi there, Greg. Can you believe that the BNSF merger was almost 30 years ago? Time really does fly. What amazes us is how much BN green is still out there, nearly three decades after the Burlington Northern ceased to exist. The massive size of BNSF’s locomotive fleet probably has a lot to do with that. Anyway, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@orbitsrailfanvids]

Been watching this little at a time. Love the longer format videos!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re happy to hear that you enjoy the longer videos. We certainly have a lot of them! More to come. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@plowboy7700]

You see a lot of other train loads coming through that weren't seen in the nineties. There is also a double track up Angora Hill now.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! The changes in train traffic and railroad infrastructure over the past 30 years have been astounding. Thank you for mentioning them. Coal has brought much wealth to the railroads, allowing for many of these upgrades to be made. With the sharp decline in coal traffic, it will be interesting to see how much of this improved infrastructure is kept and maintained as traffic continues to decline. We appreciate the comment.

[@timslager5966]

I have this on DVD and invisible one of my best favorites. Love the quality of production and narration. Too bad we can't have cab rides like we have in this video. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing this video 👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Tim! We appreciate the kind words. It was a different world back in the 90s. Those were great days! Stay tuned for more videos coming soon.

[@azmike4202]

Before the dark times, before the Empire

[@CVisionProductions1]

I wish railroads were still that way. I sure miss those days.

[@colinmulder6806]

Let me point out a few factors to your latest upload: 1. This video along with "WYOMING COAL TRAINS" were the first two videos that got me hooked on you folks work back in 2010 & have been a close admirer ever since. 2. Last December & this past January marked the 30TH anniversary of BN taking delivery of their SD70MAC'S with C&NW taking delivery of their C44-9W'S. What caught my attention was that C&NW'S C44-9W'S didn't come with air conditioning similar to half of BN'S SD60M'S, why is that? 3. I took notice right away that a few of the scenes of BN'S main over Crawford Hill were featured in a later program called "TRAINS ON THE HIGH PLAINS". Which always had me thinking that either you folks & the folks from PENTREX were in the area at the same time or you folks were responsible for filming both programs. If my SECOND speculation is true, do you think it would be more fair to showcase all the scenes of BN'S & C&NW'S coal operations from 1994 that was featured in both programs? My only guess is that those scenes that weren't featured was because those were filmed by the one & only DAN HADLEY himself. Either way I'm still very impressed HANDS DOWN. 4. NOTEWORTHY was that BN INTERMODAL HOTSHOT featured at Belmont. Speculation that must've been #24(SEATTLE, WA - KANSAS CITY, MO) with the business cars returning back from either an event or conference in Seattle, WA. For that train was the only one to carry BOEING cars to & from their assembly plant near Seattle. In the months after this scenes were shot, BN closed their intermodal ramps in Texas & redirected equipment & sources to the more busier HI-LINE through G.N. territory. Intermodal symbols #91 & #92 were dropped but symbols #23 & #24 took over their place by being rerouted via the C&S line through Cheyenne, WY & Denver, CO. 5. NOTEWORTHY again were those JEFFERY ENERGY CENTER coal trains you spotted. With pooled power from both UP & BN, these trains are interchanged between the two railroads at NORTHPORT, NE where not only BN'S coal main to Sterling, CO crosses UP'S NORTH PLATTE SUB, but where BN'S coal traffic off the VALLEY SUB joins the main. The VALLEY SUB handles the coal traffic from the southern region of the P.R.B. that are destined for Colorado or Texas via the CASPER LINE from BRIDGER JCT through Guernsey & Scottsbluff. Sidney, NE is where the UP TRANSCON passes under BN'S coal line from Alliance, NE to Denver, CO which also intersects UP'S NORTH PLATTE SUB at Northport, NE. 6. This video was uploaded on my B-DAY. MUCH OBLIDGED.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re in Factor City with this video, it seems! That’s a good thing. We’ll address each factor for you, in order: 1. That is great to hear, Colin! Those two videos were (and still are) favorites of C. Vision founder, Chris Laskowski. We’re happy that you enjoy them. 2. Time really flies, doesn’t it? As for the air conditioning, it is our opinion that all locomotives that lead trains in the warmer months should be A/C-equipped, no exceptions. Unfortunately, not all railroads agree. Or, at least they didn’t agree in the past. Many have since equipped their locomotives with air conditioning. 3. You have a keen eye, Colin. Mr. Laskowski filmed that program for Pentrex. Ironically, unlike the footage filmed by Mr. Hadley, C. Vision does not have rights to use that footage (unless the footage had already been used by C. Vision prior to the agreement between Pentrex and Mr. Laskowski). So, that’s the story there. 4. Thank you for mentioning that eastbound intermodal. Your knowledge of railroad operations has impressed us, yet again. Details, past and present, never escape you, Colin. 5. Same goes for factor five. Historical operational details: Colin has them covered. 6. Happy Birthday!

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 1. I should be thanking YOU folks for producing & releasing these fine videos in the first place. 2. No kidding & it feels like only yesterday when those diesels were just showing up on their respected railroads. To me I always speculated that A.C. equipment is vital in all locomotives especially during the changing weather elements each year out. 3. WOW. Despite Chris was the companies founder, you guys actually need his permission to show his footage before posting it on your channel? 4. Thanks very much. I like to inform fans of various changes in railroad operations that a prone to change at some point before or after these programs were filmed. 5. Not to worry, I'd like to see fans informed of noteworthy locations that are in close quarters with each other that are worthy of visiting. 6. Thanks very much. For my birthday, I don't ask for much. If I did wanted something from you, it would to somehow find a way or utilize any of the links I sent to you on Facebook to begin work on putting the first five video titles mentioned onto VHS tapes of your own. Upon finding out you acquired MR. Hadley's original productions which included DELETED scenes, to me you folks uncovered a treasure trove gold mine of DIE-HARD 90'S railroading. If somehow you're able to put his footage onto VHS releases of your own, not only you'll do MR.Hadley justice but also for the fans & the fallen flag 90'S railroads themselves for keeping their memories alive, strong, & well.

