Rock Island’s Mid-Continent Route in the 1960s - Bonus MN&S Footage

C. Vision Productions takes you back to the 1960s to view original operations on the Rock Island Mid-Continent Route. Captured from the film camera of Louis Schaefer, you will see The Rock operating between St. Paul, Minnesota and Mason City, Iowa along with a few other Iowa locations. Passenger trains are seen led with E3s and E8s. Joint power from CB&Q is also captured on the Zephyr Rocket. Freight trains are led with a variety of Rock Island power including F7s, Alco FA1s, GP7s and GE U-Boats. Paint schemes include maroons, reds and the light blues. Louis also captured trackage rights trains from the Illinois Central and Chicago & North Western that operated on the Mid-Continent Route. One train was led with Chicago Great Western locomotives and another with all CNW F-Units! As an added bonus, Louis captures several scenes of the late short line, Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern operating in and around Northfield, Minnesota. You don't want to miss this production of two classic Fallen Flags in Rock Island's Mid-Continent Route in the 1960s!
If you’d like to see more videos from C. Vision, check out the links below:
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Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Vol. 1, The East End: SD40-2 Marathon - FULL VIDEO (2012)
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Burlington Northern’s Hi Line in Montana: Autumn on Marias Pass
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Classic BNSF Railway: Volume 2 of Crossing The Cornbelt - FULL VIDEO (1998)
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Classic BNSF Railway: Crossing The Cornbelt, The Marshall Subdivision - FULL VIDEO (1997)
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BNSF Hinckley Subdivision in 1998-1999. 4 Class 1 Railroads! Pre-Merger Locomotives!
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SD40-2 Stronghold: EMD Locomotives in Minnesota's Iron Ore Country FULL VIDEO (2018)
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A Fateful Day on CN's Iron Range Sub
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[@jfreelan1964]

The Rock will always be on my mind. So much was scrapped that I never got to explore it.

[@arkansasrailproductions5507]

You’ll be glad to know that the Rock Island has come back as a shortline in Mississippi and is going strong.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Same with me. I was a little too late to the party. I was extremely excited when I was approached with these films.

[@MilePost106]

Brings back the memories of how colorful railcar were back in the day.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I sure wish it was still the same way today. Unfortunately, many rail cars that are the same color in too much graffiti.

[@ww32]

@@CVisionProductions1the existence of virtual monopolies doesn’t help either

[@quick65filly]

Remember as a kid waiting for the Rocket in Northfield, then "chasing it" to Dundas on the backroad. Great footage.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Wow! That must have been a great experience. The Rock Island was a mighty fine line…

[@Robbi496]

Much of the C, RI & P still exists, but it is owned by other railroads, short line as well as Class I's

[@CVisionProductions1]

Indeed, you are correct, Rob. In particular, Union Pacific operates some very nice pieces of the former Rock.

[@mathuetax]

I can't ever get enough of seeing MN&S footage.

[@CVisionProductions1]

The MN&S was a fascinating little railroad!

[@patrickwendt6758]

Thank you for that fine video of Rock Island line in MN. It does help me in my modeling that time period of the early 60's. The music is better than Rap. Pat W.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Patrick. Not only is it nice when my viewers enjoy the videos for entertainment, it’s also very gratifying when they help them with history or modeling.

[@chrisnzella]

Love these old movies. I grew up in this new technology and thought it was the way of the future. Even the jerkey picture adds to the nostalgia. Thanks for sharing

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Chris! I love the way these old films look as well. It really gives the feel of the way things were back then. I appreciate your comments!

[@codyhilton1750]

It is nice to see again the fallen flags. The poor Rock used any power available. And no grafitti on the rolling stock too.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks. Sure is! The Rock was very unique in the way of their power roster. And it sure is nice to see rolling stock with vibrant colors and no graffiti.

[@brianehni7381]

Finally, the last scene on the RI is of my mother's hometown.Taking the train from Houston to Owatonna is what sparked my love of trains, and the Rock Island in particular.

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would have been a great trip! The Rock Island is absolutely fascinating. Thank you for watching and for sharing your story.

[@hongs8867]

I remember when I was little the Rocket passenger train flying by the house. Awesome to see it here. Thanks

[@CVisionProductions1]

I love to hear other’s memories. Thank you for sharing and watching!

[@highlife2227]

A boxcar sitting on a siding in my hometown just like the Great Northern at 9:05 sparked my fascination with railroading some 60 years ago. I couldn't fathom the distances the cars traveled. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! The Rock's home was just 40 some miles away and was often in the local news. It was sad when they faded away into the pages of history.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Isn’t it funny how those things get you interested for life? Great story. Thank you for sharing!

[@retr0bits545]

Well, not quite as they have been revived as a short line in Mississippi and are looking to expand into Arkansas and Louisiana. They currently have three locomotives paints into the “Reborn Blue” paint scheme and even a c40-8 painted in red and yellow. Even model manufacturers took notice.

[@highlife2227]

@@retr0bits545 Thanks, retrobits545 for the info. Now that you mention it, I do seem to remember hearing something about a short line, but was not sure about the accuracy of the information. Thanks for confirming it. I will enjoy looking into their story.

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

Where I lived when I was young it seemed like the Rock Island was everywhere and went everywhere. If only I'd of had a cell phone camera back in those days. All I have now is a few B&W photos I took with my cheap little camera and some film that seemed to cost me a fortune back then.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Some is better than none! Glad that you got to experience the Rock Island. It was a very interesting railroad with plenty of character.

[@0fficialdregs]

brings a smile to my face looking at the later years of the rock island existence. truly one of the best underrated railroads of all time.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I agree. It was a great railroad and we were very fortunate to have been able to share Louie’s footage. Thanks for watching!!!

[@0fficialdregs]

@@CVisionProductions1 no problem, watching several other videos you have uploaded as i work on my model railroad website

[@gregginter5867]

Unsure if it was under-rated or merely similar to TMR (Milwaukee Rd) n woefully mismanaged/run!There are reasons that RRs like the UP are still around n these former regional RRs are not!

[@gregginter5867]

Lots of RRs scrimped on maintenance but that always bit them in the butt in the long run!

[@blainenodes8182]

1949...1st vision of Rock in St Paul...last freight 1980... MSP loved the rock island 👍👍. Great footage❗

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! It’s great that you were able to experience the Rock Island for so many years. Those are memories to cherish, for sure.

[@codyhilton1750]

The MNS engine shed was in front of my office window in Golden Valley for 20 years.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Wow! Better than an oceanfront view!!!

[@remylopez2408]

What’s the most fascinating to me is the variety of the freak cars from old wooden ice bunker reefers to trilevel auto racks modern piggyback s no graffiti and all the fallen flags

[@CVisionProductions1]

There was such incredible variety back then! Thanks for watching.

[@anthonyhunt701]

The music & narration..why I love C-Vision👍🏻

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating our videos! We’re happy to have you as a viewer.

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

Nice archival footage

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!!!

[@shimshonbendan8730]

Thank you for such a wonderful video. I have such fond memories of the Rock Island. My grandparents lived in Owatonna. As a boy in the 1950s, I use to walk from their home to the depot that was seen at the 46:00 mark. I would wait for Rocket to come through the town. I would wave to the engineer and usually got a toot from the horn. Also, seeing the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Soo Line cars brought a smile to my face.

[@CVisionProductions1]

It’s great to hear that this video has a personal connection for you. We appreciating you taking the time to share your story. The Rock Island was a fascinating railroad. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ww32]

The poor Rock, they fought so hard to survive and they almost made it too.

[@CVisionProductions1]

They sure did focus on getting their image turned around in the railroad’s final years. It was quite impressive to see so much Rock Island equipment painted in Bankruptcy Blue before fading into history. Unfortunately, attractive equipment does nothing to help the situation when your track is sunk into the mud. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@raymondpaller6475]

Lots of GN & NP cars ---- RI must have paid alot in per diem! Thanks for the video; I thoroughly enjoyed watching RI footage that's from some other place than around the Chicago area!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Happy to provide it for you! Thank you for watching.

[@MoreTrainVideos]

The little clip from near Estherville was great, it's close to home and on a line that is really not maintained by UP anymore (between Gruver and Lakota). Great old videos!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for your comment and watching! Louie got some great footage from a line that didn’t get any attention.

[@wildbill9919]

The Great Northern freight cars are awesome.

[@CVisionProductions1]

GN had some classy equipment! Thanks for the comment.

[@pauljung7611]

Wow another train video awsome!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Paul!

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Very much enjoyed. Fantastic footage.👍

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@LJRailfan-Gamer_07.]

33:56 It’s Rock Island 4506! She now rests at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. She has since gotten the blue and white colors since 2017. She later became Chicago and North Western 4160, retired in 1995 and donated in 2008, with a full restoration of the engine in 2009.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very cool! Thank you for pointing that out. It’s nice to know that some original Rock Island equipment has been preserved. We appreciate you watching the video.

[@mikeytrains1]

this was a nice bunch of footage, thanks for the upload

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for the comment and for watching Mike!

[@kenfolstad1346]

Beautiful

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you Ken!!!

[@ortlu-ro9yn]

Wow! at 6:46 an Alco FA in their final "wings" scheme.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for pointing that out! The Rock Island had some incredible paint schemes for their diverse fleet of locomotives.

[@Radiotexas]

Note helium tank car ahead of the car of boats at 23:10! Very rare to see them in service!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Very interesting to see! Thank you for pointing that out.

[@QuadMochaMatti]

I wasn't able to ever travel on any of its active routes, but word has it that it was the road to ride. Although, I've also heard that if you wanted to ride it, you had to get your ticket at the station, if you wanted to ride on the Rock Island Line.

[@CVisionProductions1]

The legends of the Rock Island… They truly were a mighty fine line. Thank you for the comment.

[@TNS17]

Upload some of the CGW!

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’ll see how it goes! Stay tuned.

[@TNS17]

@@CVisionProductions1 awesome!!!!