[@CVisionProductions1]

On line three, we have one thing to clarify. The reason that the footage is off limits is due to Pentrex having full rights to it. That includes the raw footage and finished product. The details of those agreements cannot be discussed here. Hopefully that is enough information to explain the situation. We’ll be in contact with you soon regarding line six. Anyway, thanks again, Colin!

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 My pleasure as always. As always once again, I look forward to new uploads from you guys anytime.

[@wildbill9919]

Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge, is near Alliance. And Sidney is the home of the tallest flagpole in Nebraska.

[@CVisionProductions1]

By golly, you’re right. Nebraska certainly has some neat attractions. And for us railfans, the state has plenty of awesome railroading. Thanks for the comment.

[@HenryGengler]

I go to college in chadron right now. The current railyard doesnt have alot of action but the Nebraska North Western RR still does some switching duties and exchange with the RCP&E at dakota junction. Also if you look closely or have a drone on hand theres still an old uboat and gp 9 high hood in cnw colors as well as an old GT high hood as well.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for the update on Chadron, Henry! It sounds like there is some interesting equipment left in town. C. Vision might have to pay the Cowboy Line another visit at some point… We hope you enjoy your time in Chadron. It’s a neat little town. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@Med0sproductions]

Another banger from CVision Productions 👍😁

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much, Ethan! We always appreciate hearing your thoughts on these videos. Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2024.

[@fakecumberland]

1994 had the best balance of everything. Old and new power, and prosperity among the carriers, before the blockbuster mergers that changed it all.

[@CVisionProductions1]

You hit the nail on the head. We’ll also mention the paint schemes of the 90s. It seemed that most of the railroads soon to disappear through merger introduced attractive new color schemes in their final years. Burlington Northern was looking mighty sharp by 1994. As always, we appreciate the comment.

[@FerroConTlaxSA-13]

Aaaaaaaaasuuuuu que buen video mi buen amigo. Saludos.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! The Burlington Northern used plenty of power to get those heavy coal trains up the steep grades of Crawford Hill. Thank you for watching the video, and warm greetings from the United States!

[@doubleutubefan5]

Great video! The only downside is not recording the entire train. Many if not most of these frieghts cars are still on the rails today in faded fallen flag patch jobs. I do like to keep eyes out for recognizable number i see at work. We switch out a Cargill plant in Blair Nebraska. UP brings us cars from council bluffs on the 41 job. First time I got a realization of what I do is when we finish loading the sweet bran train. Those old BN coal cars. I specifically remember 534000 cause of it being the first in the number series. Fast forward about a week later and I'm in Kansas City on my day off for a day of fun and wouldn't you know it Burlington Northern Santa Fe comes down from Council Bluffs hauling the sweet brand train and I see them the very same number 534000 in the trains consist. A proud moment for me because I built that train. And there it is getting shipped throughout the country.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! Those classic freight cars really are neat. When editing these older videos, we try to include as much of the train as possible, when time allows. However, most of the editing on this show was completed in 1994, prior to its original release. Thank you for sharing the story about loading that train. It must feel good to see your hard work pay off. We appreciate the comment.

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@CVisionProductions1 no yeah I completely understand. Otherwise the video would be like 6 hours long. Got to edit where you can. Appreciate the video. I'm definitely going to share this with my buddy

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for understanding, and also for sharing the video! It is very much appreciated.

[@25mfd]

@ 12:25... WOW, these trains with the old SDs and C30s are RUNNING up the hill... incredible to see them just a ways up the grade and they're CRAWLING...but the coal trains i've seen with the then brand new 70MACS seem to be not going as fast outta crawford.... or maybe it's just me

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yep! It was impressive seeing them take a run at the hill out of Crawford with the older power. Immediately upon leaving Crawford, the eastbound grade increases to 1.4%. It then levels off for a short distance before starting upgrade once again. Trains really lose speed fast once they get out of town. You may be right about the newer AC power. Fewer locomotives are needed to make the hill, and AC units can pull for extended periods of time at extremely slow speeds. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Mildcat743]

Was some of this footage lent to Pentrex? I recognize a handful of clips at Belmont from Trains on the High Plains.

[@CVisionProductions1]

That is correct! Good eye. Trains on the High Plains was filmed by C. Vision owner and founder, Chris Laskowski. We appreciate the question.

[@tomoakes2337]

At the beginning of the video when filming from the CNW Cab, what is the clicking noise as they approach the crossings in Whitney?

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would be the nose bell, which was broken. Good question. Thank you.

[@mattiverson4654]

How many coal trains are running though there today?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Coal traffic has decreased significantly on both BNSF and UP in recent years. The latest estimate for Crawford Hill would be 8-12 loaded coal trains per 24 hours. Thank you for watching the video.

[@mattiverson4654]

@@CVisionProductions1 thank you for the reply I enjoy watching your videos

[@CVisionProductions1]

You’re very welcome, Matt!