[@garysprandel1817]

​@@CVisionProductions1I'll second the motion for some Great Weedy if possible.

[@gerf1023]

Good video. Wish I could find videos of the Rock Island in Missouri. Trenton to Kansas City would be nice. I grew up 7 miles from the Kansas City mainline at Hamilton, MO. Use to ride my bike over to the Rock when I was a kid.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much! And yes, it would be nice to come across additional Rock Island footage. If we end up uncovering more, you can be assured that we’ll share it here on KZbin. We appreciate the comment.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

My all-time favourite railroad, The Rock! This railroad should have survived into the 21st Century! Plus the MN&S, which hauled freight from The Rock into Minneapolis!

[@arkansasrailproductions5507]

The Rock Island has returned in 2020 as a shortline in Mississippi.

[@CVisionProductions1]

I agree MJ. It was a very interesting railroad.

[@user-de3qv1tb6u]

Very good

[@CVisionProductions1]

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

[@larrycampbell4183]

After seeing this, I wonder why I even watch trains at all anymore.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Things today aren’t quite what they used to be. And that’s an understatement. Thanks for watching!

[@silurian9420]

Lovely trains with NO GRAFFITI !!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Sure wish it was still like that today!

[@kkoch666]

Excellent videos for the time. Too bad there is not much sound.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate your comments. Technology has come a long way since then! Thanks for watching.

[@louislamonte334]

Like the CMStP&P the CRI&P could have been saved!! It's tragic how both these once-vibrant systems were allowed to die. The 1970's was the nadir of the USA!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Both railroads found themselves in very precarious positions by the mid-1970s. It goes to show what can happen when railroad management falls asleep at the wheel. At least the Milwaukee Road’s story didn’t end in complete liquidation… Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the matter.

[@Robbi496]

The one line that should have been saved intact is the line from Memphis to Tucumcari

[@CVisionProductions1]

That would have been a wise choice. It would most likely be a valuable piece of railroad today, similar to the Golden State. Thanks for the comment!

[@joejoebus8814]

Long live the Rock Island Lines.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! It was a mighty fine line…

[@dennisthurman2070]

The only thing I can find fault with this video is the music makes my head feel like it's about to explode 😂

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thanks for watching either way! We appreciate the feedback.

[@brianehni7381]

SP Overnight box car at 19:47!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Gotta love those classic freight cars!

[@mrserious55]

looks like the hood of a 58 Pontiac

[@CVisionProductions1]

Definitely a classic! Thank you for watching.

[@garysprandel1817]

Nice to see the Rock again though my Rock was a little east of there multiple times a year visiting family in Marseilles Illinois. Alas as I got old enough to consider bringing a camera along I never did and only a trip to the town's variety store with gramps and uncle allowed me to use the family instamatic to snag a couple shots of the red and yellow SW and outside braced caboose parked on the National Biscuit plant lead. With the stupidity of youth I didn't think I needed to bring a camera because why bother the Rock would always be there. Of course my 19th year on this planet put the lie to the folly that nothing was going to ever change with first the sudden bankruptcy of the Rock and grandma's death. Down in Marseilles for gram's funeral the busy Rock main was eerily quiet but later in the day as the family wound down from the day at the aunt and uncle's house a distant air horn caught my attention so I went to grab a cigarette and walked across the street through the church yard to great gram's place facing the tracks to see it was indeed a train and not a tow on the nearby Illinois River but was confused as the Rock was dead as a door nail. The train consisted of a brown EJ&E switcher,a caboose and a few other bits of rolling stock heading back east to home rails closing out the failed Elgin Joliet & Westen attempt at providing rail service. While the rails are still live it's nowhere near what it was with the double track long ago single tracked and the last movement I witnessed was a very early CSX all Chessie Systems Ottawa to Chicago manifest late one night as gramps and I overnighted at great gram's to do some repairs on her house that ironically would be in keeping with the change theme the last trip with gramps. I'd made fewer trips down that way as I grew older but a trip down to the area witty late wife about 12 years ago to a state park west of there had us stop and explore a bit of my youth with her at my side and as we walked the main street we passed the old movie theater at the time the local historical society I noticed the kids had drawn a mural of their town on display. Some of the kids were old enough to remember the old river bridge but the railroad was represented as CSX. Started to get a little offended by that but then remembered the Rock Island was probably only remembered by their grandparents and a dim memory at best to their parents.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Wow! What a fascinating story you have. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of this with us and our subscribers. I find it very touching to hear others recalling their times with loved ones watching trains. Thanks again!!!!

[@terrywallace8922]

THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT VIDEO, IF YOU DIDN'T PUT THAT DUMB MUSIC IN IT!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Hi Terry. I understand, but please understand that most film cameras from this era didn’t have sound recording. So that’s why we put a music track on it.

[@capersbull8819]

The music is certainly NOT DUMB, it’s wonderful - to each his own!!

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

Some of the producers of non-audio videos of old steam and early diesels will put in dubbed sound from other railroad audio tracks to make it sound like you are hearing the genuine sound of the train in the video that lacks the audio track. I really don't like that kind of fakery.